You know what company sounds like the perfect sponsor for your primetime animated adaptation of Alice in Wonderland? Why, a drugstore of course! For Hanna-Barbera's 1966 take on the classic story, the drugstore Rexall collaborated with them to help promote the special. It seems like a weird pairing, but it's not that odd if you look at the company's history. Rexall, who no longer exists (the locations in Canada merely use the name through licensing), sponsored several radio shows, including Amos and Andy and The Jimmy Durante Show. Coca-Cola was also a sponsor for the special. Take a look at this colorful advertisement promoting both the store and the special, as well as a sweepstakes readers could enter for a chance to win a 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado.
Naturally, when the special was broadcast, a series of commercials for Rexall accompanied it. Check them out below!
Much of the merchandise released of the special also made mention of the Rexall partnership. Below's a candy dish and a promotional comic book, the latter of which was only available at...you guessed it, Rexall. What were you expecting, Spirit Halloween?
I like how scripter Bill Dana appears somewhat peeved that White Rabbit not only gets to deliver the ad's pitch, he appears twice to boot, unlike the rest of the cast.
ReplyDeleteTo see the comic book in its entirety:
www.fourcolorshadows.blogspot.com/2019/10/alice-in-wonderland-or-whats-nice-kid.html