The Bearded Trio

My Star Wars Collection Is Now Free When lockdown started I decided with the extra time in the house to focus attention on my collection of action figures I have accumulated over the decades and like a lot of collectors who never stop collecting, I have amassed a great deal of merchandise which overspills into drawers and plastic crates filed neatly away in a safe dry spot (or at least I thought it was but I will get to that later.) In our converted garage which is now joined to the house (lovingly called the "Geek Room") is where all my various toy collection resides with glass displays and fancy LED lights.  But in a corner there was a stack of crates for my, well lets just say my less loved toys (don't tell them that!)  In these crates you would have found loose and sealed Star Wars figures. Mainly Episode 1, Power of the Force, Power of the Jedi and Shadows of the Empire figures.  You see my focus was mainly retro and when I say retro I mean the 70's and early 80...

Star Wars Carry Case Wood Art Plaques Are A Thing Of Beauty. If you know me you will know that I am a huge fan of all things retro when it comes to Star Wars.  My collecting focus is mainly Kenner products from the 70's and 80's and of course I have a couple of the fantastic-looking vinyl collector cases that holds 24 of my precious figures.  What was a particular standout of these cases and it still brings a smile to my face were the memorable artwork on the front and thanks to Regal Robot you can now have these designs on your wall.  There are four designs to choose from: Star Wars: A New Hope™ Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back™ Version A (Yoda top-right) Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back™ Version B (Wampa top-right) Star Wars: Return of the Jedi™  The wood art plaques use the iconic artwork from the Lucasfilm image archives and measure 17.5″ wide.  Regal Robot ships these beauties (US only) ready to hang!  The plaques are completely official and will ...

Christmas is just under a month away, but I received a most merry early Christmas gift Tuesday night. I received my copy of The Man Who Shot Luke Skywalker - Volume 2 . This book is the end result of a Kickstarter project that began earlier this year, and details the photography of the vintage Kenner Empire Strikes Back toy line. The first volume details photography for the original Star Wars toy line, covering the years 1977, 1978 and 1979. This volume covers 1980, 1981 and 1982, the three years of the Empire Strikes Back line. The book was compiled by former Kenner photographer Kim DM Simmons. The book is light on text, but text isn't really the purpose of a book like this. The purpose is to show off the photography that made up the slideshow of the childhood of people of my generation, children of the late 1970s and early 1980s.  I was fortunate to be in the position to support this Kickstarter project at the Collector's Edition tier. My book includes an entire section on th...

I was lucky enough to have caught Star Wars in the cinemas when it first hit the big screens way back in 1977.  From the moment I left the cinema screen in South Wales I couldn’t get enough of that galaxy far far away.  My favourite Star Wars fix were my Star Wars figures, recreating scenes and inventing an elaborate expanded universe all from the comfort of my bedroom. My first figures were Luke Skywalker with his yellow telescopic lightsaber and Princess Leia with her white plastic cloak.  Filling in for the ‘baddies’ back then was a figure of Maximilian from Disney’s The Black Hole.  The cast was a mishmash and a bit small but it didn’t stop my imagination.  Soon they were joined by a cocky Han Solo and a Millennium Falcon.  Now we’re talking, although the plot from that moment on involved the Empire somehow trying to steal the Falcon.  Sometimes they succeeded which would carry over to next play time. That was my Star Wars fix for a number of y...

Chewbacca's Bandolier Vintage Advert This is a scan of an advert from the Return Of The Jedi magazine (No.19 Oct 26 1983) On page one it shows Chewbacca and how you too can own his Bandolier and fill it with your kenner Star Wars figures. According to the advert there are two secret compartments for secret messages, laser pistols and other vital battle gear. Just collect 5 Star Wars action figures cut out send their package names away. Bargain!

