With the onset of the Second World War, American movie making entered into an isolationist age when foreign markets in Asia and Europe were inaccessible due to the conflict raging across the globe. This age also brought about enhancements in film making technology and technique, including advancements in lighting, the further development of sound and color, and even special effects.

Between War Epics and slices of Americana there was still plenty of room for tobacco and cigarettes, with major manufacturers taking advantage of the public status of movie stars, the war effort, and the post war era of American exceptionalism and victory to push their products as the luxury and delight of the American century.