Here is a vintage Smirnoff Vodka ad from the October 12, 1957 issue of The New Yorker magazine. The ad features American vaudevillian actor Buster Keaton. Keaton was known for his deadpan delivery that earned him the nickname “The Great Stone Face.”
I find it a bit ironic that the highlight of the ad is to point out that the product tastes like well, nothing, it loses itself completely with whatever you mix it with, “You taste them, not it.” It must be tricky to promote a product that tastes like nothing!
Here’s the complete text from the vintage 1957 Smirnoff Vodka print advertisement.
Don’t shoot, Buster, That Martini is made with Smirnoff!
It may be years before a barman’s failure to use the vodka of vodkas will justify a plea of self-defense. Meanwhile, when ordering a vodka drink, you are well advised to specify: “with Smirnoff.” It makes the driest, smoothest of Dry Martinis. And it loses itself completely in any fruit juice or soft drink – blending with their flavors. You taste them, not it. Make sure you get smooth, mellow, flawless Smirnoff. Speak up! Remember, you drink it!
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