Life, 1929-07-19 · page 35 of 36
Life — July 19, 1929 — page 35: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is a **humorous advertisement** for bottled carbonated beverages disguised as historical satire. The cartoon depicts Julius Caesar nervously stammering before a Roman crowd, appearing to suffer stage fright. In desperation, he drinks from a bottle, which supposedly grants him eloquence and confidence to deliver a triumphant speech. The joke is absurdist and deliberately silly: the ad uses Caesar—a historical figure associated with military power and oratory—to humorously suggest that carbonated beverages provide confidence and eloquence. The text playfully reframes Caesar's famous public speaking abilities as actually deriving from a fizzy drink. This is primarily **commercial propaganda** rather than political satire. It targets consumers (particularly families, addressing "Dear Reader") by suggesting bottled sodas offer social benefits. The "sparkling moments in history" framing is tongue-in-cheek advertising copy meant to entertain while promoting the product. No specific political figures or events are mocked—the humor relies on anachronistic absurdity.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
SPARKLING MOMENTS in the HISTORY OF BOTTLED CARBONATED BEVERAGES ~~ Bond Big ‘eshengron.D C. THERB’S cries of “Speech! Speech!” rose and faced the folks ... Julius Caesar “Friends, Romans, and Country Boys,” stuttered Julius, “you are here today ... that is to say I-er-am pleas- ed to be here, ah, er ..-” The greatest Roman of them all was flopping. He who had faced a thousand foes was plainly scared stiff. The Program Committee was fervently wishing that they had put on the Trained Seal act after all ..- And then Caesar's wavering hand struck something solid . . . 2 bottle. In desperation he lifted it to his lips and gurgled a refreshing gulp .-. then another... and another. The day was saved. Inspired eloquence forth from the throat of the mighty warrior. BOTTLER And when he had accepted the plau- dits of the multitude, Julius sought his orderly. “Boy,” said he, “fetch me another laurel wreath, this one is a size too small.” * s * And that, Dear Reader, is how the Gift of Eloquence came to the brave but bashful J. Caesar. When you're a little older you will read all about it in your history Medea eis i bottle?” Now, don’t be foolish; why a zippy, sparkling bottled carbonated beverage of course . . which reminds us to remind’ you to check your household stock’ of these delicious drinks. YOUR comicbooks.com