Life — May 4, 1922 — page 7: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Margaret Lawrence in "Lawful Larceny" 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.