Life — May 20, 1926 — page 11: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "The Younger Married Set II: Ye Mummers" This satirical piece by George S. Chappell mocks fashionable young married couples in New York's theater world. The illustration shows two figures in evening dress manipulating a large clock, captioned "Doc Pittner and Mrs. Bemis in Busick Silks and Satins." The satire targets theatrical pretension and social climbing. References include Wallace Underdonck (mocked for wearing "born-rimmed dimmers on a silk leash") and Willie Tripp, described as an "eminent stepper-out." The piece criticizes their affected mannerisms, absurd social gatherings at country clubs, and self-important theatrical productions. The "Ye Mummers" subtitle directly calls them actors or pretenders—people performing for social status rather than living authentically. The clock manipulation suggests they're wasting time with frivolous pursuits.