The Real Mad Men of Chicago - A Chicago Stories Documentary

[@karenyellendillon4201]

What a great look at the unique Chicago style of advertising. I was a producer in the mid 70's to early 80's and the highlight of my time was working at Needham, Harper & Steers on the McDonald's account. I was hired there at the ripe old age of 25 and worked with some of the most creative people in the industry. Thank you for creating this great documentary. So many memories.

[@aprilmorrison9627]

What great memories you must have! :-)

[@Zoe-c9z]

Where's the beef?😂🎉

[@WhoCares-nw9uj]

Wow your that old and your sitting here commenting on videos on the internet thats pathetic that also means your part of the generation that ruined America great job now hurry up and see yourself out the door your time has long since expired

[@thefifthdementia5231]

@@Zoe-c9z You aren't just making a joke, you're talking about Joe Sedelmaier, definitely the best adman in Chicago in that era, responsible for Wendy's "where's the beef" and Fedex's "fast talking guy". He called Burnett a 'rabbit hutch' and wouldn't work there. Google his name and you'll find plenty of his work, including that of his son, JJ Sedelmaier, who created all those "TV Funhouse" toons for SNL. It's easy to find Joe's work on youtube.

[@ekolke]

My father and brother are in this documentary. I am really happy about it!

[@sharonharris2979]

I worked for Allstate in Northbrook, IL, in the early 70’s , in the group life and health division. Leo Burnett was one of our “clients”. I processed medical claims for Leo Burnett employees, and still remember the cover sheets that accompanied the claim documents. They were signed by Vi Anderson, who must have been the equivalent of the benefits manager. I spoke to her on the phone frequently, and although I never met her, I sensed that she had class. Even though I was only in my early 20’s, and knew nothing about advertising agencies, I always felt lucky to work with this account . I also recall a time when Leo Burnett employees came to Allstate in Northbrook, ( I think it was an anniversary for Allstate), and they went around to everyone’s desk and passed out apples. After watching this video, 50 years later, now I get the apple connection.

[@vashtikelly6837]

THE MOVIE UNFROASTED IS ABOUT THIS....

[@victoriaolson8985]

I moved from NYC to Chicago at 21. I found Chicago had the brains, but also the heart that made it a world class city. Chicago was rich and sophisticated, but it was accessible, it gave you a chance to succeed. NYC knocked you down. Chicago will always be my alma mater home town.

[@gardensofthegods]

But have rent for apartments and mortgages for homes become unattainable for the average person there like they have in and around New York City ? My guess is yes although maybe not as high as around New York City .

[@kingdingaling2469]

I like it. Chicago is actually a more beautiful city Coming from a visitor standpoint. Chicago feels cleaner. But NYC is NYC. Still So Dope. Chicago is amazing. It’s too bad The Hood is tearing apart that part of the city and society.

[@kingdingaling2469]

@@gardensofthegods NYC & SF are out of control outrageous

[@gardensofthegods]

@@kingdingaling2469 Yeah I know and what is going on in San Francisco and has been going on there is unreal ... I mean the fact that they even have an app where you can report where the crap is on the street where people shit right on the pavement and streets is mind-blowing . I hear Portland and Seattle have gone the same way especially Seattle . But I'm assuming Chicago is pretty expensive to live in ... I mean not as bad as New York or San Francisco but I'm assuming it's still as pricey to live in Chicago , right ?

[@kingdingaling2469]

@@gardensofthegods Yes! That CRAP is Out of control ! Never thought We’d ever see the day in America where it’s cool to crap in open public spaces and in front of peoples homes . It’s just more proof that too far to the right or left is in the land of insanity. That’s why all that is nonsense. It’s all about what’s Right . 🙏

[@knighttuttruptuttrup8518]

I was born in 1960 and remember most of these ads. Great memories, thanks.

[@danthomas6587]

June of 60 here. It was a good time to grow up not withstanding the wars and the ccasional assassination.

[@steventrosiek2623]

August of 1957 here. Fantastic time as I grew up with absolutely wonderful parents. They loved me as much as I loved them. I was truly blessed. ❤

[@Femur15]

September 1962 here. Great memories is right. Better times too.

[@richardkirk5098]

It’s remarkable how so many of these campaigns seem like part of the fabric of my life. I still find myself humming many of these jingles.

