WARNING: The following video is NSFW (Not Safe For Work)![]
Reason: Video contains animal abuse.
RSPCA - How Much is that Doggy in the Window? (1987) PIF
"GIVE US THE CASH OR YOU'LL SEE BENJI'S BRAINS!" - Nostalgia Critic
Background Information[]
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty To Animals is one of the largest and oldest animal welfare charities in the United Kingdom and perhaps the world (it was founded in 1824). One of their most memorable Public Information Films is this one from 1987.
Synopsis[]
BBFC Rating: 18
We see a cute dog just sitting there as the camera zooms in slowly on his face. We then see a human hand holding a revolver come from off-screen and point the gun at the dog. The narrator tells the audience to give them money or else they'll pull the trigger.
Why it's cursed[]
They say they are going to kill the cute innocent dog if you don't give them money. Kind of scary and bizarre since their whole message/purpose is to stop dogs and other animals from being treated cruelly, yet they're threatening to kill a dog, making it seem hypocritical.
Most Americans will notice the ad bears an uncanny resemblance to the iconic cover of the January 1973 issue of National Lampoon, a well-known US humor and parody magazine. The cover featured a photo of a man's hand holding a revolver to a dog's head and the caption "If You Don't Buy This Magazine, We'll Kill This Dog". Also, it's a black and white mixed-breed dog in front of a blue canvas background and making a similar expression on his face. The difference is National Lampoon is joking, while the RSPCA is using it in a serious context.
This commercial was so cursed, that the RSPCA literally replaced the commercial without the gun, and shortened it.