Apple’s Frankenstein Holiday Commercial: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

Inside Apple's Latest Holiday Commercial: Frequently Asked Questions Answered
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Apple is yet again aiming to stir hearts in their latest holiday ad, which features Frankenstein’s monster attempting to serenade a holiday crowd.

The two-minute long TV spot, directed by Lance Acord and dubbed “Frankie’s Holiday,” starts with a scene of the notorious monster sitting on a chair and recording a music box rendition of “(No Place Like) Home for the Holidays” with his iPhone 7’s Voice Memos app.

Frankie then picks up a small package near his mailbox containing holiday light bulbs. He stumbles into a crowded town square amidst gasps from the local townspeople, and screws the green- and red-colored bulbs into the bolts in his neck. The townspeople look skeptical, scared, and maybe even a bit angry as Frankie meekly beings to sing — the crowd whispers suspiciously as his voice trails off, and one of the light bulbs goes out.

Then, a small girl from the crowd gestures the monster over. She fixes the malfunctioning light bulb in Frankie’s neck, and begins singing where Frankie left off. The other townspeople then join in, eventually erupting in a chorus of voices, and bringing a tear to the monster’s eye. It ends with the tagline: “Open your heart to everyone.”

What Is Apple’s Holiday Commercial About?

Frankie’s Holiday is about inclusion and acceptance. This might be Apple’s response to the controversial presidential race that ended recently, which has increased awareness of racism, sexism, homophobia, and xenophobia in the United States. Frankie’s Holiday urges the viewer “Open your heart to everyone”.

Where Was Apple’s Holiday Commercial Shot?

At least two locations were used for the shooting of this ad. Frankie’s Holiday opens with a close up on the mighty Valley of Chamounix, in the French Alps. Frankie receives his mail in the same mountain location of Chamonix. However, the town Frankie walks into is in a quite different location. The square Frankenstein’s monster arrives in is located in Žatec, Czech Republic. Specifically Hoš?álkovo Square. Žatec is a town located 50 miles from Prague, the country’s capital.

Who Is the Actor in Apple’s Holiday Commercial?

The role of Frankenstein is played by Brad Garrett best known for his role in Everybody Loves Raymond.

What Is the Song in Apple’s Holiday Commercial?

(There’s No Place Like) Home for the Holidays. According to Wikipedia, the music was composed by Robert Allen, while the lyrics were written by Al Stillman. The song was published in 1954 with the most famous recording by Perry Como.

What Are the Song Lyrics in Apple’s Holiday Commercial ?

Oh there’s no place like home for the holidays,

‘Cause no matter how far away you roam,

When you pine for the sunshine of a friendly gaze,

For the holidays you can’t beat home, sweet home.

In What Era Is Frankie’s Holiday Set?

It’s estimated the commercial is set in 1974-1975 based on cars and style of clothing the townspeople are wearing. Also, 1974 is the first year the Volvo 240 and 260 series came to market, which is the newest vehicle shown in the commercial.

Why Did Apple Choose Frankenstein’s Monster?

A bit of an odd choice for a holiday ad, some might say Frankie would’ve been better suited for a Halloween commercial. However, the character has been traditionally perceived as a monster, but ultimately the townspeople come to realize quite quickly he isn’t a bad guy. The town was able to see the ‘monster’ as a caring individual who desired to fit in and was ultimately accepted. Surprising to some, the commercial’s interesting character choice works well.

What’s the Official Name for Apple’s Holiday Commercial?

‘Frankie’s Holiday’

What’s the Name of the Church in Apple’s Holiday Ad?

The Church of Virgin Mary in Zatec.

church_apple_holiday_commercial

Who Is the Character in Apple’s Holiday Commercial?

Frankenstein’s monster, “Frankie”.

Who Is the Girl in Apple’s Holiday Commercial?

who-is-the-girl-in-the-apple-holiday-commercial

This bit of information is still elusive to us, but let us know in the comments if you have more information.

Who Is the Box Addressed to?

F.N. Stein
1797 Somers Mountain
Milner, EJ

Which iPhone Is Frankie Using?

iPhone 7 – Matte Black

Fun Facts

  • The box is addressed to 1797 Somers Mountain, Milner, EJ, which we can’t find anywhere in the region of French/Swiss Alps nor the Czech Republic.
  • Frankie has LTE reception, which doesn’t fit the era. But of course having an iPhone 7 doesn’t either.
  • Trabant, a defunct German automobile manufacturer known for its plastic bodied cars, makes a brief appearance.
  • Frankie shakes his parcel even though the warning clearly reads “Fragile”.
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