Produced by the Dallas-based Bill Stokes Associates, this 1973 marketing film for Pearl Beer introduces its sales representatives to sales improvement programs and a new advertising campaign. To enliven that approach, the film does so through song. A quartet of players performs a variety of upbeat, original songs about the Pearl brand and ways to boost returns. While the songs hint at training programs, sales incentives, and a new marketing strategy, they reserve full explanations for the hypothetical Pearl representative that would deliver the marketing presentation in person (lest the film fall into the hands of the competition). The film does preview a nostalgic advertising campaign, including a pitch featuring Judge Roy Bean. Established in 1883, the Pearl Brewing Company was based in San Antonio and distributed across the state. In 1977, Pearl was acquired by what is now known as the Pabst Brewing Company. While the Pearl Brewery in San Antonio closed in 2001, the beer is still in production at Miller Brewing’s Fort Worth facility.
Formed in 1965, Bill Stokes Associates (later to be known as The Stokes Group) was a Dallas-based production company that made industrial and promotional films for a range of clients spanning from Mary Kay Cosmetics to the United States Navy. In 1966, Bill Stokes Associates provided sound stage and production services for the 1967 film Bonnie and Clyde. Bill Stokes has been honored by the Dallas Producers Association with a Film Pioneer Award.