Monday, October 12, 2009

11 vintage ads that would never fly today

By Kate Thorp

American advertising today has lost some of its edge—not Schick, of course. But a look back at the 40s, 50s, and early 60s shows an innocence and boldness that brings about a good laugh today. I wonder what references in today's ads will play out in 2030?

From sexual innuendos to brash examples of tomfoolery, the following ads are just a sample of the misplaced pun today.

Ivory Soap (1947)
I understand that the "soap floats" angle was actually a factory mistake where too much air was injected into the soap during processing. Voila! an advertising angle is born. Wonder if they ever really pictured how men in a shower bending over for a bar of soap would translate.





Griffin Microsheen (1957)
Advertising has drawn some bold connections over time, but I'm still at a loss as to how cleavage and shoe polish go together—or maybe that was the point. Somehow, I picture Mrs. Cleaver not allowing this particular brand in her home.





Mixed metaphors
I couldn't help myself. The following ads are for everything from frankfurters to office projection equipment that had to have been over the top both now and then.



 
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