[@erickolkey3011]

So great to hear my father mentioned in this documentary and to see my brother in it. It brings back many childhood memories!

[@freethinker1378]

Anything to do with the history of our home towns shouldn’t be forgotten. It’s a feeling you can’t get without people like your dad and brother. I’m in Australia and I remember Tony the Tiger, Snap Crackle and Pop and the Coco Pops monkey! This video deserves millions of likes.

[@fabledfantasty7343]

Eric.... Who? The Pillsbury Doughboy & Morris the cat?

[@frayserken]

@@fabledfantasty7343 😆😆😆

[@beatriceward8628]

@@frayserken p

[@beatriceward8628]

@@freethinker1378 Pal

[@galedribble9535]

This is a wonderful documentary. I need Ms Carol H Williams’ story. She’s amazing

[@tracycoffin8669]

Great Doc. My father John Nichols was the Exec on the team that filmed at the Four Sixes. Daddy grew up in Texas (5th generation) and was very familiar with the ranch. Leo Burnett 1965-1980 (?) He also worked on Starkist, Green Giant, Matel, Mars, Keebler, and worked with the late Jackie Gleason on Pilsbury. John H. Nichols Jr. passed away 1/8/22.

[@ConceptuallyYour]

Each song on this channel is like a gem polished by time, the more you listen, the more beautiful and valuable it becomes. 💎

[@cynthiachronister4082]

My family is from Chicago since late 1800s intelligence sense of humor good values I grew up with these ads emulating these values I'm very grateful 😊

[@jimringomartin]

This was particularly special for me to watch. My father, Joe Prep was advertising manager for Kraft foods in the 1960's and 1970's. I sure would love it if just one of you mad men out there had the pleasure of buying him one of his 3 martinis near the Kraft building on the "East side". I worked at Keiffer Nolde under Michigan Avenue and at Studio 5 in the 333 N. Michigan in the 70's. Got 2 cent lemonade every lunch break at the Wrigley Building. Leo Burnett, and the Equitable building. great times. J. Walter Thompson. Sigh

[@thefifthdementia5231]

I remember that building. It was black, located around 600 S LSD, yes? I went in to present a Kraft print ad I wrote for an agency that fired me in a year, but that was okay, I hated them too

[@mattiemathis9549]

It was so cool to see the people behind my childhood memories! Great video!

[@patricialins8560]

My father Robert Lins was a Chicago ad man copywriter 1953-1990: Leo Burnett (1953-1968 yes we got apples every Christmas and I have Leo's book) , Clinton E Frank (1968-1971), Arthur Meyeroff (1971-1980), and McDonalds (1980-1990) . Dad passed away in 2014. I have many of his original ads (and was photographed in early print ads), layouts, storyboards, films, drawings for Santa Fe Railroad, Swanson’s TV Dinners, Wrigley’s gum. Dad worked on Green giant ( did the sprout) , Santa Fe Railway Wrigley, Maytag, Hoover, Anyone have ideas what to do with these art works? Thanks for a great documentary. -Patty

[@kimberlysmith258]

Contact antique roadshow. Email their appraiser?

[@ronswansonsdog2833]

Smithsonian?

[@patricialins8560]

I am looking for a specific contact if anyone knows of a collector or how to donate. Thanks, P.Lins@@ronswansonsdog2833

[@Jo-li5ht]

Art Institute

[@v.a.993]

This was brilliant. I miss Chicago and I am so proud to be from there. Chicagoans have a certain kind of grittiness, hustle and edge.

[@juliegoldman411]

Your darn tooten!!

[@punchcat0736]

Unfortunately the city is being destroyed right now

[@mieshta6607]

@@punchcat0736 yeah it’s gonna happen, but it won’t stop the true chicagoans.

[@jessewolf7649]

City of the Big Shoulders…at least back in the day…

[@68sgstandard]

@punchcat0736 Yes, it's going down fast with the pos "mayor" turning the illegal invasion into a major crisis. Crime through the roof. It sucks in Chicago. The Loop office space is only about 42% occupancy.

[@Kustomonsters]

This was so enjoyable. A flashback to the start of my animation career at DuckSoup Productions animating Tony the Tiger, Toucan Sam, Keebler Elves, Charlie Tuna and more. I miss working on those delightful spots!

