Easy Pickings (1927)

Synopsis
Easy Pickings was one of a rash of "old dark house" comedies produced in the wake of 1926's The Bat. This time Mary Ryan (Anna Q. Nilsson) and Peter Van Horne (Kenneth Harlan) become trapped in a forbidding mansion festooned with sinister types and supposed ghosts. Questionable comedy relief is provided by black actor Zack Williams, who as a household servant named Rastus runs the gamut of demeaning "scared darkie" routines. Sennett comedian Billy Bevan, minus his trademarked walrus moustache, is effective as the detective on the case. Easy Pickings was adapted from a play by Paul A. Cruger. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide