Tupperware! (1994)

Tupperware! Poster

The remarkable story of Earl Silas Tupper, an ambitious but reclusive small-town inventor, and Brownie Wise, the self-taught sales-woman who built him an empire out of bowls that burped. Brownie was an intuitive marketing genius who trained a small army of Tupperware Ladies to put on Tupperware parties in living rooms across America in the 1950s. She rewarded her sales force with minks and modern appliances at extravagant annual jubilees which the company filmed. her saleswomen earned thousands, even millions, selling Tupperware. And the experience changed their lives.

Overview:
"Tupperware!" is a remarkable, historic documentary directed by Laurie Kahn-Leavitt and launched in 1994. The film dives deep into the world of Tupperware, explaining both its creation and colossal impact on post-War American society. The director utilizes a combination of interviews, sentimental clips, and initial Tupperware materials to depict vividly the story of one of America's the majority of iconic products.

Genesis of Tupperware:
The film opens with the conception of Tupperware. Earl Tupper, an introverted yet visionary innovator, is highlighted as the brain behind the innovative airtight plastic containers. Nevertheless, simply creating an excellent item was inadequate to guarantees its success, as early efforts at selling Tupperware in department stores were met lukewarm action.

Function of Brownie Wise:
The turnaround in the Tupperware story was largely credited to Brownie Wise, an entrepreneurial female initially employed as a part-time sales representative, who took advantage of the underutilized skill and energy of American homemakers. Wise recommended selling the item in an unique method-- utilizing the principle of 'Tupperware celebrations'. This involved a group of females gathering at a hostess's home, producing a comfortable social environment for showing and promoting the item. Wise's sales technique not only increased Tupperware's sales but also changed direct selling strategies around the world.

Females Empowerment and Tupperware:
A substantial narrative thread of the film involves the empowerment of cult-suited females in the 1950s. The documentary highlights how Tupperware made contributions to shape society as ladies started to work outside their homes. It brought an entertaining lorry for connecting with other women, keeping them productive, and becoming economically independent without breaking social norms for stay-at-home mothers. Wise's success story is also portrayed as motivating for many, as she increased from a single mother to vice president of Tupperware.

Tupperware's Cultural Impact:
"Tupperware!" provides an extensive take on how a daily home item had large cultural implications. It emphasizes the rise of consumerism, climate of post-war optimism, and the role of brand-new domestic innovations in shaping rural life. Tupperware parties transformed into a platform for informational sessions about homemaking, parenting, and other domestic skills.

Conclusion:
The movie concludes with the dismissal of Brownie Wise due to her public image eclipsing that of the inventor, Earl Tupper. However, her remarkable contribution to Tupperware's success and ladies's empowerment is acknowledged. "Tupperware!" does a dazzling job in showcasing the history and significance of Tupperware while likewise checking out themes of enterprise, marketing, gender, developments, consumerism, and the role of women in mid-20th century America.

Top Cast

  • Kathy Bates (small)
    Kathy Bates
    Narrator
  • Karen MacDonald
    Brownie Wise (voice)
  • Will LeBow
    Earl Tupper (voice)
  • Brownie Wise
    Self (achive footage)
  • Earl Tupper
    Self (achive footage)