Life, 1928-03-22 · page 5 of 34
Life — March 22, 1928 — page 5: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page from Life magazine contains two separate pieces satirizing military life during what appears to be the early 20th century. The top cartoon depicts a domestic scene where a man is flirting with a woman while her husband watches—captioned "Have you ever told your wife about me?" with her dismissive response. Below are two sketches labeled "A National Guard Idyl" showing military discipline scenarios. The first ("Private Whoozatte") depicts a sergeant harshly correcting a soldier's posture and deportment, emphasizing rigid military protocol. The second illustration ("The Genial Balloonist") shows what appears to be a more humorous interaction, possibly depicting a balloon operator offering assistance to a soldier. The text captures period military slang and the exaggerated formality of military rank and discipline, satirizing the contrast between strict military hierarchy and the casual relationships soldiers might form.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
“Have you ever told your wife about me?” “Um—yes, and she doesn’t think you're my type at all.” (In front of Company D.) “DRIVATE WHOOZA‘ . “What is it, lieutenant ? “Address me properly!" “Yes, sir.” “This is the second night this month vou've been late for drill!” “Yes, sir.” “Stand up straight! Don't you know enough to stand still and Took an officer in the eye when you're spoken to “Yes, sir. “You don’t want to be court-mar- tialed. do you?” “W “No ! “Then be here on time next Tues- day night. And one more thing, Private Whoozatte—you'd better brush up your idea of discipline. Understan 2 “Yes, sir.” “See that you do. Another break A National Guard Idyl like this on your part and you and I are going to tangle, get me?” That's all. Now salute me prop- erly and go back to your squad!” A tS Tus Gent Battoonist: I'll give you a lift, sir, if you're going my way. (After the drill.) C'mere a minute! I an: I hated to have to bawl you out to-night, but you know we got to have discip- line. Don't get the idea that—” “Don't gimme none of that ol’ hooey, buddy! I wanna tell you hing right now: you're the t looie in this outfit! Now lookie here, George: if you ever make another peep at me in fronta the company I'm goin’ to smack you so hard you won't be able to walk for a year! And also, funny-face, I ain’t even gonna show up next Tues- day night, see?” “Aw, that’s all right, Joe. and I understand each other.” “Y'darned right we do! That's all I gotta say. Now get outa the way an’ quit yappin’, I gotta heavy date an’ I'm late already!” Chet Johnson, You comicbooks.com