Robin Johnson

But, I will anyway, ’cause that’s how I roll.

The first is a not-quite 1 1/2 inch button with the Times Square logo on a black background. As far as I know these were never for sale, and were most likely given to radio stations and theater owners to give out as publicity. I know there were also t-shirts and sweatshirts with this design — the logo on black — some of which had “I’m a Damn Dog” on the back, some of which had radio station call letters added. I had two t-shirts (not from the time, I found them sometime in the early 2000s); one I gave away, one hasn’t turned up yet after moving twice. As soon as it does you’ll be the first to see it.

The second button is a full 1 1/2 inches across, and features the logo without its yellow outline on a white background. Why this variant was made, I have no idea. However, where the black button has “TM ©1980 AFD/RSO FILMS” printed around the rim on its back, the white one has “F.A.M.E. HOLLYWOOD”. Maybe this was a separate run of pins made on the west coast because someone thought it was time to shake things up. Maybe the white one is a counterfeit, to rake in some of that big big Times Square dough, either at the time of film or any time later… Unfortunately there’s no date on it, and it’s neither in good nor bad enough condition to guess at its true age. And Googling “F.A.M.E. HOLLYWOOD” brings up lots of information about the Walk of Fame, but nothing I’ve found yet about a promotional products manufacturer.

The black buttons turn up on eBay every so often. The white one shown here is the only one I’ve seen to date.

No Robin in this post. Sorry. (Happy New Year!)