Thursday’s ad is another one for Budweiser, this time from 1934, just a year after prohibition. Showing an older gentlemen with his violin, the real harmony of the ad, they say, is a bite to eat and a beer. And this is great ad copy. “There are many times when just a simple sandwich and a bottle of Budweiser strike the right note.” But post-depression, he looks more like a man playing for his meal. I wouldn’t be surprised if that open case was in front of him on the ground. To me, it looks like his suit is too big, maybe from losing weight from not having enough to eat? And he’s reaching out his hand longingly for that beer, but it’s really too far away, isn’t it? Kind of sad ad, in the end.
Interesting analysis, you could be right, but the wall-mounted sign suggests an annual dance and I’d think he was simply there to play the music. His case is to his right and just behind him, which would suggest he isn’t looking for contributions – and there is no money in it, also. I’d think he is reaching for the meal he will have on his break. Interesting though what copywriters thought of a few generations back. Nothing could be further from the empty ads of mass marketing today.
Gary