Harp: Ronnie Barker

1972
Sound
1m

Comedian Ronnie Barker advises viewers to stock up with some cans of Harp lager in this chirpy early-70s TV ad.

This cheerful ad was shot for commercial television shortly after the popular Two Ronnies comedy series (starring Barker and Ronnie Corbett) began 'on the other side' - that is to say, on the BBC. This is one of at least two Harp commercials featuring Barker that appeared in 1972.

The 1970s saw consumers develop an appreciation both for continental lager (as opposed to traditional British ales) and beers in individual cans (bottles had once been the norm for drinking alcohol at home). The Guinness Company created Harp in the 1960s in an attempt to grab a piece of the growing lager market.

Celebrity Sells

A celebrity endorsement is one of the advertisers' most powerful weapons.

For generations, movie stars, television personalities and sporting heroes have all bought in to selling out. A famous face can trigger a string of associations that advertisers hope will reflect well on the product. And for new faces, an advertising gig can be the path to recognition, and a career which enables you to be the star turn.

Behind the camera, too, advertising commissions can kickstart a career or offer a lucrative sideline. Directors like Alan Parker, Ridley Scott and Hugh Hudson got an early boost from advertising work, and many continued to shoot ads long after they 'made it' in features.