Most Memorable TV Ads of the ’70s

Television defined my language at an early age. While other kids couldn’t bear to be away from mommy and daddy; I was lost without Mr. Whipple, Madge, and Mrs. Olsen’s mountain-grown Folger’s crystals. Three decades later, I still find myself speaking in ‘70s advertising-ese, inserting random bits of tired, old ad copy into my everyday language. (“I love your hair, Michelle. You’ve really come a long way, baby!”)

It’s time to get a new generation hooked on Madge, Mr. Whipple, and all those great advertising one-liners from the ‘70s. I humbly present a short list of my favorites. Use their wisdom wisely.

“Hey, Good Lookin’!”
Ronco dominated ‘70s television waves with their smorgasbord of random gadgets. As an eight-year old, the fact that I had no use for the Rhinestone and Stud Setter, The Salad Spinner, or the Glass Froster made no difference to me-I wanted them anyway. But the item I coveted most (along with the rest of America) was Ronco’s Mr. Microphone because who didn’t want to say, “Hey, good lookin’! I’ll be back to pick you up later!”

E4 ... Hit!
Even though I never played Battleship, I still try to do Milton Bradley proud every once in a while by obnoxiously interjecting, “You sank my battleship!” in company meetings, movie theatres, and at friends’ weddings. Just for fun.

You’re Soaking In It!
You’ve gotta hand it to Madge-she was crafty. She let women ramble on about their dishwashing woes for so long that they didn’t even realize their manicure was really a cleverly disguised tactic to get their hands in a super-softening, soapy bowl of Palmolive Dishwashing Liquid and warm water. Then before you knew it ... boom! You’re soaking in it!