[@bungalowlogic7676]

You must have some fascinating stories yourself, sir

[@JacobMakesStuff]

Hello! I recently found an old bell telephone ad that was animated by that same animation company! Wondering if you ever worked on this one? kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4S3ZmyElKt7j9Usi=hqmmxnUaxmtzciYG

[@thefifthdementia5231]

Duck Soup, a great house! Love cartoons and animation. I worked with Victor Haboush in his post-Spunbuggy years. He was so modest and talented, he never told me he started at Disney.

[@Omoloya1]

​@thefifthdementia5231 your handle is GENIUS, I don't care whut you say, Sir!

[@paulcoombs6517]

In the early 1980's I worked for Western Union in Chicago repairing Teletype machines. My territory was a foot route in the Loop and near north side, and I went to the Burnett office many, many times. On my way out I always grabbed an apple from the bowl on the receptionist desk and she ALWAYS smiled and said, "Thank you!"... Good memories!

[@Lyndanet]

Great story

[@MrHoffmannfd]

Did you know Brian Massat?

[@paulcoombs6517]

@@MrHoffmannfdSorry, that name is mot familiar to me.

[@delana2842]

Such a wonderful nostalgic look back into advertising history. Thank you to those who made it possible creating memorable iconic figures and commercials for consumer products.❤

[@skitzochik]

50:43 the lil boy in that McDonalds commercial is none other than Mr. Todd Bridges

[@aprilmorrison9627]

WOW!!! I absolutely loved every minute of this video! What I would give to go back in time and try my creativity in an ad agency.....My dad and I are very good at jingles and one line slogans. Its something we were born with. He was a genius at writing songs and coming up with ideas for commercials. Sadly, todays markets are a parody at best of what true advertising was. Its all about the glut of consumerism and hooking people with flash and commercials that afront our senses. Bombarding us relentlessly until we cry out..."Ok I give up, I'll buy it." The HEART an soul of commercials, appears to be gone forever....

[@shardonjackson6572]

Wow! John Amos (Good Times) started his acting career in Commercial jingles.

[@CHARCHICHI]

The lady said "...that little whit creature (pilsberry Doughboy) was loved by every house in America...) LOL 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@braudhadoch3432]

Ur racism is showing,

[@manestage5403]

I cried.😂😂

[@HunterMann]

Well shot & edited! Watching this makes me regret I never made my way over to the ad agency side of things. I spent over three decades working on the film crew of commercials, it was creative and technical but I’m sure the ad shop guys had a lot more fun. HM, a Clio Award winner

[@RAEckart22]

I did both, you chose wisely

[@anfrankogezamartincic1161]

Usually, i hate the commercials, but this doc is very informative, on many levels

[@asullivan4047]

They had originality back in that era.

[@marstondavis]

I remember every one of those products and add campaigns. The average person has no idea how important advertising is to America, our way of life and standard of living. These adds cost the companies millions of dollars to produce and air for the American consumer. However, if done right, they reaped hundreds of millions in added revenue. Millions of Americans were working as a result of a successful add campaign. It's incalculable the amount of stimulus this adds to our economy. This is a fantastic video. Nice to see a little of the inside workings of the advertising industry.

[@MelissaR784]

The competition between the TV stations to draw in more viewers, sparked imagination, creativity and humor in both the TV shows and ads. Todays monopolies seem to have destroyed that.

[@dr.aniasara7038]

I had the home magazine of L.A. Times full page ad on my bedroom dresser. Looking at that Marlboro man, my husband said "what is that/" I replied, "it mine."

[@eldiablo3794]

Being from Chicago, I cant help but to be bias. but imo Chicago is the best city in the United States and one of the best cities in all of the world lol. I remember when I went off to college in this little town outside of East Lansing Michigan and people would always be omg you're from Chicago? As if it was some folklore place they always heard about. Then when I finished college I could'nt wait to get back home. I never understood why we're called the second city because like in this documentary, executives came from New York to work in the Chi. From architecture, music, sports culture, food culture, colleges, museums, pop culture, politics, news, revolutionary people... you name the industry and at one point or the other Chicago was the place to be. WTTW always makes awesome documentaries and I've always been a fan of Geoffrey Baer's documentaries.

[@justdiane5]

You do know that the moniker "Second City" has nothing to do with NYC, right?

