c.1970 Marx (UK), Mr Smash Walking Martian in Original Box
Mr. Smash was actually a commercial advertising figure used to promote the sale of Cadbury's Smash# brand of instant mashed potatoes. The "For Mash get Smash" sticker logo on the robot's chest refers to the potato product. It became a well known European phrase in the early to mid-1970's. The commercial shows a family of Martians marveling at the curious potato eating habits of "primitive" Earthlings. It was such a big hit that Cadbury's contracted the Marx company to produce a plastic robot toy based on the commercial. To see the original commercial click on this link to youtube. The toy is all plastic with clockwork motor and removable antennae. It hobbles slightly as it moves forward. Simultaneously the arms move back in forth in opposite directions while the upper head and mouth move up and down. The little brown object held in Mr. Smash's right claw is actually a plastic potato! Best of all it works great! It comes with its original box and insert. Four panels feature an illustration of the toy inside his spaceship holding up a potato. Two of the main box panels include two full color photographs from the actual commercial. The upper photo shows a behind-the-scene view with a human being technician. The bottom photo was as it actually appeared on television. Size: Approx. 8" including antennae. Sold: Dec. 2008
Price Sold: $ 129
