Look Out Below

Musty and his friend, Willie Work, after a comfortable night's rest in a convenient henhouse, set out in search of adventure. They select a mansion with the intention of burglary, but are frightened away by a militant sawbuck. They are summoned by Mme. Cayenne, a jealously guarded wife, who promises them a fine lunch if they will mail a letter to her lover. They agree and the lunch is served. Just as they begin to eat, Senor Cayenne returns. Musty dives out of the second-floor window and hangs from the sill. Willie, who fails to escape, is introduced to Senor as Madame's brother from Kokomo, and royally entertained.

Directed by Louis Myll, Look Out Below leans on a strong ensemble — Harry Watson, George Bickel, Cissy Fitzgerald — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about comedy titles of 1916.