Word: background
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...which Ed Wynn dominates. Apart from his other talents, this comedian has an excellent reputation for his ability to build up situations for his fellow-players. Many of the specialty numbers in the "Laugh Parade" draw their chief merit from the running commentary of Mr. Wynn in the background, and the peculiar funniness which he can impart to misfit clothing. Inspired by the success of "Of These I Sing," with satire on contemporary politics, "The Laugh Parade" directs most of its gags in the same direction, but with a success which raises it above mere imitation...
...There were only two figures on the great rocks by the beach, watching the silent panorama of moon and stars, listening to the waltzes from the distant craft. They were completely alone in the darkness, distinguishable only by the tips of fire which their cigarettes left against the dark background of spruce. "Won't you keep the box?" she asked him sweetly. "I have no pockets in may cost." Or at least, that is how the Vagabond would remember...
...casual observer India and her problems present a confused tangle of issues, political and religious, imperial and native, which serves as background to Gandhi's personality. For five and a half days Gandhi has fasted in the interests of his twin ideals, a united and independent India, and the greatness of the Hindu religion. Despite an Anglo-Saxon mistrust of dramatic heroism the ordinary observer is following Gandhi's struggle with admiration for the idealist willing to sacrifice his life for what he believes to be right...
...here to fit yourselves for your various professions," he told the Freshmen. "Why not have in the background the thought of fitting yourselves for public office? We are in the midst of our difficulties. To solve our problems we need the ability, the courage, of you gentlemen and others who are entering colleges all over the country this year...
Though Nature is the central character, Man is hero of Van Loon's Geography. He is shown against an economic and geographic background, his character and achievements modified by the contours of his country, the bias of a mountain race, the tendency of a trade route. Not pretending to be anything but a "poor ama-teur," Author Van Loon makes a blanket apology for statistical inaccuracies, explains that the authorities he has had to depend upon contradict themselves. Doubtless few professional geographers will shoot a sitting bird by reading Van Loon's Geography for mistakes; but even a fellow-amateur...