Pitch People (1999) User Reviews

Entertaining & Informative Documentary

[nyctc7 · 8/10 · 8 March 2015]

This is a wonderful documentary about the history of infomercials, it is fun to watch. It's great to see some familiar faces of 1990s infomercials, telling their stories of how they got started in the business, and the art of the pitch. Being a product demonstrator is no easy job--we learn what is involved in working, for example, a State Fair: the preparation, the long hours, the lengthy scripts that must be committed to memory. It is also fascinating to hear these guys and gals talk about how to sell things, in a way they are the ultimate salesmen, they are actors whose "applause" is people handing over money.

I didn't realize that the infomercial existed back in the 1950s, at some point they became too expensive to air, but with the advent of Cable TV, and some deregulation, they came back sometime in the 1980s, and by the 1990s they were all over the place. The documentary also traces the origins of pitchmen to the old traveling snake oil salesmen, and even earlier--for how long have human beings been selling things to each other? Ron Popeil did not agree to participate in the film, but we learn through his relatives Lester Morris and Arnold Morris about the background of their products empire.

If you get a kick out of infomercials, you'll love this film. But even if you hate them, I think you will find the film entertaining, informative, well organized and well edited.

I'm surprised that this documentary isn't better known--it really is good.

step right up

[ferguson-6 · 7/10 · 29 February 2024]

Greetings again from the darkness. It's been 25 years since this documentary from Stanley Jacobs made the festival rounds, and now his 1999 film has gained an "anniversary" release in theaters and on 4K digital. Those of us of a certain age recall our favorite TV shows being interrupted with commercials for the latest "As Seen on TV" products. Ginsu knives and Pocket Fisherman were two of the most prominent, yet there were dozens more that gained airtime. What stood out was the excitement of those presenting the products, making that day's miracle seem like a must-have for everyone ... well except the Ronco Salad Shooter held little appeal for my younger self. But a Ginsu knife that cut through tin cans? I could find a use for that!

Jacobs' tracks the origins of pitch people back to the days of traveling 'Medicine Men' and their cure-all potions, to the untrusted 'Snake Oil' salesmen (who were often the same folks). What's clear is that we humans have always (and continue to) been enticed by anything promised to make our daily lives easier and better ... or as PT Barnum (supposedly) said, "There's a sucker born every minute." Of course, one need not have traveled in a covered wagon or even grown up with limited network TV in the 1970's to have been mesmerized by the best (or even mediocre) pitch people. Every county and state fair, and most every trade show, car show, and conference, features the entertaining sideshow of a pitch person and their slight-of-hand, fast-talking presentation of some gadget. What Jacobs shows us is that these masters of oratory skills typically take great pride in their talent and results.

Pitchers, hawkers, grafters, barkers, salespeople ... it matters little what label is applied. Their job is to draw folks in, set the hook, and make the sale. The more fun you have with the pitch, the more likely you are to part with greenbacks (or tap your card these days). Ron Popeil (and his RonCo) may be the most famous and successful, and here, Jacobs details Popeil's dad as well as the birth of the infomercial. Ed McMahon of Johnny Carson fame gets his own segment, and we experience how the pitch, once mastered, stays within the pitch person. We also hear from many others who work in this profession, some you'll recognize, others you'll feel like you should.

Slicers and dicers, miracle mops, and cookware, as well as anything "-O-Matic", are big players in this market, and we find it entertaining to watch the pitch, but also see the reactions of those gathered around the booth at the fair. It's quite a phenomenon, and one that Stanley Jacobs expertly captured in this documentary from many years ago ... one certainly due a resurgence.

Opening in select theaters in 4K beginning March 1, 2024.

This is a fun, well paced documentary that gets inside and reveals the humble beginnings of an industry that has grown into a cultural fixture.

[joeflick · 10/10 · 13 July 2002]

I actually enjoyed this behind the scenes look at the people and the history of those relentless infomercials that seem to pop up on every other cable channel. They might often be annoying and laughably corny, .but they are definitely memorable ("In Japan, .the hand can be used like a knife, .but NOT in this case!" ) Pitch people takes you through a fast paced, insiders look at this niche industry, .and shares a colorful history that might surprise you. This was really well put together with some great interviews and some hilarious clips. At the risk of sounding preachy, .I think this film shares an important little nugget of history that should not be overlooked.

Very enjoyable!

[Selim-3 · 10 January 2001]

Pitch People offers insight into a profession that oftentimes seems to blend into the wallpaper. I can't remember a time *without* seeing/hearing sales pitches for knives, mops, plastic containers, or other kitchen appliances that I didn't know I needed. Learning about the real skill and craftsmanship behind "the pitch" was a lot of fun, and this is a real gem of a movie. See it, and it'll make you smile.