Judge, 1919-12-06 · page 23 of 36
Judge — December 6, 1919 — page 23: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is a photo-essay from a WWI-era *Judge* magazine featuring scenes from the theatrical production "Buddies," which depicts American soldiers (called "Buddies") stationed in France during the war. The page shows romantic comedic situations between soldiers and French/American women. The humor centers on cultural and romantic misunderstandings: a soldier (Sonny) is surprised by his Brooklyn fiancée's arrival; another character (Julie) discusses his sister's marriage in awkwardly embarrassed terms; and a French woman (played by Peggy Wood) humorously insists on speaking English with the American soldiers to learn the language. The satire gently mocks both soldier sentimentality and the clash between American and French customs. The "osculatory transaction" reference is a euphemistic joke about kissing. This represents typical WWI-era entertainment that played on the novelty and humor of American military presence in France.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
“Buddies” Billeted in Brittany Photos by Abbe Pauline Garon and Donald Brian Though still kept in France, Soxxy is able face the hardships with a See above.) d then (see left) along comes his beautcous fiancée from Brooklyn. xxVY—I never got such a wonderful surprise in my whole life! Now tell me about the folks how's your mother? Lovisr—Mother's splendid. She sent her loveto you Soxxy—Let me have it osculatory transaction ), Any one else in the family send their love? Lovr unt Emily did, ily accounted for.) Donald Brian and Maxine Brown (At Right) e—Your sister, she is mar- Yes, she is married.” ppily married?” \ Junie (Peggy Wood) saves herself Why yes, I hope so.” ii and the audience from a great or- u like to see people get mar- deal. “Oh, yes, I guess so (in his em- “Please, maman, speak the English harrassment nearly falling off bench). , . . —while these boys are here. I speak If people get married, it's none of Peggy Wood and Roland Young all the time English because I wish to learn it, quick.” a 12-619 my business—much.” comichooks.coln)