One of several Russian productions picked up by Pathe for American distribution, The Busy Inn was based on a play by 19th century author Alexandr Ostrovsky. The basic plot line concerns the rise and ruination of a greedy innkeeper and his equally grasping wife. With the law on their side, the two villains overcharge their customers, but this isn't enough for them. Soon the innkeeper and his missus are rifling through the pockets of their guests in search of even more booty. The nefarious pair are thwarted by the handsome hero, who performs his acts of courage for the sake of the gorgeous heroine. American audiences tended to chuckle at the heavily somber, serious demeanor of the actors as they went through the motions of the story.