Judge — October 23, 1926 — page 4: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This page features a photograph rather than a cartoon—a promotional image of actress Susie Smilch in a dramatic pose. The caption "And Still the Wonder Grew" references her career trajectory. The text notes she previously appeared in Hans Waffles's film "Schmerecase" and is now performing in "Schlagisbundt." These appear to be fictional or deliberately absurd film titles, likely satirizing continental European cinema or its pretentious naming conventions that were fashionable among American audiences of the era. The satire seems directed at the mystique surrounding European actresses and films—suggesting Smilch's growing fame is somewhat artificially constructed through association with exotic-sounding (but possibly meaningless) European productions. The humor lies in the contrast between serious theatrical presentation and the ridiculous titles.