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Powers of Persuasion
A sneak preview of a major new collection tracing the history of British screen advertising.
This special selection of cinema and television advertisements dates back to the Edwardian era and offers a taste of a major new collection exploring the history of British screen advertising, launching on BFI Player later in 2019.
These ads are featured in BBC Radio's Archive on 4 special 'Powers of Persuasion: How Britain Learned to Sell'. Presented by Wayne Hemingway and featuring interviews with BFI curators, social historians and industry professionals, the programme will be broadcast on 26 January 2019 and available to listen on catch-up via BBC Sounds.
Rudge-Whitworth - Britain's Best BicycleRudge-Whitworth - Britain's Best Bicycle
Advert 1902 1 minsSilent
A gentleman cyclist learns the error of his ways in one of the earliest surviving British film advertisements.
Heinz Baked Beans : Common MarketHeinz Baked Beans : Common Market
Advert 1972 1 mins
In 1972 Britain entered the European common market full of beans. What could go wrong?
Sketchbook of Fashion (Knights Castile Advert)Sketchbook of Fashion (Knights Castile Advert)
Advert 1940 2 mins
The key word in the book of fashion is simplicity
Sam Goes ShoppingSam Goes Shopping
Advert 1939 6 mins
Stanley Holloway recounts the exploits of Sam Small, whose wife sends him shopping for... what was it again?
Fable of the FabricsFable of the Fabrics
Advert 1942 6 mins
"Gee, old age!" Malicious Father Time doesn't stand a chance against a cartoon cupid armed with a big box of washing powder.
Close-ups of the StarsClose-ups of the Stars
Advert 1946 6 mins
A triple bill of glamour courtesy of Lux toilet soap.
Little Miss Muddlehead (Rinso Advert)Little Miss Muddlehead (Rinso Advert)
Advert 1943 2 mins
Use Rinso and help defeat Hitler! The soap brand deploys some savvy wartime advertising.
Branston Pickle: Advertising AgencyBranston Pickle: Advertising Agency
Advert 1957 0 mins
15 seconds isn't long, you've got to say Crosse and you've got to say Blackwell, and you've got to say Branston Pickle!
British Rail - Intercity Makes the Going EasyBritish Rail - Intercity Makes the Going Easy
Advert 1969 1 mins
Travel to the Great Fair of London – with great fares on offer.
Guinness - PlinthsGuinness - 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.
Daz with the Blue WhitenerDaz with the Blue Whitener
Advert 1967 2 mins Location: Devon
Mrs Cross takes the Daz test but what will the outcome be?
Lyons Ice CreamLyons Ice Cream
Advert 1938 1 minsSilent
From out of the vaults comes this pre-WWII cinema advert for ice-cream.
Domestic HelpDomestic Help
Advert 1952 2 mins
A cup of Horlicks helps a struggling husband bring home the bacon in this 1950s advert.
Pa Puts His Foot DownPa Puts His Foot Down
Advert 1934 16 mins Location: London
Romance blossoms over a discussion of fluid flywheels in this cinema ad for BSA cars, directed by Zoltan Korda.
T.V. Talk - LintasT.V. Talk - Lintas
Advert 1954 20 mins
What on earth is this commercial TV business? An advertising agency takes stock
Just the Ticket!Just the Ticket!
Advert 1953 2 mins
A hard-working Catford clippie and her family star in this cinema ad for hot chocolate.
The Warning (Gibbs S.R. Toothpaste)The Warning (Gibbs S.R. Toothpaste)
Advert 1941 5 mins
An amazingly complex cinema ad, disguised as a trailer for a film that never existed