RARE VINTAGE TOYS & COLLECTIBLES WORTH IN EXCESS OF £250,000 TO BE AUCTIONED IN THE UK AN EXCITING COLLECTION OF TOYS FROM STAR WARS, JAMES BOND AND MORE TO BE AUCTIONED BY PROP STORE INCLUDING: A Limited-Edition Corgi 269 James Bond Gold-Plated Lotus Esprit, one of ten made for the premiere of The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) estimated at £9,000 - 12,000 ($11.5k-15.3k) A rare Star Wars Vlix First Shot estimated between £8,000 - 10,000 ($10.2k - 12.7k)  A highly sought Star Wars Letraset Promotional notebook given away at Harrogate Home & Gift trade show in 1977 estimated £200 - 300 ($255 - 385)  A Full set of 15 Japanese Exclusive Star War: The Empire Strikes Back Popy Action Figures to be sold at various prices Auction lots span multiple fan-favourite toy lines including Star Wars, Star Trek, Gerry Anderson, Alien, James Bond, Dr Who, Superheroes, and more. 700 lots to be auctioned by Prop Store on Tuesday 26th & Wednesday 27th November 2019 ...

Argos 1985 Retro Toy Goodness From 80's Argos Catalogues For those who are not familiar with Argos, it is a UK store that is generally situated on the high street and in town/city centres. Here's the thing, even though they have stores, generally nothing is on display. Instead you walk in and order your item from a catalogue, find the item you want in the rather large book, write down the item number and take your ticket to the till. Within a few minutes your item will appear on a conveyor belt from the depths of the store room. I always imagined the store room to be like the end scene from Raiders Of The Lost Ark with one man in a vast room filled with wooden boxes. Anyway I thought you would like to see the Star Wars pages from the 1984 and 1985 catalogues. Many kids right across the land would use the Argos catalogue to choose their favourite toys and hopefully what would be under the Christmas tree. I'm no exception. At-At for £29.99? Yes please. Rob W...

Is it Retro? If you follow me on this site or Facebook then you will know I'm a big fan of retro toys especially vintage Star Wars.  I've always considered the original figures from 77 to 84 being classed as vintage.  But having just come back from London Film & Comic Con I see a number of stalls now classing the 1997 range, The Power of the Force as being retro.  It made me feel old but I guess its 20 years old so what do you think?  Should we class this range of Star Wars toys as retro? Anyway, today's photo of the day is an advert for The Power of The Force advertising the fact it was 20 years since Star Wars came out.  Think of that?  20 years ago they were advertising that. Rob "Feeling old" Wainfur @thebeardedtrio The Bearded Trio - The Site For Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, John Williams and a whole lot more. THE BEARDED TRIO ON FACEBOOK THE BEARDED TRIO ON TWITTER THE BEARDED TRIO ON GOOGLE+ THE BEARDED TRIO ON PINTEREST...

Here's a toy version of Star Wars: A New Hope using audio from the 1979 read along story book tape from Buena Vista Records.  Thankfully when you hear R2 beep like this you don't need to turn the page, just enjoy the video. The video was created by Youtuber dyna74 using his Star Wars figure collection.  Mainly comprising of Power of the Force figures with a few vintage figures thrown in.  It's really well done with a slight tongue in cheek vibe.  Pretty good special effects too although there's no ring of fire around the planets explosions.  Maybe in a future version. The Bearded Trio - The Site For Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, John Williams and a whole lot more. THE BEARDED TRIO ON FACEBOOK THE BEARDED TRIO ON TWITTER THE BEARDED TRIO ON GOOGLE+ THE BEARDED TRIO ON PINTEREST CLICK HERE FOR FACTS ON STEVEN SPIELBERG CLICK HERE FOR FACTS ON GEORGE LUCAS CLICK HERE FOR FACTS ON JOHN WILLIAMS

I was lucky enough to have caught Star Wars in the cinemas when it first hit the big screens way back in 1977.  From the moment I left the cinema screen in South Wales I couldn’t get enough of that galaxy far far away.  My favourite Star Wars fix were my Star Wars figures, recreating scenes and inventing an elaborate expanded universe all from the comfort of my bedroom. My first figures were Luke Skywalker with his yellow telescopic lightsaber and Princess Leia with her white plastic cloak.  Filling in for the ‘baddies’ back then was a figure of Maximilian from Disney’s The Black Hole.  The cast was a mishmash and a bit small but it didn’t stop my imagination.  Soon they were joined by a cocky Han Solo and a Millennium Falcon.  Now we’re talking, although the plot from that moment on involved the Empire somehow trying to steal the Falcon.  Sometimes they succeeded which would carry over to next play time. That was my Star Wars fix for a...

