Intro to "The Rounders""The Rounders" is a quiet short comedy film from 1914 directed by and starring two icons of silent cinema, Charlie Chaplin and Roscoe 'Fatty' Arbuckle. As one of the early examples of slapstick funny in film, "The Rounders" plays out as a series of comedic vignettes focusing on two inebriated men and their misadventures. It is a substantial piece in film history, showcasing the budding comical skills of Chaplin before his tramp character ended up being an international phenomenon, and the robust humor of Arbuckle before his profession was overshadowed by scandal.
Plot of "The Rounders"The film focuses on the adventures of two affluent however highly intoxicated guys played by Chaplin and Arbuckle. The narrative is basic; it follows the duo as they have problem with the repercussions of their excessive drinking. The movie opens with both characters individually triggering a racket due to their drunkenness. Chaplin's character, after being kicked out of a bar, stumbles upon Arbuckle's character, who is having a tough time handling his own inebriation.
Their encounter leads to an instant friendship forged in mutual intoxication, and they decide to head home together. However, their journey is anything but smooth. The movie deals with the audience to a series of comic circumstances arising from the guys's intoxicated state, such as their efforts at navigating a revolving door, each time stopping working comically.
Their Partners and Hotel Room HilarityThey each go back to their respective home lives where they are met with the annoyance of their partners. Their significants other are represented as dominating and disappointed with their careless habits. The dispute with their partners intensifies quickly, leading to a slapstick go after around your house, culminating in both males choosing to leave their homes and check into a hotel for the night.
The highlight of the film comes when the intoxicated duo tries to settle into their hotel room. They come across a Murphy bed-- a bed hinged at one end to store vertically against the wall. Their attempt to share the bed ends in catastrophe. As Chaplin and Arbuckle come to grips with the folding mechanism, they are entrapped by the bed, causing a hilarious visual gag that is emblematic of the quiet film period's physical funny.
Climactic Boat SceneSeeking to escape everything, the set rents a rowboat for a quiet escape. Regrettably, nothing is peaceful about their trip. Their ineptitude becomes apparent as they attempt to navigate the boat, which unsurprisingly capsizes due to their shenanigans. The movie's concluding scene has the duo floating in the water, holding on to the reversed boat, drifting aimlessly, reproducing their rudderless lives.
Reception and Legacy of "The Rounders"Although "The Rounders" is not as popular as some of Chaplin's later works, it was well received at the time of its release for its reliable usage of physical comedy and the chemistry between Chaplin and Arbuckle. The film highlights the capacity of both comedians and functioned as a structure for the development of their filmic personalities.
The film is thought about a timeless in the slapstick category and is kept in mind for its impact on later funny movies. "The Rounders" reflects the simplicity and directness of early film stories, relying exclusively on visual humor and the natural comical capabilities of its stars. It is a testament to the talent of Chaplin and Arbuckle, two of the best comedians of the silent film period, and remains an essential work for those who appreciate the origins of cinematic comedy.
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