Success Story
In 1955, the television industry experienced a surge in growth. Many individuals purchased their first television sets, although they were not yet found everywhere. Programming options were limited, and watching television had not yet become a habitual activity. Commercial stations and sponsors alike sought ways to make broadcasting profitable and experimented with various programs.
One such experiment was “Success Story”, sponsored by the Richfield Oil Company of California. In each half-hour episode, the cheerful host would take viewers on a tour of a local thriving organization, typically an industrial firm. The viewers would be introduced to the CEO, meet employees operating complex machines, and witness the manufacturing process in action. The production of the show involved a dedicated on-site film crew of 25 people, and close collaboration between the firm’s management and representatives from Richfield Oil to ensure captivating visuals and a well-crafted script.
However, the actual broadcasting of the TV show was merely a means to an end. Richfield Oil’s true objective was to foster relationships with influential industrialists on the West Coast. These highly regarded individuals oversaw large-scale purchases of petroleum products and often became loyal Richfield customers after their appearance on Success Story.
Sawyer’s Inc
The growth in 45 years to worldwide leadership in its field will be told when live cameras visit Sawyer’s Inc., the home of View-Master. Viewers will see the world of fantasy used to tell the story of stereoscope pictures.
Presented above is one of the few remaining episodes of Success Story—an elusive gem. Companies had the opportunity to procure kinescope recordings for their exclusive use, yet only a select few managed to endure the test of time.