One Month to Live (1911)

Mr. Jack Jones, a young business man, was so found of convivial company that he was inclined to neglect his business. One morning he goes to his office, and during his absence Mrs. Jones entertains her old school friend, accompanied by her consumptive husband. Mr. Jones, finding business dull, goes out with some of his happy-go-lucky cronies, and returns to his home that evening under the influence of liquor. Mrs. Jones is instantly alarmed and, remembering the condition of Jack Smith, insists upon calling in a physician, who, upon seeing the patient, promptly diagnoses the case 'plain drunk,' and takes his departure. The following morning Mrs. Jones receives a note from Mrs. Smith informing her that the physician attending Mr. Smith had announced that Jack had but one month to live. Mrs. Jones' heart goes out in sympathy for her friend, and then noticing that the given name, 'Jack,' only is used, determines to give her husband a lasting lesson. Accordingly she places the note at his place near the table, where he finds it when he enters the dining room. Although he is suffering from the effects of his debauch, the note electrifies him into action. Taking it to mean none other than himself, a month of terror follows. He becomes most exemplary in his conduct, paying close attention to business details. Near the end of the given time Mr. Jones has in reality worried himself sick, when his wife receives a letter from Mr. Smith, telling her that Jack is dead. She shows the letter to her husband, who hastily compares the two letters, and discovers the handwriting to be the same. He immediately becomes his bright self, and promises never again to indulge in excessive stimulants.

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GenresComedy Short