The Rink

Waiter Charlie assesses the bill of Mr. Stout (Eric Campbell) based on the stains on his shirt in The Rink

The Rink (2 reels) (1916) starring Charlie Chaplin, Edna Purviance, Eric Campbell

The Rink is hilarious short film that has Charlie Chaplin put on roller skates for a ballet on wheels. And Eric Campbell is wonderful as the ‘heavy’.

Review of The Rink

The Rink begins with Charlie the Little Tramp working as a bad-tempered waiter in a restaurant. He annoys his co-workers, including the cook, who’s ready to carve him up! He tallies up the bill for Mr. Stout by looking at the stains on his shirt. And angering him as well!

On roller skates, Charlie the little tramp jousts with Mr. Stout (Eric Campbell) in The Rink — Screenshot

On his lunch hour, he decides to go roller skating at a nearby rink. There, he rescues the lovely Edna from the unwanted advances of Mr. Stout. This is an absolutely hilarious, laugh out loud scene! At the end, a grateful Edna invites “Sir Cecil Seltzer” to her roller skating party being held that evening.

Mr. Stout (Eric Campbell) surprised by Edna Purviance at the skating party in The Rink

After some more chaos at work — including nearly serving a live cat to a customer! — Charlie’s off to the party. However, there’s a surprise for almost everyone there. Charlie earlier spilled food on Edna’s father …. Who’s there with Mrs. Stout! And Mr. Stout’s still chasing after Edna …. Until he realizes that his wife is there! Edna realizes what’s going on, but tries to put on a brave face.

Charlie Chaplin, the little tramp, skates away to freedom at the conclusion of The Rink

However, Charlie has a tendency to get in trouble, and the short ends with everyone chasing him …. But the Little Tramp manages to escape, by hitching a ride with his cane, on the bumper of a passing automobile. And Charlie skates away, ending the short film.

In short, The Rink is a fast-paced, hilarious, silent short film, and highly recommended.

Cast of characters

Charles Chaplin (The Kid) … A Waiter – Posing as Sir Cecil Seltzer
Edna Purviance (The Champion) … The Girl
James T. Kelley (A Night in the Show) … Her Father. Whom Charlie spills food all over at the restaurant. And he’s carrying on with Mrs. Stout!
Eric Campbell (Easy Street) … Mr. Stout
Henry Bergman (The Idle Class) … Mrs. Stout
Albert Austin (The Pawnshop) … Cook
Leota Bryan (The Cure) … Edna’s Friend. Edna invites her to the party, and tells her to bring a friend. And she sees an old boyfriend — Mr. Stout!
Lloyd Bacon (The Champion) … Guest (uncredited)
Frank J. Coleman (The Fireman) … Restaurant Manager (uncredited)
Charlotte Mineau (His New Job) … Edna’s Friend.
John Rand (The Pawnshop) … Waiter (uncredited)