On January 11, 1964, U.S. Surgeon General Luther Terry issued a <a >landmark report</a> on the negative health risks caused by smoking tobacco. But you wouldn't know those risks by looking at some of these prominent advertisements of the 20th century. Here, actor and future U.S. President Ronald Reagan is seen in a 1950s ad for Chesterfield cigarettes.
On January 11, 1964, U.S. Surgeon General Luther Terry issued a landmark report on the negative health risks caused by smoking tobacco. But you wouldn't know those risks by looking at some of these prominent advertisements of the 20th century. Here, actor and future U.S. President Ronald Reagan is seen in a 1950s ad for Chesterfield cigarettes.
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A billboard advertises Marlboro cigarettes. The rugged "Marlboro Man" was a staple of the brand's marketing.
A billboard advertises Marlboro cigarettes. The rugged "Marlboro Man" was a staple of the brand's marketing.
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This French advertisement for Benson & Hedges cigarettes was published in 1970.
This French advertisement for Benson & Hedges cigarettes was published in 1970.
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A model is seen lying down in an advertisement for Opera Puffs Cigarettes.
A model is seen lying down in an advertisement for Opera Puffs Cigarettes.
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Sobranie Cocktail cigarettes were available in a variety of colors.
Sobranie Cocktail cigarettes were available in a variety of colors.
Mary Evans Picture Library/Everett Collection
Jazz legend Louis Armstrong appears in an advertisement for Camel cigarettes.
Jazz legend Louis Armstrong appears in an advertisement for Camel cigarettes.
GAB Archive/Redferns
Ground-breaking baseball player Jackie Robinson endorses Chesterfield cigarettes in this 1940s advertisement.
Ground-breaking baseball player Jackie Robinson endorses Chesterfield cigarettes in this 1940s advertisement.
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Some early smoking advertisements, like this one for Craven "A" cigarettes, claimed their products wouldn't affect the throat.
Some early smoking advertisements, like this one for Craven "A" cigarettes, claimed their products wouldn't affect the throat.
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Baseball players Ted Williams, Stan Musial, Joe DiMaggio, Jackie Jensen, Bucky Harris and Ewell Blackwell advertise Chesterfield cigarettes in a magazine ad from around 1950.
Baseball players Ted Williams, Stan Musial, Joe DiMaggio, Jackie Jensen, Bucky Harris and Ewell Blackwell advertise Chesterfield cigarettes in a magazine ad from around 1950.
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Kensitas cigarettes were marketed as a appetite suppressant in 1929. It suggested having a cigarette between meals instead of snacks.
Kensitas cigarettes were marketed as a appetite suppressant in 1929. It suggested having a cigarette between meals instead of snacks.
Mary Evans Picture Library/Everett Collection
This Joe Camel billboard, advertising Camel cigarettes, was seen on West 34th Street in New York City. Philip Morris eventually dropped the cartoonish figure amid protests that it appealed to children.
This Joe Camel billboard, advertising Camel cigarettes, was seen on West 34th Street in New York City. Philip Morris eventually dropped the cartoonish figure amid protests that it appealed to children.
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An ad for Tipalet cigarettes claims its smoke can make men more attractive to women.
An ad for Tipalet cigarettes claims its smoke can make men more attractive to women.
Advertising Archive/Courtesy Everett Collection
A giant bra was added to this Camel ad in San Francisco by Billboard Liberation Front members who objected to the use of male bodies in ads. At the bottom of the billboard is the surgeon general's warning, which were added to cigarette ads soon after Terry's report in 1964.
A giant bra was added to this Camel ad in San Francisco by Billboard Liberation Front members who objected to the use of male bodies in ads. At the bottom of the billboard is the surgeon general's warning, which were added to cigarette ads soon after Terry's report in 1964.
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This postcard, printed in Paris around 1950, promotes Wings cigarettes.
This postcard, printed in Paris around 1950, promotes Wings cigarettes.
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This advertisement for Lucky Strike cigarettes says their "light smoke" offers throat protection.
This advertisement for Lucky Strike cigarettes says their "light smoke" offers throat protection.
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An advertisement for Bachelor cigarettes invites the audience to sample their "individual charm and delightful character."
An advertisement for Bachelor cigarettes invites the audience to sample their "individual charm and delightful character."
Mary Evans/National Magazines/Everett Collection
An advertisement for Our Little Beauties cigarettes, near the turn of the 20th century.
An advertisement for Our Little Beauties cigarettes, near the turn of the 20th century.
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A 1940s holiday ad for Philip Morris cigarettes.
A 1940s holiday ad for Philip Morris cigarettes.
Advertising Archive/Courtesy Everett Collection