Life — October 18, 1917 — page 21: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This Life magazine page depicts someone watching an old film reel—visible as a strip of film frames along the border. The viewer, shown in profile on the left, appears absorbed in watching what's labeled "TOBACCO" on the screen. The satire likely critiques either: 1. The addictive nature of tobacco/smoking habits (someone compulsively rewatching), or 2. Nostalgia for outdated products or practices The "old reel" title suggests commentary on obsolete entertainment or advertising methods, while the prominent tobacco label indicates this is satirizing the tobacco industry—possibly their continued marketing of an "old" product or the persistence of smoking despite known harms. The exact historical context and intended target remain unclear without additional dating or attribution information.