In the cult classic film “Used Cars” (1980), directed by Robert Zemeckis, there’s a scene that perfectly encapsulates the movie’s dark humor and satirical edge: the New Deal Used Cars commercial. This scene, featuring a memorable Cars Film Cast, is not just funny; it’s a clever commentary on advertising, consumerism, and even economic anxieties of the time, specifically inflation. Let’s delve into what makes this scene so iconic and how it fits within the broader context of car films and comedic performances.
The scene opens with a somber President Carter addressing the nation on television, lamenting “high inflation.” This sets a serious, almost grim tone, reflecting the economic worries prevalent in the late 1970s. However, the gravity is immediately undercut as the television cuts to a local car commercial – a stark and hilarious contrast.
The commercial stars Jeff, played by Gerrit Graham, as the flamboyant car salesman Marshall Lucky. He directly addresses the inflation problem, but his solution is far from conventional economic policy. “You want the solution to inflation?” he asks with mock sincerity. “Hi, friends. Marshall Lucky here for New Deal Used Cars, where we’re lowering inflation not only by fighting high prices, not only by murdering high prices, but by blowing the living shit out of high prices.” This sets the stage for the absurd visual comedy that follows.
Marshall Lucky then proceeds to demonstrate his aggressive approach to pricing. He showcases a “1972 Cadillac Coupe DeVille, for sixty-two ninety-nine,” declaring the price “too high” before dramatically shooting the car with a shotgun. He repeats this with a “Lincoln Continental, Mark IV, 1973,” loaded with features, yet deemed overpriced and similarly dispatched with gunfire. The over-the-top violence against these classic cars is inherently comedic, but it also satirizes the aggressive sales tactics and the perceived inflated prices of the era.
The humor escalates further with the appearance of Jim the Mechanic, played by Jim Piddock, in costume as “High Prices.” Freddie Paris, voicing the commercial, announces the arrival of the villain, and Marshall Lucky confronts “High Prices” (Jim) with more gunfire, resulting in Jim’s exaggerated and comical death scene. Graham’s shocked reaction, “Jesus Christ,” followed by a wink at the camera, breaks the fourth wall and adds another layer of self-aware humor.
Just when the audience thinks the absurdity has peaked, Marshall Lucky introduces a “1974 Mercedes 450SL for twenty-four thousand dollars?” This time, gunfire isn’t enough. He resorts to dynamite, blowing up the Mercedes in a spectacular explosion. Roy L. Fuchs, played by David L. Lander, watching at home, reacts with outrage, “You son of a bitch,” perfectly mirroring the audience’s shocked laughter.
The commercial concludes with Marshall Lucky laughing maniacally and reiterating the dealership’s name and invitation to “come on down,” before cutting back to President Carter, who somberly states, “I have heard you, with unmistakable clarity…” Roy, still incensed, kicks his television, electrocuting himself in a final punchline of dark comedy.
This scene from “Used Cars” is a masterclass in comedic timing and satirical writing. The cars film cast delivers their lines with perfect deadpan absurdity, and the visual gags are both shocking and hilarious. The juxtaposition of presidential address and over-the-top car commercial highlights the film’s cynical yet funny take on American culture and consumerism. It remains a memorable example of how cars and comedy can collide in film to create something truly unique and entertaining.
