Getting Evidence

In Getting Evidence a jealous husband hires Hawkshaw, a private detective after he becomes convinced his wife is unfaithful. The detective follows her through parlors and public places, setting up to photograph what he expects will be clear proof. Just as a seemingly perfect shot is within reach, a clumsy mishap destroys the chance, and a series of comic setbacks keeps derailing his plans. He refuses to give up, trying different methods and coping with misunderstandings, pratfalls, and timing-based jokes. It uses a parlor and beach for set pieces, keeping the action simple and driven by visual humor rather than dialogue.

Released in 1906, Getting Evidence was directed by Edwin S. Porter and Wallace McCutcheon Sr. It is an original silent short comedy and it stars Paul Panzer as the detective.

As a 1906 short it predates organized film awards like the Oscars, so there are no contemporary prize records. Its recognition is mainly historical, studied by enthusiasts and archivists for insights into early cinematic comedy rather than trophy counts. Shorts were rarely awarded or well documented then.

The picture is an early example of detective comedy, showing how silent-era filmmakers used physical mishaps and timing for laughs. It shows early filmmakers finding humor in everyday scenes, and it helps trace the roots of slapstick and surveillance jokes in cinema.

Modern user ratings are modest, the small sample giving it a 5.0 out of 10, reflecting its status as a curiosity more than a classic. The piece centers on jealousy, surveillance, mistaken identity, persistence, and the visual comedy that silence required. The plot highlights the limits of early photography, turning mechanical failure into a source of comic frustration.