On January 11, 1964, United States Surgeon General Luther
Terry (above) released a groundbreaking government report
announcing a definitive link between smoking and cancer.

Knowing his report was a bombshell, Terry intentionally
chose to release it on that date, which fell on a Saturday,
in order to limit its immediate effects on the stock market.

The link had long been suspected. Anecdotal evidence
had always pointed to negative health effects from
smoking, and by the 1930s physicians were noticing
an increase in lung cancer cases.

On April 1, 1970, President Richard M. Nixon signed a
measure banning cigarette advertising on radio and
television, to take effect after Jan. 1, 1971.

Nixon, who was an avid pipe smoker, indulging in as
many as eight bowls a day, supported the legislation
at the increasing insistence of public health advocates.

SANDY KOZEL

Alexander Hamilton (January 11, 1755 or 1757 – July 12, 1804)

Alexander Hamilton Monument in
Central Park, New York  City.

Television and movie actor William Talman, best known for playing
Los Angeles District Attorney Hamilton Burger in the CBS television
series Perry Mason (Sept. 21, 1957 – May 22, 1966).

Talman is also known for being the first actor in Hollywood to film an
antismoking public service announcement for the American Cancer
Society. A lifelong heavy smoker, he was diagnosed with lung cancer,
and knew he was dying when he filmed the commercial.

The short film began with the words: “Before I die, I want to do what I can
to leave a world free of cancer for my six children. Talman requested that
the commercial not be aired until after his death.

William Talman as seen in a 1957 episode of Perry Mason.