Gallahers have been in the news
lately, with speculation about a takeover bid by either Imperial or B.A.T., who
would like to get their hands on brands such as Silk Cut and Hamlet. But before
the war their top seller was Park Drive and it was with these cigarettes that
Gallaher issued in August 1939 a series of 48 My Favourite Part, our set of the
month for December. The colour portraits of film stars are backed by the
reasons for selecting a particular role and bear a facsimile autograph. The
stars include Hollywood greats such as Greta Garbo, Bette Davis, Joan Crawford,
Spencer Tracey, Errol Flynn and Raymond Massey (his was in “Things to
Come” on which Mitchell’s The World of Tomorrow card series was
based), British musical favourites Jessie Matthews and Gracie Fields, plus
newcomers like Laurence Olivier, Olivia De Havilland and “Wicked
Lady” Margaret Lockwood. Also here is a teenage Judy Garland whose
favourite part “so far” was in “The Wizard of Oz”, as well
as Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh the surprise choice for the lead in that
all-time classic “Gone With the Wind”. This, the last ever great
British cigarette card colour film series, is in top condition and is available
at £30.00.
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