Life, 1928-03-01 · page 17 of 42
Life — March 1, 1928 — page 17: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains three satirical pieces about writing and social behavior: **"Backward"** shows a stern teacher (Harry Epstein) scolding a student about repeatedly misspelling "Chesterfield," threatening punishment and expulsion. **"A Couple of Blurb Writers Get Together"** features two men exchanging effusive, overwrought compliments about each other's work—satire of the literary back-scratching and mutual praise common among writers and publishers. **"Illumination"** cartoons a man at a theater who created an obstruction to improve his view of the screen—humorous commentary on selfish movie-going behavior. **"Prepared"** depicts a social gathering where Mr. Crane declines to sing, claiming "a frog in my throat"—a common polite excuse. The page satirizes pretension, affectation, and social hypocrisy typical of early 20th-century magazine humor.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Backward “TE positively reached the limit of my patience in having repeat- edly to stop the lesson and ask for your attention, young man. You've been warned many times before, but this time I regret that I shall have to punish you. For homework you must correctly write the word ‘Chesterfield’ twice. Remember — the word ‘Chesterfield’ twice, and no less. If this assignment is to be done carefully and neatly it should keep you busy all afternoon. Here, I'm not through with you yet. Be- fore you go I want to impress this fact upon your mind: unless there is a decided change for the better in your conduct, I shall unfailingly de- prive you of your privilege to be a member of the first graduating class of our sky-writer’s school.” Harry Epstein. A Couple of Blurb Writers Get Together “HELLO , old pal. How are you?” “I'm fine, thank you. I am full of an cxuberance and hearty gusto.” “That's great. I see you have treasures of sparkling conversation.” “You're right, old man. And pun- gent wit and wisdom, too, as well as a sincerity rare in time.” The smart fellow who created a draught so as to insure himself an unobstructed view of the screen. “Isn't there some unusual dish you'd like, something you've always wanted to eat?” “Yes, Jim, there is. “Then you must have an absorbing love interest.” “You have guessed it. You show a keen understanding of the deepest springs of passion. She is a scin- tillating creature who personifies the unfettered spirit of modern life.” “I congratulate you. What a fas- cinating, glinting plot, so refresh- ingly human!" “Yes, isn’t it? A gay little romance suffused with sun- shine, and laughter next door to tears.” “It must be replete with thrills, all right. But now for some lyric prose, vivid, stir- ring with poignant meaning. Let’s go get a drink.” “Ah! A penetrating study of social needs. You have ut- tered a masterpiece that will ring down the ages as the epic cry of mankind. Let's start right away!” W. W. Scott. Illumination RS. DIVOT: I want a present for my husband, who is an ardent golfer. What would you suggest? Crerx: Where does he play? Mrs. Divor: On the public links. Crerx: Here's the thing—a nice flashlight! very I'd just adore some ham and egés.” Prepared “W HO was the great optimist you were speaking beat the other day?” “Oh, yes. His doctor told him he had only a month to live, and he be- gan learning the harp!” Mrs. Bue Heron: So glad you could come, Mr. Crane. We're dying to have you sing for us. Mr. Sano Crane: I'd be charmed, but I simply must beg off to-night. I have a frog in my throat. comicbooks.com