Benchley filled in for P. G. Wodehouse at "Vanity Fair" at the beginning of 1916, reviewing theatre in New York. This inspired staff at the "Tribune" magazine to creativity for articles (such as arranging for the producers of "The Thirteenth Chair" to cast Benchley as a corpse), but the situation at the magazine deteriorated as the pacifist Benchley became unhappy with the "Tribune"s position on World War I, and the "Tribune" editors were unhappy with the evolving tone and irreverence of the magazine. In 1917, the "Tribune" shut down the magazine, and Benchley was out of work again. When a rumored opening for an editorial position at "Vanity Fair" fell through, Benchley decided he would continue freelancing, having made a name for himself at the magazine.