Life, 1922-05-04 · page 7 of 34
Life — May 4, 1922 — page 7: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page features a sketch portrait of actress Margaret Lawrence, accompanying a poem about her role in the play "Lawful Larceny." The poem, attributed to George S. Chappell, humorously addresses Miss Lawrence as a character who steals or commits petty crimes. The verses reference biblical law ("the ten commandments") and suggest the speaker is tempted to criminal behavior by watching her perform. The joke appears to be that Lawrence's stage presence and charm are so compelling that they could seduce even an honest person into wrongdoing—hence "lawful larceny," a playful oxymoron suggesting charming theft. This represents Life magazine's theatrical coverage, blending arts criticism with witty commentary on contemporary stage performances.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
print 19, sat estab Vilson with: , Te ask: eague 1 of Paper ng nded n ad 1397 nd to ound © and tarter 1 in Ran: 1865. srbilt Leton, three olden 922. Margaret Lawrence In “Lawful Larceny.” [ox years ago, when I was young, My feet were led in virtue’s ways; The ten commandments, framed, were hung, Before my adolescent gaze. Especially that stern decree Which Moses wrote upon the height, “Thou shalt not steal,” appealed to me. “Moses,” I used to say, “was right.” Imagine, then, how I must feel, Miss Lawrence, when you break my laws, And I not only watch you steal, But burst out into wild applause! O dearie me, I know I'd try To be a burglar for a bit If I were only sure that I, Like you, could get away with it. George S. Chappell. comicbooks.com