Life, 1922-12-14 · page 5 of 36
Life — December 14, 1922 — page 5: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page features a portrait and tribute to **Ruth Chatterton**, an actress of the 1920s-30s era. The accompanying poem by "O.H." celebrates her theatrical success, using the metaphor of "red carpets" and "rainbows" to represent her rise to prominence. The verse references Shakespeare and French theatrical tradition, positioning Chatterton within a lineage of celebrated performers. The poem's tone suggests she achieved notable status—the "Queen" reference in the opening couplet indicates she was considered a major star of her era. This appears to be a straightforward celebrity tribute page rather than political satire. It documents the cultural prominence of stage actresses during the interwar period and *Life* magazine's practice of honoring entertainment figures through illustrated profiles.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Then the Queen condescends to put On common earth her gracious foot, Before Her Majesty is spread A Carpet—freferably red. But when to Stardom’s Throne you came And Broadway twinkled with your name, Fate ruled Red- Carpets obsolete s And spread a Rainbow for your feet! 2 ee Ruth Chatterton. And since, to quote Will Shakespeare, you Have lived “to add another hue Unto the Rainbow” — quelque’ chose, As the French say, ‘twixt Marie Rose And the, too subtile to express, Elusive tint of La Tendresse, Who can foretell what treasure blend Awaits you at the Rainbow's end? : O.H. comicbooks.com