JOHNNY (ALBERT ALTIERI) MORRIS JR. - PRINTED CARD SIGNED IN INK - HFSID 165421

JOHNNY MORRIS, JR. (ALBERT ALTIERI)
On a printed "Ask Myrus" card, the celebrated Philip Morris bellhop extends good wishes to Elsie Myrus, wife of the famed mentalist
Printed Card signed in ink: "Johnny Morris Jr.", 4x5. Printed "Ask Myrus" card from a performance of Myrus the Wizard of Mental Telepathy at the College Inn, Sherman Hotel, Chicago. JOHNNY MORRIS, JR. (1915-2002) was the professional name of Albert Altieri, a diminutive (3'7", 42 pound) bellhop who became the advertising symbol of Philip Morris cigarettes from the 1930s through the 1950s. His trademark phrase, "Call for Philip Morris," was heard on radio and then on television. Morris himself became a celebrity, touring with the USO during World War II, invited to the White House, and made an honorary page by the US Congress. Actually, there were two small former bellhops portraying the Philip Morris bellhop and sharing celebrity status. The other one was Johnny Roventini (1910-1998), who concentrated his promotional efforts in the New York area, while Altieri worked nationwide. Harry Carp, who employed the stage name of Myrus, was a renowned "mentalist" with a remarkable gift for answering questions posed by members of the audience. His wife, Melba Merriam, who went by Elsie Myrus when acting as his assistant, collected autographs from celebrities attending his performances. This autograph was part of her collection. Corners lightly worn. Edges lightly worn. Toned. Fine condition.