This film is part of Free
Brooke Bond D: Tea Party
If your afternoon tea sessions with the vicar's wife need enlivening, take the animated advice of this cultured cup and saucer.
Overview
From builder's brew to cleansing tonic or mid-afternoon conversational lubricant, the humble cup of tea carries many meanings. This cartoon television commercial tried to place the Brooke Bond D brand firmly in the middle ground by conjuring an air of sophistication (using the personification of posh herself, Penelope Keith), while undercutting any pretention through its comic ending.
The advert was produced by the studio of Richard Williams, best known as the animation director of Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988). Born in Toronto, Richard Williams has been a fixture of the British animation scene since the 1950s, and is still working on his own short films today. His Soho Square studio was filled with international talents, including Disney veterans Art Babbitt and Milt Kahl, with thousands of commercials like this one helping train a new generation of animators.
Related
Your Shopping Guide Your Shopping Guide
Advert 1930 5 mins Silent
Lingerie, wallpaper, garages - there's something on offer for everyone in these lo-fi local cinema ads from Darlington
Air to Wear Air to Wear
Advert 1957 2 mins Silent
As full of holes as his Aertex shirt, Uncle Jeffβs tall tales are captured in crayon in this animated cinema ad
Ovaltine - Train Ovaltine - Train
Advert 1985 1 mins
Ovaltina will pick you up! With an electronic 80s synth and a catchy theme tune, Ovaltina parachutes in to save the day
Love on the Range Love on the Range
Advert 1939 6 mins
An animated Western mock-opera about Horlicks? Bring it on!
Molar Mischief Molar Mischief
Advert 1946 2 mins
Look out, germs at work! These loveable molar mischief making puppets really dig tooth decay.
Dolly Put the Kettle On Dolly Put the Kettle On
Advert 1947 2 mins
A spurned doll turns knife-wielding femme fatale when she doesn't get her teddy bear, in this cartoon cinema ad for tea
Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 24 mins
Daniel Kokotajlo talks to Nia Childs about Starve Acre, his folk horror about a couple digging deep into grief in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.
Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 30 mins
Sky Peals director Moin Hussain and lead actor Faraz Ayub talk to Tomisin Adepeju about their magic realist drama.
Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell
Documentary 2024 42 mins
Documentary exploring the BFI National Archiveβs role in rediscovering and remastering the early films of Michael Powell.
Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels
Short documentary 2024 12 mins
Bryony Dixon, curator of silent film at the BFI national archive, explores the origins of a series of comic travelogues, and Michael Powell's involvement in making them.
New Perspectives: Oldboy New Perspectives: Oldboy
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Discover why Dan George of Northumbria University believes everyone should experience Oldboy at least once.
New Perspectives: Wings of Desire New Perspectives: Wings of Desire
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Trixie Parkin-Christie of Northumbria University offers fresh insight into why Wings of Desire remains essential viewing.