Life — September 1, 1921 — page 19: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This illustration depicts a woman at a telephone, with the caption referencing "calling up 'Long Distance.'" The cartoon appears to satirize telephone technology and communication habits of the early 20th century. The woman, styled with period-appropriate hair and dress, sits at a small table with a rotary telephone. A man (visible in the background left) observes her. The satire likely comments on the novelty or expense of long-distance telephone calls during this era, or perhaps mocks social customs around women using telephones. The title "Calling Without" is unclear in meaning without additional context, though it may reference calling without proper introduction, payment, or permission—common social concerns of the period regarding new technology.