Life, 1925-01-22 · page 5 of 36
Life — January 22, 1925 — page 5: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains several satirical pieces typical of early 20th-century Life magazine humor: **"The Age of Innocence"** mocks taxi drivers and traffic incidents through dialogue—likely referencing the chaos of early automobile culture in cities. **"The Self-Contained Reformer"** satirizes self-righteous activists who write indignant letters about social problems (cigarettes, drinking, politics) but take no real action, merely "throwing them out" rather than mailing them. **"People Worth Knowing"** and **"The Photoradiogram"** are light social humor about family photographs and social pretense. **"Simplified"** jokes that women are late because modern simplified clothing eliminates the time once needed for elaborate dressing—a satirical reversal of expectations. The cartoons target common social hypocrisies and the absurdities of modern urban life, typical of Life's satirical approach during this era.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
The Age of Innocence Somebody has suggested a Be-Polite-to-Everybody Week. Following are several conversations to be expected.) "TRAFFIC COP: Pardon me, old fellow, but you have just ripped off the fender of this taxicab. Truck Driver: A thousand apologies, my dear chap. How clumsy of me! Taxt Driver: My fault entirely, sir. he driving too close to you. Truck Driver: Really, you must permit me to buy you a new fender. Taxt Driver: Not at all, not at all. Plenty more where that one came from, old top. How about a little nip together ? Truck Driver: Delighted, I’m sure. Trarric Cop: I do hope you'll forgive me for calling your attention to this trifling matter. * ¢ ¢ So silly for me to Trottey Conpuctror: Oh, dearie, dearie! This transfer you have just given me is a week old, sir. Passencer: Righto, dear old bean. I was merely trying to see if I could slip something over on you. Conpuctor: Aha, sly boots! Well, as a reward for your ingenuity, J shall insist on paying your fare. * 8 6 Yate Man: Oh, I'm so sorry this distressing incident has occurred, but Yale appears to have scored a touchdown. Harvarp Man: My heartiest congratulations! * # ¢ First Puc: Oh, this is terrible! I wouldn't have knocked you out for worlds! I never realized I had punched so hard. Secoxp Puc: Not a word, not a word! It is really a pleasure to be flattened by a gentleman so immeasur- ably my superior in the fistic aft. First Puc: Pure luck on my part, I assure you. Fundamentally, you are by far the better man of the two. + * ¢ Tenant: Please don’t think me for- ward, but it'’s—ah—a bit chilly in our apartment. Janitor: I agree with you thor- oughly, except that I should say it is bitingly cold. Oh me, oh my, if I only teeren’t such a lazy dolt! Tip Bliss. Simplified FORMERLY women were always late because they had dresses that buttoned up the back and long hair that needed hours of arranging; now they The Self-Contained Reformer A’ intervals I take my pen in hand And write a stirring letter signed “Vox Pop,” To state that evils which beset the land Must stop. Sometimes my pen communicates regrets In re the Younger Generation, which I think Is going straight to Hell from cigarettes And drink, Or into matters politic I stray, And seck the Public’s sentiment to rouse In favor of an eight-hour working day For cows. A silly thing to write such stuff, I know. Such letters are quite futile, I've no doubt. And so instead of mailing them, I throw Them out. R. Spillman People Worth Knowing “IZ NOW the Smiths? No? “How is that?” “Well, they are the kind you can tell to drop in any time and feel sure they never will.” I'm sure you'd like them.” THE PHOTORADIOGRAM “[ THOUGHT WE WERE GETTING A PICTURE OP UNCLE HUBERT, BUT HE HAS NO WHISKERS are just—always late. “THOSE ARE NOT WHISKERS. THAT'S STATIC.” comicbooks.com