1976 Ben Cooper Halloween Catalog

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Ben Cooper was the leading manufacturer of Halloween costumes and Novelties in the United States during the 1970s.

This extensive 1976 catalog really demonstrates the power house licenses they had from the Universal Monsters and Mickey Mouse, the Superheroes of both Marvel and DC to TV sensations like the Six Million Dollar Man and the Sleestaks, Ben Cooper had almost a stranglehold on what kids liked .

Dig into a true piece of 70s heaven with the 1976 Ben Cooper Halloween Catalog.

For more Fashion Mockery and 70's toy love visit us at Plaid Stallions.com


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[MIB41]

I wonder if one day costumes of this kind will come back into style and kids will embrace that look once more. I know it was simplier time, but I'm a big believer all things old can be new again. We're certainly seeing that from other things we grew up with.

[Earth 2 Chris]

^Hmmm...I'm not sure. As much as I love these types of costumes, I would have KILLED for the Batman costumes my son has worn. Comic and movie accurate right off the rack. No bat-symbol on the forehead, no "BATMAN" emblazoned on the chest symbol. I think today's trick-or-treaters have it better than us, despite my nostalgia for this wonderful whacky costumes.

Chris

[CrimsonGhost]

I can tell Spock is an alien. He has 6 fingers on his left hand.

[drquest]

I can tell Spock is an alien. He has 6 fingers on his left hand.

Haha, yes he does!

[HardyGirl]

Too cool! Since I'm all about these costumes, I have made my dolls Ben Cooper style costumes using plastic bags or rain ponchos, and print-offs of the masks and graphics from the costumes (or a close approximation). I also have an awesome mini doll sized Halloween Woolworth display in my living room right now. In fact many images I've used are directly from the costumes in today's feature! They are:
SMDM, Batman, Wonder Woman, Batgirl, Supergirl, Snow White, Cinderella, Jeannie (cartoon version), witch, black cat, Yogi Bear, Frankie (Groovie Goolies), gypsy, Morticia Addams, Laura Ingalls, Minnie Mouse, and Raggedy Ann. All costumes have Ben Cooper style boxes to match them and are on display.

[HardyGirl]

Even though the costumes are more realistic now, we had more variety back in the day. You could be literally ANYTHING you wanted; monsters, TV stars, cartoon characters, toys, singing stars, animals, and all it took was a cheap mask and a piece of plastic. You couldn't say that today.

^Hmmm...I'm not sure. As much as I love these types of costumes, I would have KILLED for the Batman costumes my son has worn. Comic and movie accurate right off the rack. No bat-symbol on the forehead, no "BATMAN" emblazoned on the chest symbol. I think today's trick-or-treaters have it better than us, despite my nostalgia for this wonderful whacky costumes.

Chris

[Werewolf]

I think today's trick-or-treaters have it better than us, despite my nostalgia for this wonderful whacky costumes.

I agree. As much as a like the classic Ben Cooper costumes, I would have been an absolute awe as a kid if I had seen the SW costumes that are available now.

[palitoy]

I agree. As much as a like the classic Ben Cooper costumes, I would have been an absolute awe as a kid if I had seen the SW costumes that are available now.

Oh yeah, not only that but the variety and selection has vastly improved. We have three dedicated stores this season and we're hardly a major market.

[Werewolf]

Oh yeah, not only that but the variety and selection has vastly improved.

Totally. I remember when I was little I think there was like only four SW costumes the first year they were available. I ended up getting Darth Vader because it was the only SW costume left. It was a ginormous garbage bag type cape with a hood and mask.

[ScottA]

I'd like to see somebodies collection of these. You just know somebody does.

[Earth 2 Chris]

Yeah, If you look online, or go to Halloween Express or Party City, you can find just about anything on anyone's radar. I got a Mr. Incredible costume this year, and other than the Infinity Game, that franchise hasn't been heavily merchandised in years.

Chris

[Earth 2 Chris]

Looking closer at this, the Oz Scarecrow as called "Straw Man". Weird.

Mr. Magoo is dressed as Uncle Sam...it was 1976 after all!

I like the werewolf mask with ZZ Top beard. Reminds me a bit of Chaney's look in "House of Frankenstein".

Chris