Life, 1912-11-14 · page 41 of 44
Life — November 14, 1912 — page 41: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is **advertising copy**, not satire or political commentary. The page promotes *The Theatre Magazine* to early 20th-century readers by arguing that theater knowledge enhances social standing and conversation skills. The images show: - **Top**: chorus girls in a theatrical performance - **Bottom**: what appears to be a formal social gathering or theatrical scene The pitch emphasizes that the magazine provides affordable access to theater culture—"all this" for less than two theater tickets yearly—positioning it as a status symbol. The "Two in One" offer at 25 cents (below cost, they claim) targets those unfamiliar with the publication. The core message: theater and knowledge of theater were markers of cultural refinement and social success. By reading this magazine, ordinary people could participate in that world and improve their conversational abilities—crucial for "social and business success" in that era. This reflects genuine period attitudes about self-improvement through culture consumption.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
The Fascination of the Theatre is strongly told in the millions of dollars poured yearly into the box office coffers. All the diversion and amusement—all the education and broadening influence—which the theatre affords—is brought into your own home by The Theatre Magazine. Social and business success depends largely upon versatile powers of conversation. The Theatre Magazine widens your knowledge on the one subject of common interest. Reproductions of scenes in current plays—reviews of the season’s successes—glimpses into the private life of celebrated artists— All this it gives you for a whole year for less than the price of two theatre seats. Make Friends With The “Two in One” Number For the benefit of the few who are unacquainted with The Theatre Magazine, two numbershave been bound in one—containing a wealth of pictures and entertainment. The price of two single copies of The Theatre Magazine is 70 cents. This special “Two in One” edition will be sent upon receipt of 25 cents. We are not selling this special edition. The 25 cents does not cover the cost of the paper. We ask it. merely as a guarantee that we are sending it to a lover of the dramatic art. THE THEATRE MAGAZINE 10 West 38th Street, New York comicbooks.com