Television: Coke Choke

"During this festive winter season," TV Announcer Henri Bergeron told Montrealers, with a pause-that-refreshes smile, "Drink good Coca-Cola. Why don't you share one with me now?" Bergeron, the town's top announcer, toasted his vast audience, took a long, deep draught from the glass, choked. He gasped. He coughed. Finally he managed to rasp: "If you want it in quantity, here's the large economy bottle."

Montreal viewers were delighted, bombarded the station with scores of phone calls. Sample: "I've been watching that live commercial for months just waiting for something like that to happen. It...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!