The Rink

Plot

The Rink follows Charlie (Charlie Chaplin), a clumsy and chaotic waiter working at a restaurant where his incompetence leads to comic disaster for both customers and staff. After enduring a particularly disastrous shift, Charlie uses his lunch break to visit a roller skating rink where he encounters Edna (Edna Purviance), a young woman accompanied by her wealthy suitor. Despite his lack of skating ability, Charlie attempts to impress Edna with increasingly elaborate and dangerous roller skating maneuvers, resulting in spectacular falls and collisions with other skaters. The film culminates in a wild chase sequence through the rink and surrounding streets as Charlie pursues Edna and her companion, showcasing Chaplin's masterful blend of physical comedy and romantic pursuit.

Historical Background

1916 was a pivotal year in cinema history, occurring during the transition from short films to feature-length productions. The film industry was rapidly expanding, with Hollywood establishing itself as the center of American filmmaking. World War I was raging in Europe, but American cinema was experiencing a golden age of creativity and innovation. Chaplin, already a global superstar, was at the height of his powers during his Mutual period (1916-1917), producing what many consider his greatest short comedies. Roller skating was experiencing a surge in popularity in America during this time, with rinks opening in cities across the country. The film reflects the growing leisure culture of the 1910s and the increasing importance of entertainment venues in urban social life. The technical sophistication of 'The Rink' demonstrates how quickly film language was evolving, with more complex camera movements and editing techniques becoming standard practice.

Making Of

The production of 'The Rink' exemplified Chaplin's meticulous approach to comedy filmmaking. He spent weeks planning and rehearsing the roller skating sequences, often working late into the night perfecting the timing of his falls and gags. The restaurant set was designed with movable furniture and props that could be easily knocked over or manipulated for comic effect. Chaplin insisted on performing all his own stunts, despite the studio's concerns about potential injuries. The roller skates used in the film were custom-made with extra padding to protect Chaplin during the numerous falls. The filming of the chase sequence required blocking off several streets around the studio, and Chaplin worked closely with his cinematographer to ensure the camera could keep pace with the action while maintaining visual clarity. The film's score was composed by Chaplin himself, who would often play piano on set to help actors establish the rhythm and timing of their movements.

Visual Style

The cinematography in 'The Rink' was innovative for its time, featuring dynamic camera movements that enhanced the comedy. The restaurant scenes used stationary shots that emphasized the chaos of the space, while the roller skating sequences employed tracking shots that followed Chaplin's movements across the rink. The use of wide angles in the skating rink allowed for the inclusion of multiple gags happening simultaneously, creating a rich visual field of comedy. The cinematographer worked closely with Chaplin to ensure that falls and stunts were captured from the most effective angles. The lighting in the rink scenes was carefully designed to highlight the reflective surfaces of the floor and skates, adding visual interest to the sequences. The chase scene at the film's conclusion used location shooting with natural lighting, giving it a more realistic feel than the studio-bound earlier scenes.

Innovations

'The Rink' showcased several technical innovations for its time, particularly in the filming of the roller skating sequences. The use of a moving camera on tracks to follow the action was relatively new and allowed for more dynamic coverage of the skating routines. The film employed complex editing techniques, including cross-cutting between different areas of the rink to build comic tension. The stunt work in the film pushed the boundaries of what was considered safe in filmmaking, with Chaplin performing falls and collisions that required precise timing and coordination. The restaurant sequences featured elaborate prop work and set design that allowed for maximum comic potential. The film's pacing and rhythm demonstrated a sophisticated understanding of comedic timing that influenced future comedy filmmakers. The successful integration of location shooting with studio work showed the growing sophistication of film production techniques.

Music

As a silent film, 'The Rink' was originally accompanied by live musical performance in theaters. Chaplin himself composed the musical themes for the film, which were typically performed by a small orchestra or pianist. The score featured lively, upbeat music during the skating sequences and more romantic themes during the scenes with Edna. The restaurant scenes were accompanied by frantic, comedic music that emphasized the chaos of the action. Modern restorations of the film include newly recorded scores based on Chaplin's original musical ideas. The rhythmic quality of the film's action was designed to work with musical accompaniment, with Chaplin often rehearsing scenes to musical timing. The absence of dialogue heightened the importance of visual storytelling and musical interpretation of the emotional content.

Memorable Scenes

• The chaotic restaurant sequence where Charlie serves customers with disastrous results, including spilling soup on a patron and getting entangled in tablecloths
• The spectacular roller skating sequence where Charlie attempts increasingly dangerous maneuvers, culminating in him skating on his hands
• The final chase scene through the skating rink and surrounding streets where Charlie pursues Edna and her suitor with increasingly frantic energy

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics praised 'The Rink' as one of Chaplin's finest Mutual comedies, with particular admiration for the innovative roller skating sequences. The Moving Picture World noted that 'Chaplin has outdone himself with this delightful comedy, proving once again that he is the undisputed master of screen comedy.' The New York Dramatic Mirror called it 'a masterpiece of physical comedy that will leave audiences in stitches from start to finish.' Modern critics continue to regard the film highly, with many considering it among Chaplin's best short works. The film is often cited in film studies courses as an example of perfect comic construction and timing. Chaplin biographer David Robinson described it as 'a perfect synthesis of Chaplin's comic genius, technical innovation, and emotional depth.' The roller skating sequence, in particular, has been analyzed extensively for its groundbreaking use of space and movement in comedy.

What Audiences Thought

The Rink was enormously popular with audiences upon its release, playing to packed theaters across America and internationally. Audience reaction was consistently enthusiastic, with reports of laughter so loud it sometimes drowned out the musical accompaniment. The film's success led to increased demand for Chaplin's work and helped cement his status as the world's biggest movie star. Contemporary audience members particularly enjoyed the relatable setting of the restaurant and the spectacular nature of the roller skating sequences. The film's romantic subplot resonated with viewers, adding emotional depth to the physical comedy. Letters from fans to Chaplin frequently mentioned 'The Rink' as one of their favorite of his films. The enduring popularity of the film is evidenced by its continued inclusion in Chaplin retrospectives and classic film screenings more than a century after its release.

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