Life, 1921-02-24 · page 6 of 32
Life — February 24, 1921 — page 6: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains three distinct pieces of satire: 1. **"Princess Vraliart"** (top): A caricatured figure in elaborate costume, credited to James Montgomery Flagg. The accompanying verse mocks interpretive dancing as pretentious—"wiggles and shimmying" disguised as art. This targets early 20th-century modern dance movements that audiences often found bewildering or ridiculous. 2. **"Needs a New Manager"** (middle): Critiques impresario d'Annunzio's management of the Fiume opera company, suggesting his literary reputation doesn't translate to competent theater administration. 3. **Bottom comic strip**: Four panels showing a hippo attempting to learn skating, ice-skating, and swimming from various instructors—visual gags about an animal comically unsuited to these activities. The page satirizes artistic pretension, incompetent management, and physical absurdity.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
VAMET MONTROMERY AGG PRINCESS VRALIARTI There was a young person from Lansing, Who did this Interpretive Dancing— Interpreting what? It looks like a lot Of wiggles and shimmies and prancing! Needs a New Manager HE d’Annunzio show at Fiume has not been altogether bad, but it has run too long and admission has been too high. If put on here at the Hippodrome with popular prices it might have another very good run. D’Annunzio has real talent as a show- As a literary person he seems to have been decidedly unwholesome, though man. “on! MY DEAK MISTER MONK, WILL YOU PLEASE TEACM ME TO SKaTE?” gifted and fairly diligent. His writings never did anybody any good, except, pos- sibly, their publisher. But as a contriver and exhibitor of spectacles he is alto- gether out of common, combining imagi- nation with brass and backing both with lines of advertisement which imply genius. If he is out of politics now, so much the better for politics and for Italy; and also, if he takes the right course, for a public that likes shows. LIFE The New Order HE new lady director of the great opera company paused as she surveyed the members of the corps de ballet “Young ladies,” she said, “I have just provided a time clock, and hereafter you will all punch up as you enter. Eight hours a day and Saturday afternoon off.” There was a discreet murmur. “You will hereafter be judged entirely by results and the ones who get the most applause will receive a bonus at Christ- Sounds of suppressed satisfaction. “You will be fined for displaying jeal- ousy, losing your temper, malingering and chewing gum.” Subdued sighs. “Remember, ladies, that in music circles character is what counts. Temperament is necessary, but you must standardize it, as I have done.” A bright young member stepped for- ward. “Excuse me, your honor,” she said, “but how can I standardize my tempera- ment?” The great director smiled. “Tam glad you asked me that,” she replied. “Nothing is easier. Take up a six months’ residence in Chicago.” His Step OND FATHER: Before I consent to the marriage, know this young man’s qualifications. Now, has he great strength, endurance? Can he keep on his feet despite entangling influences? Has he balance, poise? Fanette: Oh, foxtrots divinely! I must yes, Daddy! Reggie ENGINEER (to frantic fireman who has fallen in water tank): You got enough. You don't have to tramp it down. “OH, MY DEAR MISS HIPPO, WILL YOU PLEASE TEACH ME TO swine?” comicbooks.com