The Rink (1916)

The Rink Poster

After amusements working in a restaurant, Charlie uses his lunch break to go roller skating.

Film Overview
"The Rink", a quiet film directed by Charlie Chaplin, was launched on December 4, 1916. It also stars Chaplin ahead function. The movie is produced by Lone Star Mutual and has a running time of 30 minutes. The Rink mainly centers around Chaplin's character, who works as a waiter and a recreational skater at a roller rink. The movie is defined by the brilliant comedic sequences, relying heavily on physical humor and slapstick, hallmarks of Chaplin's comical design.

Plot Summary
The film starts with Charlie, depicted by Chaplin, working as a waiter at a dining establishment. His work environment shenanigans such as accidental spills, order confusions, and humorous interactions with the clients rapidly earn him the ire of his employer. The hilariously clumsy waiter, however, constantly escapes punishment utilizing his agile footwork and flawless timing. Eventually, his shenanigans cause a chaotic brawl in the dining establishment. The movie then transitions to a nearby roller-skimming rink, where Charlie shows his excellent, albeit humorous, roller-skating abilities.

Substantial Events
While flaunting his skating prowess at the rink, Charlie meets and impresses the beautiful and rich Edna, played by Edna Purviance. They are disrupted by her partner Mr. Stout, causing another comical conflict marked by skates, pratfalls and a lot of slapstick humor, a comical spectacle that concludes in an entertaining turmoil featuring every visitor to the rink.

Film Conclusion
Following the mayhem at the rink, the film takes an unexpected twist when Charlie's waiter character and Mr. Stout's double life as petty thieves is revealed. After escaping from the police, they plan a robbery at Edna's house, unconsciously strolling into a celebration going on there. Edna recognizes Charlie from the restaurant and the rink, causing a series of comedic misunderstanding and events that culminate in another roller-skating frenzy at the celebration, mirroring the earlier mayhem at the rink.

Critical Acclaim and Legacy
"The Rink" is extensively thought about a work of art of Chaplin's early period, demonstrating his craft in using physical humor and roller skates to induce laughs. The movie showcases Chaplin's ability in transforming relatively mundane and common situations into humorous comical situations. The roller-skating series are especially celebrated for their innovative use of movement and comical timing.

Conclusion
Through its hectic series, ingenious use of slapstick funny, and unforgettable roller-skating scenes, "The Rink" remains a classic Chaplin film that perfectly encapsulates his special comical style. It continues to captivate audiences more than a century after its release, showing the timeless quality of Chaplin's humor and cinematic expertise.

Top Cast

  • Charlie Chaplin (small)
    Charlie Chaplin
    A. Waiter
  • Edna Purviance (small)
    Edna Purviance
    The Girl
  • James T. Kelley (small)
    James T. Kelley
    Her Father
  • Eric Campbell (small)
    Eric Campbell
    Mr. Stout
  • Lloyd Bacon (small)
    Lloyd Bacon
    Guest
  • Albert Austin (small)
    Albert Austin
    The Cook
  • Henry Bergman (small)
    Henry Bergman
    Mrs. Stout
  • Leota Bryan
    Edna's Friend
  • Frank J. Coleman (small)
    Frank J. Coleman
    Restaurant Manager (uncredited)
  • Charlotte Mineau (small)
    Charlotte Mineau
    Edna's Friend (uncredited)
  • John Rand (small)
    John Rand
    Waiter (uncredited)