Life, 1925-08-20 · page 30 of 36
Life — August 20, 1925 — page 30: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains several short humorous pieces typical of Life's satirical style: **"For a Columnist"** is a mock obituary mocking poor editorial standards—misspelling, weak grammar, bad punctuation, and overly complex writing. It's a dig at contemporary journalists. **"Dressing the Part"** jokes about a stage manager's absurd literalism: he insists actors wear fur coats for a Russian scene, then refuses entry to an extra without one. The humor lies in the manager's inflexibility and the poor actor's resourcefulness (wearing two underwear suits instead). **"The Happier Ending"** presents a child preferring divorce drama to fairy-tale happiness—commentary on modern cynicism or changing values. The remaining items are brief quips: a scientist claims theatre weakens England; sailors supposedly have wives in every port (but not in the inland town where this conversation occurs); a coal mine posts an absurdly obvious safety notice. The page is largely filler material—short jokes and anecdotes from various publications—interspersed with period advertisements for Wetzel men's fashions and Van Heusen collars.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Dressing the Part There's a story that has to do with a stage manager who was rehearsing a mob scene for a new play. After he had directed the men who had been selected For a Columnist Here lies a columnist. He died Of ingrown grammar and weak spell- ing; Malignant punctuation tried His soul; also there was a swelling Of the contributorial verse, And complicate chirography, Durante vito, made things worse, Poor heart! In heaven's typography Shrdlu et etaoin is he. —Kent, in Akron Beacon Journal. The Happier Ending Goverxess (finishing story): “And so they were married and lived happily ever after.” There! Isn't that lovely? Moperx Citico: Very nice and placid, but I'd rather have had the thrill of a divorce—Weekly Telegraph (London). Aw English scientist says play is sap- ping England's vitality. But they don't all call it play. Some of them call it unemployment.—Kansas City Star. for the scene he told them to report’ at the theatre that evening, adding: “This scene rehearsed takes place in Russia, and I want all you guys in fur overcoats.” “But I haven't got a fur overcoat,” pro- tested one of the poor actors. “That's none of my business,” replied the stage manager. “If you're not dressed for Russia I won't let you go on.” The extra arrived at the theatre that night—but without a fur coat. “Didn't I tell you I wouldn't let you on unless you were dressed for Russia said the stage manager. “But I've got on two suits of under- wear,” protested the poor actor. —New York Evening World. we've DISQUALIFIED “18 IT TRUE THAT SAILORS HAVE A WIFE IN EVERY rorT?” “ER—I'M SORRY, MA’AM, BUT this AIN'T A PORT, —Humorist (London). Careful ! Notice in a coal mine near Pendle- bury, England: “Visitors are requested not to fall down the pit, as there are workmen at the bottom.” atavaM.”” —Living Age. _Lire_is published every Thursday, simultaneously in the United States, Great Britain, Canada and British Possessions. Title registered in U. S. Patent. Office. $5.00 a year in advance. Additional postage to foreign countries in the Postal Union, $1.60 a year; to Canada, 80 cents. Back numbers cannot be supplied. The text and illustrations in Lire are copyrighted. For Reprint Rights in Great Britsin apply to Lire, Rolls Howse, Breams Buildings, Fetter Lane, London, E, C., Englan The foreign trade supplied from Lire’s London Office, Rolls Breams Buildings, London, E. C. Canadian distributor, ‘The Am News Company, Ltd., 386-388 St. James Street, Montreal,’ Canada No contributions will be returned unless accompanied by stamped ond addressed envelope. Lire does not hold itself responsible for the loss or non-return of unsolicited contributions. Notice of change of address should reach this office two weeks prior to the date of issue to be affected. 3 Lorebtished 1876 2and 4 E Forty-Fourth Street NEW YORK N the presentation of correct fashions for men, a comprehen- sive service to a dis- tinguished clientele, through three genera- tions, has established the authoritative position of Wetzel. the youngest VAN HEUSEN A New Low Collar For Smart Summer Comfort, a new low collar with longer points. lt will not wilt because, like all Van Heusens, it és made in one multi-ply piece: no bands, no starch, no linings, woven-in-fold, 12VAN HEUSEN STYLES, 50 CENTS EACH VAN HEUSEN the World's fnartes? COLLAR, ratige tones Q) new torn Cig comicbooks.com