Life, 1910-04-21 · page 21 of 44
Life — April 21, 1910 — page 21: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
The main cartoon satirizes theatrical gatekeeping and rejected genius. It depicts a dismissive theater manager or producer rejecting a playwright's manuscript, telling "Mr. Shakespeare" his play doesn't meet standards—a clear absurdist joke suggesting that even history's greatest dramatist would be rejected by contemporary theatrical arbiters. The page accompanies a broader article about actress Maude Adams, discussing her upcoming role in Edmond Rostand's *Chantecler*. The satire critiques how Broadway producers and critics operate: they claim to uphold high standards while potentially missing or undervaluing genuine artistic merit. By invoking Shakespeare specifically, the cartoon mocks the pretension and poor judgment of theater gatekeepers—implying that modern producers might similarly reject masterpieces if presented anonymously today. The surrounding theater reviews suggest contemporary debates about entertainment quality and commercial viability.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
BEFORE HE MADE HIS MARK VERY SORRY, MR, SHAKESPEARE, BUT I'M AFRAID YOUR PLAY 1S NOY UP TO THE STANDARD. snusical f.rce to convey a notion of novelty and freshness— “The Jolly things greatly to be desired in this form ot entertainment. “a wy ee By ISS MAUDE ADAMS is a delightful artist in roles to which she can adapt her personality. In advance it Mr. Franc seems as though Chantecler was not one of these. It may be Daly's and good support that the announcement that she is to attempt it is only a bit Entree Mid-C of shrewd advertisi » help keep interest alive until it playa ci Th the leading pa Garric r Mr al furore an impression seems to be gaining ground that Globe" The : aM ne for the American production owing the nsically this play or poem of Rostand’s is not of sur wb Me Peed Ste ce, with Norah . with tuneful Finished artist unpleasant George Ade's leading part eof the wu: with Mr. Fred St principal comedian. May." See passing interest, that in fact it is a good deal of a hore. Kins ; he 2 Gi Miss Blanche Tt Edward was unable to sit it out. It will be interesting to note whether our own returning hero dodges it or, if he does x0, whether he stays through or not. Metal by teademy of Music—Olga Nethersole in “Sapho." French ro- y ant u ion: manticism of a past generation. later ted drama of con Railey circus. Three y Mr. Thor al drama dealing with ‘Astor—' Seven Days.” Frivolous but laughable farce. ‘allack's—" Alias Jimmy V" The reformed criminal Bijou—" The Lottery M: Equally laughable farce. ized as ‘melodra aterial comicbooks.com