Life, 1929-02-08 · page 37 of 44
Life — February 8, 1929 — page 37: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page combines **product advertising with entertainment criticism**, typical of Life magazine's format. ## The Ex-Lax Advertisement The left side promotes a chocolate laxative using a common early 20th-century marketing approach: depicting a woman's vague malaise ("out-of-sorts...she didn't know why") solved by the product. The implication—that constipation caused unexplained female illness—reflects period medical misconceptions. The ad normalizes discussing digestive health directly with consumers. ## Movie Reviews Harry Evans reviews two films. His critique of "The Rescue" (starring Ronald Colman) expresses frustration that the film adaptation strays from Joseph Conrad's novel, particularly in character portrayal. He recommends readers "stay home and read the book" instead—a blunt dismissal. The Squibb's Dental Cream advertisement suggests brushing teeth before smoking, a practical tip reflecting smoking's social ubiquity. ## Overall Context The page reflects 1920s American consumer culture: direct medical/health messaging, film as entertainment worth serious critical discussion, and advertising integrated seamlessly into editorial content.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Out-of-sorts .. she didn’t know why s Takes this safe laxative mothers hildren 5 and soon she enjoys glorious health ‘OW, when insidious constipation threatens health, and life becomes atrial, take Ex-Lax. The way this safe laxative brings relief will delight you. _ For it tastes like chocolate candy. It is chocolate treated with a_ tasteless, harmless laxative agent that physicians recommend, It quickly relieves constipation and so protects health, without griping or up- setting the stomach, Thousands of women keep Ex-Lax on hand, ready for every emergency. And whenever headache, dizziness, biliousness ot other symptoms of constipation flash their warning, Ex-Lax brings quick relief. s your doctor will tell you, this safe, non-habit-forming laxative is good for children and grown-ups. Get Ex-Lax from your druggist—today. And accept no substitutes. Three sizes 1c, 25¢ and 0c. You can also obtain Ex-Lax “Fig Flavor”. FOR CONSTIPATION EX-LAX TASTES LIKE CANDY THE MOVIES If you are in New York and want to know where pictures recommended by this depart- ment are showing, call Plaza 9842 before 5:30 P. M. Calls on Saturday should be made before noon. “The Rescue” Motion picture producers often find it convenient to stray from the original text of a novel in adapting it to the screen. These digressions may be considered neces- by Harry | Evans other reasons, and in many cases they prove a benefit to the picture. Not so in “The Rescue.” We did not expect Herbert Brenon to breathe the spirit of Joseph Conrad into a flock of movie actors through a megaphone, but they certainly could have been made to adopt the habits and mannerisms of the Conrad characters with more accuracy. Ronald Colman plays the role of Tom Lingard, the adventurous Englishman who becomes involved in Malay politics. A native Rajah saves Lingard’s life, but in doing so loses his throne, and the Englishman pledges his services to repay the debt. Plans for regaining the Rajah’s kingdom are all set when a stranded yacht brings Edith Travers into the story, and her influence causes Lingard to neglect his Javanese friends with fatal results. The picture sticks to the Conrad finale, but I'll bet it wasn’t accomplished without an argument. Mr. Colman turns in as good a job as he can and still follow instructions, but his best efforts become tiresome. Lily Damita, the widely advertised French importation, is cast as Mrs. Travers. Any clue which may lead to the explanation of this selec- tion will be appreciated. Conrad made the character interesting as a cool, enigmatic, repressed woman whose love for Lingard was more suggested than expressed. The minute Lily lays eyes on Ronald in the picture you know exactly what's on her mind, I am not literary, and I love the movies, but the night you intend to see “The Rescue,” I respectfully suggest that you stay home and read the book. “The Case of Lena Smith” Somesopy decided that it was time for Esther Ralston to go in for art in a big way, so they smeared on a lot of make-up | and gave her the lead in “The Case of Lena Smith.” Despite their worst efforts, Miss Ralston’s bright and none too ex- (Continued on page 36) sary for humor, brevity, purity or a dozen | RIGHT there you have it. A sweeter, mellower smoking taste, if you use a short and easy appe- tizer, Squibb’s Dental Cream. Sim- ple? Sure, but it works wonders when your mouth starts getting surly and tepid. Brush your teeth with Squibb’s in the morning before you start smoking. Right through the day, you'll find a brisker, cleaner zest in your favorite smoke. The secret lies in the particles of Milk of Magnesia which Squibb’s Dental Cream contains. These tiny particles lodge in the mouth crevices and fight against the sour, bitter acids. They keep your mouth healthy, your breath always sweet. All drug stores carry Squibb’s. 40c a large tube. © 1929, by E. R. Squibb & Sons GUARD THE DANGER LINE comicbooks.com