Watch Your Mouth

Early cartoon by Mort Gerberg commenting on the changes from live to automated telephone operator services.  In this piece, a telephone operator warns the caller, "Watch your mouth, mister.  You happen to be screaming at a real, live person!"

This piece was published in the New Yorker on March 27, 1971.  A handwritten note at the top of the piece indicates that it may also have been re-printed in a book known as "Better Times," although we have not been able to verify it.

Ink, ink wash, and white out highlights on 11" x 14" heavy stock paper.  The entire piece is glued to a heavy cardboard backing.  Some staining on the top of the page and discoloration consistent with age.  There is a minor ripple to the paper from the ink wash application.  Overall, very good condition.

A nice slice of history here.