Life, 1897-12-09 · page 3 of 20
Life — December 9, 1897 — page 3: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Page Analysis This page from *Life* magazine contains two theatrical anecdotes rather than political cartoons. **"A Sad Case"** describes a theater manager's dilemma: an actor became ill mid-performance, forcing the curtain to fall. The manager addressed the audience asking them to leave without refund, claiming the actress's illness made continuation impossible—though the text suggests he simply lacked resources to resolve the situation adequately. **"A Brilliant Idea"** recounts another theater mishap where a curtain fell during Act 2, damaging scenery. Rather than cancel, the manager announced the show would continue, keeping patrons seated. The satirical point appears to be mocking theater managers' desperation to proceed despite obvious problems, prioritizing ticket revenue over quality. Both anecdotes are humorous critiques of theater management priorities.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
— Oks Corting — A Sad Case. MAN who resided in Me., Was fond of the works of Hall Ce., With a wide, vacant smile, Me “They're good style ;” Mas! the poor man was inse. Carolyn Wels, A Brilliant Idea. S the curtain fell on the second act it was discovered that the theatre was on fire, and that the scenery loft was already a blaze of flames. The actors and hands were paralyzed with fear anda was imminent, But the manager, the man of infinite resource, was equal—nay, supe- rlor—to the occasion. he ro: urselve I will save the audi- at him admiringly, they all did they were bidden. Stepping before the curtain, the manager made his best bow and spoke in his oiliest tones: ies and gentlemen: I regret that, g to the sudden illness of the leading man, we will be unable to continue the per- forman I beg that ‘none of you will leave your seats, however, for it is the motto of this theatre always to give its patrons the worth of their money, Our beautiful and accomplished star, Miss owl Tearsontap, has kindly consented to fill the remainder of the with recitations, She will recite ‘Beautiful Snow,’ * Curfew must not ring to-night,’ and several other favorites. The curtain will rise again in five minutes.” With muttered curses the out in an orderly manner, and not until they read the morning papers did they know the death they had eseaped. time udience filed T is hard to tell whether it is easier for us to believe what we want to believe or for others to believe what we don't want them to believe.