Life, 1927-01-06 · page 37 of 39
Life — January 6, 1927 — page 37: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This satirical piece mocks the "new woman" of the 1920s—specifically, women who publicly flouted traditional morality. The interview presents a woman who unapologetically ruins a man's reputation through scandal and divorce, becomes a "vampire" (predatory seductress), and plans to profit by publishing her scandalous story as a bestselling confession. The satire is cutting: the woman claims her destructive behavior will "warn young girls" while ensuring massive magazine circulation—suggesting hypocrisy and that sensationalism, not morality, drives the enterprise. The interviewer's responses imply shock at her shamelessness and cynicism. This reflects 1920s anxieties about changing gender roles, the "flapper" era, and women's increasing independence. The humor targets both the woman's amorality *and* the public's appetite for such sensational stories—a double-edged critique of modern life.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
A Little Interview With a Modern Heroine “Gee evening, madam, May I ask what you are doing here?” “I am dining luxuriously amid the white lights of a notorious cabaret.” “And who is your companion?” “He is a man attracted by my beauty and sparkling wit.” “What will you do to this man?” “I shall drag his proud Southern name to the dust.” “Will that be enough?” “No, I shall also drag it through the mire of a divorce court.” “Have you no shame?” “I have none. I wreak destruc- tion and exult in my wickedness.” “Were you always like this?” “IT was not. Not until I was d by the man I thought my Was he your mate?” “No. I was wrong. There was another woman.” “Who was she?” “She was once my friend.” “What happened then?” “I became a vampire, preying upon men and scorned by all I re- spected.” “Will you be redeemed, do you think?" “Yes. Love will redeem me. It will work a miracle.” “What will you do then?” e my story and send “Will it be a magazine of fiction?” “No, stranger than fiction.” “Wi hat will be the purpose of this “It will serve to warn young girls of the pitfalls in life.” “And what will happen to the magazine?” “It will have the largest newsstand circulation in the world.” W.W. Scott. ee oS ens te S MR CROSBY Ceres: we oe AN ADVERTISING PAGE. Life How to Get Rich Quick G? to an astrologer. Tell him you are a dissatisfied plumber and that you want to do what you are best fitted for. Astrologer will consult the stars and tell you to study music. Go to a palmist and tell him that you have been advised to study music. Palmist will look at your hands and tell you not to make a great mistake. You learn you will make a talented haberdasher. Go to a graphologist and let him study a specimen of your handwrit- ing. Graphologist will tell you that you will find success and happiness as a theatre usher. Go to a phrenologist and let him feel the bumps and bald spots on your head. Phrenologist, if he is a good one, will easily perceive that you will never amount to anything until you have married and settled down. Take his advice and marry a rich woman, Bill Sykes. What’s in a Name? “John J. (Bum) Rodgers, Notorious Criminal, Captured in His Flat.”"—Head- line. W E are awfully quick at this sort of thing, and the following equally appropriate pseudonyms just “popped” into our head, as it were: William (Gum) Wrigley, Jr. Calvin (Dumb) Coolidge. Roald (Numb) Amundsen. Ignace J. (Strum) Paderewski. Wayne B. (Glum) Wheeler. Not, of course, that it really mat- ters. Why 4 out of 5 make this great sacrifice Pyorrhea continues to wage a victorious war, undermining health and youth, disfiguring the features of the face, often causing such ills as theumatism, anemia and stomach troubles. And 4 persons out of § past 4o (many younger) sur- tender to *ais enemy. You can provide protection against Pyorrhea. Just go to your dentist for an examination at least twicea year and startusing Forhan’s for the Gums This dentifrice contains Forhan's Pyor Liquid used by dentists crerywhere. When use regularly, ic thwarts Pyorrhea or checks its course if used in time. It ye the gum tissue and protects teeth against acids which cause decay. Keep your gums strong and health: teeth white and free from decay, Use Forhan Its taste is pleasant and refreshing. Teach your children to use it. It is health insurance. At all druggists—35¢ and 6oc. Formula of R. J. Forban, D. D. S. Forhan Company, New York Forhans for the gums MORE THAN A TOOTH PASTE »1T CHECKS PYORRHEA Do You Speak Correct English? You owe yourself time for self-culture. ay MILLER SYSTEM OF CORRECT LISH as a basis. You can never rise to nk pho in business or society, in club, church or lodge ani practical with entertainment ged variety that will hold your attention. Look it over without obligation and BE YOUR OWN ‘UDGE. Dose Your, English Embarrass or Betray You? DOTYOU SAY—torkwirry for tne'ut'ey for egarene: ew'pom fer couyen: prews'dence for jence ; for height;’ conver’sant for Or do you only think you do? “Can I take fer tanch some: ‘. “Sure, but I don’t know os T con tall yet. Let's you and I megh at about one.” TTRACTIVE? YES, UNTIL THEY SPOKE! HOW MANY MISTAKES DO YOU SEE in this brief conversation? There are nine com- ‘Ron_errors, Miller System of ‘St Eeaih, Ree St. Room 111, 1341 Beacon St." Boston, Mase So send, foe my tne . lesson Counsp in CORRECT ENG! gown. If I decide to keep the course T wut vend the Srtance of $4° und recive Parts 30 4, ‘the SELP- CORRECTING K KEY. yomenwine it ‘wtti return "the law eons within and you, awe pore my $1 deposit: (ef. U wu = ra Co, Name Address comicbooks.com