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A Temperamental Husband 1912

6 min📅 1912-11-11

A Temperamental Husband (1912) delivers a frenetic early comedy from silent film legend Mack Sennett, packing six minutes of chaotic charm.

Director: Mack Sennett

Cast

Ford Sterling
Ford Sterling
Brown
Mabel Normand
Mabel Normand
wife
Mack Sennett
Mack Sennett
Police Chief
Henry Lehrman
Henry Lehrman
cop
Laura Oakley
Laura Oakley
woman

Frequently Asked Questions

What is A Temperamental Husband (1912) about?

This silent short comedy follows a husband so consumed by jealousy that he accuses his brother-in-law of being his wife's lover. The chaos escalates when a kidnapper snatches their child, forcing the couple into a frantic rescue mission.

Who directed A Temperamental Husband?

The film was directed by Mack Sennett, a pioneer of slapstick comedy and founder of Keystone Studios, known for shaping the genre.

Who stars in A Temperamental Husband?

The cast features Ford Sterling as the jealous husband, Mabel Normand as his wife, Mack Sennett as a supporting character, Henry Lehrman in a comedic role, and Laura Oakley.

Is A Temperamental Husband (1912) worth watching?

Though short and unrated, its historical value as a Keystone comedy and Sterling's performance make it a curious watch for silent film enthusiasts. The mix of farce and physical humor holds up surprisingly well for its era.

How long is A Temperamental Husband?

The film runs for approximately 6 minutes.

A Temperamental Husband (1912): Inside the Madcap Marriage Comedy — Full Movie Info

A Temperamental Husband (1912) delivers a frenetic early comedy from silent film legend Mack Sennett, packing six minutes of chaotic charm. Ford Sterling stars as Brown, a husband whose irrational jealousy spirals when he misreads ordinary interactions as infidelity—mistaking his brother-in-law for a rival lover. Meanwhile, a kidnapping scheme unfolds as a menacing tramp snatches the couple's child, escalating the domestic farce into a race against time. Sennett's signature slapstick energy fuels this black-and-white short, blending misunderstandings, chase sequences, and physical gags to explore themes of trust, paranoia, and the absurdity of marital strife. The film's brisk pacing and exaggerated performances capture the raw, unpolished spirit of Keystone-era comedy, offering a snapshot of early 20th-century entertainment.

Led by Sterling's expressive antics and Mabel Normand's mischievous presence, the cast leans into the era's penchant for visual humor and situational comedy. The black-and-white cinematography amplifies the film's slapstick chaos, while the minimal runtime keeps the gags tight and relentless. Beneath the laughter lies a satirical jab at the fragility of relationships under societal pressure, making it more than just a silly farce.