I have never seen a Max Miller film nor did I know anything about him when I began watching this public domain movie. However, one thing I surmised very quickly is that Miller must have been a stage comic, as his delivery is like a music hall performer. In other words, he was quite adept with fast-talk but really did not seem at all like an actor in "Asking for Trouble", his final film.
The story begins with Dick (Miller) working with his friend as a fish monger. However, his main business seems to be bookmaking and soon he's arrested. When he's way too mouthy for his own good in court, he's given a rather lengthy sentence. Soon after, however, he and his buddy escape.
When Dick catches up with his ladyfriend, Lynn, she is upset because her father wants her to marry some African explorer type...a man the father hasn't seen since this Captain was a boy. So, the plan is to have Dick pretend to be this man and come visit the family...and somehow derail the marriage. Over time, however, you just KNOW that the real Captain is bound to show!
In this very politically correct age, folks will no doubt blanche at seeing a couple of the actors wearing burnt cork makeup to look like black people. I was quite surprised this was in the film, as it seemed like a throwback from the very early days of silent films when such stupid casting was common (such as in "Birth of a Nation"). Well, my suggestion is to try to look past it and keep watching. It's not a bad little film...just one with some tacky makeup!
So, as you can guess, I felt that the film was worth seeing on balance. Not exactly brilliant and sparkling entertainment but sufficiently interesting to make it enjoyable. In particular, if you like Will Hay films, try this one as it is a bit similar.