“American Experience,” public television’s esteemed documentary series, takes a look at the bowls that burp and the business phenomenon they inspired in “Tupperware!,” a documentary directed by Laurie Kahn-Leavitt. Though passing attention is paid to inventor Earl Tupper and his then-revolutionary line of airtight plastic containers (they were, in fact, inspired by paint cans), the program focuses on his second-in-command, Brownie Wise, and the home parties she championed.
It was Wise who convinced the introverted inventor to sell his products exclusively through those parties, a move that helped the firm become a national sensation and catapulted thousands of women into home-based businesses.
The show’s mostly positive tone emphasizes the empowerment of its predominantly female sales force. But some bitter truths leak out: The company built by women was, in its early years anyway, run by men. Husbands of the more successful saleswomen were lured in, then promoted. And Wise, preferring to remain the only female executive, was herself fired in 1958 with a paltry sum ($35,000) to show for her empire-building efforts. Tupper sold the firm a year later for $16 million.
The hourlong program is a feast of kitschy archival footage and telling interviews with veteran “Tupperware ladies.” It’s also a revealing glimpse into the 1950s. However grateful you are that Tupperware was invented, you’ll be in no hurry to travel back in time. “The good old days” is indeed a relative term. “Tupperware!” airs at 9 p.m. Monday on WTTW-Ch. 11.
Newsletter for food lovers
“Savoring Chicago,” a newsletter written by Lydia Marchuk, focuses on food stores across Chicago and the suburbs. Each issue has a single theme: The Jan.-Feb. edition spotlights six butcher shops; Devon Avenue’s ethnic shops will be the topic of March-April. The newsletter takes a reader-friendly approach and helps fill the void left by the departed “Local Palate.” Read online excerpts at savoringchicago.com. A year’s subscription (6 issues) is $18; call 866-820-2787.
Calling all Valentines
– Chocolate mania: Cable’s Food Network devotes lots of February airtime to Valentine’s Day. The network’s stars, including Emeril Lagasse and Jamie Oliver, turn their attention to all things chocolate. The calorie-laden lineup airs 7-11 p.m. Sunday and 6:30-11:30 p.m. Monday; an all-day marathon will air 1-11 p.m.–when else?–Feb. 14. Check local listings or visit foodnetwork.com.
– The January-February issues of many food magazines offer scanty coverage for Valentine’s Day, which seems a waste for such a great excuse to eat chocolate. Gourmet bucks the trend with the words “Chocolate Heaven” emblazoned on its February cover, as well as a luscious shot of chocolate espresso pots de creme. Tempting recipes continue inside, including chocolate fallen souffle cake. And the February issue of Martha Stewart Living weighs in with a cozy dinner menu for the romantically inclined, and yummy brownie and blondie recipes for everyone else.
