Zippo lighters have an entertainment resume and career longevity that a superstar would envy. They were a required accessory for film heroes of the 30s and 40s - as much a part of the costume as the trench coat and fedora. American GIs have been equipped with Zippo lighters both on and off screen since the early days of World War II. The familiar shape and distinctive click sound are as instantly recognizable as Grouchos moustache, the Dukes drawl, or Julia Roberts smile.
|
Movie Star
Zippo's rise to prominence during World War II is reflected by the large number of films that feature Zippo lighters, both those made during that period and afterward. Whether it's Donna Reed lighting Montgomery Clift's cigarette in From Here to Eternity or Errol Flynn wielding his Zippo with characteristically suave leading-man style in Objective Burma, a Zippo lighter provides an instant air of authenticity. Director George Stevens was captured using his Zippo during the making of his documentary D-Day to Berlin. In 1945, Vincent Minelli's The Clock used a lighter to bring Judy Garland and Robert Walker together for a whirlwind courtship. The dialogue indicates that it is a Zippo lighter, but the shortage of civilian Zippo lighters forced the use of a stand-in. (See Zippo history
for more information about the shortage of Zippo lighters during World War II.)
Featured Movie Role the air i breatheFour stories, representing the emotional principles of love, pleasure, sorrow, and happiness, come together in this episodic drama. A powerful crime boss, Fingers, subtly controls the destinies of four people whose circumstances have brought them to a crossroads in their lives. A quiet business executive is told that an upcoming horse race has been rigged and bets everything he has on his belief that the story is true. A noted pop singer discovers her career is hanging in the balance when she's forced to sever ties with her manager. A doctor must set aside a physician's traditional guidelines when circumstances demand he treat the woman he loves after a serious accident. And a criminal has a powerful vision of the future, but can't decide if his premonitions are to be trusted. Cast: Andy Garcia, Kevin Bacon, Forest Whitaker, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Brendan Fraser Directed by: Jieho Lee Distributed by: NALA Films Released: 2007 Also see Zippo in…
|
Broadway StarThe Zippo lighter is the performer’s favorite prop. Numerous Broadway and stage productions have used the Zippo lighter to personify cool and light the way for thespians the world over. From hits like Ain’t Misbehavin’, Hairspray, Jersey Boys to STOMP the Zippo lighter has graced the stage in numerous theatrical presentations. Featured Stage Role STOMP![]() An innovative group of British performers has completed the Zippo lighter’s transformation to a musical instrument. In STOMP, the eight-person troupe combines percussion, dance, and unlikely objects to produce amusing and infectious musical numbers, one of which is performed entirely with Zippo lighters. Co-founder Luke Creswell explains the genesis of the Zippo number:
Also see Zippo in…
|
Television StarThe Zippo lighter has its presence not only in box office smash movies, but also in many TV programs. The Zippo Lady Bradford table lighter proudly graced the coffee table in the Ricardo's living room in the '50s comedy I Love Lucy. Through the decades the Zippo lighter has appeared in many top TV shows including M*A*S*H, Seinfeld, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and as a staple prop in the award winning Mad Men. Featured TV Role I Love Lucy![]() Zippo fans need only tune in their televisions or rent a movie from the video store to catch the Zippo lighter in performance. Fans of classic television re-runs will notice the Zippo Lady Bradford table lighter proudly gracing the coffee table in the Ricardo's living room in the '50s comedy I Love Lucy. Super fans have even counted the number of times the Lady Bradford is used in various episodes. Also see Zippo in…
|
Video Game StarThe Zippo lighter has appeared in many video games as a tool used in various ways noticeable by not only the shape but also the iconic “click” sound. The Zippo lighter even appears in the ever-popular Call of Duty franchise of games. Also see Zippo in…
|
Music StarThe music world’s definition of cool… the Zippo lighter. Whether it is held high in hand at a concert or used as a musical prop in videos, on stage, or in the studio, the Zippo lighter is sure to make an appearance. Eric Clapton even used the click sound from a Zippo lighter lid opening and closing as a backing rhythm track to his hit single “It’s Probably Me.” Featured Music Role It's Probably MeSometimes a theme song sets the tone for a film. A Zippo lighter was literally instrumental in creating the mood for Lethal Weapon III, starring Mel Gibson and Danny Glover. Working on the song that eventually became "It's Probably Me", singer/songwriter Eric Clapton absentmindedly clicked his Zippo lighter in creative cogitation. The rhythmic sound finally captured his attention and provided the inspiration for the staccato melody. The Zippo lighter also plays a part in the music video as it clicks in time with, and becomes part of, the musical background. Also see Zippo in…
|