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The Smoker
(1910) United States of America
B&W : Split-reel / 595 feet
Directed by Frank Powell
Cast: William A. Quirk (Billy Quirk) [George], Mary Pickford [Alice, George’s wife], Frank Opperman [the farmer], Jack Pickford [the boy], [?] Charles Hill Mailes? [the father], [?] John R. Cumpson?, [?] Lottie Pickford?, [?] Dorothy West?
Biograph Company production; distributed by Biograph Company. / Scenario by [?] Frank E. Woods? Cinematography by Arthur Marvin. / © 4 April 1910 by Biograph Company [J140142]. Released 31 March 1910; in a split-reel with His Last Dollar (1910). / Standard 35mm spherical 1.33:1 format. / Some location cinematography was taken in Glendale, California.
Comedy.
Synopsis: [Film Index, 2 April 1910, page ?] ‘It’s a habit.’ When that expression is applied to any of the little weaknesses of the flesh, the implication spells, ‘It’s a disease,’ and an incurable one at that. George is addicted to the smoking habit. In fact he might be termed a ‘Tobacco Fiend.’ To Alice, his wife, the fumes of tobacco smoke are extremely odious, and after a deal of persuasion he yields to her plea, swearing never to smoke the weed again. At first it seems possible, but later there comes such an insatiable craving, he can stand it no longer, so he rents a quiet place where he goes and smokes in peace. All goes well, until his better half notices the regularity of his little walks, ostensibly for exercise, and she grows suspicious of she knows not what. However, she is determined to satisfy herself as to whether or not her hubby tells the truth. Well, there is apparently a storm ahead for George after the boy reports the result of his investigation to Alice. He saw George go down the road, turn to the left, pass through a farmyard, speak to a woman — yes, a woman — and enter the house, where he is still. ‘Oh, the perfidious wretch!’ cries Alice, and out she goes, piloted by the boy, only to surprise George in company with his pipe enjoying a clandestine smoke. The chagrin of the groundlessness of her jealousy, and the realization of the strength of the craving in her hubby, softens her heart, and she not only waives her objections in his tobacco habit, but becomes an accomplice in his weakness by procuring for him all the tobacco and cigars he will need for months. Now he never wanders from his own steam radiator — as they reside in a flat and have no fireside.
Survival status: Print exists.
Current rights holder: Public domain [USA].
Listing updated: 29 June 2023.
References: Barry-Griffith p. 42; Eyman-Pickford p. 324; Spehr-American p. 3 : Website-AFI; Website-IMDb.
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