Zippo in the Movies
In the well known film “Black Rain”, actor Michael Douglas used a Zippo lighter to burn his hundred-dollar bill in one of the most fiercest scenes in cinema history. In “Die Hard”, one of Bruce Willis’s top movies, the Zippo lighter served as an important weapon that aided his personal journey on terrorism. The Zippo made such a statement that it was also used in the sequel “Die Harder”. In the classic film “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade”, it had been a Zippo lighter that aided Harrison Ford and Sean Connery in escaping a near-death experience.
The Zippo Lighter: A Hollywood Legend
Even more popular than any superstar, the Zippo Lighter has a long history in the entertainment business that is quite enviable. In the 1930’s and 40’s, the Zippo was very fitting for the heroic characters portrayed in films at that time – it was mostly utilized as an accessory to enhance the overall look of a character, just like a trench coat or fedora would. World War II was extremely influential in increasing the popularity of the Zippo. On and off the screen, it was highly used by U.S. troops, thus becoming a national symbol. Today, the “click” of a Zippo lighter is as distinguishable as the Groucho’s moustache, Julia Robert’s smile, or the Duke’s drawl.
It does not stop there. Zippo is continually starring in more than 1,200 films, television shows, and theatrical productions. Please email us if you have seen the Zippo lighter in a production that is not listed.
The Zippo Lighter: A Celebrity Casted with Thousands
As mentioned already, Zippo’s popularity increased noticeably during World War II, which is made obvious when one observes the sheer number of appearances that the Zippo lighter has made in the films during and after the war. The Zippo lighter offers a sense of authenticity that no other prop can, which is demonstrated through the scene in which Donna Reed lighted Montgomery Clift’s cigarette in “From Here to Eternity” or in the way Flynn suavely handled his Zippo lighter in “Objective Burma”. In the famous documentary “D-Day to Berlin”, Director George Stevens was spotted utilizing his personal Zippo as he worked on his masterpiece. In the 1945 film “The Clock”, Director Vincent Minelli used the Zippo as a plot tool to romantically bring together the characters of Judy Garland and Robert Walker. However, the lighter did not physically star in the film, due to the shortage of Zippos at that time.
The Zippo lighter is not only associated with World War II, it also stars in movies related to the Korean War and the Vietnam War. In “Sergeant Terror”, a Zippo connected the characters of Karl Malden and Richard Widmark and in “Pork Chop Hill”, actor Gregory Peck had to depend on his Zippo for moral support.
Furthermore, in the popular film “The Green Berets” (starring John Wayne), the Duke’s camouflage model of the Zippo lighter is one of the most prestigious collectibles. The director of “Apocalypse Now” Francis Ford Coppola used the Zippo in the opening scenes of the film. Attempting to create an eerie mood, Coppola adorned the character of Martin Sheen with a Colt revolver and a Zippo lighter. The Zippo lighter also featured in films by means of the music. The “clicks” of a Zippo were instrumentally incorporated in the song “It’s Probably Me” for the film “Lethal Weapon III”, featuring veteran actor Mel Gibson and Danny Clover. Singer and Songwriter Eric Clapton came up with the novel idea when he accidentally discovered it by clicking his Zippo in cognitive frustration. Clapton liked the rhythm that the Zippo created and thus it provided the stimulation needed for his eventual staccato melody. In addition to the film, a Zippo also stars in the music video of the song, as it “clicks” into the main melody of the background.
The Zippo Lighter: A Perfect Prop
The Zippo lighter has strengthened its musical capabilities as an instrument through a special, novel group of British performers. Called “STOMP”, this musical group of eight people utilizes dance, percussion, and random props to create unconventional music that proves to be quite catchy. One musical piece was produced entirely with Zippo lighters and Co-Founder Luke Creswell describes how the Zippo piece came to be:
"I was in Glasgow for a big outdoor extravaganza. Everyone in the bars I went to did tricks with their Zippos. . . Fans of Zippos know they have a distinctive ping when they're opened - and I started thinking of that."
The musical group “STOMP” as experienced much success in the United States, Canada, Australia, and of course the United Kingdom.
The Zippo lighter has not only been featured in films, but also in television shows. T.V. reruns of the 1950’s comedy “I Love Lucy” feature the “Lady Bradford” Zippo lying on the coffee table of Ricardo’s living room. The popularity of “I Love Lucy” combined with that of the Zippo has even bred a group of super fans that have counted the number of Zippo appearances in several of the episodes.
The Zippo Lighter: The Past and the Future
The Zippo no doubt has an air of professionalism that proves to be valuable in many films – whether it serves to accentuate the spooky tone of the film “Hocus Pocus” or to aid the character of Gerard Depardieu in “Green Card”, the Zippo continues to impress. Additionally, another great quality of the Zippo is that it never overwhelms the role of the actual character in the film – such as that of Robert DeNiro in “Midnight Run”, Mel Gibson and Goldie Hawn in “Bird On a Wire” and Chevy Fletch in “Fletch”. The Zippo is also very versatile. It has been featured in a variety of productions: “Jurassic Park”,” The Thomas Crown Affair”,” Top Gun”,” JFK”, “The Right Stuff”, and “Out of Sight”. The lasting appeal and reliability of the Zippo lighter has been proven time and time again and will continue to do so in the future.