70s Archives : Page 5 of 5 : The Retro Network

The Story Behind Irwin Allen’s Land of the Giants

Today, the name Irwin Allen is usually linked to the blockbuster disaster films of the 1970s like The Poseidon Adventure and The Towering Inferno. But a decade earlier, Allen was known for something very different.

The Rural Purge at CBS

Mickey Yarber

In the early 1970s, Fred Silverman undertook a radical plan to remake CBS. What resulted was the programming bloodbath known as the rural purge.

A Look Back at Kolchak: The Night Stalker

Mickey Yarber

Kolchak: The Night Stalker followed a relentless reporter chasing the supernatural through ’70s shadows, blending noir grit with monster‑of‑the‑week thrills. Darren McGavin’s dogged charm turned the series into a cult classic that still haunts retro TV fans.

Grossest Cards Ever: Football Super Freaks (1974)

Jason Gross

In this episode of Wax Pack Flashback, Jason continues his Grossest Cards Ever series with Football Super Freaks from 1974! This 42-card set from Donruss featured gross football player stickers with character names and descriptions

Wax Pack Flashback: Star Trek The Motion Picture (1979)

The Retro Network

In this episode of Wax Pack Flashback, Adam opens a pack of Star Trek The Motion Picture trading cards from 1997. This 88-card set by Topps featured 10 cards and 1 sticker in each packs.

Lawn Darts: The Most Dangerous Toy of All Time

Mickey Yarber

Starting in the 1970s, people began to cast a suspicious eye on the safety standards used in making toys. Parents and lawmakers began voicing their concerns and this led to new legal standards for what

When Candy Went Big League: Remembering the Reggie! Bar

Mickey Yarber

During the 1977 world series, Reggie Jackson hit three home runs in game six, accomplishing something that had only been done previously by Babe Ruth. The feat earned him the title of “Mr. October” –

Unforgettable Fashion: Underoos

Mickey Yarber

“Underwear that’s fun to wear, It’s you in your Underoos!” Up, up and away…Underoos made make-believe even better when fun came to underwear, transforming you into your favorite superhero or cartoon character. Wonder Woman, Batman,

Frampton Comes Alive Review

Kevin Decent

Peter Frampton’s Frampton Comes Alive album was released January 6, 1976. One of the great parts of retro blogging is looking back further than my own childhood. This is an album that has been out

The Real-Life Inspiration for Rocky Balboa

Mickey Yarber

Chuck Wepner was a tough man. He learned to handle himself while working as a bouncer in the late ’50s. Then, while in the Marine Corps, he took up boxing. When his time in the

Retro Rerun Review: Happy Days Halloween Episode

Brandon Leftridge

The Show: Happy Days Ran for: 255 episodes over 11 seasons, from 1974 to 1984. What it’s about: A ginger teen and his normal Milwaukee family and friends living life from the mid-50s through the

Remembering H.R. Pufnstuf

Kevin Decent

“Who are you? HR Shovnstuf?” For most of my generation, myself included, this line from Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls is the only reference to not only the work of HR Pufnstuf, but the entire

Do You Remember Green Stamps?

Mickey Yarber

Raise your hand if you remember S&H Green Stamps. For those of you without telepathy, my hand is high in the air. That’s because I certainly remember Green Stamps. Now, for those of you

Retro Rerun Review: Three’s Company

Brandon Leftridge

In this edition of Retro Rerun Review, I watch an old episode of Three’s Company and share my thoughts. I’ve never watched it before. Did I like it or not?

TRN Retro Rewind Show: Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots

The Retro Network

In this episode of the Retro Rewind Show, Mickey goes over a short history of Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots, then he and his daughter battle it out for supremacy in the little plastic boxing ring!