1960 Mr. Ed Promo Piece for Studebaker dealers

[BobPalma]

From Duane Miller comes this unusual promotional piece intended to "sell" Studebaker dealers on the new, up-coming Mr. Ed TV show Studebaker will sponsor. It's 37 minutes long.

The format is this: First, a TV advertising executive-type explains to dealers how important prime-time television has become in the United States by the late 1950s. He then introduces a pilot show explaining the Mr. Ed concept. Connie Hines and Alan Young are not in the pilot show; their ultimate parts having been played by other actors. Then, at the end of the pilot show, George Burns comes on to recap what has been shown and introduce the two actors who have been signed to play the "people" parts; Alan Young and Connie Hines. Alan then introduces Mr. Ed. A 1960 Lark wagon and 1960 Lark convertible provide the backdrop for that part of the video.

This must be a rare clip. 1960 (not 1961 or later) Studebaker advertisements are sprinkled about to show dealers how Studebaker advertising will appear on the show. When the credits roll at the end of the pilot show, they are superimposed over a 1960 Hawk being driven at speed. That's the first time I've seen a Hawk in such a promotion!

Thanks, Duane...and happy watching for all :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0SaMyXFsbI

BP

[T.J lavallee]

Mr. Palmer thanks for posting. It was fun to view and Mr. Ed sold me on the Lark! Loved the commercials, too.

[Robert Crandall]

Great fun! Thanks.

[Dwain G.]

How interesting! Wilber Pope became Post and changed profession from lawyer to architect, and Carlotta Pope became Carol Post. That was a beautiful show.

[StudeRich]

That was really COOL!

I have seen a clip before of the Pilot show with the "Pope's", but never the whole thing that I remember.

I can certainly say that they made excellent choices for the Permanent Actors and Actresses!

The real deal was SO much better. I could not stop watching. Another really good segment came up after the First of the Series, it had me rolling on the floor laughing!

[Dwain G.]

For anyone interested in the Mr. Ed show I recommend the book 'Mr. Ed and Me'. Some personal history of co-author Alan Young, but mostly centers on Ed and the show.

[Bordeaux Daytona]

I bought a vhs copy of the pilot a few years back off eBay. Maybe the SNM sells it too. They have a lot of DVDs.

[Sdude]

The concept for Mr Ed came from a short story (Ed Signs the Pledge) written by Walter R Brooks who is most known for his "Freddy the Pig" series of children's book written from 1928 till his death in 1958. I would love to read that original story. Does anyone know where to find it?

[Sdude]

Well duh..... Why not look it up on the internet? I did that and discovered that there were a large series of Mr Ed stories written by Walter Brooks for several magazines. Unfortunately I could not find a compilation of all of them but there was a book published after the success of the TV series that put together about 8 of the stories. Apparently the original characters had to be toned down a bit for television but that should make for even more interesting reading. From what I read, the original Wilbur was a bit of a drunkard.

So I went to the Amazon web site and found a copy of that book (The Original Mr Ed) but it was a little too pricey for my curiosity. I checked eBay and found it (in a little less pristine condition) for 8 bucks with free shipping, buy it now price. It's on it's way to my mailbox now.

As much as I hate today's technology, at times like this I love it. I can't wait to read it.

[studeclunker]

One of my favourites growing up. Thanks for posting it!

[53k]

One small side benefit of watching this video- 1959-60 white sidewall width authenticity is firmly established.

[2moredoors]

Found this site that tells the tale about the Mr. Ed television series including the Studebaker connection. I found it quite interesting and it answered many questions I had about the show over the years.

http://mercurie.blogspot.ca/2013/06/the-famous-mister-ed.html