A Smoked Husband

After his wife receives an extravagant dress, a man find himself the victim of an attempted burglary; He hides in his fireplace, which is then fired. The police arrive and pursue the man, now covered in soot. He jumps onto the roof below his, landing two dandies into a trough of paint.

Directed by D.W. Griffith, A Smoked Husband leans on a strong ensemble — John R. Cumpson, Florence Lawrence, Mack Sennett — 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 1908.