Life, 1925-12-10 · page 11 of 36
Life — December 10, 1925 — page 11: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
**The Main Cartoon ("The Gay Nineties"):** The illustration depicts men in formal attire at what appears to be a theater box office or similar venue. The caption explains that before box offices existed as standard establishments, doctors would leave their names "in case of a call," and theater-goers could tip ushers for good seats—a practice the caption presents as humorously outdated. **The Text Sections Below:** "Overheard in Passing" and "Literal Advice" are brief humorous anecdotes typical of Life's satirical format. They appear to mock pretentious social behavior and naïve advice-giving rather than target specific political figures. The humor relies on wordplay and social observation rather than current events. **Overall Context:** This page represents Life's trademark style of gentle social satire about American manners and customs.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
a THE GAY NINETIES BEFORE BOX OFFICES BECAME MERE PLACES WHERE DOCTORS LEAVE THEIR NAMES IN CASE OF A CALL—IT WAS ALWAYS POSSIBLE FOR THE PROVIDENT THEATRE-GOER TO PURCHAS! STANDING-ROOM TICKETS AND THEN TIP THE USHER A QUARTER, AFTER THE FIRST ACT, FOR A GOOD SEAT DOWN FRONT. Overheard in Passing “\/[Y dear Mrs, Simpkins—how nice to have the privilege of riding to town with you! And you are just the per- on | have been wanting to see! Now that the weather really upon us, I was thinking how nice it would be if we— in our little community—could get together and improve our minds. Wouldn't it be just perfect if we could have a pro- fessor come and lecture to us right in our own homes?” Yes, but——" ‘—and I know just the very man! He is Professor— oh, dear, I cannot remember his name—but anyway, he teaches at some college—or, let me see, a private school— but, my dear, he is a perfect darling! And so good-looking! Last week I heard him discuss that new book—what was it?—something about Fifes, or Flutes—but, no matter, it was wonderful—written by that marvelous author who wrote—now isn’t that funny? I had the name right on the tip end of my tongue—but, my dear, it was so inspiring— don’t you think it would be a simply gorgeous opportunity for us all to improve our minds?” “Yes, but——" “Oh, my dear, I am so sorry, but I must leave you here— do think it over—for we who appreciate the arts must take the initiative. Good-by—I have enjoyed this little visit so much! It is always such a treat to exchange views on such interesting subjects !". Florence Culter. Literal Advice “P* Willie’s jabbing me in the eye with his joke book.” “Don't poke fun at your brother, Willie,” advised the stern father. comicbooks.com