Judge, 1924-11-08 · page 11 of 36
Judge — November 8, 1924 — page 11: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# "The Doctor's Dilemma" - Judge Magazine Satire This is a Sherlock Holmes parody by Arthur L. Lippmann mocking the 1920s crossword puzzle craze. Holmes, depicted as unable to solve an actual mystery, is reduced to begging Watson's help with a crossword clue: a thirteen-letter colloquial word for various ailments. The joke satirizes how crossword puzzles had become so culturally dominant that even the world's greatest fictional detective is stumped by one—inverting his legendary deductive powers. The "child of crossword parents" illustration reinforces the cultural obsession with the new puzzle form. The cartoon's top panel shows a social gathering where a caller compliments a hostess's son, only to be told she sees no resemblance—a separate, unrelated domestic humor gag typical of Judge's format. Together, these pieces gently mock both the crossword puzzle fad's grip on popular culture and the gap between fictional heroics and everyday modern puzzles.
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Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Catter— My! Hostess—Is that so? The Doctor’s Dilemma Sherlock Holmes’ Greatest Achievement W' .L, Well, Holmes,” exclaimed Doctor Watson, — fervently wringing the hand of the great sleuth, who had just dashed into their modest lodgings, “I'm greatly re- lieved to see you again—I “Quick, Watson, the needle!” per- emptorily commanded Holmes. “I've been from one end of the country to another, but I'm afraid that even my colossal mind cannot cope with this new, bewildering problem that has been presented to me.” “Pull yourself together, old boy,” -mpathetically murmured Watson. I me about it.” two months ago, a beautiful girl in evening dress came here. She was in great distress. ‘Mr. Holmes,’ id, “You've got to help me. It vans everything in the world to me, hing! Beauty in dis- like the hypodermic, ously pleased with his vile pun, me your problem,” I Holines, for God's sake’, ‘Find me a thirteen lettered word that is a generally used colloquial name for many present-de from cirrhosis to halitosis. yailinents The child of crossword parents. Your boy is the perfect image of you. I can't see the faintest resemblance! “Watson, T concentrated for a week, but to no avail. I've been from medical clinics to universities, from librarians to grammarians, but without success. Meanwhile, the poor girl has been coming daily in great anguish. I'm ruined, I'm a failure,” he sobbed, slouching down in his chair. “Now buck up, Sherlocko,” said Doctor Watson. “You'll find it. You're just tired, that’s all. You've only got a slight touch of the heebee- “Heebee-jeebees!” shricked Holmes —Thirteen letters—a generally used for many present-day indis- —Watson, you've saved me, at's the word! My laurels are safe. Hand me the old needle. Ah, Watson, you're a six-lettered word meaning wonderful.” hat’s all right, Holmes,” mod- estly answered the rhetorical physi- cian, “You're a four-lettered word yourself meaning the antithesis of prune.” Arthur L. Lippmann