Trying to Get Arrested Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 16, 2026
Movie Overview: Trying to Get Arrested
| Movie | Trying to Get Arrested |
| Release Year | 1909 |
| Director | D.W. Griffith |
| Genre | Comedy |
| Runtime | 4 minutes (4m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Trying to Get Arrested (1909) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a FLOP with a verified audience rating of 3.5/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in Trying to Get Arrested are led by John R. Cumpson . The supporting cast, including Anita Hendrie and Florence Lawrence , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While Trying to Get Arrested does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Comedy films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Trying to Get Arrested has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Comedy fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Trying to Get Arrested
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1909, Trying to Get Arrested is a Comedy film directed by D.W. Griffith. The narrative brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving John R. Cumpson as The Tramp.
Ending Explained: Trying to Get Arrested
Trying to Get Arrested Ending Explained: A tramp tries to get himself arrested so he can sleep in the nice, warm jail, but the police keep ignoring him or arresting the wrong person. Directed by D.W. Griffith, this 1909 comedy film stars John R. Cumpson (The Tramp), alongside Anita Hendrie as The Assaulted Woman, Florence Lawrence as The Nanny, Owen Moore as The Passerby / In Fight. Rated 3.5/10, the conclusion has sparked discussion among viewers.
What Happens at the End of Trying to Get Arrested?
A tramp tries to get himself arrested so he can sleep in the nice, warm jail, but the police keep ignoring him or arresting the wrong person.
How Does John R. Cumpson (The Tramp)'s Story End?
- John R. Cumpson: John R. Cumpson's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Anita Hendrie (The Assaulted Woman): Anita Hendrie's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Florence Lawrence (The Nanny): Florence Lawrence's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of Trying to Get Arrested Mean?
The ending of Trying to Get Arrested brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of John R. Cumpson's story may not satisfy all audiences.
Trying to Get Arrested Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is Trying to Get Arrested Based on a True Story?
No, Trying to Get Arrested is a work of fiction. While the comedy film directed by D.W. Griffith and starring John R. Cumpson may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch Trying to Get Arrested?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Comedy films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
At just 4 minutes, it's a quick watch.
Trying to Get Arrested Parents Guide & Age Rating
1909 AdvisoryWondering about Trying to Get Arrested age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Trying to Get Arrested (1909) is 4 minutes (4m). Directed by D.W. Griffith, the film runs for 4 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 3.5/10, and global performance metrics, Trying to Get Arrested is classified as a FLOP. It remains an essential part of the 1909 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Trying to Get Arrested worth watching?
Trying to Get Arrested is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 3.5/10 and stands as a FLOP in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Trying to Get Arrested parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Trying to Get Arrested identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of Trying to Get Arrested (1909)?
The runtime of Trying to Get Arrested (1909) is 4 minutes (approximately 0h 4m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.