Life — March 2, 1922 — page 5: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Hay, There!" – Analysis This satirical poem by Berton Braley celebrates Will H. Hays, likely Hollywood's leading figure (appears to be Will Hays, film industry executive). The text praises him for tackling the movie industry's problems—stupidity, vulgarity, greed, wastefulness, and vanity among filmmakers and actors. The cartoon depicts a movie set with numerous people gathered, seemingly representing the various problematic personalities Hays must manage. The caption's joke about "formin' a syndicate an' gettin' one" suggests industry workers organizing, possibly referencing labor disputes or union formation concerns of the era. The overall message: Hays faces an enormous task reforming Hollywood's moral standards and professional conduct. The satire celebrates his efforts while humorously acknowledging how difficult the challenge truly is.