Remember Clara Peller angrily asking, "Where's the meat?" At 81, she made her debut as a spokesperson for Wendy's 36 years ago. As you may recall, Peller appeared in this 1984 ad with two other women when he was handed a giant hamburger bun with a tiny hamburger on it. These three words have become a cultural phenomenon.
Peller, of course, is just one of many personalities who have appeared in a number of memorable commercials over the years. The Bulova Watch Company will be remembered as the subject of the first official television commercial to air during a baseball game between the Brooklyn Dodgers and the Philadelphia Phillies at the former Ebbets Field on WNBT (now WNBC) in New York.
This week we're taking a stroll through TV Memories to check out the commercials (listed in no particular order) that are sure to sound nostalgic.
Alka-Seltzer – Plop, Plot, Fizz, Fizz
Paul Margulies, father of actress Julianna Margulies (ES), helped create the famous "Plop, plop, fizz, fizz" ad campaign while working as an ad executive on Madison Avenue. The jingle was written by Tom Dawes, a former member of the musical group The Cyrkle who toured with the Beatles after having a big hit with Paul Simon's "Red Rubber Ball".
This first ad features Speedy, a baby-faced red-haired mascot singing the song.
Alka-Seltzer – spicy meatballs
While you might think this 1969 commercial was for spaghetti sauce, it actually starred Jack Somack as an actor who had to eat spicy meatballs over and over, leading to indigestion and the need for Alka-Seltzer.
Alka-Seltzer - "I Can't Believe I Ate It All"
This time, in 1972, a middle-aged man named Ralph proclaimed, "I can't believe I ate it all," when his sarcastic wife suggested he take two Alka-Seltzer pills.
The Weeping Indian - "Keep America Beautiful"
With no jingles or catchphrases, this 1971 PSA was simple: Keep America Beautiful. Iron Eyes Cody, an actor in Native American costume, is seen in a canoe that is becoming increasingly polluted. As a passenger contemplates the landscape, he throws a paper bag out of a car window and the narrator comments, "Some people have a deep and abiding respect for the natural beauty that this country once was. And some people don't. People start polluting the environment; Humans can stop it.”
The camera zooms in on Iron Eyes Cody's face to reveal a tear slowly rolling down his cheek.
interesting fact: Iron Eyes Cody's most famous role was as Chief Iron Eyes in the 1948 comedy Bob Hope.the pale face.
Underwood Stuffed Ham - "Borgas Murder"
If you grew up in the 1970's you will remember little Mason Reese from the 75+ commercials he appeared in; from Dunkin' Donuts and Post Raisin Bran to Ivory Snow and General Mills Betcha Bacon cereal. However, he is clearly best known for his "Borgasmord" Underwood Deviled Ham locations. Of course, the word he was looking for was 'smörgåsbord' and the result for Mason was the CLIO award for Best Male Performance in a TV Commercial.
Interesting fact:Mason Reese was directing a pilot for an ABC sitcom calledMason1977, which never made it into series production. And he was known for his non-stop appearances on the daytime talk show.Die Mike-Douglas-Show, who was also a co-host.
Good and warm - Choo-Choo Charlie
The debut of Good & Plenty licorice candies in the early 1950s was heralded by a young cartoon character named Choo-Choo Charlie, who could drive a locomotive by simply shaking a box of Good & Plenty in a circular motion. A staple on Saturday mornings during animated commercial breaks, this catchy jingle has morphed into board games and comics.
Life Grain - "Mikey Likes"
When his older brothers are reluctant to try Live Cereal, they pass the bowl to his hard-to-please four-year-old brother, Mikey (John Gilchrist). To his great surprise and delight, he begins to wolf down his breakfast when a brother yells... "He liked it... hey, Mikey." The ad ran alternately from 1972 to 1986, which is one of the oldest commercial campaigns to run continuously .
Interesting fact:A series of commercials for "Today's Mikey" aired in the mid-1980s, in which John Gilchrist reprized the character as a college student.
Wisk Laundry Detergent - "Ring Around Your Neck"
One of the most famous advertising slogans in the history of television advertising is "Ring Around the Collar", which began in 1968. In a memorable 30-second commercial, a parrot spoke the words to a weary housewife as she tried to erase it .. her .and dunked her to no avail. Outside. The campaign was later criticized for implying that wives were responsible for their husbands leaving the house with dirty collars.
