Making Monkey Business 1917
In the zany silent-era comedy Making Monkey Business (1917), mischief unfolds when Betty, a wealthy heiress with a fortune hiding in plain sight, tangles with "The Flea," a slippery crook who recruits an unlikely accomplice—a trained ape—to pull off a bold robbery.
Director: Allen Curtis
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Making Monkey Business (1917) about?
Betty, a wealthy heiress with a hidden fortune, finds herself targeted by the cunning thief "The Flea," who enlists a trained ape to help steal her inheritance. As her fiancé, Detective Duffer, scrambles to protect her, the absurd scheme spirals into a string of comedic misunderstandings and near-misses.
Who directed Making Monkey Business?
Making Monkey Business was directed by Allen Curtis, a prolific filmmaker known for his work in silent comedies and short films of the era.
Who stars in Making Monkey Business?
The film stars Eileen Sedgwick as Betty, Milton Sills as Detective Duffer, alongside comedians Joe Martin and Ralph McComas, who bring the chaotic energy to life.
Is Making Monkey Business (1917) worth watching?
While it's a brief 12-minute silent comedy, Making Monkey Business offers a fun snapshot of early film humor and physical comedy. Fans of vintage slapstick and curious minds interested in silent-era cinema will likely find its eccentric premise entertaining, even if it's more of a time capsule than a modern classic.
How long is Making Monkey Business?
The film runs for 12 minutes, offering a quick but lively dose of early comedy.
About Making Monkey Business (1917) — A Silent Comedy Classic with Eccentric Heist Antics
In the zany silent-era comedy Making Monkey Business (1917), mischief unfolds when Betty, a wealthy heiress with a fortune hiding in plain sight, tangles with "The Flea," a slippery crook who recruits an unlikely accomplice—a trained ape—to pull off a bold robbery. Directed by Allen Curtis and starring Eileen Sedgwick as the determined Betty, the short film blends physical comedy and lighthearted crime capers into a playful romp. Set against a backdrop of early 20th-century social contrasts, the story pits wit against chaos as Detective Duffer's attempts to protect Betty are outsmarted at every turn.
With its snappy pacing and eccentric characters, Making Monkey Business captures the free-spirited energy of silent comedy, where absurdity and charm go hand in hand. The film's mix of farce and heist elements makes it a window into the era's comedic storytelling, offering audiences a glimpse of how early filmmakers used physical humor and clever twists to keep viewers laughing.