Judge, 1927-07-16 · page 33 of 40
Judge — July 16, 1927 — page 33: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page from *Judge* magazine contains theater criticism and advertisements typical of 1927 print journalism. **The Main Content:** The "Judging the Shows" column reviews theatrical productions. The critic humorously discusses spotting famous literary figures (Don Marquis, Edgar Lee Masters) performing in a Roman mob scene, praising Clayton Hamilton's performance with mock-serious language ("nuance, verve, brio and élan"). He also reviews "Namiko-San," a Japanese musical drama at the Selwyn Theater, leaving early due to tedious ballet preliminaries—and notes the theater manager's apparent envy at having to sit through them. **The Humor:** Much relies on period-specific theater culture and recognizing these now-obscure literary figures. The jokes about delayed shows and mandatory ballet "filler" reflect early 20th-century theatrical conventions. **The Advertisements:** The Murad cigarette ad uses "embarrassing moments" humor (moth damage to formal wear), and the Holloways London Dry gin ad targets grocery stores. These represent 1920s advertising approaches and the legal cigarette/alcohol marketing of the era.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Judging the Shows (Continued from page 18) apologize and ask for forgiveness. One of the features of the pro- duction was the personnel of the Roman mob. This mob was re- cruited from such members of the club as Don Marquis, George Middleton, Edgar Lee Masters, Clayton Hamilton and _ Bruce Bairnsfather. I had trouble in locating some of these fine old actors in the crowd on the stage, but, unless my eyes deceived me, I did succeed in spotting Clayton. His performance was full of nuance, verve, brio and élan: a veritable masterpiece of histrionic endeavor. I think the boy has a future ahead of him. II At the Selwyn Theater there has recently been on exhibition a drama with music called “Na- miko-San,” with a company headed by the Japanese songbird, Tamaki Miura. I got to the theater in due time and composed myself to pass judgment on the entertainment. But when 9.45 came around and “Namiko-San” had not yet shown any signs of getting under way, I made my adieux to Dr. Mike Selwyn, the house manager, and departed. The time from 8.30 to 9.45 P. M. was occupied by a lot of so- called ballet divertissements and pantomimes that were not only terrible, but that, so far as I could make out, had no more to do with announced bill of the eve- ning than did Hubert’s Museum across the street. I trust that I betray no confidence when I say that, when I galloped up the © street, the look that I seemed to discern on the estimable Mike’s face impressed me as one of acute envy. ed She—Yes, he strongly disap- proved of my frock. He—And what did you do? Ske—Oh, I just laughed it off. —Lonpon Opinion ain’t she sweet! EMBARRASSING MOMENTS When you discover, publicly, that the moths have feasted upon your dinner jacket . . . be nonchalant . . . lighta MURAD CIGARETTE AS\\Give a sentence withthe word > \ = Eschew” YY T eschew very « confidentially, 3 © 1927, P. Lorillard Co., Est. 1760 Optimists tell us that we are to have a magnificent summer this year. Let us hope it will be on a Saturday. —Eve ad Departing Guest — Enjoyed ourselves? Oh, yes! What I’m upset about is leaving your hotel so soon after I’ve bought it. —Tir Brrs Cod Nearly every cinema actress has long, slender fingers. The con- tinual slipping on and off of wedding rings must wear down the fingers in time. —Lonpon Opinion MURAD For those who feel entitled to life’s better things comicbooks.com