Denys Wortman's 'Metropolitan Movies' Cartoons Spotlighted for Labor Day

In PRINT Magazine's Daily Heller column, Steven Heller commemorates Labor Day by reflecting on the artistry of cartoonist Denys Wortman, whose 'Metropolitan Movies' comic strip was published six days a week from 1924 until 1954. The article explores the origins of the holiday, highlighting that labor activists and various states acknowledged it prior to its federal recognition. Oregon was the pioneer state to enact a law on February 21, 1887, followed by Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York that same year. The federal government designated the first Monday in September as a legal holiday on June 28, 1894, although the inaugural federal Labor Day took place on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, organized by the Central Labor Union. Wortman's illustrations captured the experiences of both the affluent and the less fortunate, featuring the beloved characters 'Mopey Dick and the Duke,' who offered commentary on American life from the Great Depression through the early 1950s. A dedicated website showcases Wortman's humor and compassion for workers, drawing parallels to contemporary issues. The column also features illustrations from a 1930s collection of selected 'Metropolitan Movies' scenes.