The Hen of the Sea - Catalina the Mermaid
In another catchy tune, advertising mascot Catalina, a blonde mermaid, was introduced in the 1950s to sell yellowfin tuna. The tune: "Ask any mermaid you see which is the best tuna?" sea hen.”
Interesting fact:Grace Lee Whitney, who appeared in the first few episodes ofStar TrekAs Captain James T. Kirk's assistant, Janice Rand is considered the original voice of the mermaid Chicken of the Sea.
StarKist Tuna - Charlie from Tuna
Voiced by actor Herschel Bernardi (Arnie), badass and feisty Charlie thinks he's so modern and sophisticated that he has "good taste," making him the perfect tuna for StarKist. But Charlie always gets rejected because... "Sorry Charlie, only the tastiest tuna can see StarKist." Some of the commercials ended with Charlie asking viewers, "Tell them Charlie sent you."
Interesting fact:April 6th is known as "Sorry Charlie Day" recognizing that everyone is rejected at some point in their life.
The Maytag Man - Jesse White
Poor Jesse White...he was "the loneliest guy in town" when he began his long career as the Maytag Man in 1967. White marketed the Maytag line of appliances as a character in 68 commercials for over two decades.
Gordon Jump, who appeared on the sitcom from 1978-82WKRP and Cincinnati(spin offThe new WKRP in Cincinnati) took over as a Maytag repairman in 1989 and stayed until 2003. In 2014, actor Colin Ferguson created the new Maytag Man.
Interesting fact:Jesse White's daughter is Carole Ita White, who appeared as "Big" Rosie Greenbaum in the sitcom's second season.Laverne und Shirley. Talk of a spinoff series centered around Rosie's character has morphed into a sitcom.angie, with Donna Pescow as the protagonist.
Bounty Papierhandtücher – Nancy Walker
If she wasn't hustling Valerie Harper as her daughter Rhoda on TVO Show von Mary Tyler Moorespin offRad, or Rock Hudson in the police dramaMcMillan and wife, Nancy Walker was waitress Rosie who spoke about the benefits of Bounty paper towels that "pick faster". She appeared as Rosie in numerous commercials from the 1970s to the 1990s.
Interesting fact:Nancy Walker is one of the few actresses to headline two different sitcoms in the same season. After failing at ABCO Show von Nancy Walkerin the autumn of 1976 he returned immediatelythe beauties of blansky, also on ABC. Although your character inEmpty Beauties, Nancy Blansky, was introduced as Howard Cunningham's (Tom Bosley) cousin in the 1950s.Happy Days, the series is set in the present of 1977.
Charmin Toilettenpapier - Mr. Whipple
As George Whipple, actor Dick Wilson appeared in over 500 commercials between 1964 and 1985 as a fictional supermarket manager who constantly berated customers for "pinching the Charmin." According to the makers of Charmin, Procter & Gamble, a 1978 poll found Whipple to be the third best-known American, behind former President Richard Nixon and evangelist Billy Graham. I wonder if they squeezed the Charmin.
Interesting fact:Country singer Charlie Walker made the top 10 in 1967 with the commercial franchise Don't Squeeze My Sharmon.
Mr. Clean – Conheça oder Mr. Clean
After debuting in 1958, Mr. Clean by Procter & Gamble became America's premier home cleaner in just six months. Mister. Clean was first depicted as a cartoon character watching a housewife clean her house. He was modeled after a real US Navy sailor.
Komet - Josefina zu Enchantress
Josephine the Plumber, played by actress Jane Withers, demonstrated Comet Cleaner's cleaning power. The veteran TV commercials host's beloved personality lasted well into the 1970s and even further into the 1980s when her niece JoAnn showed guests a picture of her aunt Josephine.
Interesting fact:Flo, the Progressive InsuranceTV ad character played by Stephanie Courtney that began in 2008, is dubbed the postmodern "Josephine the Plumber."
Palmolive - Do a manicure
"Palmolive makes your hands soft while you do the dishes" were the words spoken by Jan Miner in numerous commercials for Palmolive washing-up liquid from 1972 onwardsiron sideit could be for Raymond Burr," Miner once said in an interview. "I don't want her to get too nosy or chatty because it's not right for her and it might upset some viewers."
Interesting fact:Jan Miner played Dustin Hoffman's mother in the 1974 dramaLenny, which is based on the life of comedian Lenny Bruce.
