This iconic scene, often dubbed a “Used Cars Movie” moment, perfectly encapsulates dark humor and societal satire within a fictional car commercial. It begins with the somber tones of President Carter addressing the nation about high inflation, a very real concern of the late 1970s.
The scene abruptly cuts to a local used car dealership commercial, “New Deal Used Cars,” hosted by the flamboyant Marshall Lucky (Jeff). This immediate juxtaposition highlights the absurdity of everyday commercialism against the backdrop of serious national issues.
Marshall Lucky’s solution to inflation is anything but conventional. “We’re lowering inflation… by blowing the living shit out of high prices!” he declares, brandishing a firearm. This sets the tone for the over-the-top violence that ensues, all in the name of selling used cars.
He proceeds to showcase a “1972 Cadillac Coupe DeVille for sixty-two ninety-nine,” immediately deeming the price “too high” before dramatically shooting the car.
Next, a “Lincoln Continental, Mark IV, 1973,” loaded with features, also meets the same violent fate because its price is “just too high.” The sheer absurdity of destroying valuable vintage cars to combat inflation is the comedic core of this “used cars movie” parody.
The scene escalates further with the introduction of “High Prices” personified by Jim the Mechanic in a ridiculous costume. Marshall Lucky “defeats” High Prices with more gunfire in a staged, cartoonish fight.
The climax arrives when Marshall Lucky presents a “1974 Mercedes 450SL for twenty-four thousand dollars,” reacting with outrage at the price. Instead of simply shooting it, he blows it up with dynamite, much to the dismay of Roy, watching at home, who seems to own that particular Mercedes.
Roy’s exclaimed “You son of a bitch!” perfectly mirrors the audience’s likely shock and amusement.
The commercial concludes with Marshall Lucky reiterating the dealership’s name and invitation to “come on down,” before cutting back to President Carter, who, seemingly unfazed, states, “I have heard you, with unmistakable clarity…” This return to reality only amplifies the comedic disconnect and satirical bite of the “used cars movie” commercial.
The final punchline is Roy, in utter frustration, kicking his television, leading to his electrocution.
This scene remains a memorable example of how “used cars movie” moments can use over-the-top humor to comment on economic anxieties and the often-absurd world of advertising. It’s a darkly comedic take that resonates even today.
