Smoke and Mirrors: A History of Denial 1999
Distributed by The Rosenzweig Company, 821 South Mansfield Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90036-4947; 323-938-8213
Produced by The Rosenzweig Company for the American Lung Association
Directed by Torrie Rosenzweig
VHS, color, 75 min.
High School - Adult
Health Sciences, Business
Date Entered: 11/09/2018
Reviewed by Ronald Saskowski Jr., ASRC Aerospace Corporation, Atlanta, GASmoke and Mirrors provides a fascinating view of the history of tobacco smoking from its beginnings in the 1800's to the present day. The incredible influence of the tobacco industry and smoking is depicted through displays of movie clips and major advertising campaigns including the role tobacco played in drumming up support for the soldiers in World War 1.
The video chronicles the attitude in America toward cigarette smoking from its heyday in the 1920's, 30's and 40's through its decline in the 1990's. Hollywood helped to glamorize smoking largely through the infusion of cigarettes into the movies. Advertising using movie stars helped to further the perception that smoking was both fashionable and glamorous. Changes in advertising from television and radio to print are discussed. Smoke and Mirrors tackles both the public perception of smoking as well as that of the medical community.
The first half of the video depicts the role of tobacco and smoking in creating America, its early beginnings to its role as socially acceptable, patriotic and glamorous. The second half the video focuses on the on-going debate between government and the tobacco industry. This includes the first warning statements to be placed on cigarette packs through the congressional hearings involving the tobacco industry. The video concludes showing the shift in attitude toward smoking as socially acceptable in America and touches upon the rise of smoking in foreign lands.
The video is interspersed with comments from a variety of professionals including doctors, government officials and journalists who provide an overall picture of the power of the tobacco industry and smoking.
The video, while produced for the American Lung Association, is not preachy. It does not scream anti-smoking. The producers took great care in researching their topic well and providing an historical account of the role of tobacco and smoking in American culture.
This video is recommended for public and academic libraries specifically those interested in providing an historic view of tobacco in America.