Life, 1928-04-19 · page 7 of 43
Life — April 19, 1928 — page 7: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains satirical humor pieces typical of early 20th-century Life magazine. **"If Bluebeard Had Lived To-day"** (left) is a dialogue mocking marital nagging. It reimagines the legendary serial killer Bluebeard complaining about his wife's complaints—she finds his beard unkempt and his habits disgusting. The satire targets domestic friction and wives' criticism of husbands' appearances. **"The Night Shift"** (center illustration) depicts an intimate scene, likely making commentary on marital relations. **"Our Own Advice to the Lovelorn"** (right) offers tongue-in-cheek relationship guidance, mocking romantic desperation and women's susceptibility to flattery. **The bottom cartoon** by Norman Ling shows a social worker asking a harried mother how many children she has—she's lost count, having "run" so many times she's uncertain. This satirizes large families and overwhelmed mothers. All pieces use humor to comment on domestic life and gender relations.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
If Bluebeard Had Lived To-day OW, look here, Bluebeard, you promised me you'd clean out that attic to-day! I'm tired of seeing all those dusty old wives of yours littering up the place.” “Yes, my dear. “What terrible taste in women you had before you met me! That awful blonde creature— which wife was she “The fifth, darling “Well, 1 took a good look at her hair the other day, and I give you my word it was simply ached in the most obnoxious manner! I suppose you thought it was naturally blonde.” “Yes, my dear.” “Men are so silly. Why, the nerest child could fool you!... Now, Bluebeard, what did T tell you about leaving that rusty old axe clean rug? Take it away this minute !"" “Certainly, darling.” “Bluebeard !" “What is it now, my dear?” “You didn’t shave this morning! Your beard is all blue again! Now, on my nic Tue Nicut Siet don’t tell me you forgot to buy blades —you just don’t care! I never saw such an untidy man.” ‘ll go and shave right away.... Darling, my razor’s locked up in the medicine closet. Will you let me have the k Norman R. Jaffray. Our Own Advice to the Lovelorn WHEN lovely woman stoops to folly And gets therefrom a dirty deal, The Goldsmith cure for melan- choly For me has very scant appeal. Why think of anything so stupid As lethal drops or .38"s? Why let a losing bout with Cupid Tempt you to crash the Pearly Gates? On many ladies I can ponder Of Oliver's own classic day Who let their better judgment wander Yet lived to have a lot to say. The future's weather, full of pleasant The woods are overrun with beaux. Come, lady, pull yourself together And put some powder on your nose. Baird Leonard, I EVISED Version: “Sh a nice girl, wasn’t she? is such Socur Worker: Mrs. Gottenbaum, can you tell me just how many children you have? Let me t'ink—t’ree to once, two to twicet, and vun I dun’t know “Vy, mebbe I kin figger. how many times.” comicbooks.com