Life, 1922-03-09 · page 7 of 34
Life — March 9, 1922 — page 7: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page features a portrait and poem reviewing actress Helen Menken's performance in a drama called "Drifting." The poem praises the production as an exciting thriller with "wild romantic stuff," featuring Shanghai settings, action sequences, and dramatic intrigue. The reviewer particularly commends Menken's "radiant smile" and stage presence, suggesting her performance and charm could captivate audiences. The tone is enthusiastically positive—the poem uses vivid language ("joy," "bold," "wild") to convey the drama's entertainment value and Menken's appeal as a leading actress in this theatrical production. This appears to be standard theatrical criticism/promotion from Life magazine's entertainment coverage.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Helen Menken In “Drifting” H, what a joy to see this drama bold, As mellow-yellow as fresh-minted gold; A thriller fashioned in a manner old, With new inventions. The subtle Chinks, the lurid Shanghai nights, The talking drums that murmur from the heights, Six acts of action and assorted fights And wild intentions. And alt athwart this wild romantic stuff, Wherein, poor child, you found the going rough, Your radiant smile, which somehow seemed enough To vivify it, Until I thought that for so bright a glance, I'd lead yon villain (curse him!) such a dance That you perhaps might let me have a chance Some day to try it! comicbooks.com