Life, 1923-11-08 · page 9 of 36
Life — November 8, 1923 — page 9: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains two distinct pieces: **"Pleasure by Night"** (left): A satirical stage dialogue mocking upper-class social life. The characters gossip about socialites and their companions at a supper restaurant at 11:45 p.m., discussing divorced couples, boring social events, and attempts to find entertainment ("dance," "waiter"). The satire targets the monotony and superficiality of wealthy nightlife circles. **"The Egotist"** (right): A cartoon and accompanying story about a vain man who obsesses over a phonograph recording of his own voice. The humor derives from his self-absorption—he spends hours listening to himself rather than enjoying the evening, then becomes indignant when criticized. The satire mocks excessive egotism and vanity, likely referencing early 20th-century phonograph culture and narcissistic behavior.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Pleasure by Night SS INE: A supper restaurant, Time: 11:45 Pp. M. Characters: Two gentlemen and two First GENTLEMAN Same old crowd again. Seconp GENTLEMAN It’s always the same. First Lapy There are the Millrocks over in the Don’t see how they stand it. Seconp Lapy Night after night. First GENTLEMAN And the Carrolbys with the Tibble- corner, First Lapy Just look at poor old Lily Under- one. She looks so bored. Seconp GENTLEMAN Everybody’s bored. ° Seconp Lapy Who's that woman with Wilkins? Reggie First Lapy Oh, she’s always with him. First GENTLEMAN And there’s Jack with Agnes. Seconp GENTLEMAN But I thought they were divorced. Seconp Lavy They are. First GENTLEMAN Every one’s here to-night. Seconp Lapy Every one’s here every night. First GENTLEMAN Suppose it’s useless to try to dance. First Lapy Hopeless in this mob. Seconp GENTLEMAN And we'll never get a waiter. Seconp Lapy Never in the world. First GENTLEMAN But it’s such fun, isn’t it? First Lapy Adorable. I’m coming again to- morrow night. Seconp Lapy I simply love to watch the C..G..S. So am I. crowd. WHEN Secretary Hughes recently asserted that “this is the day of the fleeting vision,” he was probably re- calling the night the telegraphic dis- patches had him elected President. The Boy (at sea for the first time): WHAT'S THE MATTER WITH THIS MACHINE? I'VE STOOD HERE FOR TWO HOURS AND IT HASN'T STARTED BROADCASTING YET. The Egotist wrt a charming evening it was! What superbly fascinating com- pany! And for hours the egotist gazed about him and listened with the keen- est appreciation. It was delightful, he reflected, to be surrounded by such en- gaging society—certainly a unique experience, and a smile of unmixed pleasure crept over his face. Never before had he heard such interesting conversation, such sparkling wit, such flashes of wisdom. As the dawn broke, he rose and turned off the phonograph containing the record of his own voice. Then he slowly walked out of the hexagonal room, the walls of which consisted en- tirely of mirrors. be HAT are about?” “They fined me for selling whisky,” replied the bootlegger, “when it wasn’t whisky at all.” you so_ indignant comicbooks.com