LevelItem
Ref NoOBS/9/1/1/76
TitleRoyalty Tests
DateMarch 1996
ExtentPart of 1 VHS and 1 mp4 (40.2 MB)
Creator NameThe Observer Limited, 1917-1993
St Luke's
DescriptionTwo versions of a colour test advert with sound promoting an Observer feature on the Royal Family:

a. Shows a long shot of a fruit and vegetable shop exterior in the rain, with a dog tied to a lampost and waiting patiently, until the final seconds when it strains against its ties and barks at passing shoppers.

Commentary: 'In this Sunday's Observer, we look at the royal family and debate just how much longer they ought to lead our country. And we defend them - not because of their leadership qualities, but because of the power they have and the restraint they show in using it. Can you name a politician, one potential president, who would show that kind of restraint?'

The advert ends with the written tagline 'The Observer', next to a white representation of a head in profile. A brain appears in the head and begins to vibrate, to the closing commentary: 'The Observer, set your alarm this Sunday.'

The advert starts at 01.29 on the mp4 file. Duration: 30 seconds. It is preceded by a written screen giving the date and duration of the text and the name of the advertising agency responsible. (St Luke's).

b. Shorter, 10 second test version of (a). The test is incomplete; it shows the same footage with the altered commentary: 'In this Sunday's Observer, we look at the royal family and debate just how much longer they ought to lead our country. And, believe it or not, we def-'

The advert starts at 02.17 on the same mp4 file. It is also preceded by an information screen.
Access StatusOpen
Access ConditionsAccess via GNM Digital Repository.
Related MaterialAlso included on the VHS and mp4 are Observer adverts OBS/9/1/1/75
FormatElectronic record
Video recording
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