Life, 1921-01-27 · page 13 of 36
Life — January 27, 1921 — page 13: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page from *Life* magazine contains three separate satirical pieces: **"The Indifferent Beaver"** and **"The Moose and the Mouse"** are animal fables by Arthur Guiterman offering moral lessons. The beaver story criticizes someone who ignores others' opinions about his work ("I'm building Another One"), with the moral that talk matters only when work is complete. The moose/mouse tale contrasts self-expression with humility, suggesting living involves risk. **"Headquarters at Reno"** is a brief joke about a lawyer's new position in "the divorce department" of a film company—likely satirizing Hollywood's high divorce rates. The bottom panel shows four film stills from what appears to be a burglary or crime scene comedy, captioned with dialogue and labeled "INDIGNANT CHORUS." The overall tone is light satire typical of 1920s *Life* magazine humor.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
-LIFE. Wildwood Fables By Arthur Guiterman The Indifferent Beaver “BEAVER” said the Blue Jay, “the Muskrats have decided that the last Dam you built was a mighty poor one.” “Don’t bother me,” puffed the Beaver, “I'm building An- other!” “Beaver,” said the Blue Jay, “the Muskrats have approved your New Dam as Quite Creditable.” “What's the Difference?” said the Beaver. Another One.” “Beaver,” said the Blue Jay, “the Muskrats wish to discuss your Theories of Dam Building. When will you talk with them?” “When I am through Building Dams,” Moral Talk_is of Prime Importance only to Those whose Work is Done. “I'm building said the Beaver. Headquarters at Reno UB: I hear Brosus, the lawyer, has a new positiow and is working day and night. Dus: Yes, he’s in charge of the divorce department of the Complex Motion Picture Company. BuRCLAR: It's quiet and dark “ An’ | kin git right to work— The Moose and the Mouse 'HE Bull Moose blared across the Lake. “How foolish of you to make all this Noise!" piped the tremulous Woodmouse. “ Don’t you know that it is this Trum- peting that betrays your Kind to the Hunter?” “1 know that better than you,” answered the Moose; “but it is my Joy to send my Voice through the Forest and against the Hills. What other Means have I of Self-expression? And how else could I challenge my Rival and call my Mate?” Moral Living is Risky, but Worth it. Reciprocity HE: I hear your book reviews are so wonderful. He: Do you actually read them? “TI tell you if you will tell me whether you read the books.” VEN the most prudish-minded must admit that the present style of skirt is all right as far as it goes. “ Hel-blp!” INDIGNANT cHoRUS: Now you've spoiled our séance! comicbooks.com