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Celebrity Sells
A celebrity endorsement is one of the advertisers' most powerful weapons.
For generations, movie stars, television personalities and sporting heroes have all bought in to selling out. A famous face can trigger a string of associations that advertisers hope will reflect well on the product. And for new faces, an advertising gig can be the path to recognition, and a career which enables you to be the star turn.
Behind the camera, too, advertising commissions can kickstart a career or offer a lucrative sideline. Directors like Alan Parker, Ridley Scott and Hugh Hudson got an early boost from advertising work, and many continued to shoot ads long after they 'made it' in features.
Guinness - Plinths Guinness - Plinths
Advert 1976 1 mins
Pete and Dud prove to be stout football fans in this Guinness commercial recalling a great sporting moment - however fleeting.
Target - Geoff Hurst Target - Geoff Hurst
Advert 1968 1 mins
England's 1966 hat-trick hero doesn't sweat the small stuff - or at all, according to this deodorant commercial.
The Economist The Economist
Advert 1921 13 mins Silent
Silent comedian Walter Forde takes an illuminating trip around the Osram light bulb factory in this bizarre advertising film.
Sam's Birthday Sam's Birthday
Advert 1934 6 mins Silent
Master of the monologue Stanley Holloway salutes his wondrous and capacious new suitcase in this magical advertising film.
Sam Goes Shopping Sam Goes Shopping
Advert 1939 6 mins
Stanley Holloway recounts the exploits of Sam Small, whose wife sends him shopping for... what was it again?
Sheila Sim Sheila Sim
Advert 1945 1 mins Silent
Star of stage and screen Sheila Sim explains why she uses Lux toilet soap.
Close-ups of the Stars Close-ups of the Stars
Advert 1946 6 mins
A triple bill of glamour courtesy of Lux toilet soap.
Coca-Cola: Hey Coke - Masquerade Ball Coca-Cola: Hey Coke - Masquerade Ball
Advert 1958 1 mins
Don’t be alone out there - watch this early British Coke ad with an unknown Anna Karina.
Arthur's Holiday Camp Arthur's Holiday Camp
Advert 1949 2 mins Silent
‘Big hearted’ Arthur Askey fools around as he tries to get fit at a holiday camp in this sparkling advert for Gibbs SR toothpaste.
Coca-Cola: Hey Coke - Party Coca-Cola: Hey Coke - Party
Advert 1958 0 mins
Party with a pre-fame Anna Karina in this early British Coke ad.
Coca-Cola: Hey Coke - Beach Coca-Cola: Hey Coke - Beach
Advert 1958 0 mins
Hey Coke! Can you stop shouting at Anna Karina?
Pye Cinema & TV Advertisement starring John Cleese Pye Cinema & TV Advertisement starring John Cleese
Advert 1970 1 mins Location: Cambridge
Actor, comedian, and Monty Python, John Cleese plays to type as a sophisticate loony in this advertisement for Pye Electronics of Cambridge.
Shell: Sammy Davis Jr. Shell: Sammy Davis Jr.
Advert 1961 1 mins Silent
Sammy Davis Jr sings “You’re Going Well on Shell” in this mini-musical sprint across London.
Coca-Cola: Mary Hopkin Coca-Cola: Mary Hopkin
Advert 1969 1 mins
Mary Hopkin takes a stroll along the beach in this melancholy Coke ad.
Harp - Ronnie Barker (Version 1) Harp - Ronnie Barker (Version 1)
Advert 1972 0 mins
Ronnie Barker of The Two Ronnies advises viewers to stock up with some cans of Harp lager in this chirpy early seventies TV advert.