Life, 1921-04-07 · page 13 of 38
Life — April 7, 1921 — page 13: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This cartoon satirizes the commercial opportunism surrounding William Shakespeare's 427th anniversary (April 23). The illustration shows a theatrical manager or producer holding a child actor while displaying papers—likely contracts or royalty agreements—surrounded by scattered documents and a sword. The accompanying text mocks how Shakespeare's "Hamlet" was accepted by London's Globe Theatre management, noting the irony that the Swan of Avon (Shakespeare himself) might be displeased by the commercialization. The satire targets producers prioritizing profit over artistic merit, with a wife concerned about "advance royalties" and payment timing rather than honoring the playwright's legacy. The joke critiques how anniversaries become vehicles for financial exploitation rather than genuine artistic commemoration.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
April 7 Unfamiliar Anniversaries— By TENGGREN Hamlet Is Accepted SATURDAY, April oth, will mark the three hundred and twenty-seventh anniversary of the day when William Shakespeare received word that his playlet, “ Hamlet,” had been accepted by the management of the Globe Theatre, London. From a superficial inspection of the above illustration, one might be led to assume that the Swan of Avon (as he was flippantly known in theatrical circles) is pleased at the news; but a more careful and comprehensive study of his countenance will prove that such is far from being the case. A display of dentistry does not always denote mirth. The following excerpt from the letter may serve to explain: While we consider that it possesses certain clements of dramatic appeal, we feel that it lacks the punch necessary to make it a sure- fire hit. We intend to get some snappy music for the soliloquy and some comedy lines for the ghost, whose part is absolutely dead now, and we think it will be a good idea to accentuate Ophelia’s sex appeal.” Mrs. S., wifelike, wants to know how much money he will get for advance royalties, and just when the check will arrive. comicbooks.com