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A 10-minute masterclass in failing upward—1947 style.

So You Want to Be a Salesman (1947)

slapstick chaosretro cringecapitalism satire

Overview

Joe McDoakes begins a new job as a vacuum cleaner salesman but can't seem to sell any.

Content warning

salesman vacuum cleaner door to door salesman

Standout Aspects

Acting

George O'Hanlon's physical comedy is chef's kiss.

Direction

Richard L. Bare packs three acts into ten minutes.

Best for:Background: Perfect palate cleanser between heavy films.·Solo: Quick laugh when nobody's watching.

Director

Richard L. Bare

ReleasedSep 13, 1947

Runtime10m

StatusReleased

Vibe

Pacefast

Intensitymedium

Tonelight

Feellight

Richard L. Bare Productions

Top Cast

George O'Hanlon

Joe McDoakes

Art Gilmore

Narrator (voice)

Leonard Bremen

Sales Manager's Assistant (uncredited)

Jane Harker

Alice McDoakes (uncredited)

Ted Stanhope

Sales Manager (uncredited)

Charles Sullivan

Third Customer (uncredited)

Ask about So You Want to Be a Salesman

Opens AI chat

Deep Dive

Trivia, insights & behind the scenes

Cultural

Part of a massive 63-short series that ran 1942-1956, basically the 1940s equivalent of a YouTube channel.

Trivia

George O'Hanlon later voiced George Jetson—proof that failing salesmen become future dads.

Reviews

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So You Want... Collection(58 films)

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1951

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1951

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1952

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1952

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1953

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1953

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1953

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1954

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1954

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1954

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1954

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1955

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1955

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1956

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So You Want to Be Pretty

1956

So You Want to Play the Piano

So You Want to Play the Piano

1956

So Your Wife Wants to Work

So Your Wife Wants to Work

1956

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