During the early years of television, Mike Wallace was a celebrity spokesman for Fluffo shortening. When I saw the commercial, I immediately remembered a classic TV episode, from The Mary Tyler Moore Show.

The episode had Ted Baxter's agent renewing Ted's contract, with WJM News. Ted's agent wants to place a non-exclusive clause in the contract, in case Ted is offered movie or Broadway roles. Lou Grant, the news producer, is laughing at the idea that anybody would want Ted in a movie or play. Without thinking of all of the possible implications, that a non-exclusive clause would create, Lou agrees to the contract clause.

The episode is named Farmer Ted and the News, Ted becomes the spokesman for several different companies. One of the companies is a sausage company and he plays the role of Farmer Ted selling "Ma & Pa's Country Fresh Sausage," "The Sausage That Lets You Make A Pig Of Yourself." To make matters worse, the commercial is being aired on the same news program that Ted is hosting.

For your enjoyment, I have uploaded the Mike Wallace commercial. A Farmer Mike, in training. Below that commercial, I have included the MTM episode, Farmer Ted and the News. I hope you will enjoy these entertaining videos.














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