William Talman Anti-Smoking Ad 1968

This was the first of the celebrity "don't smoke" appeals. Bill Talman played the DA on "Perry Mason" and was under very heavy medication at the time this was filmed (six weeks before his death), The ad didn't even start running until after his death, so the effect was even more profound.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• Cancer
• Smoking
• Perry
• Mason
• Vintage
• TV

[soylentteal]

Thanks to both Bill Talman and Yul Brynner for their brutally honest PSAs. No telling how many were saved by them.

[Watersmith53]

This was a watershed announcement that helped turn the tide on a nation's attitude toward smoking. By the way, I've heard that Talman actually wanted to audition for the role of Perry Mason. But he was excellent as Burger. Though the shows were before my time, I still enjoy them on DVD.

[LittleLordLoftin]

@Watersmith53 - I read in a Perry Mason TV Companion Book that Raymond Burr tried out for the Hamilton Burger part but Perry Mason's creator saw Burr and wanted him for the PM role. Either way it makes an interesting story.

[texasghost]

There were quite a few actors coming out to fight smoking during that time like Yul Brynner and John Wayne.

It was when these ads that started congress to lobby to create the ban of smoking ads on TV and radio.

[paganbaby89]

I saw this PSA when it came out and never forgot it. A loss of a fine actor, and a heartbreaking loss to a family.

[perogie34]

@TheSketchySketch I bet cancer is too. :)

[aitraining]

@stefonamus  It really does. Not preachy either. Just straight fron the heart.

[stefonamus]

After 40 years, Talman's message still strikes home.

[soylentteal]

@143AC, it was easier for me, because my parents never smoked. Check out Yul Brynner's message, too. It's heartbreaking as well, in its own way.

[TroyOi]

@soylentteal You can count me among those whom William Talman can claim at least partial credit for saving. I was 13 when his ad came out, and it has stuck with me to this day. It was a powerful message, perhaps his greatest contribution to humanity, and his family should be eternally proud of what he did. I hope it provided a measure of comfort to him as he slipped his earthly bonds. My deepest gratitude, Mr. Talman!

[143AC]

Dear Soylentteal,

Sadly,my mom,dad and grandpa didn't listen to Bill Talman's advice about smoking in this PSA"So,take some advice from someone..who's been smoking and losing for years..If you don't smoke don't start..if you do smoke quit! Don't be a loser!".