[@Hal10034]

I'm a New Yorker who's visited Chicago a couple of times. I like it a lot. It feels like New York but dialed down a couple of notches. Less frenetic. And downtown Chicago has better architecture and is more beautiful than midtown Manhattan. But New York has so much variety and so much energy that you put up with the noise and the mess. I do hope to visit Chicago again, though.

[@justdiane5]

@@Hal10034 I've been to NYC twice and I do like it a lot. I stayed in the North Bronx and midtown. It was beautiful and gritty (mid 1980s) and cool and funny... pretty much all as expected. Did tourist stuff and native stuff. I've got nothing bad to say about that city 🙂

[@lynnhubbard844]

did Geoff Baer make this one? I worked with him at the Chicago Academy for the Arts

[@elizaholliday8045]

So hard to not see my father or his friends or J.Walter Thompson mentioned AT ALL!! He worked on Schlitz Beer, 7 Up and Ken-l-Ration dogfood, created iconic campaigns for those products...

[@punchcat0736]

You talking about Hill Holiday?

[@jimringomartin]

I used to deliver art work to J. Walter Thompson in the Hancock. 1976 1977

[@justdiane5]

I still know the entire KenL Ration song!

[@thefifthdementia5231]

If it's any comfort (as it is to me and many others who worked there), JWT went out of business in Oct 2023. Learn about its demise at en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._Walter_Thompson

[@MelissaR784]

Still have a J. Walter Thomas tote bag my sister gave me from when she wotker there. Was surprised too, to not hear them mention.

[@dennismorris7573]

Absolutely excellent piece! A fascinating history of how the advertising industry ideveloped n the beautiful city of Chicago, with many, many fond memories and fine examples of Americana for the viewer.

[@luv2sail66]

I remember the Green Giant tv ads from the late 60s. I was preschool age and the reason I remember is because I was DEATHLY afraid of the Green Giant. He towered over the valley and that booming bass ho ho ho was frightening to me at that age.

[@Hal10034]

But when he holds an ear of corn over half his size, is the corn larger than giant, some kind of mutation, or has the Giant shrunk temporarily? I would have been kicked out of those creative meetings.

[@Hal10034]

They never showed what the valley was like when the Giant was in a bad mood. It was a living hell, believe me.

[@68sgstandard]

@luv2sail66 The voice of the Green Giant was none other than the great Len Dresslar, a prolific studio singer and the bass voice of the great Singers Unlimited!

[@yokosomike]

I always had more interest in Chicago as a city over NY. Chicago had great architecture literally from the Bauhaus and Frank Lloyd Wright to name a few. Jazz and blues clubs. I came and worked in Chicago as a young graphic designer in the early nineties and it was a hotspot for graphic design internationally. I did end up in NY and worked right down in Times Square eventually but I still prefer Chicago to NY. Don’t get me wrong, there are incredible places to experience in NY but to me it was temporary and I never felt or saw a future there for me. I currently live in Tokyo and will always cherish both memories. Wonderful documentary, I remember watching most of those campaigns growing up in the seventies and it also brought back great memories growing up in Southern California. Miss the “oven grinder” off of Clark!

[@deeks1970]

I’ve been to Chicago one time when I was about 20 years old. It was huge. I had no idea that so many popular things came from there. I’ve been watching documentaries all afternoon about so many things originating from Chicago. I really enjoyed watching the history of Montgomery Ward and Sears. It’s amazing that the concept of Amazon came from those catalogs. I grew up wearing clothes and playing with toys from those catalogs. Great memories. 💕🥰

[@lisadolan689]

When Marlboro came into Australia in the early 1980’s, my big red chestnut gelding ‘Soxy’ was the horse they used in all the Australian advertising. He returned to pony club and working on the farm afterwards. He lived until he was 27 and was treated like royalty. He was a great horse. He was also the horse that Bryan Brown (lead) rode in ‘Breaker Morante’. Another feature. We had him from a yearling, and dad broke him using Natural horsemanship. He was the goodest boy 🐎 anyone could’ve asked for. Still missed decades later.

[@kingdingaling2469]

This was So Well Done. I watched the whole thing and did not have thee intentions to . But it kept Me fully engaged Thee entire time. Great job. Glad I found it now and not any later.

