1950 Television Show On-Site Of Sponsor, Set/8 5 x7 RPs

Incredible set of eight 5 x 7 inch candid, sharp, detailed views of July 1, 1950 "live" television variety show/commercial being broadcast from "Lucas Electric" home appliances store in Newark, New Jersey.

Captured literally, is "The Shape Of Things To Come" in all of its goofy, ground breaking schmaltz. The young, handsome/lounge lizard master of ceremonies/comic guides us through this ephemeral flicker of fantasy, always to make sure that the "Norge" products, including refrigerator, range and washing machine being sold by the local sponsor are plainly in sight displayed in the background:

1) Announcer sings a little introductory song, 4 piece band plays at the left and the cardboard beaming "Norge" girl in Scottish kilt does her jig.

2) Fresh from their wedding, a decorated Marine, his wife in wedding, dress, 5 bridesmaids and best man Marine line up for inspection apparently while announcer awards them a special wedding gift from the sponsor.

3) Announcer cups ear to listen to 4 woman kazoo band perform.

4) 2 ittle majorettes perform routine as announcer cringes in corner.

5) Announcer lies on floor apparently stunned by one of the performances.

6) View from behind announcer out towards crowd show early TV camera man and camera at far left, the two dancing majorette munchkins at bottom right.

7) Young woman sings a ditty accompanied by band.

8) Elder woman, no doubt Mrs. Lucas, the sponsor hypes the new model "Norge" fridge which is cleverly equipped with a clock on the door. (Hmmm.....isn't the one on the range enough? Apparently not). The live "Norge" girl in her checkered kilt, appropriately beams her pearly whites just like her cardboard alter ego.

A true document and testament of the evolution of TV. Almost 10 years after these images were taken, I remember watching a very "local" channel being broadcast from Schenectady, New York - Channel 6. It was an early affiliate but most advertising was home grown. How can I forget the hilarious "folk" commercials, especially the very spinsterish looking Etta Ophenhopper hyping her pickles?

Extremely clean with a few bumped corners here and there. Condition is Mostly Fine.

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