Life, 1924-11-27 · page 10 of 37
Life — November 27, 1924 — page 10: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains a satirical sketch titled "Afternoons in Bellevue," featuring dialogue between two characters: "Crazy Harry" and "The Fried Egg." The satire mocks architectural pretension. Crazy Harry wants to design a house with thirty-six guest rooms but won't actually host guests. When questioned about this contradiction, he explains he doesn't want to "put the rooms in order after the guests have left." The joke lampoons wealthy individuals who design ostentatiously large homes for status rather than practical use—they'd rather maintain unused rooms than endure the minor inconvenience of tidying up afterward. The "Bellevue" title references the famous psychiatric hospital, suggesting both characters are somewhat absurd or unhinged in their thinking.
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Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
“L SUPPOSE ALL THEM FRAMED THERE TO PROVE YoU EVEN IF YOU CERTIFICATES AMOUNTED von’T AND DIPLOMAS ARE UP TO SOMETHING SOMEWHERE ONCE, HERE, EH, Doc? Afternoons in Bellevue Crazy Harry Explains Things “] WISH,” said Crazy Harry thought- fully, as he endeavored to catch an imaginary fly that persisted in annoying him, “that I had decided carly in life to become an architect.” “Why?” asked the man who believed himself to be a fried egg in the process of cooking. “Because I should like to draw up plans for a house I am going to build,” answered Crazy Harry: “What kind of a house would that be?” asked the Fried Egg mechanically, for in reality he ing whether he was sticking to the frying pan or no! was wonde “My original plans,” continued Crazy Harry, “would provide for thirty-six guest rooms.” “Why do you need so many rooms, may I as! inquired The Fried Egg. re you going to be a politician and invite the voters to your house? “No,” Crazy Harry told him, “I do not intend to have any guests at all.” The Fried Egg deliberated upon this. “A very good idea,” he said. “Then you won't have to put the rooms in order after the guests have lef: “No, because I won't have any guest rooms at all when the house is com- pletely built This puzzled the Fried Egg some- what. “I wouldn't cither, if I were he answered. “But tell me— was I wrong in thinking you said some- thing about thirty-six rooms?” “No, you heard correctly,” Harry in- formed him. ut the way I avoid them is by putting them in the original plans. If you knew anything about architects,” he added in a superior tone, “you would know that the first plans are always changed. Now if I started out with no guest rooms that would surely mean that I should wind up with a great many. But if I begin with thirty-six, can’t you see what a very imple matter it would be to wind up without any?” “Of course, how silly of me,” laughed the Fried Egg. The smile upon his face changed to a look of concern. “Harry,” he asked, “would you mind doing me a favor?” “No, of course not. replied Harry. “Please,” said the Fried Egg, “turn me over.” What is it?” Tracy Hammond Le When Two Advertising Men Discuss the Weather “LJELLO! Wilbur F. Schwimpéel, at’s your reaction to this little “Jefferson B, Hatch, I'm sold on it— completely, absolutely, totally.” “Same here. As I analyze the posi- tion the present weather certainly has a big general appeal.” “It sure does get its story across.” “Count me in on that, W. F,; that’s my slant on it precise! “No need to canvass the situation on a day like to-day, J. E “Sounds like good psychology to me.” “My name's on the dotted line to that, old man. Well, good-by.” “Good-by. WV. OU cannot park your car and have it. “cee! DIS IS A FINE OCCYPASHUN FER A MAN WOT STARTED OUT IN LIFE FULL OF AMBISHUD comicbooks.com