[@DavidinSLO]

44:30 Incredible documentary. This was my dad’s life, working in advertising in Chicago in the 1960’s - for Needham, Harper & Steers (also located, I believe, in the iconic Prudential Building)

[@thefifthdementia5231]

43:47 The brown building shown across the street from the Wrigley is where Needham was located, in the Equitable building. Currently the company is called DDB and is located at 225 N Michigan, just a few blocks from Burrell. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DDB_Worldwide

[@naturelvr123]

The Prudential Bldg. I took a photo of the the Chicago skyline that included the tallest building in Chicago in Jan 1966. Going thru my slides today it (the slide I took) popped up & showed me how that skyline has really changed since 1966. Good presentation on the "real mad men of Chicago".

[@MrHoffmannfd]

My late father worked downtown for a division of McGraw-Hill. Early lunches consisted of Bloody Mary's at the Merchandise Mart. I remember when he'd miss dinner because "the bridge was up". Many business meetings were held at Rush St restaurants, and even though my dad wasn't a drinker, it was just the norm for the men to disappear in the depths of the high-class bars.

[@howebrad4601]

Those ads are a heck of a lot more appealing than most of the ads today. Those ads promoted unity, not division. Niche has been taken to far and today you know watching an ad when youre not part of the group

[@randolphpinkle4482]

Simply put, ads back in the day were less knowing and cynical and more inviting and friendly.

[@MelissaR784]

There's so little original creativity today, throughout the media. Lacks of a sense of humor too it seems. Maybe it's because of algorithms or AI.....

[@mikehunt8997]

Today's ads have those bullshyt woke messages in them like small children wearing a rainbow t shirt, a young male with a pink shirt and transgender psychos. All they push are the fringe lifestyles of the 1/10th of 1%. I quit drinking bud light, riding harleys, and drinking jack daniels. F THEM!

[@carlacheuvront7723]

My mom worked at Leo Burnett.. she would have loved this video.. she said it was the greatest place to work.. she was in the accounting department for the Kellogg’s account…I still have the anniversary silver apple shaped sugar bowl they got with the silver certificates…

[@carlacheuvront7723]

Sorry no… my mom did not fly in those circles…she just processed numbers 😳

[@thefifthdementia5231]

My apologies, no disrespect intended. I have removed the post.

[@Pandaluver67899]

Amazing documentary, I had no idea that so many iconic figures were born in our city!

[@dano8613]

i wouldnt be bragging about being from chicago! you cant name one good thing that comes from that shithole.

[@kenny6643]

I think the old style advertising can still work, especially with the overstimulation of social media and content in general. Personally, I notice the slower, more personable ads more than the colourful and loud content style ads.

[@gardensofthegods]

My mind starts to instantly shut down when commercials are loud and in-your-face ... or if they have quick and jump-cut editing which I really don't like .

[@kingdingaling2469]

I feel You. But MainStream anything makes My mind shutdown . I’m on to the next

[@Dulcimertunes]

Agree

[@francopasta3704]

Many of these ads and jingles bring me back in time…

[@MelissaR784]

And what a good time it was!

[@SaverGC3]

I noticed some formerly famous actors in some of those commercials. John Amos(McDs), Vic Tabek(Parkey Margarine) and a young "Marsha B."(Pillsbury)

[@gardensofthegods]

Yes but what I miss about the commercials from back when I was a kid and I was born in 1958 is most commercials were made by people who were not famous . Maybe some of them later did become famous because they were actors but they weren't famous actors . Then look at how much the industry changed where it seemed like all the Rich and Famous celebrities were making a lot of the commercials and getting paid really well to do them when they didn't even need the money . Elitism . Really a shame the industry went that way where they weren't just using everyday ORDINARY people to make the commercials and those were the ones who needed the money .

[@Hal10034]

Celebrity endorsements go way back, to before 1900. But I don't think that was the Burnett way.

[@MelissaR784]

​@@gardensofthegods You can sure tell the difference too.

[@QueenRenne]

Nice documentary! These classic commercial soundtracks are stuck in my head. Lol! 😁📺 “A seat at the table”. 👀💅🏾 Good grief! I’m glad he went elsewhere to be creative instead of working with people that hate your skin color. Props to my hardworking grandfathers that served in the military and survived discrimination mess in Chicago. One became a Senior Accountant at Harris Bank and my other grandpa became a Post Master at the post office in Bedford Park, IL. These great ads brings back good decent times of family and childhood memories. Great family vacations. 🥰💯

[@kingdingaling2469]

Right ?! The Good Ol Days FR FR

[@davidarnce7958]

Oh Brother....

