Life, 1922-09-14 · page 27 of 40
Life — September 14, 1922 — page 27: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page combines character references with a humorous cartoon and classified ads, likely referencing the 1916 film "Nothing but the Truth." **The References:** Two mock employer testimonials use backhanded compliments to satirize household staff. George Green (the chauffeur) is praised for reckless driving and dangerous antics; Annie Flannigan (the cook) is credited with extravagant spending and religious fanaticism that interferes with her duties. **The Cartoon:** Shows a beach scene where a proud mother boasts her daughter swims "like a little duck," while the daughter boasts she can "swim on my back"—a child's innocent one-upmanship that deflates the mother's pride. **The Exchange Ads:** Parody classified advertisements offering absurd trades—an island for sleep, diplomatic attire for a collar collar, Darwin's book with unknown value, and American cars allegedly from someone (likely draft-dodger Grover Cleveland Bergdoll) hiding abroad. The satire targets pretension, exaggeration, and the gap between adults' self-importance and children's straightforward logic.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
- LIFE - Nothing-but-the-Truth References To Whom It May Concern: George Green, Chauffeur, was in my employ one year. The same being three hundred and sixty-four days longer than he would have been had not the former chauffeur’s uniform fitted him perfectly. He was an ex- pert driver; in fact, the only chauf- feur I ever had who could skid around in a limousine on Fifth Ave- nue, making three complete circles without upsetting. George was eco- nomical—never running any of the cars on more than two wheels or three cylinders. His garage repair bills were never over five hundred dollars monthly. He was always gool-natured and lovely with the chillren. He taught my youngest, age four, to ride on the mud-guards in no time at all. George left me to take another position when the doc- tor advised me to sell all my cars. (Signed) James Smith, To Whom It May Concern: Annie Flannigan, Cook, lived with me two years. This was accomplished by monthly raises, going South in the winter and taking a house at the shore in the summer. She was seri- ous-minded—a deep thinker, as shown by the grocery bills—and very religious. We always had dinner early so that she could attend church every evening. The services some- times lasted until early morning. Annie was so devoted to the family that she hated to have outsiders around, and on this account in- variably made strenuous objections when guests were invited to meals. She wore my clothes superbly and was an authority on all subjects, es- pecially England’s treatment of Ire- land. Annie left me when I decided to sell my house and live at a hotel for the rest of my life. (Signed) Mrs. James Smith, 25 For Sale or Exchange To Excnance, one (1) small green island, good bathing beach, potatoes, no snakes; owner has no further use for same; for one good night’s sleep or what have you. Apply GEORGE, Windsor Apts., London. E a gray high hat and a pair of silk knee breeches for one good-fitting stiff linen collar, size 13%. HARVEY, c/o State Dept., Washington, D. C. Have complete set “Darwin’s Theory of Evolution,” handsomely bound. What am I offered? W. J. B., Gen. Del., Lincoln, Neb. Wo can use few good American motorcars, also pot of gold, slightly mildewed from being underground, otherwise good as new; owner re- siding abroad permanently. G. C. BERGDOLL, c/o U. S. Army. Fond Mother: This is the swimmer of the family. She swims like a little duck. Charlotte: Better! I can swim on my back. comicbooks.com