Life, 1914-02-26 · page 11 of 40
Life — February 26, 1914 — page 11: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page features a contest rather than a political cartoon. Life magazine is running a "caption contest" asking readers to identify what a woman has just said in the depicted scene. The illustration shows a domestic interior with multiple figures: a man on the left appearing shocked or distressed, several onlookers, and a woman in an elegant dress seated near a piano. The humor presumably derives from the woman's unseen statement causing the man's dramatic reaction. The contest offered $200 to the winner—a substantial prize for the era. Submissions were limited to twenty words maximum and had to arrive by March 14, with announcement in Life's Easter issue (April 2). This format was a common engagement strategy for magazines of this period, encouraging reader participation and repeat purchases.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
(This picture has no title.) What Has She Just Said? For the Best Answer to This Question Life Will Give Two Hundred Dollars Conditions of the Contest The title, with sub-title, or in whatever form sub- mitted, must not exceed twenty words. The paper upon which the title is sent should contain nothing but the title, with the name and address of the author in the upper left hand corner. If this rule is violated the judges reserve the right to debar the contribution. Manuscripts should be addressed to The Contest Editor of Lire, 17 West 31st Street, New York. Envelopes addressed in any other way will not be considered. All titles submitted must be at Lrre office not later than Saturday, March 14. The contest will close at noon of that date. Within one week from March 14a check for $200 will be sent to the winner. Announcement of winner will be made in Lire’s Easter Number, the issue of April 2. It is not necessary to be a subscriber to Lire in order to compete. The contest:is open to every one. Only one title from each contestant will be con- sidered. No manuscript will be returned. The editors of Lire will be the judges. They will award the prize to the title which, in their judgment, is the most deserving. comicbooks.com