Life — February 2, 1922 — page 3: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This page from *Life* magazine features "Chantey," a poem by Dorothy Parker about the appeal of seafaring adventure, contrasted with romantic reluctance to leave home. The illustration depicts an audience viewing what appears to be a theatrical performance or vaudeville show—the period's popular entertainment venue. The packed audience watches performers on an elevated stage behind a railing. The caption below presents a joke: "Little Johnny: Can't I have my hair cut with a hole in the top like Dr. Story?" This references a specific contemporary figure, likely a well-known performer or public personality named Dr. Story, whose distinctive hairstyle (possibly with a bald spot) had become recognizable enough to be comedy material for children. The humor relies on this person being identifiable to *Life*'s readers of the era.