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1968. He Says How Much You Should Tip People?

2026-06-26 News & Politics
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David Hoffman
David Hoffman
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Description

This is a clip from my 1969 documentary feature film, the winner of the Critics Prize at the Cannes Film Festival, King Murray. The story of an insurance man who took me to Las Vegas on one of his "junkets" and what happened to us there? To see the whole film, go here. https://youtu.be/Reb4Z9uhtPQ To hear the background story (it’s a wild one) on my film and what happened to me go here - https://youtu.be/WZI9DJkozZc. Do you need to buy insurance? Did I need to buy insurance when Murray came came into my office in 1967 to sell me insurance? Life insurance. Health insurance. Car insurance. Home insurance. In almost no time. I purchased all at insurance from him. He was a hell of a salesman. Now I am 8th 5, the term life insurance for me ended at 75 years old. I guess it made me feel more secure at the time. Murray King, the insurance salesman you see in this clip, sold hundreds of very wealthy people on Long Island insurance and it made him one of the most successful insurance salesman in America. Critics the Cannes Film Festival saw it as experimental, especially when i told the press how I made it– that I had "staged" some of the scenes. The New York Times panned it and the Wall Street Journal called it one of the 10 best films of that year. I found an old letter that Murray sent to me when I told him I didn't need life insurance. He wrote: “A life insurance policy provides a financial safety net for your loved ones in the event of your death. The death benefit can help replace lost income, pay off debts, and cover daily living expenses, ensuring your family can maintain their standard of living. Outstanding debts, such as mortgages, car loans, and credit card balances, can be covered by a life insurance policy, preventing your loved ones from inheriting the burden of your debts. Some types of life insurance, like whole life or universal life, have a cash value component that accumulates over time. This cash value can be used for emergencies, education expenses, or even supplementing retirement income. Life insurance policies often come with tax advantages, such as tax-deferred growth on cash value and tax-free death benefits for beneficiaries. Knowing that your loved ones will be taken care of financially in the event of your death can provide significant peace of mind.” While I did not buy the insurance from Murray his letter freaked the hell out of me. I couldn't think about my own death. I was only 26 years old. Now at 82, when I don't have any life insurance any more, I certainly think about my death and wish that I had Murray around to help me figure out what to do to protect my family. Regarding the Cannes Critics Award. The Cannes Film Festival is one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world. One of the important independent award givers is the International Critics' Jury. The prize is significant because it represents the viewpoint of international film critics. The methods and strategies for selling life insurance have evolved considerably from 1969. Here is how Murray sold insurance back then: In the 1960s, much of life insurance was sold through personal interactions. Insurance agents would often go door-to-door or set up appointments to meet potential clients in their homes or offices. Murray sold to rich folks. The underwriting process was time-consuming and manual. It often required extensive medical exams and paperwork. Most agents relied heavily on printed materials, such as brochures, to provide information to potential clients. There was no internet, so online quotes, digital policy management, and electronic application processes did not exist. Building and maintaining personal relationships was essential. Many agents like Murray were deeply embedded in their communities and relied on referrals and word-of-mouth for business. If you found this of interest, please click the Super Thanks button below the video screen to support my efforts to present more clips from my films. Thank you David Hoffman filmmaker

Top Comments (10)

@septsixteen 2026-06-26

I don't tip unless I am sitting at a table and someone is bringing food to my table. Im not tipping at the counter, im not tipping in the drive thru, im not tipping at all the ridiculous places they want a tip now. I tap "no tip" all the time on the machine. Tell your employer to pay you a living wage instead of making their customers subsidies your wages.

11
@DrewPall259 2026-06-26

I agree with you that Murray King is quite a Character. I have seen your documentary King Murray a few time in the past. On top of your film winning an award I feel you should had won an award for spending as much time as you did with Murray King in person.

9
@Seven07770 2026-06-26

Oh I'm definitely watching this in its entirety. Murray was quite the character huh? Between his personality and your God given talent no wonder you swept Cannes. You definitely deserve the prize my friend. Well done indeed. ❤✌️🙂

8 3 replies
@jakesguitarvidz 2026-06-26

Something about this guy reminds me of Tommy DeVito, Joe Pesci's character from "Goodfellas".

8
@jeannemarie3704 2026-06-26

This is just so how the men of this era were like.. he reminds me of joe pesci in Goddfellas❤🎉 i will watch this documentary again. It was such a throwback to an era. 🎉.

7
@AlexandriaWelch-l7s 2026-06-26

It's a great film

5 1 replies
@johnfarmakis8518 2026-06-27

I knew I guy like that. We were both waiters at a high end steakhouse. He was the absolute best. He sold a 42 ounce Kobe Ribeye to a child. It was $9 an ounce. Absolute Legend

3 1 replies
@outtathyme5679 2026-06-27

Really cool

3
@jamesherrick5243 2026-06-26

These days I tip when I genuinely believe the service is special. When the establishment makes me feel like I made the right choice waking up and choosing their place… Whether that’s through really spectacular food, service, a combination of the two etc. If they put in the effort, that translates in how much I pay.

3
@johnfarmakis8518 2026-06-27

I could play this guy in a movie.

1

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