Kitchen Aide
A Word to the Wives (1955): 6 out of 10: is a lighthearted, comedic exploration of domestic life in mid-20th-century America. The film was developed as an instructional feature by Telamerica and was funded by the Youngstown Kitchens division of American-Standard.
Blending humor with subtle product advertising. Although only about 10 minutes long, this piece captures the gender roles, consumer expectations, and social norms of the post-World War II era, using the domestic kitchen as its central focus. The film serves as both a cultural artifact of 1950s domestic ideology and a unique example of advertising techniques during this period.
RiffTrax Version
RiffTrax Version: 10 out of 10: Mary Jo Pehl and Bridget Nelson are simply on fire in this delightful short. They are helped by the presence of the one and only Darren McGavin (A Christmas Story) who does rage like no one else.
The rest of the cast (Outside of the kid) is also top-notch with Marsha Hunt (1940’s Pride and Prejudice) a particular delight as the bragging housewife convincing her poor Eeyore neighbor to trick her husband into a new kitchen. (As Mary Jo and Bridget point out, she not just brags about her kitchen, but brags about her golf score as well).
They do such a good job humiliating poor Darren that he ends up buying a whole new house. Rampant consumerism and keeping up with the Jones vibe is throughout the short. The RiffTrax version is simply a home run from beginning to end.
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