Two men, one sneeze, zero handkerchiefs — silent era chaos ensues.
Gus is making violent love to his cousin Sue, to whom he is engaged, when all at once, he has a desire to sneeze and finds to his consternation that he is without that very necessary article, a pocket handkerchief. Becoming very much excited in his embarrassment, he begins turning his pockets inside out and getting redder and looking more awkward every minute, until Sue, becoming disenchanted with her foolish looking lover, hastens to greet Arthur, whom she sees approaching. It is plain that the latter is gaining ground with Miss Sue, when all at once he begins to sneeze and is unable also to locate his handkerchief. He forgets that on entering he had laid it with his hat on the table, where Gus was fortunate to find it and owing to which good fortune the latter is able to regain the side of his fiancée, who is now alone, as Arthur, feeling that awful tickling sensation in his nose, had to flee.
Acting
Physical comedy timing without dialogue.
Practical Effects
Early cinematic gag construction still lands.
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Handkerchiefs were essential social accessories in 1909; lacking one signaled poor breeding. The entire plot hinges on a now-obsolete class anxiety.
Charles Prince, who played Gus, became a major French comedy star and later directed over 100 films. This early appearance shows his gift for embarrassed physicality.
No ratings yet
Sign in to join the discussion — comments are spoiler-gated to your watch progress.
Discussion starters
US
