I love watching old commercials. I remember putting together an educational-type of branding presentation years ago–it was so much fun looking through these gems. Old commercials (especially from the 50′s) have this soaring optimism, heavy-handedness and well, cheesiness, that is sorely missing in today’s jaded, ad-saturated society. I’d thought I’d share three with you that made me smile.:
1. Kool-Aid
This is a good example of the sugary (ha!) innocence in commercials that you just don’t see anymore. Best of all, Mom says priceless things like:
“You know it’s pure and good.” An artificially-flavored drink mix? Of course it’s pure and good.
“You can give your youngsters a lot of pleasure with Kool-Aid.” Ok, I’m not touching that one.
“And it’s thrifty.” Really, tell me the last time you heard the word “thrifty!”
2. Bobbi Hair Care
No one knows less about women’s fashion or beauty than me, but it seems like the hair on this “smart girl” has been varnished and shellacked to a tornado-proof state. I think this is the first time I’ve seen a hairstyle that I could honestly say looks painful.
2. Fred Flinstone and Barney Rubble Light Up.
Some clips need no introduction. Oh, I could talk about the irony of cartoon characters selling cigarettes, the commercial’s overt misogyny and more, but it would only be filler. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Fred Flintstone selling cigarettes:
I love that the Bobbi girl is in a convertible. And how about the look her hubby is giving her? He was ready to give her a piece of his mind!
Well . . . at least Wilma gets to light up in the end