Life, 1922-02-16 · page 18 of 34
Life — February 16, 1922 — page 18: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains four Dorothy Parker verses mocking prominent figures of the era. The cartoons satirize: **Princess Mary and Viscount Lascelles**: Parker jokes about the royal couple's publicized romance, mocking media obsession with their "love's ascents" covered in Sunday supplements and photographs. **Mr. David Wark Griffith**: The film director, presented as the "Master Mind" behind modern cinema, is criticized for the grandiose self-regard of someone who "worked up" his own nickname and believes movies exist because of his efforts. **Mr. David Belasco**: A theater figure portrayed as sentimental about actors and critics, with Parker's verse suggesting his professed artistic devotion is somewhat hollow. **Mr. Calvin Coolidge**: The vice president (later president) is mocked for promising to destroy vice-presidential precedent—Parker sarcastically questions what became of this "Fighting Calvin," implying his impact was negligible or disappointing. The satire targets celebrity worship, artistic pretension, and political grandiosity typical of 1920s American culture.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Verses by Dorothy Parker Prineess Ae Viseount Laseelles ERE behold, and likewise lo, OOK, and you will surely find Princess Mary and her beau. Right above, the Master Mind. Bright her cheek with maiden blush;— (Just a nickname of his own Shall we say a royal flush? Which he worked up all alone.) How we've watched their love's ascents He it was who made, they say, In the Sunday supplements! Movies what they are to-day; Blessings for the happy pair; This the goal for which he’s tried— For their photographs—the air! Lord, I hope he’s satisfied! Mr Calvin Cool lage Ae David elaseo FTEN in the local press “ AH,” we said; and eke “At last. O On your kindness you lay stress. Things won't be as in the past; Love's the basis of your art, Once vice-presidents were nil, So you say—that is, in part. But our Fighting Calvin will Frequently you tell us of All such precedents destroy. How devotedly you love “Ah,” we said; and “Atta boy!”... Actors, public, critics, too. . . Now we wonder dolefully Echo answers, “Yes, you do.” What's become of Calvin C.? comicbooks.com