Judge, 1929-10-12 · page 12 of 36
Judge — October 12, 1929 — page 12: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# "The Stolen Car" - Judge Magazine Satire This satirical piece uses a series of telegrams to mock marital dynamics and insurance company bureaucracy. Mr. Hastings' car is stolen at French Lick Springs (a resort town), but his wife Bess responds with delight—calling the old vehicle a "white elephant" she's glad to be rid of. Her enthusiasm suggests the marriage is strained and the car was unwanted. The humor escalates when Hastings tries to claim insurance, only to learn the policy lapsed. His frantic attempts to file are thwarted by insurance company fine print. The accompanying cartoons (with text "My dear, your complexion is simply marvelous!" and "and will you give him his bottle if he cries?") appear unrelated, possibly advertisements or separate comic bits typical of Judge's format. The satire targets both unhappy marriages and the frustrating complexity of insurance claims—everyman complaints that remain relatable today.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
JUDGE iJ Pt Wears “ be a “—and will you give him his bottle if he cries on The Stolen Car French Lick Springs, Ind. Mr. Homer Hastings, 60 Broadway, New York City. Car was stolen here today Stop Feel terrible Stop Are you angry Stop Wire Bess New York City Mrs. Homer Hastings, French Lick Springs, Ind. Tickled to death old bus was taken Stop Will notify insurance company Stop Don’t worry Stop Will buy you new car Stop Con- gratulations on getting rid of white elephant Love Homer oe French Lick Springs, Ind. Mr. Homer Hastings, 60 Broadway, New York City. You're a wonderful understand- ing old darling Love Bess “* * New York City. Old Faithful Insurance Company, Hartford, Conn. My Buick coupé motor number six seven eight three nine one stolen today at French Lick Stop Report theft and arrange for payment to me at once Homer Hastinas ** Hartford, Conn. Mr. Homer Hastings, New York City. il- y current premiums Stop Your car not covered at time of loss Oxp Fairurut Insurance Co. New York City Mrs. Homer Hastings, French Lick Springs, Ind. How in Heavens name were they able to steal that car from under your very nose Stop Cancel __ rese n and come home at once by train Stop If your head wasn’t fastened to your shoulders you would lose that too Stop What do you think I am a millionaire Homer —Artuur L. Lirraann comicbooks.com a a We