Dunkin' Donuts - "Time to Make Donuts"
In this campaign, which ran from 1981 to 1997, Fred the Baker (Michael Vale) was an ordinary "Joe" who got up at dawn and slowly announced that it was "time to make the donuts!" Fred the Baker sold in other Dunkin' Donuts products, including coffee, bagels, and cereal, over the past 16 years. all under the premise that you had to get up early to get all the produce freshly made.
Filled with nuts - "Ese café celestial"
From a certain age, you will definitely remember the cream cheese sandwich. But just as memorable was this promotional jingle, based on the song "That Heavenly Feeling" sung by cabaret singer Page Morton Black (who was also the wife of Chock full o'Nuts founder William Black). It was played on the radio and appeared on television in the 1950s and 1960s. And a classic version of the commercial featured Page Morton Back as Snow White talking to Pinocchio.
Follower – Mrs. Olson
For 21 years, Virginia Christine has starred as the warmhearted Mrs. Olson, offering comfort and advice to young couples while serving Folgers Coffee in over 100 commercials. In 1971, Christine's hometown of Stanton, Iowa, honored her by remodeling the city's water tower to look like a giant coffee pot.
Interesting fact:Virginia Christine was married to actor Fritz Feld for 53 years.
Ice Flakes - Tony the Tiger
Created in 1951, Tony the Tiger was originally one of four animated creatures selling Kellogg's Frosted Flakes. But it quickly surpassed Katy the kangaroo, Newt the wildebeest and Elmo the elephant, and went from cereal boxes to commercials featuring the vibrant orange tiger calling Frosted Flakes as "they're so cool!"
Tony was also the mascot for other Kellogg's cereals, including Tony's Cinnamon Krunchers and Tiger Power.
Giant green vegetables
Remember that? "From the valley of the giant... ho, ho, ho... green giant." The Green Giant made its television debut in 1954, representing the line of frozen and canned vegetables. He became known for his resounding "Ho, ho, ho!" In 1972, a young intern, Little Green Sprout, joined him.
Interesting fact:"Valley of the Jolly Green Giant" refers to the valley of the Minnesota River surrounding the city of Le Sueur, Minnesota. Today, just before heading south into the valley on US Route 169, a larger wooden sign featuring the Jolly Green Giant and Little Green Sprout with the caption "Welcome to the Valley" can be seen.
Pillsbury Doughboy (alias Poppin' Fresh)
Poppin' Fresh, better known as Pillsbury Doughboy, debuted in 1965 as an advertising mascot for the Pillsbury Company. The hallmark of the commercial was a punch in the stomach from Doughboy, followed by a giggle (or "tea"). ). . hehe") in response. In the 1970s, her companion Poppie Fresh was introduced along with her son and daughter Popper and Bun-Bun, her grandparents Granmommer and Granpopper, and their dog and cat Flapjack and Biscuit.
This commercial features Maureen McCormick, Pre-The Brady Group.
Heinz's Great American Soups – „The Big Production“ von Ann Miller
When you think of soup commercials, you naturally remember the catchphrase "M'm! M'm! Good!" to Campbell's. But one particularly memorable soup commercial from 1970 showed musician and Broadway star Ann Miller tap-dancing on a giant can of Heinz's Great American Soups. The stage is designed as you would see it in an old oneProduced by Busby Berkeley, and the cost was reportedly (and excessive for the time) $154,000.
Interesting fact:In 1938, at the age of 15, Ann Miller appeared in the Marx Brothers comedy.room service. Lucille Ball played along. A year earlier, aged just 14, he had starred in the drama alongside Katharine Hepburn, Ginger Rogers and Lucille Ball againstage entrance.
Surprise Box - Rodney Allen Rippy
Unfortunately for young Rodney Allen Rippy, this Jack in the Box Jumbo Jack was too big to eat. But in her five year old hands it looked really big and so good! In another commercial for the fast-food chain, little Rippy laughs while singing the song "Take Life a Little Easier." Following the popularity of the commercial, this song was released as a single in the fall of 1973, and Rippy became the youngest person to ever chart on the Billboard music chart.
Interesting fact:Rodney Allen Rippy made his screen debut (uncredited, filmed before the Jack in the Box commercials) inMel Brookscomedyhot saddlesin 1974. That same year, he starred on the CBS variety show Saturday Morning.Die Harlem Globetrotters Popcornmaschine.
