Life, 1923-12-27 · page 25 of 37
Life — December 27, 1923 — page 25: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page features **Violet Heming**, an actress, in connection with the play *"Spring Cleaning."* The accompanying poem by George S. Chappell describes the plot: Margaret Sones, a bored wife of ten years, must choose between her stern husband and an attractive rake. The satire operates on multiple levels. It mocks the moral dilemma of the play itself—presenting infidelity as a serious dramatic choice—while simultaneously praising the heroine's beauty so effusively ("so potent are her charms / That any choice would seem the best one") that it undercuts the play's moral gravity. The piece represents **1920s social commentary**: critiquing both restrictive marriages and the era's fascination with sophisticated adultery plots in theater. The elegant portrait and refined language mask cynicism about marital boredom and female agency, reflecting Jazz Age anxieties about traditional morality.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Violet Heming In “Spring Cleaning” LOVELY creature, Margaret Sones, Tis this, the choice she has to make, Married ten years and somewhat bored That forms the story of the play: At listening to the booming tones Her home and husband? or the rake, Of her stern-minded overlord, Who's quite attractive in his way? Seeks recreation with a crew The husband wins, and in his arms Whose morals are distinctly shady Enfolds his wife and calls her “blest one.” And.wonders what she ought to do, And yet. so potent are her charms Cut loose or stay a perfect lady. That any choice would seem the best one. George S. Chappell. comicbooks.com