The Post family admire their 1962 Lark Skytop on this Studebaker postcard.

Dismissed by the major networks, Mister Ed needed sponsorship to buy air time for syndication. Studebaker would be the corporate savior of the new show. The automobile manufacturer's individual dealerships bought a time slot in their respective local markets. What convinced them to finance Mister Ed?

One factor was a short, lighthearted film presentation made at a 1960 dealer's meeting in Chicago. After a showing of the pilot, The Wonderful World of Wilbur Pope, George Burns appears to discuss the show and explain why it would help sell Studebakers. Burns, holding his trademark cigar, says that although Studebaker management liked the pilot, they requested stronger personalities to play the leads. That's why he chose promising young actress Connie Hines and established star Alan Young. Burns goes on to mention Arthur Lubin and his success with the Francis the Talking Mule movies, and the wonderful writers he had assembled.

Burns then introduces Alan Young who steps out of a Studebaker Lark and greets the viewers. He says he is "so enthused" about the project and goes into character (at this point in time Wilbur is still a lawyer). He does a monologue, pleading a client's case to a judge with typical Wilbur-like clumsiness.

Young then introduces Connie Hines and the two perform a short skit. Carol inquires about Wilbur's day in court. Wilbur explains he just couldn't tell the judge how he knew the defendant's car crashed into that of his client. Carol prods him for the answer. Wilbur reluctantly tells her the identity of his informant.

Finally, Young introduces Mister Ed (a different horse than the Ed we know from the show). Ed tells Wilbur that his sales pitch is not going well and advises him to "Polish the Lark." Wilbur frantically polishes the Lark, even crawling underneath the chassis. Ed looks into the camera and makes a bold prediction.

Audio Excerpts

•  George Burns is high on the talking horse idea (.wav, 24KB)
•  Wilbur reveals his informant to Carol (.wav, 23KB)
•  Alan Young introduces Ed (.wav, 20KB)
•  Ed's bold prediction (.wav, 20KB)