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VINTAGRAPH • WPA • WWII • YOU MEAN A WOMAN CAN OPEN IT?

Make It a Short One: 194x

1940s photo taken by my grandfather, Detroit News photographer Howard McGraw of a young man who's really just too cool for words.  Don't worry, the cigarette is not lit!  Scanned from a 4x5 negative. View full size.

1940s photo taken by my grandfather, Detroit News photographer Howard McGraw of a young man who's really just too cool for words. Don't worry, the cigarette is not lit! Scanned from a 4x5 negative. View full size.

On Shorpy:
Today’s Top 5

Thank you

Very kind words OTY, and I'm sure my grandfather would have appreciated it - as do I!

How will he pay?

With a Short Snorter, of course!

Query -

"Are you OK to drive?"

Hey bartender

Gimme a shot o' moo juice with a twist of Ovaltine.

I stand corrected, Dave.

I confused my comic tuff guys!

It's KAYO from Moon Mullins

That's the first thing I saw when I looked at this picture. Anyone taking that same picture today would be slapped for contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Stage presence

Both of the people in this photo show great potential to be convincing actors which proves talent is sometimes found where we least expect it. The bartender's serious and concerned expression as he stands 'at the ready' pouring Seagram's attentively as requested, yet seemingly concerned about his patron's self-indulgence and where it will lead. Also the boy's charisma in his portrayal of being an experienced drinker and smoker, ala Frank Sinatra, were as perfect as the photographer's idea to create a shocking yet humorous picture. I believe Howard McGraw and his two subjects were all what used to be called "naturals", those who had an inborn propensity to create images that evoked true varied emotions in the viewers, which is a sign of a true artist. I love the adjustable, expandable waistband on the boy's pants (I could use that myself) and the vintage, chrome cocktail shaker on the wall shelf. This is a timeless, charming picture which I enjoyed very much.

Set me up

with a short beer please, barkeep.

It's Sluggo!

from the comic strip "Moon Mullins", which ran, I think, in the LA Times into the 1960s. At least, that's when I read it as a child.

[Sluggo was friends with Nancy, not Moon. - Dave]

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