| They slice, they dice, they shred, they
spread, they wheel and deal, they cut through steel, they make
you stronger, they make you live longer, they are Pitch People.
Producer/Director/Editor Stanley Jacobs starts at the beginning
with the almighty medicine man and takes us on a journey through
time in a humorous and intriguing study of the pitch person.
Often overlooked and underrated, Jacobs brings to center stage
the men and women who have made “the world’s second oldest
profession” what it is today. By way of archival footage and
a first-hand history straight from the hawkers’ mouths, we
soon develop a greater appreciation for this eccentric subculture.
Think about it—how could you NOT appreciate the talents of
people who make millions of dollars selling products that
you’re lucky to use once before filing away in the overflowing
kitchen junk drawer?
Jacobs has clearly done his homework and the result is a
documentary that is surprisingly entertaining and educational.
It doesn’t hurt that he’s dealing with a subject we’re all
familiar with. The pocket fisherman, the knives that never
dull, the wonder duster—all household names. Of course, all
of these items and more “can be yours for only $20 plus this
special bonus if you buy now.” Yes, we’re all too familiar
with pitch people.
Just how DO they do it? I laughed when I heard one of the
pitch men say pitching was “an art,” but I soon realized just
how right he was. Pitching is not only these peoples’ livelihood,
but oftentimes a family tradition as well. Jacobs gives us
the whole picture. He brings us not only the products and
the pitch but the people behind the pitches—people like Ed
McMahon and the Popeils who continue to impact society today.
Pitch People is a fascinating well thought-out documentary
that will surely leave you with a greater appreciation for
a people on the outer limits of society.
—K. Theis
|
out of 5
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