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A short, incomplete history of some of the biggest hits and most iconic direct-response ads over the past 50 years.

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Veg-o-matic
Veg-o-matic
This smash hit for legend Ron Popeil debuted in 1960s; inspired SNL spoof "The Bass-O-Matic."
NEXT: Ginsu Knife
Last updated April 06 2009: 10:01 AM ET
Secrets of the TV pitchmen Anthony Sullivan and Billy Mays have sliced and diced their way to over $1 billion in combined sales. So what can the OxiClean guys teach big business about selling in a recession? More
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