Life, 1925-02-19 · page 6 of 37
Life — February 19, 1925 — page 6: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains two distinct pieces from *Life* magazine: **"The Absent-Minded Movie Exhibitor"** (top cartoon): A silent-era joke about a movie theater operator who's posted signs advertising both "COOLER INSIDE" and "20 DEGREES," apparently contradicting himself. The humor relies on the absent-mindedness of the proprietor—he's promoting coolness while simultaneously advertising an improbably cold temperature that would be uncomfortable rather than appealing. **"My Favorite Crime"** (story) and **"Two Questions"** (poem): These are literary pieces reflecting on romantic attraction and human nature rather than political satire. The story recounts childhood resentment of a boy; the poem contemplates why one loves another despite others' superior qualities. **"Young Bride"** (bottom cartoon): A domestic humor scene about a bride confused about etiquette regarding cocktails and dinner service—a relatable social anxiety joke for the era. This page emphasizes *Life*'s satirical humor covering everyday modern life rather than explicit political commentary.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Two Questions EAERA'S hair was softer, fairer, Cynthia's eyes a deeper blue; And Amaryllis’ kisses rarer— As Milton knew. It's true— That others are above her, 1 don’t know why I love her— But I do. More ships were launched for Helen's face, If Homer's story's halfway true Mistresses Herrick used to sue, Like Julia, had more grace. It's true, No other men implore her. Now why should I adore her? But I do Fiume, and a great heart, lost, Narcissine Gabriele knew. The oozing Arno turned to blue THE ABSENT- MINDED MOVIE EXHIBITOR When Beatrice crossed. Too true, My Favorite Crime She tells me that I bore her. How then should I adore her? Yet I do. KOM the time we were children together I had wanted to kill him, for he was the meanest kid in the world. Contemptible little truth teller! Every one hated him. All of which means, to be complete, On circus day at the side show he would sneak up to a That all the girls along the street knot of kids admiring the snake charmer and whisper con- Can give the one who is my sweet fidentially, “Them snakes have got their tonsils cut out A card or two 1 don’t know why I love her vatred for the whelp was a thing of beauty, borne ButIl do... iously on the wings of passion. I prayed God to spare Or do 1? Arthur Train, Ir. him from unworthy hands, that he might fall by mine. In youth we sat together at the vaude- ville show and saw the sprightly Auburn Sisters patter through their — skit. “They're not sisters at all. My Uncle Elmer knows them well,” he hissed knowingly. The flames of righteous fury raged within me and [ swore a double oath that he should die a dastard’s death Last night my hand avenged me, and the human race is richer by another curse removed. With glowing pride and joy I shook the dripping dagger in his face as he expired. He saw the imprint on ¢ shining blade, “Made in Germany.” “Don't Iet them fool you,” he said be- fore he died. “They're made up here in Syracuse.” Did I do wrong? Ranger W. Dane. HE NORDIC: Aye want to take . dis book from de library. Young Bride (closing the Book of Etiquette): on, DEAR, 1 DON'T KNOW WHAT Linrarian: This “Ben Hur”? TO DO! HERE I HAVE THE MINISTER COMING TO DINNER AND I SIMPLY can’t FIND Tue Nornic: Yas, dat ban she. OUT IF YOU SHOULD SERVE COCKTAILS BEFORE OR AFTER GRACE. comicbooks.com