Picture News #6

Picture News breaks down why the upcoming rematch between champion Joe Louis and challenger Billy Conn—billed as the "Battle of the Century" at Yankee Stadium in June 1946—favors the defending titleholder. Through detailed comparisons of the fighters' conditioning, age, boxing styles, and their previous encounter, the publication argues that Louis's superior physical shape, proven counter-punching ability, and track record in rematches give him the edge over Conn's youth and speed. The piece weighs expert predictions and historical boxing precedent to make its case for why Louis will retain his crown.

Captain Christian Lambertsen, a 28-year-old inventor from New Jersey, has developed a revolutionary underwater breathing apparatus that frees divers from the constraints of air hoses and surface connections. Born from childhood dreams and refined through studies at the University of Pennsylvania Medical School, the "Frog Man" device carries its own oxygen supply and chemical air purifier, allowing divers to work submerged for up to two hours without leaving telltale bubbles. Already tested in wartime underwater demolition for the O.S.S., this compact equipment—weighing just 20 to 30 pounds—promises to transform rescue operations, fire suppression, and salvage work across peacetime applications.

When two-year-old Mike McDonald wanders away from his Arizona ranch into the desert, his loyal dog Mack refuses to abandon him—staying close through 15 miles of harsh terrain and a freezing night. As searchers fan out across the region and wild predators close in under cover of darkness, Mack becomes the boy's only defense against the dangers lurking in the Arizona wilderness. A true account of courage and devotion that played out across the desert landscape in 1946.

Dr. Harold Webb and his colleagues achieve a landmark breakthrough in 1946 when they successfully bounce radar waves off the Moon, proving for the first time that radio signals can pierce Earth's ionosphere and contact objects in interplanetary space. The story traces the scientific journey that made this possible—from earlier radar experiments to the dream of future space travel—and explores the engineering and navigation challenges that would need to be solved before humans could attempt a crewed mission to Mars.

A daring Chinese girl pirate commands a ruthless crew terrorizing merchant vessels along the China coast, executing bold raids on unsuspecting steamers mere miles from Hong Kong—right under the noses of British naval patrols determined to crush her operations. With clever disguises and audacious tactics, she outwits every attempt at capture, leaving wealthy passengers and frustrated authorities scrambling for answers. Her reign over the waters proves far more cunning than anyone anticipated.

Meet one of the world's wealthiest and most influential religious leaders: the Aga Khan III, a direct descendant of the Prophet Mohammed who rules over millions of followers across India, the Middle East, and Africa. This fascinating 1946 account traces his rise from inheriting his grandfather's position at age ten through his pivotal role in Indian politics and international diplomacy, exploring how his followers' devotion—including an annual 2% tithe and reverence for even his bathwater—has made him a figure of immense power and wealth. Learn the remarkable story behind a man whose influence shaped empires, whose horses won prestigious races, and whose weight became so celebrated by his admirers that they mark his milestones with gifts of precious gems.

A beachgoer shares practical tips for achieving an attractive suntan without painful burns, covering homemade protective mixtures and smart sun exposure habits that require no expensive commercial products. This 1946 Picture News feature breaks down the simple ingredients—vegetable oil and vinegar—and the gradual approach that keeps skin healthy while building color.

As three million American babies born during wartime grow into their first year, an Army doctor offers practical guidance for navigating the milestones that new parents find most bewildering—from the first teeth and wobbly steps to developing preferences and playful mimicry. Drawing on both medical science and common sense, Dr. A. H. Moore walks families through feeding, teething, toy selection, and the importance of staying calm while letting a child grow naturally. This illustrated guide strikes a balance between trusting a pediatrician's care and trusting a parent's instincts, showing that the best foundation for a healthy child is an unworried mother supported by modern, sensible parenting.

Picture News takes you inside an ingenious vending machine invention that's about to transform quick meals: drop in your money, select your sandwich, and watch electronic tubes work their magic to heat your lunch to perfection in seconds, complete with mustard. This 1946 feature showcases the automated future of the canteen, where pre-cooked sandwiches get piping hot without ever leaving the machine.

Edward B. Marks rose from a stage-struck young man in 1880s New York to become a titan of the song publishing business, beginning his career writing lyrics for theatrical performers and later partnering with a fellow salesman to establish a publishing house. Over fifty years, Marks cultivated the talents of the era's greatest songwriters, built a thriving catalog from popular hits to Latin imports, and transformed his modest startup into a publishing empire. This is the story of how one man's love of music and knack for spotting talent shaped half a century of American popular song.