Food is often used as a powerful narrative device in cinema and television. Among the vast array of edible symbols, sandwiches have made their mark as iconic props, representing more than just a quick bite to eat.
In this article, we’ll take a bite out of legendary TV and film sandwiches, exploring their significance in storytelling and character development.
- The Dagwood Sandwich from “Blondie” (1938): One of the earliest sandwich legends on film is the Dagwood Sandwich, inspired by the popular comic strip “Blondie.” Dagwood Bumstead’s towering creations, packed high with various ingredients, showcase his chaotic yet endearing personality. This towering monstrosity represents his free-spirited and unconventional nature.
- The Moist Maker from “Friends” (Season 5, Episode 9 – “The One with Ross’s Sandwich”): Ross Geller’s infamous “Moist Maker” sandwich symbolises his obsession with details and his unfortunate encounter with office sandwich theft. The creation consists of Thanksgiving leftovers, with the secret sauce being the middle layer of gravy-soaked bread. This sandwich becomes a focal point for humour and tension in the episode.
- The Knuckle Sandwich from “The Three Stooges” (Various Shorts): While not the kind of sandwich one would want to eat, the Knuckle Sandwich, often humorously delivered by the Three Stooges, serves as a metaphor for their slapstick comedy. It’s a humorous example of how a simple sandwich can become a memorable part of a recurring gag.
- The Scooby-Doo Sandwich from “Scooby-Doo” (Various Adaptations): Scooby-Doo’s enormous sandwiches are legendary. These monster-sized creations represent his insatiable appetite and love for food. They also serve as a source of comic relief in the series, showcasing his goofy and lovable character.
- The Katz’s Delicatessen Sandwich from “When Harry Met Sally” (1989): This film famously features in the classic Katz’s Delicatessen scene where Meg Ryan’s character fakes an intense reaction to her meal. It’s not just a sandwich but an iconic moment in cinematic history, emphasising the idea that certain foods can create memorable experiences.
- The Earl of Sandwich from “The Holiday” (2006): In “The Holiday,” Arthur Abbott, played by Eli Wallach, teaches Kate Winslet’s character how to make a proper “English trifle.” While not technically a sandwich, this delightful food lesson serves as a heart-warming connection between generations and cultures, showcasing the unifying power of food.
- The Sardine Sandwich from “Pulp Fiction” (1994): Quentin Tarantino’s “Pulp Fiction” features a rather unusual sandwich choice when Jules (Samuel L. Jackson) makes a meal out of Brett’s Big Kahuna burger and a sip of his Sprite. This peculiar act highlights Jules’ unique approach to life and violence, making the mundane act of eating a memorable part of his character.
- The Shawarma from “The Avengers” (2012): In a post-credits scene in “The Avengers,” the team enjoys a well-deserved shawarma meal after saving the world. This humorous moment provides comic relief and humanises these larger-than-life heroes, reminding us that they have everyday cravings and experiences.
TV and film sandwiches have left an indelible mark on popular culture. They go beyond being just a snack or a meal, serving as storytelling tools that represent character quirks, symbolise moments of tension or humour, and even personally connect us to the characters. These legendary sandwiches remind us that even the simplest foods can play a significant role in cinematic and televised narratives, making them iconic.
As we munch on our favourite sandwiches, we can appreciate the magic of storytelling that turns them into legendary character and plot development symbols. So, the next time you craft a sandwich, remember that it might be more than just a meal – it could be a part of a captivating story.