A good cigarette is like a good movie- always enjoyable. That's why it's Luckies for me!
This Lucky Strike ad features a celebrity endorsement from famous Hollywood bombshell Hedy Lamarr (1913-2000), but urges the consumer to “let your own taste and throat be the judge!” Originally hailing from Austria, Lamarr was a scandalous figure from the very beginning of her career, appearing nude and in mid-orgasm in her 1938 debut film, “Ecstasy.” Throughout her life, scandal surrounded her, from the reports of countless love affairs to petty shoplifting allegations. This ad not only provided Lamarr with publicity, but it also provided publicity for Paramount Pictures and their newest film (1949), “Samson and Delilah.” The movie, the highest grossing film of the year, was the peak in Lamarr’s career before her popularity went into steady decline. In this ad, Lamarr likens a “good movie” to a “good cigarette,” claiming that both must be enjoyable. The copy text supports Lamarr’s claim, explaining that Luckies “give you real smoothness, mildness.” Both words were code words for healthfulness, and through them the ad makes subliminal claims that Lucky Strikes are not harmful cigarettes. The slogan, “There’s never a rough puff in a Lucky,” further solidifies their false claim. Lamarr’s cause of death was not disclosed and was instead listed as “natural causes.”
Actor, Female, Hedy Lamarr, Singer, Throat
