Magic on a Stick
Fictionalized look at the discovery of friction matches in 1826 by John Walker, an English druggist. The short takes us through the history of humans and fire, from logs hit by lightening and campfires in caves to oil lamps, flint and steel, tallow candles, and phosphorescent taper. Walker is portrayed as a husband and father whose daughter is injured in a fire caused by a phosphorescent taper. He dedicates his research to finding a safer source of fire. His discovery is based on hard work with a bit of luck. The result: it's now much easier to light a cigarette.
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