[@thefifthdementia5231]

There is no jingle, but this Harris campaign has the cutest little boy selling tons of dolls in the 70s kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipDZgmxuorGjmsk My favorite ad tracks from the 60s: Teaberry Gum kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZnfQp6V3rNSsgpI Alka Seltzer kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5aom4eKfcSXh7c Noxema kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5zTeICVgtuNaLs Coke kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5OQgpyvoNGkY7M

[@thefifthdementia5231]

I sense some eye-rolling in the comments about this documentary. Those people can eff off. Black creatives were scarce at ad shops; I recall seeing no more than six in places I worked between 1975 and 2000. They had to start their own shops. Burrell and Williams were the first among the first to succeed at running an agency. The first black woman to do it anywhere was Barbara Gardner Procter, in 1970, in Chicago, where a huge market was waiting to be won over.

[@QueenRenne]

@@thefifthdementia5231 thank you so much for your kind words and history info. May you be blessed. ✌🏾🥰✨💙

[@FinancialFinesse00]

Thanks WTTW that was a interesting and informational video with lots of value took my back a few decades keep bringing these gems.

[@jaimejaimeChannel]

A very well-done piece. And interesting!

[@Raiche58]

Thank you this wonderful documentary. 💗

[@badad0166]

I got kicked off a class trip after I got the whole bus screaming the McDonald's "Two all beef patties" chant. Ah, youth.

[@MyJaxJingles]

This is so good. I have it on a loop.!

[@luciaconn6788]

amazing documentary, adds were so human back then

[@gardensofthegods]

Yes they were and guess what else ? ... .... having been born in 1958 I remember there was a time when products were sold by REGULAR people or people who wanted to be actors but had not hit the big time yet . Then at one point they started hiring people who already were famous and certainly did not need the huge amounts of money they were being paid to make the commercials . Really a shame that the industry got caught up in wanting only people who were already rich and famous to be hawking their products instead of giving up money to someone who needed it more and who was an unknown face . Elitism . Just like the modeling industry used to be mostly a lot of nobody's and then more and more of the models are the good looking kids of the Rich and Famous

[@bucksdiaryfan]

Did anyone notice a very young "Whach you talkin bout Willis??" in Burrell's McDonald's ad?

[@greatmcluhansghost7134]

yup. and mr. evans from good times, james amos dancing in the mcdonald's spot.

[@thefifthdementia5231]

Gary Coleman became very popular in ads for Chicago's Harris Bank kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipDZgmxuorGjmsk

[@behindthespotlight7983]

I sold ads for Salem Radio. What a tremendous documentary 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@danthomas6587]

Here's what I remember about working in advertising: the sales execs all drank and smoked and the best drugs you could get in the art department. I only lasted ten years.

[@marciamakoviecki3295]

Worked there in the 80s and 90s. Lots of fun!

[@pbc78-p7u]

I watched this all the way to the end. Great documentary. Thanks for posting.

[@diannemarshall4078]

These commercials are embedded in our memories forever. These were fantatic businessmen. The fifties were awesome the way men carried themseves and dressed. It trully was a flowering of culture. They lived big and created bigger. Mad Men yes but you have to hand it to them. They were one of a kind! The Marlboro man sure was sexy.

[@gardensofthegods]

I was born in 58 and I remember a lot of these commercials from when I was a little girl and of course the ones in the later 60s and 70s ... ... but I do remember some of them from when I was 3 , 4 and 5 years old ... good memories it was a blast from the past . I really enjoyed this documentary , hearing all the stories .

[@kingdingaling2469]

Yup. But half the world now don’t even know they ever existed I was born in December 1979 so I caught the end of this style and I am So Grateful for it .

[@NFS305]

Sexy until the cancer sets in

[@bermudagirl5039]

I worked in the Creative Department at J. Walter Thompson in Toronto in the 80’s - best job I ever had!!!

[@Thacarshee]

As an aspiring adman coming across this gem is beautiful! Absolutely beautiful!

