Tuesday, April 25, 2017

Bizarre TV Tie-Ins: Gavin by Hormel

In the late 70's and early 80's, The Love Boat was one of the biggest shows on television. Hollywood's hasbeens lined up to board the adventurous, romantic Princess cruise. Overseeing the operation was Captain Stubing, portrayed by Gavin MacLeod. He often dispensed wise advice in addition to keeping a steady hand in piloting the ship.

That's why it must have seemed like a good idea to introduce a cologne named after the balding, middle aged actor who eagerly presided over a "Bang Boat". And who else could make you smell like a Captain than the company known for processed meats, Hormel?






Yes, that's a real advertisement for "Gavin by Hormel", a short lived cologne produced by the meat packing company in a strange diversification attempt. The product and the Hormel chemical division were quickly killed off when the meat producer came to its senses.