My wife and I watch a lot of old movies on TCM, some of them mediocre, some of them brilliant. But one thing virtually all — whether from the 1930s, 1940s or 1950s — have in common is showing the lead characters, both men and women, is smoking. Often the habit is shown in conjunction with drinking alcoholic beverages. In some films, there are no scenes without lighting up.
The smoking-drinking behaviors of the classic film era are as ubiquitous as the obligatory profanity-nudity in today’s motion pictures. In both instances, the trends are designed to exhibit coolness. The movies influenced society at large. A lot more people smoked during the Great Depression and through World War II because they emulated the stars on the screen. Likewise, a great many more people have no qualms swearing in public these days compared to a couple of generations ago because they are following the expectations dictated by Hollywood.
Of course the supposedly sophisticated conduct of years gone by caught up with the stars as they aged. The vibrant energetic appearances of Bette Davis, William Holden, Gary Cooper, John Wayne, Joan Crawford, Melvyn Douglas, Humphrey Bogart, Clark Gable and others early in their careers gave way to wheezing and wizened features by middle age. Most died of heart disease or cancer, their faces full of craggy lines, their gaits slowed by shortness of breath.
We now know that smoking is not only a health risk but also that tobacco is the most addictive drug around. Many who puff away today are still trying to be cool. But the downside of smoking is no secret anymore. While around 45 percent of Americans smoked cigarettes when I was born; now it’s less than 20 percent.
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