ENTERTAINMENT

Movies in the 1970s included two major blockbusters: Jaws and Star Wars. Jaws was the first movie to earn the distinction as “blockbuster” for its unsurpassed success and popularity. Check out these original movie trailers on You Tube: Jaws Trailer (1975) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucMLFO6TsFM Star Wars Trailer (1977) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gvqpFbRKtQ

Soap Operas continued to gain popularity during the 1970s as a staple of daytime television. Dallas was a nighttime soap opera debuting in 1978. Take a look at the opening credits and theme song from the popular soap opera: Dallas 1979 Opener: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pN7v0gbEvzs

Comedy in the 1970s included television and the birth of a new type of stand- up comedy. Television shows such as Saturday Night Live and the Cone Heads were popular during this time. Comedians such as Richard Pryor and George Carlin became stand-up icons in comedy clubs with their controversial humor.

The 1970s marked the beginning of many game shows that still remain popular today such as the Price is Right, Jeopardy, Family Feud and Wheel of Fortune. Check out clips from the original shows: The Price is Right: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwsM-ZJGylo Wheel of Fortune: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kS089FAUX0&feature=related

Children’s Programming included educational shows intended to entertain young audiences during the morning and afternoon. Popular shows included Sesame Street, Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood, The Electric Company and Romper Room. Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FaYR5lwzomE

Nightly News Evening news shows became very competitive in the 1970s, NBC (David Brinkley), CBS (Walter Cronkite) and ABC (Peter Jennings). In 1976, Marlene Sanders became the first female national network vice-president at ABC. She is credited with giving the first prime-time newscast by a woman—it lasted fifteen minutes.

1950’s Nostalgia The 1950s became a popular nostalgia decade during the 1970s. Fifties-themed entertainment such as the movies American Graffiti and Grease, along with the TV series Happy Days, were popular. Fifties nostalgia came from people who thought of the 1950s as a calmer, peaceful, and more innocent time.