Re: The Pages of Punch

1960: Still With Us

Stirling Moss is currently a survivor from the time now under consideration. His Wikipedia entry tells me that he was ‘active’ between 1951 and 1961. This cartoon therefore represents him at the height of his fame. I also see that in 1960 he was badly injured while competing in the Belgian Grand Prix.

Here’s a quotation:

In the New Year Honours 2000 List, Moss was made a Knight Bachelor for services to Motor Racing. On 21 March 2000, he was knighted by Prince Charles, standing in for the Queen who was on an official visit to Australia. As Moss drove his Mercedes away from Buckingham Palace after the ceremony, he was stopped by a palace guard who joked: "Who do you think you are? Stirling Moss?" Moss smiled and replied "Sir Stirling Moss, actually.”

Re: The Pages of Punch

1960: The Real Trojan Horse

A mood of cynicism has caused this cartoon to be drawn. CND was very fashionable at the time and marching to Aldermaston in protest against nuclear weapons was extremely popular with all ages but especially the young.

Re: The Pages of Punch

Wow! No less than nine whilst I was away on holiday.

Thanks, Mr M.

Re: The Pages of Punch

1960: Anthropomorphism

I assume that this kind of ‘entertainment’ was then being laid on at the Zoo. Entering into that spirit the cartoonist imagines the monkeys even thinking and talking like the human beings that they were pretending to be.

This kind of scene could not take place today.

Re: The Pages of Punch

1960: Bikinis are Popular

Today’s youngsters might be surprised how long this garment has been around.

By ‘well dressed’ the speaker of course means ‘fashionably dressed’ but the joke is a valid one.

Re: The Pages of Punch

1960: A Stuffy Attitude

I doubt whether the directors would really have cared. It’s just an excuse for the Basil Fawlty of his time to express his prejudice.

Re: The Pages of Punch

1960: The Influence of Television

Here is an early sign of a growing social trend. Soon the seating arrangements in many homes will change so that they can all eat while watching TV.

Re: The Pages of Punch

1960: Keeping the Ship Afloat

Noah had his problems. ‘Two by Two’ doesn’t necessarily mean next to each other all the time.

Re: The Pages of Punch

1960: Students!

This cartoon was drawn at the start of the 1960s. By the end of that decade students had become a lot less innocent when they were having fun.

Re: The Pages of Punch

You should publish these, Mr M, including your comments and explanations!