Wednesday, October 12, 2011

On And Off The Camera With Zippo Lighters

The Zippo lighter has become an integral part of American culture. Since its inception back in the early 1930s, the product itself has become a standard in durable lighters. Its lifetime guarantee is renowned internationally, ensuring consumers of high quality lighters that will stand the test of time. It is of little wonder why it is commonly seen on shows and used by celebrities. Here are some interesting trivia about its use by famous celebrities and fictional characters.

Various movies have featured the Zippo lighter in one way or another. It may not be the star of the show but it often holds an important purpose in the film. In movies such as "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade," "Black Rain" and the "Die Hard" movie series, the leading male actors use this iconic brand to save the day or reveal an important part of the story.

The 1930s and 40s were the heyday of Zippos. During this time, there was an increase of films produced and released that used a war theme. Movies and television shows during this time commonly showed the Zippo lighter as part of the hero's getup. The same brand and strategy would later be used in war films produced during the Vietnamese and Korean wars. Off the screen, a large number of soldiers during the Second World War brought lighters from the Zippo Company. The promotion on and off the camera made the brand even more popular.

Television shows are not exempt from showing a Zippo lighter or two. "Bones" character Agent Seeley Booth is commonly shown holding, using or playing with his lighter in several episodes. The item is featured as frequently as his weapon, his FBI ID and Saint Christopher medal.

Use of the Zippo lighter is not limited to fictional characters and celebrities. Director George Stevens used the famous brand while filming the documentary "D-Day to Berlin." This documentary about the invasion of Normandy during the Second War went on to win the award for Outstanding Individual Achievement in 1994.

Even death is not a reason to be parted with the old reliable lighter. Reports indicate that Frank Sinatra was buried with a lighter from Zippo along with a number of other small trinkets including a few pieces of candy, a miniature bottle of whiskey and a pack of cigarettes. Whether the lighter was one from his own collection or donated by one of his relatives or friends has not been confirmed.

More than a thousand movies and television shows have featured Zippo lighters. The look and even sound of a Zippo lighter igniting has become as iconic as using a pocketknife outdoors. As a bastion in the lighter industry, its image will continue to be used and highlighted in many more shows and movies to come.

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