Shell Answer Man

The Shell Answer Man was a series of television advertisements from the 1960s through the 1990s sponsored by Shell Oil in which answers were provided to common questions from the public about driving, with advice on vehicle maintenance, repair and safety, as well as guidance to users of home heating oil. Companion booklets, a series titled the Shell Answer Books, were inserted into major magazines and distributed as free giveaways at Shell gas stations.[1] The ads were aimed at typical drivers, helping inform them how to avoid wasting gasoline through such tips as not making jackrabbit starts, ensuring proper tire inflation, regular oil changes and proper basic maintenance of their vehicle, as well as guidance on how to get the most out of heating one's home.[2]

The campaign was developed in the late 1960s for Shell by the advertising firm of Ogilvy & Mather, a relationship that would continue for nearly four decades. Print ads addressed other oil uses, such as touting the benefits of switching to an oil-powered hot water heater[3] and encouraging those using oil to heat their homes to ensure they have enough oil in their tank before the cold weather arrives.[4] By the time Shell ended the relationship in 1999, Ogilvy & Mather had 60 employees based in Houston, Texas largely dedicated to the Shell account, and when O&M closed the office in Houston it dropped other local accounts that it could no longer justify supporting.[5][6]

Actor and announcer Don Morrow appeared in the campaign in the 1960s, offering tips to drivers.[7] Actor Vince O'Brien landed the role of the Shell Answer Man in the late 1960s and 1970s, an opportunity he described in a newspaper interview as being "like hitting the state lottery." O'Brien's balding, mature appearance made him an effective authority figure in the campaign.[8] Actor Richard Anderson played the role of the Shell Answer Man in the 1970s and 1980s.[9]

References
  1. Staff. "New Shell Oil Co. advertising campaign marks return of Shell Answer Man, answer booklets.", PR Newswire, March 8, 1990. Accessed June 22, 2010.
  2. Staff. "The Shell Answer Man and peak oil (parts 1 and 2)", Energy Bulletin, February 22, 2007. Accessed June 22, 2010.
  3. Advertisement. "Dear Shell Answer Man: How can I get more hot water faster", St. Petersburg Times, December 18, 1968.
  4. Advertisement. "Dear Shell Answer Man: Why should I buy heating oil now, Evening Independent, October 6, 1969.
  5. via Associated Press. "Ad firm, Shell agree to part ways", Dallas Morning News, November 18, 1999. Accessed June 22, 2010.
  6. Elliott, Stuart. "THE MEDIA BUSINESS: ADVERTISING; Three giant advertising agencies take actions to accommodate their growth in the global market.", The New York Times, November 15, 1999. Accessed June 22, 2010.
  7. Staff. "Moving Beyond the Spots; Cablers Are Using Innovative Strategies to Close the Broadcast Advertising Gap.", Television Week, January 19, 2004. Accessed June 22, 2010.
  8. Levin, Jay. "Character actor Vince O’Brien, 91, of Haworth dies", The Record (Bergen County), June 21, 2010. Accessed June 22, 2010.
  9. Staff. "Richard Anderson", Turner Classic Movies. Accessed June 22, 2010.
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