40s Call For Philip Morris Cigarette Tobacco Advertising Sign Johnny Roventini

Description

Vintage c1930s/40s original paper cigarette advertiseing sign from
Philip Morris
featuring
Johnny Roventini
dressed as the iconic bellboy used for the Philip Morris ad campaign
“Call For Philip Morris”
.  Pictures an image of a Roventini in his bellboy attire holding a pack of vintage cigarettes.  To the left the printed slogan can be seen in red.  A partial add with the left edge and bottom half trimmed but still quite impressive.  Will require picture wire before hanging.
Johnny Roventini
, also known as
John Louis Roventini
and popularly as
Johnny Philip Morris
, (August 15, 1910 – November 30, 1998) was an American actor.
Less than four feet tall as a fully developed adult,
[1]Roventini was working as a
bellboy
at the
New Yorker Hotel
in 1933 when he was discovered by an advertising mogul, who had him perform a page, issuing a “Call for Philip Morris”.
[2][3]He reportedly could always vocalize a perfect B-flat tone
[4]as he repeated those words, literally over a million times during his career, according to his own estimate.
[5]He soon became famous as a product spokesman for
Philip Morris
brand cigarettes in radio, television and print advertising media. He was described by Philip Morris personnel as a “living trademark”, and represented the company for over forty years. He also played roles in the growth of broadcast media, most notably helping
Lucille Ball
and
Desi Arnaz
with the initial success of their innovative
I Love Lucy
comedy series beginning in 1951.
Provenance comes from a large collection of art purchased from the estate of a southern Massachusetts art dealer.
In Good overall condition.  Edges trimmed and partial ad as mention above.  Bright and vibrant with full color free of fading.  Exhibits gentle soiling and wear consistent with age.  No holes, rips or tears.  Frame in Good condition with moderate wear.  Displays handosmely.
Measures 13 3/4” x 11 3/4” and 14 3/4” x 12 3/4” with the frame.
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