Life, 1922-07-06 · page 6 of 36
Life — July 6, 1922 — page 6: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This satirical dialogue between "Life" and "La Belle France" (personified as an elegant woman) concerns Franco-American relations, likely from the early 20th century. The humor relies on contrasting French sophistication with American materialism. Life teases La Belle France about American excess—men's enormous cellars and bulging waistlines. She protests that friendships shouldn't suffer during their long separation ("by the millions"). The title "Old Wine in New Flasks" suggests recycled ideas in modern packaging—possibly referencing diplomatic relations dressed up as something new. The accompanying cartoon shows a woman on a telephone, likely illustrating the communication difficulties between the nations mentioned in the dialogue. The piece gently mocks both cultures' pretensions while maintaining affectionate tone.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
LIFE, with Apologies to La Vie Parisienne OLD WINE IN NE.W FLASKS «T had not expected to find such a charming gen- tleman so neglected of my sex, or is it that you are ennuyé?» asked La Belle France, smiling as graciously as though Lloyd George were a monu- ment and not an annoyance. « You may always find me at home now, Madem- oiselle,» Lire sighed. “In this country a man’s castle has become his cellarette. » «Mais oui! I should have known,» was the re- sponse. “In Paris it has become that an American is known by the size of his hips. They bulge so, like the ladies’ shoulders of the leg-of-sheep gowns. ” «What would you? Surely you can sympathize, » Lire protested. «After all, we are but what our tailors make us—and our bootleggers. » « Again, yes,» La Belle France answered. « But it is I who came to receive sympathy, since it is I who need it most. » «Nothing, Mademoiselle, is easier than sympa- thizing with a beautiful woman, unless it is allow- ing a beautiful woman to sympathize with you,” Lire said, earnestly. «Ah! I am so happy to learn that,» La Belle France exclaimed. “I knew that you would not be unkind, Lire. I have always smiled at you; and you have smiled in return sometimes. » Lire coughed. . «Tt is an inherited weakness, » he muttered, some- what confusedly. «But, tell me, Mademoiselle, what is it that troubles you now? » he inquired. «T am desolate,» was the reply. “In the world I am alone, bereft of friends. » «It is always so with beauty,» Lire consoled. «Beauty has many affairs, but few friendships. » «But friendships have so many beauties,» La Belle France protested. «I hope I have not lost them all. » «You have not,» Lire assured her. « But you must remember that the long visit needs the longer absence. We came, by the millions . . .» «They were magnificent ! » « By the millions, but propinquity skattered some illusions, » Lire continued, gravely. «Time is re- storing them. Distance lends enchantment, also, to the aspects of friendship. » «Agreed. Also it adds much to the telephone bills, » La Belle France commented, “and you get the incorrect number so often.» «Our telephone service is improving—slowly, » Lire smiled, reassuringly. «Then my voice will reach you more readily in the future?» La Belle France inquired, anxiously. «And more distinctly. » «T am greatly relieved,» La Belle France con- fessed, with a deep sigh. “Your words are as refreshing as the good wine of Bordeaux. » « As for that, Mademoiselle, » said Lire, «since you are a stranger in a strange and desert land, let me offer you, also, hip service. » «T don’t mind if I do,» the fair visitor agreed. «A votre santé.» “Here’s looking at you! » Macuin1 Le Mendicant: Si elle n’as pas du chic, que le ciel me rendre aveugle cette minute! a a a a ee ere ee ere | comicbooks.com