Follies of the Madmen #194

Posted By: Paul - Sat Dec 01, 2012 - Comments (2)
Category: Business, Advertising, Products, Technology, 1970s, Hair and Hairstyling

The Klansman

If the poster allures, the full movie follows. Please listen to the theme song, if nothing else.

Posted By: Paul - Sun Nov 25, 2012 - Comments (7)
Category: Movies, Racism, Stereotypes and Cliches, Stupid Criminals, 1970s

1970s Youth Documentary

If the clothes and talk and scenes in this film do not send you on a magical mystery tour, your next hit of acid is free!

PS: that guy in the first few minutes with the WASP fro and beard-no-stache and glasses--I have pictures of myself looking exactly like that!

Posted By: Paul - Sat Nov 10, 2012 - Comments (10)
Category: Education, Fads, Fashion, Juvenile Delinquency, Teenagers, Bohemians, Beatniks, Hippies and Slackers, 1970s

Cartrivision

Cartrivision was the first VCR marketed to the American public, back in the early 1970s. It predated VHS and Betamax. However, it soon failed, for a variety of reasons. First, it was sold as a TV/home entertainment center/movie camera combo, which made it very expensive. That is, you couldn't buy just the player alone and attach it to your existing set. You had to buy the whole bundle. Second, you could rent movies for it, but you couldn't rewind the movies, so you could only watch them once. This limitation was designed into it at the insistence of the movie industry. Finally, perhaps its slightly creepy ads played a role in its demise. Maybe it's just me, but I definitely sense a pervy vibe coming off of the dad in the scene below.

More info: retrothing, wikipedia, mrbetamax

Posted By: Alex - Sun Nov 04, 2012 - Comments (11)
Category: Technology, Television, 1970s

Drip-Dry Bullfighters

The invention of the drip-dry matador suit, announced in February 1973, was certainly an important moment in the history of fashion. [The Day (Feb 24 1973), Evening Independing (Mar 27, 1973)]

Posted By: Alex - Fri Nov 02, 2012 - Comments (3)
Category: Fashion, Sports, 1970s

Skating in the Streets

Was there anything that wasn't ruined by the hideous touch of disco? Here's Martha Reeves re-doing her classic "Dancing in the Streets" for the disco era.

Posted By: Paul - Sat Oct 20, 2012 - Comments (6)
Category: Fads, Music, 1970s

Freedom Fist Ring

Must. Have. Now! "It's got the big fist."

Original ad here.

Posted By: Paul - Mon Oct 08, 2012 - Comments (6)
Category: Jewelry, 1970s

Parker Brothers Billionaire Game

Perhaps it's wise that this 1973 game is no longer manufactured. Hard to imagine it being very popular in today's economy. But if you still want a set, so you can pretend to be part of the 1%, check out the link to Amazon below.

More info here.

And here.

Posted By: Paul - Thu Sep 27, 2012 - Comments (9)
Category: Games, Money, Outrageous Excess, 1970s

Larry Gross, the Slacker Hippie Dentist

Hippies need dentists too, and back in 1973, Larry Gross (pictured) was their man. He lived in a house in Mt. Vernon, Maine without electricity, running water, or central heat. His dental office was a converted cow shed.

He was reportedly a good dentist, except for one problem. He often forgot appointments and wasn't there when patients showed up. Because keeping to a schedule was "such a hassle, man." From the Bangor Daily News, Mar 26, 1973:

Posted By: Alex - Wed Sep 26, 2012 - Comments (8)
Category: Bohemians, Beatniks, Hippies and Slackers, 1970s

Super Fly TNT

Everyone knows the classic blaxploitation film Super Fly. But how many are lucky enough to have seen the sequel, Super Fly TNT, with script by Alex Haley of Roots fame? It's currently out of print, and even VHS tapes go for $50.00 and up. (Follow the link below.)



Opening credits to the film are seen above, and this blog has the poster and some stills.

Plus a cut from the soundtrack!



And don't forget the special line of clothes!

Posted By: Paul - Tue Aug 21, 2012 - Comments (5)
Category: Movies, Stereotypes and Cliches, 1970s