Life, 1923-04-05 · page 26 of 40
Life — April 5, 1923 — page 26: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
**"The Rain Makers"** depicts rural farmers discussing cloud-seeding—a real agricultural practice of the era. The humor lies in the colloquial dialect ("th' ten-acre field," "th' ol' woman's washin'") and the competitive scramble among farmers to claim weather-making technology before neighbors do. The joke satirizes both rural speech patterns and the desperation of agricultural communities dependent on unpredictable rainfall. **"The Dance"** contrasts elegant high-society formality with human indignity. The text catalogs luxurious details (silver wreaths, champagne, waltzes) before revealing how easily dignity collapses—itchy noses, watery eyes, ill-fitting hats. The accompanying cartoon shows two working-class men examining teeth, with one unable to crack nuts with them. The satire mocks pretentious sophistication while suggesting that all social classes ultimately succumb to physical discomfort and awkwardness.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
The Rain Makers “Go up and bust that there cloud over th’ ten-acre field, Noah—before somebody else gets it; an’ fer th’ love o’ peace, keep off th’ ol’ woman’s washin’!” The Dance ILVER wreaths and snow-white waistcoats, tulle and gold-tipped cigarettes, satin slippers and pearl studs, champagne punch and rubber plants, introductions and orchids, waxed floors and interminable waltz- es. “’Neath a South Sea Moon” and three no-trumps, stepped-on toes and invitations to dinner the follow- ing Thursday, wilted collars and strawberry ice. A gathering of stags in the pantry, promises to telephone the next morning, the host surrepti- tiously glancing at the clock every five minutes. How easily is dignity put to rout. A nose that itches, watery eyes, a smudge on the cheek, a touch of hay fever, a frayed collar, a hat one size too small and man’s aplomb bursts “How'd ya like to have two teeth like them?” like a bubble. - “What good are they?—ya can’t crack nuts with ’em.” comicbooks.com