Taco Bell-Chihuahua
Fast-food chain Taco Bell introduced Gidget the Chihuahua as its mascot in 1997, and the little dog is sometimes depicted as a beret-wearing Mexican revolutionary or a sombrero bandit. Through special effects, he spoke the words "I want Taco Bell!" (Translation: "I want Taco Bell.") Gidget's other campaign slogans included "Drop the boat!" and Viva las Gorditas. And two ads featured the dog in a crossover with the new version of theGodzillaim 1998.
Interesting fact:The advertisement became so popular that toy figures of the dog were made.
Fritos Maischips - El Frito Bandito
The animated The Frito Bandito, voiced by Mel Blanc, aired from 1967 to 1971 and was considered controversial at the time. He used an exaggerated Mexican accent resembling another character he voiced, Speedy Gonzales, to promote fried corn. The Frito Bandito spoke broken English and stole people's Fritos corn chips, drawing criticism from the National Mexican-American Anti-Defamation Committee. Finally, his hair was combed and his gold tooth and stubble were removed.
Interesting fact:In 1971, the Frito Bandito was replaced by the Muncha Bunch, a cowboy group; and W.C. Fritos, a character created by comedian W.C. Fields.
Coca Cola - "I want to teach the world to sing (in perfect harmony)"
In 1971, the pop group The Hillside Singers released a hit single, "I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing," which originated as a "Buy the World a Coke" promotional jingle for Coca-Cola. Produced by Billy David, it conveyed a positive message of hope and love, with a multicultural gathering of teenagers showing up to sing the song.
The jingle's popularity led to it being re-recorded in two versions; one by The New Seekers and one by The Hillside Singers" in full format (and without the Coke references).
Coca Cola – „Hey Junge, hello is dir!“
In 1979, soccer legend Joe Greene was limping into the Pittsburgh Steelers locker room when a young boy (Tommy Okon) offered him his bottle of Coke after hailing him as "the best of all time." Greene shyly accepts and drinks the whole bottle while the boy slowly walks away. When Greene finishes his coke, he turns to the boy and says, "Hey boy... get him!" and tosses the t-shirt over his shoulder at the startled boy, who smiles and says, "Wow!
The commercial was part of Coca-Cola's "Have a Coke and a Smile" advertising campaign.
Interesting fact:At least five TV shows so far (Sesamquadrat,Neuhart,family man,Futuramaand medical theaterHaus) will parody this commercial.
DR. Pepper - "I'm a Pepper"
"I'm a Pepper, She's a Pepper, He's a Pepper, We're a Pepper"... Check out this 1970's clip of actor David Naughton singing over that lemonade and you'll want to be one !" " Also!
Interesting fact:David Naughton directed a short-lived sitcom on ABC in 1979 calledAgain, the result of the great theatrical successSaturday night live. Naughton also sang lead on the title track, which resulted in a Top 5 hit on the Billboard charts.
Shake 'N Bake and I helped the girl
"It's Shake 'n Bake, and I helped," proclaimed this overzealous little girl after helping her good old mom or grandma make fried chicken (or pork) with this Kraft Foods Streusel Topping. The gross and sweet commercials aired between the 1960s and 1990s.
Interesting fact:A familiar face that popped up in 1981 was Ann B. Davis, who I think had found a new meal for the Bradys!
Wesson Cooking Oil—Florence Henderson
Speaking of the Bradys, we certainly can't rule out Florence Henderson, who for years has sung about selling chicken that "has a certain personality." Considering that Ann B. Davis, as Alice, was doing most of the cooking for this pup, what made Florence so adept at the virtues of Wesson Oil?
Chiffon Margarine - "It's not good to fool Mother Nature"
Dressed in a white dress with a wreath of daisies on her head, actress Dena Dietrich, who aired from 1971 to 1979, is shocked to learn that what she thinks is butter is actually margarine. Dietrich angrily replies, "There's no use fooling Mother Nature!" and commanding nature to attack, like thunder and lightning, or commanding an elephant to carry the camera.
Interesting fact:Dena Dietrich had regularly booked roles in five different primetime series: sitcomAdam Rib(1973),Karen(1975), The Practice (1976-77) anddie Looper(1979-80); and 2001-02 police dramaPhiladelphia.
