Life, 1922-06-01 · page 31 of 34
Life — June 1, 1922 — page 31: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
**"A Common Experience"** satirizes the frustration of calling a busy executive's office. When Jones tries reaching his old schoolmate Smith, Smith's secretary repeatedly misunderstands the simple name "Jones," asking him to spell it multiple times despite his clear enunciation. The joke critiques how secretaries—gatekeepers for important men—create absurd bureaucratic barriers to access, treating even old friends as inconvenient obstacles. The punchline, "I didn't know it was you," mocks how the secretary's obstruction was pointless all along. The page is otherwise **advertising**. The dominant feature promotes "Mum," a deodorant cream marketed as essential for women maintaining "daintiness" and avoiding embarrassment from body odor at social gatherings. The ad also pushes Evans's Depilatory Outfit and Amoray perfume talc as complementary products for feminine hygiene—reflecting 1920s marketing that weaponized women's anxiety about bodily functions to sell products.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
vell- yung “the lege me, mn. A Common Experience ET us say that your name is Jones, E and that your most intimate friend js named Smith. You were school- mates together. Now, Smith is a big man; that is to say, he is a man who has large interests. Smith, of course, has a secretary. All big men have sec- retaries. One day you want to consort with your old friend Smith, so you call him up over the phone, with this result: “Is Mr. Smith in?” “I am Mr. Smith’s secretary. is this?” “This is Jones.” “What name did you say?” “Jones.” “T didn’t get that name.” “[ said Jones. J-o-n-e-s.” “What is it?” “Look here. I want to talk to Mr. Smith. You get Smith.” “Who is this calling?” “I told you once. Jones.” “What name is that?” “Jones, J-o-n-e-s. I said Do you get me—J-O-N-E-S, if you like.” “Oh, Mr. Jones. Well, I’m sorry, but Mr. Smith is in a conference.” “Why in the world didn’t you say so Who JONES. I'll sing I before “Well, you see, Mr. Jones, I didn’t know it was you.” T. L. M. Lilacs (LACS may bloom gallantly Upon a sun-swept hill But lilacs sold in city streets Bloom more divinely still. ‘Tis lilacs sold in city streets That set my heart a-thrill. For lilacs of the countryside Before my eyes may gleam In panoply of scudding clouds And sil footed stream. But lilacs sold in city streets Of such things make me dream. R. L. J. Both: Oh! how your feet must wurt —II Secolo ax (Milan). Even in crowded gatherings, and in warm- est weather, The Dainty Woman can always preserve the sweet Gotaliness of her femi- nine charm. OULDN’T it be a great relief at all crowded gatherings—at wedding receptions, dances, parties—to know that you are entirely free from the odor of perspiration or any other body odor? You know how it is on such occa- sions. As the room gets warm, you notice a slight personal odor in some of those around you—and then you begin to suspect it in yourself. You can be entirely free from even that suspicion. “Mum” is the word. “Mum” is a dainty, snow-white cream that takes all odor out of perspiration and pre- vents all body odors from whatever cause. No matter how active you are, how hot the day, or how freely you perspire, “Mum” gives you the com- fortable assurance that you will not be annoyed by any body odors. “Mum” cannot harm even the most Special Offer Send us $1 and your desler’ 's aame and_ address, "1 send you “Mum, ae and Evans's Depilatory Outfit post: paid. Or send S0c for “Mu and Amoray. Use this coupon. ‘Mum is the word that frees you, from Embarrassment delicate tissues of the body. And it cannot injure the clothes. You can dress immediately after using “Mum.” Yes, indeed! “Mum” is the word. While we're on the subject of daintiness, let us tell you about a safe way to remove hair from the under- arm. Evans's Depilatory Outfit acts quickly and leaves the skin smooth and comfortable. Very convenient, too, because it comes complete, ready for use at your dressing table. And do you know about Amoray ?— that distinctive feminine tale with the rich, yet delicate, exotic fragrance that lasts all day? Amoray is really more than a talc; it is Powder Per- fume, with a fragrance rivaling the finest imported talcs. Get these aids to daintiness today at your store: “Mum” 25c. Evans's Depilatory Outfit 75c. Amoray 35¢c. Or from us postpaid on receipt of price. See special offer below. poncean = — Mum Mfg. Co. June, 1922, 1108 Chestnut St., Philadelphia. T enclose $- . Please send me the articles checked below. O “Mum” 25c O “Amora: © Special Offer “Mum” and “Amor: O Evans's Depilatory Outfit—75c D)Specaal Offer (all three)—$1 ” 35 50 Name .... Address ... City ..... Dealer’s Name ..ccccccccscccccccsecs seeeeee Dealer's Address . comicbooks:com