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The Muppets' 1967 IBM Sales Films

Posted by kdawson on from the skinny-black-tie dept.

harrymcc writes "Forty-three years ago, before most people had ever heard of the Muppets, IBM contracted with Jim Henson for a series of short films that it used to educate and entertain its sales staff. These little-known movies — some of which feature cutting-edge office automation equipment such as very early word-processing systems — remain fresh, funny, and surprisingly irreverent. And one of them features the first appearance of the Cookie Monster, who got his big break on Sesame Street a couple of years later."

8 of 63 comments (clear)

  1. Statler and Waldorf by cgfsd · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Could you imagine Statler and Waldorf evaluating IBM products and software?

    Now that would fun to see.

  2. The MAN! by Silly+Man · · Score: 2, Interesting

    See, the Muppets worked for THE MAN!

    The Muppets are bring me DOWN!

  3. Smithsonian by Verdatum · · Score: 3, Interesting

    The Smithsonian wrapped up an exhibit on Jim about a year back. It had some of the scratchpads used to put together these commercials, and the above mentioned training films. Great exhibit. sad to see it go.

  4. And RC Cola by Doc+Ruby · · Score: 4, Interesting

    I was just reading today about Jim Henson's mid-1960s TV commercial for RC Cola, featuring two birds that evolved later to become Big Bird.

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  5. Re:Of course. by Threni · · Score: 1, Interesting

    You mean the victims of some of IBM's customers went through the roof?
    http://www.ibmandtheholocaust.com/

  6. It's time to put on make-up by MRe_nl · · Score: 4, Interesting

    It's time to dress up right
    It's time to get things started
    On the IBM tonight

    And now for the origins of the muppet show tune
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXu4P6KpoLU

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    "Kill 'em all and let Root sort 'em out"
  7. Re:Cookie Monster is older than that . . . by fermion · · Score: 3, Interesting
    I will add to this that Jim Heson was a pioneer, not only in puppetry, but in industrials. We only wish the commercials we see know were as interesting as the what he made. I have the privilege of seeing films of these narrated by, I believe his daughter, as part of a presentation by the Jim Henson foundation.

    Part of this is that the commercials were character driven, which we know is a workable formula. It worked for Charmin and Wendy's. I think they are difficult to make, and I think it is one reason why the brand carry's so little power.

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    "She's a scientist and a lesbian. She's not going to let it slide." Orphan Black
  8. Re:So many years later by Pharmboy · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Yes, but Jim's puppets were actually funny, and these commercials are as funny today (and relevant) as then. The cookie monster video was particularly funny and well done.

    This is one of those time that if you don't RTFA, you are really missing out.

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