Life, 1926-05-20 · page 22 of 44
Life — May 20, 1926 — page 22: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This satirical story uses the classic American tale of Rip Van Winkle—a man who slept through major historical changes—to mock Prohibition-era politics and hypocrisy. The plot: Three village selectmen interrogate Rip about his political beliefs and personal habits, culminating in a trap question about alcohol. They propose a hypothetical law prohibiting others from drinking while implying they themselves would continue. Rip refuses to consent to such selective prohibition. **The satire targets:** - Government officials' moral inconsistency during Prohibition (1920-1933) - The absurdity of laws applying differently to different people - Political questioning disguised as civic concern The "Rip Van Winkle" framing suggests these small-town leaders represent outdated, hypocritical attitudes—similar to how Rip slept through irrelevant changes. The cartoon on the page depicts chaotic small-town life, visually reinforcing the satire's critique of provincial American governance and selective law enforcement.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
A Stranger with an Original Idea Enters Hollywo The Later Life of Rip Van Win! R° VAN WINKLE had been home about “That's all cried Diedrich, and the others “Sure,” said Rip. S$ ar h. He was sitting by the fire one Hy the other feller, It { eer evening, dozing, wonderin, Ichabod Trent had put a check-mark I can take it or leave the first question he went on to the Very neat, he was roused by a ki at the What do you know about foreign : ' Diedrich ed it, and in the 4 ght saw asked, Nov three of the village selectmen, Hans Wruncky, j bod Diedrich van Flomm cn to him now that the world f nex so much, w door. He of I've never had one,” said Rip, attempting Ichabod Trent Splendid!” they cried. Come in. neighbors.” said Rip. cheerfully, And hur hh his heart misgave him when he saw the et I Wruneky a drink on tl to-night,” said Diedrich So Rip fetched the brandy, took off his great-coat We “Which brings us to the ire a Committe third “We have « of all three must t neigh! van Flomm, 3 estion,” said Ichabod ” added Wranck te ask you “What would you say if there w ned Rip, “they'll ask me what Tam drinki » justify my existence. And wh that fuss made abou Would you sa should be a law i them I have nothing to do they will make me forbidd leave town for a common bum and a loafer.” “What! Give up schnapps “First,” said Ichabod Trent, drawing forth and wine?” cried Rip. from his pocket a paper from which he now “We have not said you read, “First, are you a firm believer in the Con- must. give them up. But stitutic suppose a law was wanted Jon't w it,” prohibiting the other fellow NUBBVILLE SPARK from here George of from getting a you consent to that?” REIN’ MOVIE-MAD AN” MOVIE Rip smiled apologetically, “I 1. “When T wer ver was still king.” ink, would THERE'S A HEAT O° DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ass prs usth comicbooks.com