Judge, 1920-08-21 · page 11 of 36
Judge — August 21, 1920 — page 11: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# "A Modern Open Sesame" - Social Satire This story satirizes post-WWI social climbing and the new wealth class. The "Strongs" are newly rich war profiteers ("war fortunes must be displayed in fashionable circumstances") who have become social leaders at an exclusive resort, replacing the old established elite. The joke centers on Hubert Bell, a mysterious charming dancer who appears everywhere at society events, captivating the women despite no one knowing who he actually is. Mrs. Strong admits she doesn't really know him—suggesting he's a social parasite or fortune-hunter exploiting the nouveau riche's insecurity and eagerness to appear cosmopolitan. The title "Open Sesame" implies Bell uses dancing as his magic password to infiltrate high society. The cartoon shows couples dancing while society women gossip about the mysterious man. The satire targets how wartime profiteers, lacking genuine social standing, are easily duped by charming outsiders because they're anxious to prove their sophistication.
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A “Wuex THe saxo ptavep acaty, Mrs. Manrreo ann Mr Bett jorsc> THE DANCERS” A Modern Open Sesame By J. A. Watprox Lawrence Fettows Illustration HE summer scason—usually a silly period—was in full swing at Harbor Bar. This resort, long in vogue among the socially elect, had a fresh allot ment of climbers—they were numerous in every notable summer pl. for war fortunes must be exhibited in fashionable circu: ces. A dance was in progress at the new and showy home of the Strongs, who were simply well-to-do before the war, but who now were leaders of social high jinks, anxious to display their apparently endless resources. Mrs. Manfred and Mrs. Pelham, young society women, quite intimate considering their contrasting trends—the former was frivolous and the latter sedate—were late arrivals dancing was in progress. They entered the ballroom together, and surveyed the moving throng. “Who is that chap?” Mrs, Manfred asked. “What chap, dear?” responded Mrs. Pelham quite a number of chaps in sight.” The tall fellow dancing with Miss Strong. What a dancer! I must meet him!” “There are “You're actually insane over dancing! Yet I'll confess that if I were, [ should Jook for a partner like him. But for dancing only, Otherwise not my style.” “T wonder who he is? There’s something strangel} niliar in his style, yet I can’t place him. Must have met him—or seen him—long ago.” * “Tnever met him egular person, though, for I saw him Mrs. Delmont’s the other evening, and he was at Mrs. Thomas’s last week. At both places he seemed to be dancing endlessly—and most of the time with Miss Stron; “Well, dear, I must meet him—just for a dance!”” And Mrs. Manfred sought Mrs. Strong for an introduction to the marvel who had involved her in ation. She found that lady alertly watching her daughter’s movements with the young man “Who is he?” Mrs. Manfred asked. “Hubert Bell. Seems a charming fellow, in a way, although I don’t really know him,” replied Mrs. Strong. “You don’t mean that!”