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Life, 1907-03-14 · page 22 of 24

Life — March 14, 1907 — page 22: what you’re looking at

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Life — March 14, 1907 — page 22: Life, 1907-03-14

What you’re looking at

This satirical piece celebrates Charles Henry Meltzer's translation of Gerhart Hauptmann's play "The Sunken Bell," which has reached its sixth edition. The satire targets theatrical managers who dismiss literary merit in favor of commercial appeal. The author uses Meltzer as a case study in fallen prominence. Once a respected drama critic for the *New York Herald*, Meltzer allegedly fell from favor because his haircut displeased publisher James Gordon Bennett—a sardonic jab at Bennett's capricious management. The piece tracks Meltzer's decline: from influential critic to press agent for the Metropolitan Opera House, where his contributions go uncredited despite being "invaluable." The humor lies in the contrast between Meltzer's actual diplomatic skills (learned as a foreign correspondent) and his reduced circumstances. The author suggests Meltzer's "hypnotic" abilities manage difficult opera personalities, implying he's squandered real talent on theatrical politics rather than serious journalism.

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