Life, 1922-02-23 · page 7 of 34
Life — February 23, 1922 — page 7: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page features a portrait of **Katharine Cornell**, a prominent stage actress, accompanying a poem titled "In 'A Bill of Divorcement.'" The poem, credited to George S. Chappell, appears to be a tribute to Cornell's performance in that theatrical production. The verses reference her stage debut ("when you flitted on the stage") and praise her acting ability, particularly her portrayal of a character who "lost her love and saved her soul / And paid the bill, and played the game!" This is not political satire but rather **theatrical criticism/promotion** — a common Life magazine feature celebrating notable performers of the era. The sketch-style portrait and accompanying verse represent early 20th-century entertainment journalism, highlighting Cornell's growing fame and her acclaimed role in this drama about divorce and personal sacrifice.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Katharine Cornell In “A Bill of Divorcement” ISS Sydney, when I first perused But when you flitted on the stage The program of your poignant play I-thought no more of days or years I was not, frankly, much enthused; But lived in your projected age It seemed so very far away. And shared your future smiles and tears. I read: “This trouble and distress Brave Sydney! what a splendid réle Takes place in Nineteen Thirty-two.” In which to leap to instant fame, Which left me frigid, 1 confess, Who lost her love and saved her soul That is—until I gazed on you. And paid the bill, and played the game! George S. Chappell comicbooks.com