In a quaint San Antonio Old Gold appeared December 1927. Just two months later Old Gold was one of the four best sellers throughout the Lone Star State.
This ad compares the quick popularity of Hollywood actor and “sex symbol” Ramon Novarro (1899-1968) to that of Old Golds, both “fast successes” which “gave the world a thrill!” Though the ad presents Novarro’s family as being left broke after the Mexican Revolution, his family, the Samaniegos, were actually known as an “influential and well-respected family in Mexico,” according to Novarro’s biographer Allan Ellenberger. Ellenberger explained that many of the Samaniegos had important political positions and were well-respected by the Mexican president. Novarro enjoyed astounding acting success in Hollywood, but suffered from alcoholism. He was brutally beaten to death in his home in 1968 by two brothers, reportedly hired for sexual services by Novarro through an agency. The brothers thought they would have a chance to steal Novarro’s fortune, but walked away with next to nothing.
Cough, Health, Throat
