Life, 1922-10-05 · page 8 of 36
Life — October 5, 1922 — page 8: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains two separate pieces from *Life* magazine (circa 1922): **"How to Write a Play"** (left column): A humorous advice article signed "L.A.M." mocking aspiring playwrights. It satirizes the pretentiousness of would-be authors by suggesting they consult dramatic editors and network with theater managers—implying most amateur plays are mediocre padding material. **"The Unrivaled 'Rivals'"** (right): A poem by M.S. celebrating *The Flayers* theater company's production of Sheridan's classic play "The Rivals" (1775). It praises the production's wit, romance, and comedic execution. **The cartoon below** depicts a gardener complaining to his employer (a woman) about daylight saving time, claiming the extra daylight hour "burns up the garden." This reflects early 20th-century working-class skepticism about daylight saving time as a productivity measure.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
How to Write a Play IRST of all, consult a friend who has never written a play. He is sure to know all about it. It’s a good thing to know all the dramatic editors. You can tell them ‘about your second act and then, even if the script is never finished, your newspaper cronies will let the public in on your progress, thereb~ establish- ing-you as an author before the world. P Before you complete your first draft, select the man- ager you want to produce it. Then learn his first name so you can casually complain at tea how “Al” or “Lee” is worrying the life out of you to rush the manuscript for rehearsal next week. Also, explain the predicament you are in, making a choice between Ethel Barrymore and Mrs. Leslie Carter for the leading role. Both, naturally, are anxious to play it, and since you don’t want to hurt the delicate sensibilities of either, your friends will readily under- stand the extreme embarrassment of your position. Condescend occasionally to converse on commonplace subjects with those of your acquaintances who are not writing a play. And when your play is finished—if by some chance it ever is—you can use it for padding under the carpet at spring-cleaning time. You've already written one play, and who wants to write another, anyhow? L. A.M. The Unrivaled “Rivals” Done by “The Players,” June 5, 1922 HE wheels of Time turn backward, for a space, And turning, give us glimpses of the Past; A Past bedecked with lavender and lace, With fan and furbelow, and leisured grace,— In fact, a Past till now quite unsurpassed ! And here are Wit and Beauty, Youth and Age,— And sparkling jesi combined with tears and sighs, A lovers’ quarrel and parental rage, Quotations malaprop and counsels sage, With flouts and feints, retorts and keen replies! O Rivals, may your Rivalries increase In due proportion as we praise your Arts; Till in the Future rivalries may cease, Revival of “The Rivals” be the Piece That claims supremacy in all our Hearts! The Drama at its Pinnacle of Fame, A Comedy complete, without a Peer,—- A perfect Picture in a fitting Frame,— The Players!—how we love them, Name by Name, As, stepping forth, they one by one appear. Gardener: Yes, mom! I know the place ain’t looxin’ good. It’s that daylight savin’—the extra hour o” daylight just burns up the garden. comicbooks.com