Actor Burt Lancaster Tries To Get Americans To Stop Smoking Cigarettes in 1969

This government film hoping to convince Americans to stop cigarette smoking was made in 1969. Cigarette smoking was much more prevalent among Americans than it is today. It’s estimated that around 40% of adults in the United States smoked cigarettes in the late 1960s. This high rate of smoking occurred despite the U.S. Surgeon General’s landmark report in 1964 which confirmed that smoking was a direct cause of lung cancer, heart disease and had other detrimental health effects. The Surgeon General’s report was a watershed moment in public health, triggering a range of anti-smoking efforts, including warning labels on cigarette packs and a ban on television and radio advertisements for cigarettes, which went into effect in 1971. However, the impact of these actions on smoking rates took time to manifest. Smoking rates have since declined significantly due to a wide range of efforts, including public awareness campaigns, increased taxes on tobacco products, and smoking bans in public places. By contrast, as of my last update in 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that approximately 14% of U.S. adults were current cigarette smokers. The decline in smoking rates over the years can be attributed to increased awareness about the health risks associated with tobacco use, as well as regulatory measures aimed at reducing smoking. Nonetheless, the high rates of smoking in 1969 reflect a time when the public was only beginning to understand the full extent of the health risks associated with this habit. Te actor in this video is Burt Lancaster, a film actor renowned for his athleticism, charisma and versatility. He had a career spanning four decades, during which he starred in a variety of film genres from adventure and war films to drama and romantic comedies. Before becoming an actor, Lancaster was a circus acrobat and his physical prowess often informed his roles. He won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in “Elmer Gantry“ (1960) and was nominated for several other Oscars during his career. Some of his films include: “From Here to Eternity“ (1953): This film about the lives of soldiers stationed in Hawaii just before the Pearl Harbor attack won eight Oscars. “Elmer Gantry“ (1960): Lancaster won an Academy Award for his portrayal of a charismatic, but morally flawed, traveling salesman-turned-revivalist preacher. “Birdman of Alcatraz“ (1962): In this biographical drama, Lancaster portrayed Robert Stroud, a real-life prisoner who became an expert on birds while serving a life sentence. “The Sweet Smell of Success“ (1957): In this dark drama about the cutthroat world of public relations and journalism, Lancaster played the ruthless columnist J.J. Hunsecker. “Judgment at Nuremberg“ (1961): In this courtroom drama focused on the Nuremberg Trials, Lancaster played Dr. Ernst Janning, a role that earned him critical acclaim. “Atlantic City“ (1980): In this crime drama, Lancaster played an aging gangster. His performance earned him an Academy Award nomination. “The Professionals“ (1966): In this action-packed western, Lancaster played the role of Bill Dolworth, an explosives expert. “Gunfight at the O.K. Corral“ (1957): Playing the legendary lawman Wyatt Earp, Lancaster starred alongside Kirk Douglas, who played Doc Holliday. “Seven Days in May“ (1964): In this political thriller about a military coup in the United States, Lancaster played Gen. James Mattoon Scott, the antagonist plotting the overthrow of the U.S. government. “The Crimson Pirate“ (1952): In this swashbuckling adventure, Lancaster showed off his acrobatic skills, something he occasionally did in other roles as well. If you found this of interest, I would appreciate your supporting my efforts to present more films like this one by either clicking the super thanks button below the video screen or by becoming a patron at Thank you David Hoffman filmmaker