Life, 1925-01-08 · page 11 of 37
Life — January 8, 1925 — page 11: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is a satirical story-fable about courtship and automobiles in the 1930s. The narrative centers on Ernest Schma, a man who buys a second-hand car to impress Miss Psych, a woman he loves. His rival, Ralph de Billtate, owns an expensive $12,000 Roadster and initially has the advantage. The satire targets masculine competition and materialism—Ernest's attempt to win affection through a vehicle purchase. The twist involves a near-tragedy at a railroad crossing that reverses social fortunes. The fable mocks the era's assumption that cars and money determine romantic desirability, while suggesting that character (Ernest's mechanical knowledge and safety awareness) ultimately matters more than wealth. The illustration shows a sightseeing bus—unclear how this relates directly to the plot.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
HOW AN INGENIOUS MAN BECAME RICIL WITIE Motor Fable “Look, Miss Psph,” said Ernest, “I will beat the train A Bedtime NCE upon a time, dear children, there was a man who hought a second-hand car of a cheap make, which was in perfect condition. One freezing night he thought he would go to a church sociable, so he gave the crank a spin and the motor responded immediately. As he sped noiselessly over the rough roads he con- gratulated himself for having spent $37 in the purchase, ind wondered if Annie Psph, whom he loved ardently, would be at the sociable, As it turned out, she was, indeed “Come,” said our hero, whose name was Ernest Schma, “come, Miss Psph, and take a ride in my lovely second- hand car which I have purchased for $37.” “Oh, no,” remonstrated Ernest's rival, Ralph de Bilitate. “Drive instead in my new $12,000 Ritz-Rooster.” “IT shall go with Ernest,” decided Miss Psph, “because I do not wish the other girls to think me. osten- tatious.”” So they drove out into the country- side, and when they had reached a lonely sylvan spot, far from habitation, the beautcous Annie said: “Oh, Ernest, do you not think we should do well to park here for a few brief moments, while you ascertain whether your rear light is lighted or some trouble has developed in your engine?” “No, Miss Psph,” responded Ernest; “well do I know that my rear light is lighted, and there is nothing the mat- ter with my engine.” As they were returning home, they approached a grade crossing simul- taneously with the arrival of a fast easthound express. train. AN OLD PERAMBULATOR AND A RAG DOLL They did, indeed, with yards to spare. To-morrow’s true story, dear children, will be how Uncle Sam has put an absolute stop to the illegal importation of liquors, thank goodness ! Tip Bliss. In 1935 = HO was that man you were just kissing?” “It's all right, my dear—nothing to be ashamed of — he_wasn't_my husband” THE SIGHTSEEING-RUS DRIVER TAKES HIS BEST GIRL FOR A RIDE comicbooks.com