Life, 1925-05-28 · page 32 of 36
Life — May 28, 1925 — page 32: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains serialized fiction ("The Rover and Over Boys," a parody of the popular Rover Boys adventure series) mixed with period advertisements. The main satire targets **contemporary serial adventure fiction**—the Rover Boys stories were wildly popular youth literature. The fictional chapter mocks melodramatic conventions: cannibal chiefs, kidnappings, convenient islands, and the predictable "last chapter" where villains must reform. The joke about Dan Baxter reforming because "it's the last chapter" satirizes how such serials followed rigid formulas. The advertisements reflect early-1900s concerns: Boston Garters (adjustable hosiery), Durham-Duplex razors, and notably **Mothersill's Remedy** for seasickness—reflecting when ocean travel was common and uncomfortable. The cartoon "No Escape" jokes that movies are inescapable—even in remote Timbuctoo—mocking cinema's rapid proliferation as an inescapable cultural force. Overall, this is light satirical commentary on both mass-market fiction formulas and advertising-driven consumer culture.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
WIDEWE Boston ‘The Boston is the only adjustable gar- ter made without metal on face of pad —hence the Pad without a Pucker. For real service insist on having Bostons. George Frost Company, Boston, Makers of Velvet Grip Hose Supporters for Women, Misses and Children No Escape I've never been to Timbuctoo, T never want to go there, Because I'm rather certain that There'll be a movie-show there! oR. That Good Morning Shave is just as good all Evening—with a Durham- 1-Duplex. See for yourself. Get a genuine Durham - Duplex Demonstrator fazor with one blade for only 2: A real razor--not a toy. If your dealer cannot supply, send coupon @ style razor preferred. Interchangeable Blades — 0 package of 5 DURMAM-DUPLEX RAZOR CO,, Jersey City, N. J Factories: Jersey City; Sheffield, Enj Toronto, Canada. Sales Representat URHAM) The BladesMen Swear By-not At ~~ ~s/ Paris, France; All Countries. LIFE The Rover and Over Boys (Continued from page 1) rocked with applause and a double quar- tette rendered “Old Black Joe” with much feeling, and they were forced to raise and lower the curtain again and again for seven or eight encores. Cuarter Twenty-Oxe Tne ceremony over, the cannibal chef tied Tom to a stake and commenced stirring a large cauldron which was bubbling merrily over the fire. “Him plenty good to eat!” grunted the chef as he prodded Tom gently “You said a mouthful, cook.” replied the fun-loving Rover merrily. After all was in readiness, the canni- bal chef advanced and handed the King a large menu, “Would your majesty care for some roasted Tom Rover with French Fried Potatoes?” he suggested. Very good, to-day.” said the King, just have some om “T guess I'll la minute.” The sharp bark of Dick’s pistol rang out suddenly, and the Cannibal King bit the dust and chewed it reflectively. Then Sam's pistol spoke, and then Dick's, and as the firearms “Bow wow! engaged the natives in rapid conversation Tom stepped menac- ingly toward the King. ook! Dan Baxter has kidnapped the three girls,” interrupted Dick, pointing to the bully who was rowing a4 small boat rapidly across the ocean. “Let me up and I help you catch him.” 1 the King seriousl. asked Dick, replied the King And while the ver Boys stared in astonishment, the natives each seized a paddle and rushed to several convenient promon- tories along the shore. . “commanded Zuloaga, as the natives dipped their paddles into the water and the island started in hot pur suit Tave you got a boa fe no need t “This is a floating island.” “If we can only reach him before the last chapter,” moaned Dick What is that ahead?” cried Sam. pointing to the next page. Cuarter Ninety-Two “Tue last chapter!” groaned Tom, as the bully sped past the title one para- graph ahead of them. “Too late!” sneered Dan Baxter, holding up a small iron box. “I've found the treasure!” “Wait!” cried Dick Rover, as they drew alongside. “If this is the last chapter you have got to reform.” “Foiled,” fumed Dan Baxter. “What a lousy break,” he added to himself, as he handed the Rover Boys the treasure and turned over a new leaf. Dick fitted the rusty key in the lock , ENJOY YOUR TRIP ENTIRELY _ FREE FROM THE SICKNESS Nothing will contribute more to the comfort and pleasure of your trip than Mothersil No matter how rough the voyage or rocky the ride, you can prevent all symptoms of nausea and enjoy your ex 73¢. & $1.30 at Drug Stores or direct on receipe of Price no Motheraitt Remedy Co., New York and raised the cover. “What is in the box?” burst Tom eagerly. “It contains the next volume of the Rover Boys’ Series,” replied Dick seriously, “In this volume we shall join our old friends again at Putnam Hall, and in addition we shall learn of Dan Baxter's foul plot, to be entitled: ‘The Rover Boys Underground; or, How Tom Raced a Grade-Crossing BOW LEGS? Makes Trousers Hang Straight it lens Rend In or Out it Aujstante It Hotde Sow hire Dowe Not vo eee Se or “ Harness" ee Rookiet Plain Bestest Envelope THE T. GARTER CO. Dept. 38 NEW LONDON, NEW HAMP. Going to Travel? Then by all means refer to the travel section of Harper's Magazine—Every month you will find many alluring sugges- tions and vivid pictures of America and including the announcements of a of Tourist Agencies, Railroads, Resorts and Hotels re free to write us—Our Travel Bureau will gudly furnish any information desited. HARPER'S MAGAZINE 49 East 33rd Street, New York, N. Y. comicbooks.com