Underground Sundae

About This Movie

So, 'Underground Sundae' from 1968 is really this curious bit of marketing ephemera that aims to shove Schrafft’s Diner into a more youthful spotlight. It's almost like a time capsule of the era’s attempt to attract a younger crowd—lots of bright colors, upbeat tunes, and a really playful vibe. The pacing is brisk, keeping that light-hearted tone throughout, with catchy visuals that just scream mid-century charm. What’s fascinating is how they created this whole inviting atmosphere, almost like a mini musical without the actual songs. Really, it’s the kind of film you can’t help but chuckle at, especially when thinking about how diners were struggling to stay relevant back then. Definitely a unique piece in the context of ad films.

This short film is often overlooked, which makes finding a decent copy a challenge. It was primarily released for in-house promotion, so the prints are quite rare. Collector interest has been growing, particularly among those who appreciate vintage advertisements and the cultural context of 1960s America. The few copies that surface tend to be on standard 16mm, but the lack of high-quality versions keeps the market interesting.