Life, 1926-04-22 · page 9 of 40
Life — April 22, 1926 — page 9: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page presents a satirical theatrical piece set at Rome's Colosseum during gladiatorial games. The dialogue mocks American tourists of the era—particularly wealthy ones seeking authentic "experiences" abroad while remaining culturally ignorant and self-absorbed. The humor targets: - **Tourist obliviousness**: Characters missing the actual spectacle while complaining about seating and refreshments - **Class pretension**: References to exclusive clubs (Cosmopolitan Club) and status-seeking behavior - **American cultural insensitivity**: Treating historical violence as mere entertainment The accompanying "Just Girls" cartoon depicts women's vanity, with the caption mocking female concern with appearance over substance—typical period satirical tropes about women. The satire suggests Americans abroad exported their materialism and superficiality even to ancient historical sites.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
A Roman Holiday (Scene: The Roman Col a the Big Police Field Day. prow Marcus Me Hus, three lapr RCUS: Well Diana, here at ly Double-G, 6—7. Five t s each they stick us for tickets nowadays, an’ then they shoot us "way up in Nubian-heayen where you can't hardly see the arena. Swell management! Chauma: Pa, did you lock up the chariot Makcus: Cert'nly I locked up the chariot. Wish some- body would swipe it, though—darned a.» 56 model. But ever since at the insurance o y'd lay a finger on it. 7 always the way Cais: Pa, ain't it time for lunch yet? Pa, kin T have a samwidge? Pa, what's them fellers with white coats d ing? Pa, who's the Gladiatorial College playin’ to-da Makcus: No, it a you can't. They're programs. The Glads are playin’ the Barbarians your eye on “Red” Valerian. Now shut up! a Craupias TL just ke t get a minute's en: nt Giant out of anything—not even the Wholesale Massacre . Dw in’ ab t chariot. Pa, did you— Marcus: YES! Now keep quiet ) home to the Sabine lookin’ at us, By Atlas, if I ever take a w i you think we'd better s to the Coliscum again! ut, Mat at, Caius! Makcus They're gonna put the Martyrs thr their 1 mn yet! stunts with the lions. This is gonna t cream! Cuavoia: I don't see a thing funny t it—the poor ns! What's more, I bet it'll take fi drive back Maker No. XVII One Among Many TH RE are 2483 ur r JUST GIRLS “WHY, DELPHINE! YOUR HAIR IS ALL MUSSED AND YOU LOOK A SIGHT.” “t KNOW IT. ToM IS COMING— “wert?” “I WANT TO MAKE HIM JEALOUS.” comicbooks.com