The first filmed comedy was made in Lyon France in 1895 by the Lumiere brothers. The French title, L’Arroseur Arrosé, is translated into English as The Sprinkler Sprinkled. It is a great example of prank comedy, which I cover more fully in my book.
I recently learned from twitter user @41strange about this comic strip by illustrator Hermann Vogel, from 1887. Apparently, it was a popular joke around this time in Europe. The first film comedy shows us how comic strips have always been an inspiration.
Additionally, it is believed that this film was the first to be promoted by a poster. I had wanted to include this poster in my book, but it was still under copyright in France at that time.