Argos 1985 F or those who are not familiar with Argos, it is a UK store that is generally situated on the high street and in town/city centres.  Here's the thing, even though they have stores, generally nothing is on display.  Instead you walk in and order your item from a catalogue, find the item you want in the rather large book, write down the item number and take your ticket to the till.  Within a few minutes your item will appear on a conveyor belt from the depths of the store room.  I always imagined the store room to be like the end scene from Raiders Of The Lost Ark with one man in a vast room filled with wooden boxes. Anyway I thought you would like to see the Star Wars pages from the 1984 and 1985 catalogues.  Many kids right across the land would use the Argos catalogue to choose their favourite toys and hopefully what would be under the christmas tree.  I'm no exception.  At-At for £29.99?  Yes please. Rob Wainfur @thebeard...

Star  Wars Movieviewer from Kenner This was from Kenner and it was called the MovieViewer.  It had a cartridge in the camera and a white handle that you turned while looking through the view finder.  While turning you were treated to a few minutes of edited Star Wars.  It was best used underneath a light as this would enhance the brightness of the grainy picture. Well as luck has it, I have one of these toys in my collection.  I've taken a few photos and uploaded a video to give you an idea of what you see.  The cassette I have is called May the Force be with you  There were five in the Star Wars series.  The other four are Destroy Death Star, Battle in hyperspace, Cantina Scenes and Assault on Death Star. Let me know what you think Rob Wainfur @thebeardedtrio THE BEARDED TRIO ON FACEBOOK THE BEARDED TRIO ON TWITTER I need your Star Wars memories for a book The Bearded Trio - The Site For St...

Indiana Jones Retro Commercials When a movie franchise becomes so instantly recognisable and successful as Indiana Jones it’s no surprise that companies are going to want to associate their products with it. Here’s some of the best adverts from over the decades ranging from Diet Coke to a lottery scratch card and I've left my favourite until last,  Terry’s Chocolate Orange . Raiders of the Lost Ark Kenner Advert Lego Temple of Doom Advert Coca Cola Indiana Jones Advert Lottery Scratch Card Advert 80’s UK Weetabix Indy Parody Advert Staff of Kings Advert Nutella Advert Last Crusade Coming To VHS, only $24.95 Saved the best till last. Terry’s Chocolate Orange 80’s UK advert. Did I miss your favourite out? Let me know by tweeting @thebeardedtrio Rob THE BEARDED TRIO ON FACEBOOK THE BEARDED TRIO ON TWITTER THE BEARDED TRIO ON GOOGLE+ The Bearded Trio - The Site For Steven Spielberg, George Lucas and John Williams THE BEARDED TRIO ON FAC...

In this first edition of Rob's Collectibles Close Up  I take a look at Kenner's 1998 Mynock Hunt from the Star Wars Power of the Force Range.  There's a few fun facts and the current value on Ebay. The Bearded Trio - The Site For Steven Spielberg, George Lucas and John Williams THE BEARDED TRIO ON FACEBOOK THE BEARDED TRIO ON TWITTER THE BEARDED TRIO ON GOOGLE+ THE BEARDED TRIO ON PINTEREST CLICK HERE FOR FACTS ON STEVEN SPIELBERG CLICK HERE FOR FACTS ON GEORGE LUCAS CLICK HERE FOR FACTS ON JOHN WILLIAMS

