Trying to Get Arrested 1909
In this 1909 silent-era comedy short, *Trying to Get Arrested* follows a determined tramp whose simple plan goes hilariously awry. Desperate for a warm bed, he attempts to get himself arrested—any offense will do—but the ever-clueless police keep missing their target.
Director: D.W. Griffith
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is *Trying to Get Arrested* (1909) about?
A homeless man tries to get locked up so he can sleep in jail, but each attempt to commit a crime backfires, leaving the police baffled. His frustration grows as they repeatedly arrest the wrong people, turning his simple plan into a farcical chase.
Who directed *Trying to Get Arrested*?
The film was directed by D.W. Griffith, a pioneer of early American cinema known for shaping narrative techniques in silent films.
Who stars in *Trying to Get Arrested*?
The cast features John R. Cumpson as the determined tramp, alongside Anita Hendrie, Florence Lawrence, Owen Moore, and Marion Leonard in key roles.
Is *Trying to Get Arrested* (1909) worth watching?
Despite its age, this four-minute comedy holds up well as a time capsule of silent-era humor and Griffith's directorial flair. Fans of slapstick or early cinema will appreciate its quick wit and playful absurdity.
How long is *Trying to Get Arrested*?
The film runs for 4 minutes.
About Trying to Get Arrested (1909) — A Silly Silent Comedy Where Warming Up Means Getting Arrested
In this 1909 silent-era comedy short, *Trying to Get Arrested* follows a determined tramp whose simple plan goes hilariously awry. Desperate for a warm bed, he attempts to get himself arrested—any offense will do—but the ever-clueless police keep missing their target. Directed by the legendary D.W. Griffith, the film blends slapstick chaos with the era's signature charm, showcasing early cinema's playful take on bureaucracy and miscommunication. The atmosphere crackles with frantic energy as the tramp's exasperated schemes collide with the officers' blunders.
Fronted by Griffith's sharp eye for visual storytelling, the cast includes standouts like John R. Cumpson, Anita Hendrie, and Florence Lawrence, whose expressive performances anchor the absurdity. A snapshot of silent comedy's golden age, *Trying to Get Arrested (1909)* delivers a compact but timeless laugh, revealing how even a four-minute film can turn a mundane premise into cinematic gold.