This advertisement features a written testimonial from Mary Garden (1874-1967), famous opera singer. In 1927, when this ad was printed, Garden premiered as the heroine in a performance of Honegger’s Judith. In this endorsement, Garden writes that Lucky Strike “protects the throat” and provides “real relaxation.” To the left, two young, wealthy tennis players heed her “advice.” They are cited as playing tennis at Forest Hills, the location of the West Side Tennis Club, was home to the U.S. Open from 1915 to 1978. The well-known country club was the essence of high class and money, and Lucky Strike cleverly specifies the location to provide its cigarettes with more glamour and status. Here, Lucky Strike is advertised as protecting a singer’s voice and two tennis players’ athleticism.
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