This is an original advert from the 1980's promoting the new Kenner Return of the Jedi line.  The advert shows Han Solo, Logray, Biker Scout and Chief Chirpa The Bearded Trio - The Site For Steven Spielberg, George Lucas and John Williams THE BEARDED TRIO ON FACEBOOK THE BEARDED TRIO ON TWITTER THE BEARDED TRIO ON GOOGLE+ THE BEARDED TRIO ON PINTEREST CLICK HERE FOR FACTS ON STEVEN SPIELBERG CLICK HERE FOR FACTS ON GEORGE LUCAS CLICK HERE FOR FACTS ON JOHN WILLIAMS

This is an original advert from the 1980's promoting the new Kenner Return of the Jedi line.  The advert shows Klaatu, Weequay, Luke Sykwalker and Lando Calrissian. The Bearded Trio - The Site For Steven Spielberg, George Lucas and John Williams THE BEARDED TRIO ON FACEBOOK THE BEARDED TRIO ON TWITTER THE BEARDED TRIO ON GOOGLE+ THE BEARDED TRIO ON PINTEREST CLICK HERE FOR FACTS ON STEVEN SPIELBERG CLICK HERE FOR FACTS ON GEORGE LUCAS CLICK HERE FOR FACTS ON JOHN WILLIAMS

Kenner Star Wars 80's Advert For Jabba The Hutt Action Playset.  Figures each sold seperately. The Bearded Trio - The Site For Steven Spielberg, George Lucas and John Williams THE BEARDED TRIO ON FACEBOOK THE BEARDED TRIO ON TWITTER THE BEARDED TRIO ON GOOGLE+ THE BEARDED TRIO ON PINTEREST CLICK HERE FOR FACTS ON STEVEN SPIELBERG CLICK HERE FOR FACTS ON GEORGE LUCAS CLICK HERE FOR FACTS ON JOHN WILLIAMS

I want them all for Christmas please.  Montgomery Ward Christmas Catalog P469 The Bearded Trio - The Site For Steven Spielberg, George Lucas and John Williams THE BEARDED TRIO ON FACEBOOK THE BEARDED TRIO ON TWITTER THE BEARDED TRIO ON GOOGLE+ THE BEARDED TRIO ON PINTEREST CLICK HERE FOR FACTS ON STEVEN SPIELBERG CLICK HERE FOR FACTS ON GEORGE LUCAS CLICK HERE FOR FACTS ON JOHN WILLIAMS

Every Christmas I would get the Argos catalog (the equivalent to Sears in the USA) and look for ages at the toys at the back of the book, especially the Star Wars range.  New toys were often shown in the catalog first before anywhere else. Rob The Bearded Trio - The Site For Steven Spielberg, George Lucas and John Williams THE BEARDED TRIO ON FACEBOOK THE BEARDED TRIO ON TWITTER THE BEARDED TRIO ON GOOGLE+ THE BEARDED TRIO ON PINTEREST CLICK HERE FOR FACTS ON STEVEN SPIELBERG CLICK HERE FOR FACTS ON GEORGE LUCAS CLICK HERE FOR FACTS ON JOHN WILLIAMS

RetroBlasting bring us another quality video.  This time they focus on the Kenner Indiana Jones line from the 1980's all the way up to 2008. Despite being a wildly successful film series in the 1980s with both kids and adults, the Indiana Jones toy line could never get a foothold in the marketplace. We take a look at the various attempts at marketing Indiana Jones toys and ask the question, "What went wrong??" The Bearded Trio - The Site For Steven Spielberg, George Lucas and John Williams THE BEARDED TRIO ON FACEBOOK THE BEARDED TRIO ON TWITTER THE BEARDED TRIO ON GOOGLE+ THE BEARDED TRIO ON PINTEREST CLICK HERE FOR FACTS ON STEVEN SPIELBERG CLICK HERE FOR FACTS ON GEORGE LUCAS CLICK HERE FOR FACTS ON JOHN WILLIAMS