±±¾©Èü³µpk10

Lowe Howard-Spink has unveiled the latest commercial in its

long-running ’reassuringly expensive’ series for Stella Artois.

The new film, entitled ’last orders’, opens with a family gathered

mournfully around the deathbed of an elderly male relative. The dutiful

son asks his father if he has any last wishes.

The man’s first two requests are achievable, if arduous - the son has to

climb a tree to pick a rare flower and brave a beehive to extract some

honey. The old man’s final request, however, leaves the family recoiling

in horror. He wants a Stella Artois.

The family pools together their last francs to fulfil his request. The

son rushes off to get the pint. However, during the long journey home,

he cannot resist drinking the lot.

He gets away with his betrayal by letting the naive priest, who has

turned up to perform the last rites, take the blame. The old man sits up

in horror when he realises he is not going to get his pint and thus

exposes his deceit: he’s not dying after all.

’Last orders’ breaks this Thursday in national cinemas with 90- and

60-second versions. The campaign will continue on TV later this

summer.

The ad was directed by Jonathan Glazer through Academy Films.

Photography was by Steven Keith-Roach. It was written by Paul Silburn

and art directed by Vince Squibb.