Old Pumpkin Cutter Ad
March 21st, 2010 by John WolfeI don’t recall ever seeing this spot for the Pumpkin Cutter during Halloween, but judging by the age of the footage–I’m guessing mid ’80s–I was probably living in Europe when it was airing. Apparently, the Pumpkin Cutter was the predecessor to current kid-friendly carving products like those made by Pumpkin Masters.
Source: YT user, allcommercials
As I was listening to the voice-over work for the Pumpkin Cutter, it reminded me of the voice that narrates the original Clapper spot. If it’s not the same guy, then I’d be willing to bet they’re brothers. See what you think.
Source: YT user, Quiverwing
I have a couple of quirky ties to this Clapper ad–one being that the lady at the very end looks identical to my grandmother. And another one being that I can’t watch any Clapper ads (new or old) without laughing due to my grandfather’s commentary.
Years ago, when the above spot first aired, he never understand that the words to the jingle were: “Clap on! Clap off! Clap on! Clap off! The Clapper!” So instead, he started singing his own rendition of, “Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap!” and it’s been that way ever since.
He has the correct tune down and everything, but twenty-plus years later he still insists they’re only saying “clap.” 
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March 21st, 2010 at 9:32 pm
I think I remember seeing the pumpkin cutter as a boy. the clapper is one I will never forget. Like your grandpa I was always singing the clapper song but I didn’t say clap clap clap clap clap.
March 22nd, 2010 at 12:22 am
Oh your Grandpa. I probably know more about him than I should
So tell me John, did Grandpa REALLY think they were only saying “clap” and not the very obvious, “clap on….clap off?” The “on” and “off” were always so well pronounced. Or is he similar to G that way in that he’ll make a point to say it differently just to get a rise out of people? Either way my heart still goes out for Grandma and on more than one level 
She must be a strong soul to put up with some of the delightful stories I’ve heard about….lol.
Now, lol, anybody who doesn’t know you or the website very well would absolutely wonder why on earth you have a “Clap on” advertisement on a Halloween website. Of course you and I know SOS is much more than Halloween related items but it’s because of your personal experience with family members that such a commercial would bring back so many wonderful ongoing memories.
March 22nd, 2010 at 1:00 pm
frightnight,
Cool, glad to know you remember seeing it when it aired. It just doesn’t ring a bell for me. I’m with you on the clapper–it’s one that gets stuck in my head every November and December.
Goldie,
Early on, it may have started out that he genuinely didn’t know or couldn’t hear (because he is hard of hearing) the proper pronunciation of certain words, phrases and songs. However, I think it’s grown into being a combination of the former and also a means to be stubborn and tick my grandma off!
I am always looking for an opportunity to share the funny stuff both my grandfather and uncle pulled over the years, but I also wanted to see if anyone thought the Clapper voice-over guy sounded like the same one who narrated the Pumpkin Cutter ad. Both products look to be promoted in a similar way–just like The Clapper, OveGlove, Chia Pet and CSL (Creosote Sweeping Log) all have similar means of promotion during the holidays, nowadays.
Thanks for checking it out and commenting.