Life, 1921-03-10 · page 22 of 36
Life — March 10, 1921 — page 22: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains several satirical pieces typical of 1920s American humor: **"Sanctum Talks"** features a dialogue between Life's editor and Vice President Calvin Coolidge, who complains about being relegated to obscurity. The editor quotes Milton's "They also serve who only stand and wait," implying the VP's role is merely decorative—a jab at Coolidge's perceived insignificance. **"That Memorable Meeting"** satirizes romantic delusion, contrasting what young lovers *think* they see in each other (idealized beauty and sophistication) versus reality (homely relatives, cheap clothing, trite conversation). The irony: they marry others and wonder "what might have been." **Minor cartoons** include "The Ne'er-Do-Well" (mocking someone arrested for Sunday entertainment violations), "Finality" (a husband unconcerned about burglars stealing neighbors' possessions), and a domestic scene where Mrs. Peck warns her husband not to "interpret" spring in her presence. The humor reflects 1920s preoccupations: social pretension, marital domesticity, and Prohibition-era propriety.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Sanctum Talks “LJELLO, Lire.” “Hello. Why this is Brother Coolidge!” “The same. I’m the one and only Vice-President now in captivity. And believe me, it’s a tough job, after being in the limelight—” “Never mind. I'll mention your name occasionally, just to let the public know who you are. Besides, think of what a background you make.” “But, Lire, I've never before had to think of myself as a background. “Then this is the time to begin, Brother Coolidge. Mr. Marshall has made a mighty good background. You must keep it up to his standard at least. Methinks you'll serve.” “Serve, Lire! But how about four years hence, or say eight years?” “Remember your Milton, brother.” “ What's that, Lire?” “They also serve who only stand and wait.” That Memorable Meeting HAT he thought she wore: angelic draperies of some mar- velous, clinging material, with a hint of heavenly hue to match her wonderful eyes. What she really had on: a made- over blend of her old green silk and sister’s white crépe. What she thought he wore: something drawn by Leyen- decker and featured by notable tailors, which lent a princely dis- tinction to his manly form. His real costume: a mail-order suit, which cost $17.89 and emphasized all his worst points. What he thought she said: things which showed a mind at- tuned to high ideals and finished by education. What her con- versation really exhibited: six current platitudes and three bro- midic quotations acquired by forcible feeding in Eng. Lit. class. What she thought he discussed: matters which showed rare poise and worldly wisdom. What he really uttered: an endless chain of such gems as, “I'll try anything once,” “That kind of bunk’s no use to a business man,” “ What this country really needs,” etc. He thought she looked a little like Mary Pickford; she really looked remarkably like her Aunt Maggie, in Rahway. She thought he resembled Wally Reid; he was really the image of his Uncle Pete, in Podunk Corners. And neither of them ever knew any better, for each married some one else, and thought occasionally of how differ- ent things might have been! THE NE'EK-DO-WELL “ JOHNSON HAS BEEN ARRESTED AGAIN.” “YES, HE WAS CAUGHT ENTERTAINING ON SUNDAY.” Finality “TOHN, I hear burglars.” The dutiful husband arose and tiptoed bravely out. Af- ter an undue delay he returned. “Oh, John,” said the wife, “what kept you so long? I was so afraid they had overpowered you.” “No, no, dearie, they were stealing the victrola from the people across the hall and I just made sure that they got all the records,” "PNT it rather difficult to officiate at a double wedding?” sked the friend of the clergyman. “Not at all. It’s just like putting two and two together,” replied the marrying parson. Mrs. Peck: COME ON, HENRY! IF THAT'S THE WAY SHE IN- TERPRETS “ SPRING,” I DON’T WANT YOU IN HERE WHEN SHE STARTS TO INTERPRET “ SUMMER.” comicbooks.com