Stand clear of the crazy Mitchum Man With subway security on everyone’s mind in New York these days, when will the NYPD crack down on that notorious underground rule breaker, the Mitchum Man? As a story in The New York Times points out, the Mitchum subway ads celebrate lots of behavior that’s against subterranean rules. “If you've ever hurdled anything while running for the train, you’re a Mitchum Man,” says one. You’re also breaking MTA rules, not to mention probably making people nervous. Says another ad: “If you’re pretty sure you could kick out the window in the event of an emergency, you’re a Mitchum Man.” So much for waiting for instructions from the train crew. An MTA rep says, “We were not aware of the wording of the advertising, because Viacom, the agent that sells it, did not call it to our attention. We’ve spoken to them about it and it will not happen again.” Perhaps the Mitchum Man should focus on calmly walking to the train and not kicking anything. —Posted by Tim Nudd

July 25, 2005 | Permalink

Comments

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Looks like Mitchum was a victim of very bad timing. They should cut their losses and pull the ads from the subway.

Posted by: Al | Jul 25, 2005 12:41:37 AM

Way to stay on top things Adfreak. How old is this story??

Posted by: Keith | Jul 25, 2005 10:24:34 AM

when did you expect AdFreak to be current or relevant... it's just another way for the writers to get their name out.

redish, dish, redish ad/media/brand/week/vnu

Posted by: punk | Jul 27, 2005 1:04:58 AM

Despite all that cool, aware detachment, the writer and posters know full well this is big-balls time for the moisturizing male populace, which now encompasses not just the urban slick types but includes the most perspicacious trendy guy to be found in Vaucluse , SC. The Mitchum ads take aim at the insecurity of the male gelding--am I extreme? am I a man of action , or a wimp slathered in self-care preparations?--and trades a bit on the rather moldy rep of the name 'Mitchum' as well: the perennial bad boy of the movies, not even a face any more, so much as a trademark for the devil-may-care attitude that only a few can afford in these conformist times. (Take that "fuck you" attitude to work, Mr. Brass Balls, and see what it gets you.) Or better yet, jump the turnstiles, jam yourself into the subway car, and be the guy with the backpack/briefcase in a very tense situation. Let's see how that cool holds up then. Brought to you by Mitchum, Coke, etc., etc., etc.

Posted by: jb | Jul 31, 2005 7:17:49 PM

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