WFG RATING: A-

An SJPL Films production. Directed, produced, written, and edited by Stanley Jacobs. Cinematography by John Armstrong, John Keedwell, Brian Lundy, Peter Pilafian, and Tom Robotham.

Featuring Arnold Morris, Nancy Nelson, Lester Morris, Sandy Mason, Garrett Bess, Jan Muller, Maddy Press, Joe Fowler, and Ed McMahon.

You know those products you see in infomercials? Well, this documentary takes a look at both the history of these products as well as a look at how the informercials you know and love are made.

The world of pitching products to good ol’ folks has been around for years. The trend began in Europe but soon enough, people like Nat Morris, Ron Popeil, and others began inventing and hawking productions at the World’s Fair, which would soon move to shopping malls across the nation. When television became big, commercials for products began to result with not just the inventors hawking their own products, but getting help from well-known celebrities. This would soon blow up in the 1990s when instead of 30-second spots, there would be 30-minute “infomercials” for these products. 

This documentary from Stanley Jacobs was originally released in 1999 and this year marks it’s 25th anniversary thus, the film has been restored for a new generation to enjoy. You may have seen these now called “as seen on TV products” on YouTube whether it’s a nostalgic archive channel or even a Top 10 list from the likes of WatchMojo. This is a great look at the history of how inventors hawked their own products as we get an intimate look at the trend through the eyes of those who were directly involved, whether it is an inventor themselves or their kin. 

We get to see footage of people hawking their products in front of small crowds, such as those with new kitchen inventions and others. We also took a look at a rivalry between the Morris family and Popeil family over a home haircut product and both parties settled out of court for a very low amount due to unforeseen circumstances and the fact that they just wanted to not deal with the matter anymore.

We also take a look at the making of infomercials, which feature the likes of Maddy Press, Joe Fowler, and the legendary Ed McMahon. We see one product somewhat causing issues and having to use replacements to ensure the product works to make the product look good for the cameras. It may seem like people may feel they could potentially be scammed down the road, but the inventors actually do mean well. Despite the fact that sometimes we see defects, the products can work and be beneficial if they are the right ones for you. 

Pitch People is an intimate look at the world of product hawking and it is quite a fascinating journey that started in Europe and made its way through various means in the United States.