Mr. Physical Culture's Surprise Party

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The picture opens in the home of Mr. Physical Culture, where, hanging about the room, on the floor and tables, are boxing gloves, pictures of pugilists, dumb-bells. Indian clubs, etc., showing the gentleman's athletic inclinations. His wife is reading a magazine, when he enters, tears off his sweater and starts exercising. The lady is plainly annoyed by her husband's actions, but cannot turn him away from his athletic tastes. The maid enters with a letter for her lady. It is from her sister, reminding her that it is Mr. Physical Culture's birthday anniversary and that she has arranged a surprise party for him. "Wifey coaxes him into the bed-chamber, takes out his full-dress suit and begs him to put it on. Not knowing of the surprise party, and failing to see why he should don the "swallow tail," the gentleman politely refuses. The lady keeps up her coaxing, and, in order to get rid of her he finally consents. As she leaves the room he throws the dress suit contemptuously aside and puts on a track suit. While the Mrs. is downstairs straightening out her room in anticipation of the callers, hubby is in his room doing a Marathon. The guests presently arrive, and at once inquire for the husband. The hostess makes a gesture of despair and points to the floor above, asking if they wish to see her athletic mate. They signify their desire to do so, tiptoe upstairs, peek through the keyhole and over the transom, where Mr. Physical Culture is seen going through all sorts of stunts, stopping every few moments to pose before the mirror. The noise outside attracts his attention, and, believing that burglars are in his house, he grabs his revolver in one hand, an Indian club in the other and starts downstairs. The guests hear him coming, hide themselves and, when the gentleman enters, he is roughly seized and bounced into a chair. He is mortified at being caught in such a costume, begs his wife to bring his dress suit. She returns quickly with the same, which he grabs, then retires to his room to dress suitably for the occasion.