I heard the original radio version, by Tony Schwartz, in a recent episode of 99% Invisible. Everyone should watch and listen to this minute-long PSA — and pass it on.
[Prompted by this news story.]
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January 2, 2018: A comment from Anton Schwartz, Tony Schwartz’s son, notes that Alan Bleviss, whose voice is heard on this PSA, died on December 30.
Friday, December 29, 2017
Close the door
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comments: 6
That is super effective!
I hope I never have to use this advice, but if there's a fire, now I will close the door, when truly, I'm not sure I would have thought of it before.
And it's a great example of the power of repetition too:
"Build the wall, build the wall".
Yep. It’s unforgettable. I wouldn’t have thought of it either.
The PBS NewsHour coverage of the Bronx fire tonight made no mention of the open door that allowed the fire to spread more quickly. “Close the door, close the door, close the door” is what NYC’s fire commissioner said at a news conference about the fire. PBS missed a good chance to pass on that message.
Thank you for posting this! Sadly, the brilliant voiceover artist on this PSA, Alan Bleviss, passed away on Saturday, just the day after your post. Readers probably know his voice from the trailers for lots of famous films of the 80s and 90s. He was a wonderful human being - a real loss.
I know this commercial especially well. As a child, I made hundreds of reel-to-reel duplicates of it to ship to fire departments across the country who requested it. Tony Schwartz was my father. :)
BTW, here's another spot they did together for the New York PBA.
best regards,
Anton
Anton, thanks so much for your comment. I’m grateful to learn about Alan Bleviss and sorry to learn of his death. I think you’re a fortunate guy to have Tony Schwartz for a father.
This is Alan's daughter, Sarah. Thank you for sharing this spot.
Sarah, I’m sorry for the loss of your father. Thanks for writing.
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