Remember those Classic TV Commercials of the '50s and '60s? Fun
Documentary Brings them Back
LOS ANGELES - Watching television commercials from the 50s and
60s brings back wonderful memories for baby boomers, and their
kids are amazed by how primitive TV once was.
The DVD documentary "Madison Avenue Fever"(60 minutes) is an
entertaining and informative look at the history of television
commercials. It covers the period known as the "golden age of
television."
Hosted by R.J. Thomas, "Madison Avenue Fever" features clips of
some of the funniest, corniest, entertaining, memorable, and
influential commercials ever made. This fun program is available
on DVD and is a lot more than just entertainment. Thomas teaches
how television caused panic from radio stations as advertisers
fled from radio and turned to television.
Consumers were buying TVs by the millions, and advertisers were
anxious to capture their share of the growing audience.
Television advertising had a major influence on the baby boomer
generation, and the nation was transformed as a result.
Tobacco companies were some of the most prominent advertisers on
television, and all the top stars and sports celebrities of the
time were seen lighting up their favorite brands.
"'The Flintstones' began as an adult show on prime time
television. Of course the Flintstones eventually switched to
vitamins, but in 1962 Fred and Barney were shown puffing on
Winstons," explained Thomas.
Stars like Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Dick Van Dyke, and sports
heroes like the Red Sox legend Ted Williams are all seen
promoting their favorite brands in "Madison Avenue Fever."
Thomas takes viewers on an entertaining and historic journey
through the early years of television advertising. He shows how
advertisers tempted viewers with everything from cigarettes,
sporty cars for men, miracle appliances for women, and all the
latest toys for the kids.
What baby boomer can forget the Ajax knight on horseback, the
happy kid who learns he has no cavities after brushing with
Crest, and so many other commercials that have become a part of
American heritage and imbedded in our memories?
The clips feature many stars of the time, including Howdy Doody,
Phil Silvers, Ozzie Nelson, Don Knotts as Barney Fife, Groucho
Marx and his brothers Chico and Harpo, the Monkees, Clayton
Moore as the Lone Ranger, and even Bugs Bunny and the
Flintstones.
The DVD is available at www.BooksAndSuchMart.com.
About R.J. Thomas R.J. Thomas is a California-based filmmaker
and author. His films include Man the Guns, The Saturday
Afternoon Serial, Western Flickers, and The Good News. His books
include The Great Transatlantic Race, The Fate of Generations,
The First Target, Not for Evil, Along the Coconut Coast, Gain by
Violence, Treasures on Earth, and the Top Secret UFO Project. He
has worked for Freedom Productions as an actor, appearing in
Paradise and Of a Common Bond. He is also the creator of the
books-on-tape I Write a Mystery.
Contact: R.J. Thomas 310-288-6605 rjt1976@yahoo.com
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