Blue Bonnet Margarine – “Everything is better with Blue Bonnet”
This ongoing advertising campaign throughout the 1970s and 1980s promoted the margarine brand through the song "Everything's Better with Blue Bonnet On It". A particular advert in 1980 featured Jamie Farr (MIX) and Georgia Engel (O Show von Mary Tyler Moore), followed by baseball legends Mickey Mantle and Willie Mays in traditional blue caps as they attempted to sing the song.
Polaroid cameras with James Garner and Mariette Hartley
At the peak of its popularity in NBC's 1970s crime dramathe Rockford filesJames Garner has been named celebrity spokesperson for Polaroid cameras. After a few one-off attempts to sell the camera, Polaroid decided Garner needed a partner, and Mariette Hartley went with them.
The couple have been spotted doing numerous activities together over the years, including on a sailboat in a marina, in a horse stable, in a car, in a garden and unwrapping Christmas decorations. And in the ongoing stories, the pair would discuss the camera's features and benefits, while Garner Hartley photographed as they watched the photos unfold before their eyes.
Snickers by Betty White and Abe Vigoda
Yes, I really focused on the 1950s to 1990s with this list. But how can you not have everyone's favorite Betty White and Phil Fish (Barney Miller), Abe Vigoda, in 2010 as Betty, when a football player named Mike is knocked down in a game and given a Snickers barbell to relieve the pain. The next time Abe Vigoda is attacked, he simply replies... "that hurts."
Mark Berman•15 January 2020
FAQs
What are the three most popular commercials of all time? ›
- Apple “1984” (1984) ...
- Coca-Cola: “Hey Kid, Catch!” (1979) ...
- Monster.com: “When I Grow Up…” (1999)
The use of television advertising can be dated back to the year 1941, when the company, Bulova, ran a 10-second advertisement before a Brooklyn Dodgers game on a local channel promoting their watches. Those 10 seconds changed advertising and television forever.
What is the funniest commercial of all time? ›- John West Salmon “Bear” (2000)
- Wendy's “Where's the Beef?” ( 1984)
- Cadbury “Gorilla” (2007)
- Reebok “Terry Tate” (2003)
- Budweiser “Wassup?” ( 1999)
- Bud Light, “Mr. Really, Really, Really Bad Dancer” (2003)
- Skittles, “Piñata” (2008)
- Starburst, “Bus Station” (2007)
We'll now discuss the first-ever recognised television commercial. To do so, we must return to July 1st, 1941, in New York City. The WNBT (now WNBC channel four) broadcasted an advert for the watchmaker Bulova, before a baseball game.
What was the 1st TV commercial ever? ›What Was the Very First TV Commercial? The world's first television commercial aired on July 1, 1941 during a game between the Brooklyn Dodgers and the Philadelphia Phillies. The ad was for Bulova Watches, a company still in operation today.
What are the 6 types of commercials? ›- Promotional Video. Play. ...
- Brand Video. Play. ...
- Comparison Video. Play. ...
- Customer Testimonials. Playing in picture-in-picture. ...
- Explainer Videos. Play. ...
- Proof of Performance Videos. Play.
Pepsi advert, commercial, featuring Tina Turner, Simply The Best. Date of transmission: circa 1990.
What were some old commercials? ›- 1959: The First Ever Barbie Commercial.
- 1965: The Oscar Mayer Wiener Jingle.
- 1970: Tootsie Roll Tootsie Roll Pop.
- 1971: Coca-Cola “Hilltop”
- 1971: Keep America Beautiful's “Crying Indian”
- 1971: Life Cereal “Three Brothers”
- 1979: Coca-Cola “Mean Joe Greene”
- 1984: Apple Computer “1984”
GEICO - a car insurance brand that belongs to Berkshire Hathaway - ranked as the most advertised brand in the United States in 2021, with a measured media ad spend of 1.5 billion U.S. dollars.
What was the first ever TV commercial? ›The world's first television commercial aired on July 1, 1941 during a game between the Brooklyn Dodgers and the Philadelphia Phillies. The ad was for Bulova Watches, a company still in operation today. It lasted for only 10 seconds and aired on a local channel in New York called WNBT.
What was the longest commercial break ever? ›
Back in 1978, major commercial networks had the longest ever ad break run with the record 353 minutes of advertising.
What is the most award winning commercial? ›Apple, "1984" Awards/Recognition: Arguably the most famous commercial of all time, "1984" introduced Apple's Macintosh computer to the world. The ad only aired once in the United States during the 1984 Super Bowl.