Frito Bandito

The Frito Bandito was the cartoon mascot for Fritos corn chips from 1967 to 1971. The Bandito was created by the Foote, Cone & Belding Agency, and animated by Tex Avery. The character was voiced by Mel Blanc, who used an exaggerated Mexican accent not unlike another character of his, Speedy Gonzales. The Frito Bandito spoke broken English and robbed people of their Frito corn chips, a reference to the “Mexican bandit” stereotype in western movies. He also complained that he was being pursued by the “Frito Bureau of Investigation”.

Pressure from the National Mexican-American Anti-Defamation Committee and others prompted an update to the character; his gold tooth and stubble were eliminated and his hair combed. The character was completely retired in 1971. [ [http://www.onthemedia.org/transcripts/2007/04/27/07 OnTheMedia.org, April 27, 2007] ] He was initially replaced by the Muncha Bunch, a group of cowboys perhaps influenced by "The Wild Bunch", then they were replaced by W. C. Fritos, modelled after comedian W.C. Fields. [ [http://www.toonopedia.com/frito.htm Don Markstein's Toonopedia: Frito Bandito] ]

The Frito Bandito campaign included a song sung to the tune of “Cielito Lindo”.

References

External links

* [http://www.tvacres.com/admascots_frito.htm TV Acres info about Frito Bandito]
* [http://www.sdlatinofilm.com/trends12.html "There May Be a Frito Bandito in Your House"]
* [http://www.thebandito.org Frito Bandito information and Graphics]
* [http://www.newsfromme.com/archives/2008_01_29.html#014722 POV Online: "News from Me"] (column by Mark Evanier), January 29, 2008