From the South China Morning Post this week in 1955
Public service advertisements were a little different in 1955. Instead of dire warnings about pot plants falling from high floors, the public was advised that: 'Soapy water is good for plants. Use bath water in the garden. Water is precious.'
As the desire for consumer goods grew, the paper was crammed with advertisements for refrigerators, manual typewriters, fraud-proof 'cheque-writers', Vauxhall cars and Shell 'anti-knock' petrol, used to prevent pre-ignition in engines.
'I love Castoria' was a copy line that probably sent children diving for cover. 'Children cry for Castoria, not at it!' the ad claimed. The name suggested a high castor oil content for the 'pleasant tasting' laxative made especially for children. 'Thanks to Castoria, something that was once very unpleasant, getting children to take laxatives, has now become a game that delights a mother's heart!' was the improbable sign off.
Things were more cheerful at the cinema. Kids could enjoy Walt Disney's Wonderful Adventures of Pinnochio, the 'brightest warmest, most entertaining' of films. The cartoon promised 'happy songs including When You Wish upon a Star'.
Their parents could look forward to Sabrina starring Audrey Hepburn, Humphrey Bogart and William Holden, directed by Billy Wilder, and billed as the 'most provocative picture of the year'.
The Wanted Known small ads were a fertile source of odd requirements, none more so than: 'Chemical formula for manufacturing toothpaste sought by factory.' The product should be 'bright, soft and white, like America's famous brands'. One thousand dollars was offered to the applicant whose sample proved satisfactory, as long as it could be successfully reproduced in the advertiser's presence.
