Arthur's Holiday Camp

1 Jan 1949
Silent
2m

Big hearted' Arthur Askey fools around as he tries to get fit at a holiday camp in this sparkling advert for Gibbs SR toothpaste.

That supreme 'silly little man' comedian Arthur Askey can't hack the exercises at the gym, frustrating the beefy personal trainer with his feeble attempts to get active at a holiday camp health resort. But despite his puny frame and pigeon chest he still wows the ladies - as his teeth are so white - thanks to Gibbs SR toothpaste. Askey was a success on stage, screen and radio - and also found the transition to television an easy one. He was a familiar face in a series of entertaining adverts for Gibbs SR.

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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.