#20 • Kentucky Fried Chicken Promotional Film Reel – "Promotion, Kentucky Style" (1965)

Part of The Colonel Sanders Artifact Collection (live auction by The Menish Group Auction & Real Estate)

High bid $3,000.00

Status: Sold

DESCRIPTION Original metal film canister containing a 16mm promotional motion picture film associated with Kentucky Fried Chicken. The canister retains an affixed production label reading "Promotion, Kentucky Style" with additional notations including "20 Min. 18 Sec.," reel identification information, and a production date of May 14, 1965. The lid also bears a partially intact "Pollo Kentucky Chicken" sticker featuring the likeness of Colonel Harland Sanders, suggesting association with Kentucky Fried Chicken's international franchise expansion efforts. Film remains housed on its original reel within the canister. HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE This film appears to originate from the period when Kentucky Fried Chicken was rapidly expanding throughout the United States and internationally. Dated 1965, the reel was produced during a pivotal era shortly after Colonel Sanders sold the company but remained actively involved in franchise development, promotion, and international growth. Surviving corporate promotional films from this period are uncommon and may provide valuable documentation of early Kentucky Fried Chicken marketing practices and franchise operations. STORY & CONTEXT The canister is labeled "Promotion, Kentucky Style," a title consistent with franchise recruitment, training, or promotional materials produced during Kentucky Fried Chicken's rapid expansion in the 1960s. Of particular interest is the surviving "Pollo Kentucky Chicken" label featuring Colonel Sanders, which suggests possible use in Spanish-speaking markets or international franchise promotion. By 1965, Kentucky Fried Chicken was aggressively pursuing growth beyond the United States, and promotional films played an important role in introducing the brand, operational standards, and the Colonel himself to prospective franchisees and customers. Whether intended for domestic or international audiences, the reel represents a tangible artifact from one of the most transformative periods in the company's history. PROVENANCE Originating from the Blackwood Hall collection, the film reel remained within the possession of the Settle family following their acquisition of the property directly from Colonel and Claudia Sanders. The reel was preserved among business records, correspondence, memorabilia, and personal effects associated with Colonel Sanders prior to its public offering. CONDITION NOTES Film housed within original metal canister showing oxidation, surface rust, staining, adhesive residue, and wear from age and storage. Production labels exhibit losses, discoloration, and edge wear. Film has not been viewed, inspected frame-by-frame, or tested for playability. Content, completeness, and condition of the film itself are unknown and sold as found.