[@disturbinglypragmatic]

Love that John Amos is in the McDonald's ad and Vic Tayback is in the Parkay ad.

[@ronniwright8315]

Marlboro man commercials really game me the type of man I wanted to marry. Right or wrong I was set on the strong silent type.

[@ChrissyDeFrancisco]

Wow! Carol Williams, wow! How totally cool

[@markcraven8386]

Anyone keeping count how many recognizable brand names pop up here and on the full run of Mad Men. I lost count too.

[@stephenmoerlein8470]

Interesting history. Thanks for posting the content.

[@SuperMCFIVE]

Many commercials in recent times utilize hit songs. I enjoy the commercial jingles from the '50s, '60s and '70s which were hits themselves.

[@claudiodiez55]

The Burnett Adds have the Hook, Great Creative Work.

[@jeffreydaniels7519]

My Father was part of this growth in the 1950’s thru the 1980’s. Started MCI in Chicago back in the 1970’s with the development of Mr. Coffee. It was fun going out to dinner with Joe DiMaggio. My Father made Don Draper look positively provincial. He embodied the ethos of the Chicago marketing and advertising business.

[@jenniferwilliams8595]

Great documentary!!!!!! Loved it !!!

[@BonJody]

My puppy has a Tony the Tiger toy that she just happens to be destroying right now.

[@boataxe4605]

That’s Great!

[@jackoman1959]

As someone who grew up in the Chicago area I can tell you that the people are generally hard-working and upbeat. However, this aspect makes them vulnerable to the latest gimmicks and scams. These advertising schemes were geared towards people with an optimistic view on America (Baby boomer generation), and Chicagoans fit the bill for being the ideal recipient audience. As touched on in the video, modern consumer culture was spearheaded in Chicago. I find it disturbing the way that these advertising tycoons are portrayed in a positive spotlight. That positive limelight in itself is marketing, yet another mechanism for getting people to believe in the goodness of consumer culture. You need to make them feel proud wearing their coprorate caps. The message being, that we should worship and envy those who made themselves rich by deceiving the masses. In the early 80s I had to leave not only Chicago but the country in order to grow as a human being and escape rampant consumer culture. I miss the Vienna hot dogs and Italian beef, but have never regretted leaving.

[@MelissaR784]

That optimistic, positive portrayal rubbed off on people in a good way. They too became positive and hopeful of a bright future. So much better than todays negative, guilt tripping environment that's left people depressed, anxiety, lonely and suicide. Just saying.

[@89128]

Albert Lasker and his wife are featured prominently in the book "Emperor of all Maladies". Through their efforts cancer research became properly funded and focused.

[@shaespear407]

Michael Planchunas You mean Chemo & Radiation?

[@89128]

@@shaespear407 I was referring to the pressure campaign they put on Nixon to fund cancer research by one billion dollars in the 1970 budget. They did this by running full page ads in major newspapers on behalf of the American Cancer Society.

[@Ronin1628]

This was fabulous!!!

[@gardensofthegods]

Yeah I really enjoyed it ... it was a lot of fun .

[@MartinScreeton]

Wow! What a great time it was.... I remember everyone of those commercials! :) ...And we bought the products!

[@michaelklein8105]

how many people died as the result of your Marlboro advertising? GREAT WORK Leo Burnett

[@jasonallen3678]

Another excellent documentary

[@GdayAmerica]

Fabulous! Thank you for creating and sharing! ❤

[@angelicamichelle1646]

Excellent documentary

[@richardkirk5098]

My father was an illustrator working with Robert Snyder and associates in Chicago. He loved it and made lots of money. Later became a fine artist when illustration died out.

[@hellzbelle229]

I remember going on a field trip to Leo Burnett’s downtown office as a teen. I was so tickled by the apples everywhere!

[@analogdigitalnative5767]

i hate smoking but i love Marlboro advertising - campfire, horses and a bloody cowboy !

[@kevinnaughton5703]

This was a great look into a better time in many of our lives. It may not have been the healthiest, or the most socially diverse but it worked. I would like to think we all were in a better place in our minds then. Creativity and hard work flowed. Great piece. Thanks.

[@LUIS-ox1bv]

When America was, well, America!

[@kingdingaling2469]

Indeed 🇺🇸

[@mangos2888]

More racist and sexist....

