He Died and He Didn't

The prospector enters the western dance hall, and upon seeing the gambler, takes a mallet and apparently kills the man. He is captured by the posse and as he is dangling from a tree tells the story of how, years before, he and Ben had been in Texas together, Ben fleecing Rube of all his savings, robbed him of his girl, and disappeared. As Rube is about to breathe his last word, a message comes to the effect that Ben has recovered. The posse cut Rube down and take him back. He discovers that the girl is still with Ben and is the mother of seven urchins. Ben tries to rid himself of this domestic burden, but Rube flees on his trick mule and has the last laugh on the gambler.

Directed by Rube Miller, He Died and He Didn't leans on a strong ensemble — Ben Turpin, Rube Miller, Lillian Hamilton — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about comedy titles of 1916.