Life, 1905-03-02 · page 25 of 44
Life — March 2, 1905 — page 25: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page satirizes the **Theatrical Trust** (also called the Syndicate), a powerful monopoly controlling American theater in the early 1900s. The cartoon depicts the Trust as a ramshackle "Temple of Art" being attacked by various forces. The editorial discusses **Kaddish Jews**—a derisive term for Jews who ignore their religious heritage except attending prayer for the dead once yearly. The article argues that prominent theater producers (the Frohman brothers and others) attacked by critic William Metcalfe shouldn't claim victimization based on religion, since they've actively distanced themselves from Jewish identity. The satire's point: these theater magnates, having rejected their cultural roots for business success, cannot credibly demand protection as a persecuted minority when criticized. The page also notes Life magazine itself cannot freely critique Trust-controlled theaters due to their monopolistic power—a pointed commentary on censorship through economic control.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
HIS exter Jewish Ne ¢ Theatrical T attacking that ong composed of Jews t from an editorial in the Day/y scontinues to bear hard on uss claim that Lire was pization because it was Rut even if it should be established beyond contradiction that Mr. Metcalfe attacked the Frohmans and the others solely because they are Jews, their righteous indignation would he laughed at by the Jewish community, a their attempt to shelter themselves beneath the folds of Judea’s standard would be re sented by the Jewish community, For they ure not known as Jews, and some of them have not, until now, shown any de e to be tified as Jews, Wedoubt whether certain oi them would come under the category eve of *Kaddish Jews"—so fae away are the: from all things Jewish, and so anxious hav been (until now) to keep aloof from things Jewish: Some curiosity has been expressed as to what was meant by the expression * Kaddish Jews" in the above paragraph. One of the most solemn features of Jewish worship is the recital of the prayer for the dead, which is repeated with deep feeling and verence in every synagogue every Friday evening, Dee vout Jews, especially those in recent affliction, consider it one of the highest duties of their faith to be present during the repetition of this prayer, Even those who are not religious in other ways keep within the pale by making a point of being present at this ceremony once a year, and these are called by their co-religion- Kaddish Jews.” This makes clear what ists 62080 syenesn TRUST pIsOwNED, the editor means when he s, members of the Theatrical Trust are net even Kaddish MOVEMENT is on foot to interest real A estate owners in. the principal lary sof the United States i the building of a atres which shall be entirely inde- These would naturally secure their attractions fron the Theatrical Tr the independent managers in New York, such as Belasco and Fiske. Their other independent: managers to enter the fiek!, Compared with other buildings, theatres call for a comparatively istence would also encouras small investment for the it sh in this form of real es! turn they pay, an kl not be difficult to in est investors te improvement HIS doesn't seem to be a good year for ¢ Romanofls, the Klaw- skis, and the Erlangerovitches appear to. be autocracies, T having troubles of their own. Metcalf Fes Monier > Cpu tebe Thentes my of Music. Elaborately staged com- edy, “Sweet Kitty Rellairs."” Amusing, and the ballroom scene especially effective on the Academy Belasco.—“Adrea."” A tragic drama of the im ation. Impressively sta 1 well acted athe title Music Master, and an excellent supportin Mrs. Leslie Cart T with Mr. Day Bijou — Warfield as company, Mirth Lyric." ¥ cally mingled, ntana.” Light and comic opera ed. Music and book of the cuse tomary kind Madison Sguare—*Mts. Temple's Telegram.” Light and farcic well presented. The lying as a fine Manhattan —" Leah Kleschoa! with Mrs. Fiske in the title rile, A powerful and absorbing play, remarkably well presented in every partion Weber 3 sic HallW and fun, La Petite Dressler at her best lesque, music, beauty OWING TO THE PACT THAT THE FOLL CONTROL OF THE THEATRICAL TRUST, WHICH 1S ATTEMPTING TO SUPPRESS WING THEATRES ARE UNDER THE CRITICISM, LIFE IS UNABLE TO DE- SCRIBE THE PERFORMANCES THEY OPFER Liberty, New York New Amsterdam Daly's Criterion. Broadway Empire. Hudson. Lew Fietds's Theatre, Herald Square. Majestic. Knickerbocker Watlack":. Garrick. Garden, Lyceum, comicbooks.com