[@thefifthdementia5231]

What I remember is the bomb threats. I saw guys bringing guns to work in their attache cases. At Burnett a secretary interrupted our creative review with a note. The top guy read it and announced there had been a bomb threat, so the meeting was moved to Don Roth's, a famous restaurant just a few blocks from Prudential. We sat at the white-clothed tables and presented our work as delicious Spinning Bowl salads were made nearby. A few years later at JWT, my partner's coked-up husband was angry about their divorce so he kept calling our floor and making threats. Ah, advertising. It's magical.

[@badad0166]

26:33 Marsha, Marsha, Marsha,! Maureen McCormick! 46:08 Vic Tayback from TV's "Alice", as in "Mel, kiss my grits!" 47:38 John Amos from "Good Times" and 48:29 Anson Williams, "Potsie" on "Happy Days"...plus the pervy guy from "Boogie NIghts" and that other guy who was in everything playing the boss! 51:06 Todd Bridges!

[@kathyh7215]

The pervy guy from Boogie nights was Phillip Seymour Hoffman.

[@badad0166]

@@kathyh7215 I inferred that I couldn't remember the last two names for comedic effect.

[@alanaadams7440]

I went to a business meeting we went out to dinner down town at 8 about 930 I noticed the place was filling up with the most best dressed people very sophisticated

[@jgm9927]

This was awesome!

[@laneshalewis38]

Wow I never knew this it’s so educational and takes me back to the 70’s 1975 when I was born lol

[@mikefinney423]

54:59 Back in the 80s, I used to love drinking regular Michelob out of those tapered bottles.

[@4Beats4Me]

TOO MUCH FUN !! Here's to theatre that we miss!

[@plusheeview1482]

I love this series, packing my bags to visit

[@68sgstandard]

@plusheeview1482 You better pack something else in your bags, too.

[@PAPITO_49]

I smoke Marlboro cigs till February 2000. I loved there Dust Jacket I bought one. My first credit card was a United Airlines card all back in the 1970s , cigarettes 🚬 I started in 1964 at 14 years old. I’d be smoking today I loved it but I wouldn’t be breathing either. Loved growing up as a Boomer. Thanks for the memories.

[@samsprague2846]

I saw a court proceeding in upstate NY, in the late 70s where a judge admonished a rebellious teen. He asked who was taking care of him, he responded it was his grandma. Judge Thomas W. Keegan said "I think she deserves a break today". He then insisted the teen not only agree but also made him say it out loud.

[@marcusbrothers5221]

Lee Marshall's voice is so smooth. He's Grrrrrreat!

[@mattskustomkreations]

So many memorable, classic commercials. Makes me wonder if Madison Avenue did ANY ads back then? 😂. I’m guessing they did automotive advertising.

[@gwenshamblinshair6530]

My dad was Jim Gilmore!

[@gardensofthegods]

I don't want to have to scroll back through this and look to see who he was ... can you tell us where they had him in this ?

[@gandydancer823]

I watch this on WTTW Passport and loved it!

[@angelicamichelle1646]

That woman jingle writer could. Write to ANYTHING is 'the' first rapper artist

[@gardensofthegods]

In a way I guess you could say that yes

[@jimhenry6844]

Like my dad, all these guys died from lung disease to soon.

[@gardensofthegods]

I could believe it and I'm sure a few died of cirrhosis of the liver

[@punchcat0736]

They worked hard and played hard

[@afaceinthecrowd3652]

John Amos hopping the counter and singing for McDonalds!

[@johnwilson180]

You can understand a certain nostalgia for the time.

[@SpoonsStyle]

I was a child model, and I got jobs through Leo Burnett as well as the Burrell agencies… my agent at the time was A+ Talent Agency 666 North Lakeshore Drive…. Memories ❤❤

[@lynnhubbard844]

I lived a bloc from there

[@lightmarker3146]

When commercials were longer than 30 seconds and a products features and benefits were told . Without those , a customer has no reason to buy.

[@deborahchmura1903]

Being a freshman in journalism program back in 1974, we found ourselves on a tour of J. Walter Thompson and its creative floors. Seeing the hippies.. the corporate hippies.. it looked like "not fitting in" had become mainstream. Eliciting the response to the question "when did the Sixties end".

[@Bbfanatic]

a young marcia brady in the pillsbury commercial before brady bunch fame