Life — February 20, 1890 — page 11: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "A True Story" – Life Magazine Comic This is a satirical comic strip about **Rev. Dr. Mudd** (likely a fictional clergyman character). The narrative follows his misadventure hosting a dinner party: 1. He obtains a phonograph (early recording device) 2. He takes home a dog, planning to use it as entertainment 3. During the dinner, the dog disrupts the gathering while he attempts his prepared speech 4. The parrot he brings seizes the chance to speak instead 5. His grand oratorical moment is undermined by animal chaos 6. His resignation is "unanimously accepted the next day" The satire mocks pompous clergy members whose pretensions are deflated by circumstances beyond their control—a common theme in early 20th-century American humor.