Alka-Seltzer commercial Quotes

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Source: Alka-Seltzer commercial

Speaker: Ralph

"I can't believe I ate that whole thing."

Ralph: I can't believe I ate that whole thing…

His Wife: You ate it, Ralph.

Ralph: I can't believe I ate that whole thing…

His Wife: No, Ralph, I ate it.

Ralph: I can't believe I ate that whole thing…

His Wife: Take two Alka-Seltzers.

Context

This line is spoken by Ralph, played by Milt Moss, in an Alka-Seltzer commercial (1972).

In this 1972 commercial, hapless Ralph is awake at night with some major digestive woes. He keeps groaning over and over again, "I can't believe I ate that whole thing," while his wife makes snide comments in the background. (Mrs. Ralph, you're really not helping.)

Finally, Ralph's wife suggests that he take two Alka-Seltzers. And—voilà!—Ralph's tummy troubles are no more. Thank you, Alka-Seltzer.

Where you've heard it

Back when this commercial aired, there were only four channels and hardly any remotes, so it was pretty easy for this to get stuck in people's heads. You might have heard this little advertising gem when someone is having second thoughts about eating seconds. Hey, we know the feeling.

Additional Notable References

  • You might not be 100% shocked to learn that this was Homer Simpson's yearbook quote.
  • This ad was elected into the Clio Hall of Fame, which is where all awesome commercials go.
  • Project Re: Brief redid the original ad to update it for our modern sensibilities and eating habits.

Pretentious Factor

If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.

You won't sound hoity if you say this line. You'll just sound miserable. Don't be surprised if people start offering you Alka-Seltzer.