Opinion: Mercedes ad racks up tasteful Miles

This particular ad did what it was born to do. I remember the product: Mercedes Benz automobiles. Just because a clever commercial is memorable, it isn’t worth a hoot if viewers can’t recall the name of the sponsor.

The scenario of the ad was a modern day Noah’s Ark.

Forget the Genesis version – the 300-cubit-long, hand-built ark – the commercial version appeared to be a modern ship with a wide ramp allowing two of everything to come aboard.

Viewers behold video footage of pairs of exotic animals proudly striding up the ramp. Among the magnificent tigers and the like, not a snake, tree sloth or hyena is in sight.

I didn’t say this ad was realistic. To accept the premise, you must suspend belief and buy into the concept that the end is near; only select pairs will go on to the next world.

The payoff comes at the conclusion, when two Mercedes zoom up the ramp. I assume the two cars will mate, thereby ensuring the next world will have the benefit of luxury cars.

The exclusiveness premise of the ad worked, but that’s not what was memorable for me. Among the animals chosen for survival were two people apparently designated to keep humanity alive in the next world and, of course, drive Mercedes Benzes.

It was the man in the ad that caused me to think. Actually, it was what the he was carrying that provoked the thinking.

It was a jazz record album: “Birth of the Cool” by Miles Davis. Given a choice of only one possession, the man opted for the record.

Music too good to leave behind coupled with cars too good to leave behind – the message was delivered in exquisite style.

As a dyed-in-the-wool jazz fan, I feel Miles Davis was a fine choice. I might have picked either “Kind of Blue” or “Miles Ahead” myself, but his selection was good.

It’s likely the producer of the ad intended only to create interest in the product; however it caused me to think about something more than luxury cars.

If I were the man in the commercial, going to wherever this ark was bound, and could take only one item, what would it be?

Dear readers, assuming you can do two things at once, think about this while reading on. If not, stop and think before proceeding.

Given the choice, some folks wouldn’t be able to make one; it would take Two Men and a Truck (using both men) to bring aboard “absolute” necessities.

Sorry, one item only.

What would it be?

Since Noah built the first ark at God’s command, it might be good to find out if this voyage is under the same sponsorship.

If so, a Bible might be a wise choice. I suppose that would depend on the depth of one’s spiritual beliefs.

As a jazz fan, I understand the choice of the man in the commercial; however, I don’t believe a single album would be my choice. As good as Miles Davis may be, after awhile, it would get pretty tiresome. Besides, if the man’s companion in the commercial isn’t carrying a record player, they aren’t going to be listening to anything.

Have you been thinking about your choice? If so, I suspect that, like me, you have found it well nigh impossible to decide on the one and only item you would take.

Relax. It was just a commercial.

It isn’t necessary to make the decision; just contemplate the things you hold most dear. Luckily, you don’t have to part with any of them.

Faced with this scenario for real, I would assume the other person in the commercial to be my wife. She would pack for us both.

When the ark lands, we could each hop into a Mercedes and race off into the sunset. That would work.

Joe McAdoo is former chairman of the communication department at Drury University.

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