The Wasp — 1893 — page 438: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This cartoon satirizes the California theater industry's financial struggles. The personified "Legitimate Drama" (depicted as a cylindrical figure labeled "Vol. 1") represents theatrical productions, while "Pompadour Jim" (a boxer, shown reclining) symbolizes popular prizefighting entertainment. The caption "End of the Corbett Engagement" and subtitle "Pompadour Jim battles with the Drama for a light purse and gets knocked out" suggests that boxing matches were drawing audiences and revenue away from legitimate theater. The figure is literally "knocked out" by drama's competition. The side note lists "California Theater Expenses heavy, Receipts light," confirming the theater's financial distress. The satire critiques how prizefighting entertainment eclipsed traditional drama in public interest and ticket sales during this period.