Truly Dreadful Film

That was an excellent one.

An Exercise In Nonsense

I am only giving this movie a 1 for the great cast, though I can't imagine what any of them were thinking. This movie was horrible

Am a big fan of Charlie Chaplin, have been for over a decade now. Many films and shorts of his are very good to masterpiece, and like many others consider him a comedy genius and one of film's most important and influential directors. From his post-Essanay period after leaving Keystone, 'The Rink' is not one of his very best but is one of his best early efforts and among the better short films of his. It shows a noticeable step up in quality though from his Keystone period, where he was still evolving and in the infancy of his long career, from 1914, The Essanay and Mutual periods were something of Chaplin's adolescence period where his style had been found and starting to settle. Something that can be seen in the more than worthwhile 'The Rink'. The story is more discernible than usual and is never dull, but is sometimes a bit too busy and manic.On the other hand, 'The Rink' looks pretty good, not incredible but it was obvious that Chaplin was taking more time with his work and not churning out countless shorts in the same year of very variable success like he did with Keystone. Appreciate the importance of his Keystone period and there is some good stuff he did there, but the more mature and careful quality seen here and later on is obvious.While not one of his most hilarious or touching, 'The Rink' is still very funny with some clever, entertaining and well-timed slapstick and has substance and pathos that generally were not there with Keystone. It moves quickly and there is no dullness in sight. The second half is both hilarious and enchanting.Chaplin directs more than competently, if not quite cinematic genius standard yet. He also, as usual, gives an amusing and expressive performance and at clear ease with the physicality and substance of the role. The supporting cast acquit themselves well, particularly a charming Edna Purviance and their chemistry is sweet to watch.In summary, very good and one of the best from Chaplin's 1916 output. 8/10 Bethany Cox

(72%) Chaplin highlights his roller-skating talent in this briskly paced 20 minuter set around Charlie as a waiter. There's some nice somewhat more subtle jokes centred around Charley working out the bill by seeing what customers have split onto their clothes, and a mix-up in the kitchen leading to a diner served a scrubbing brush. Charlie's character is not a complete down and out, or very wealthy, but more fun loving and fancy free, and once he's given an hour of free time he hits the rink. This is very much a standard Chaplin early movie that benefits from his skating ability and charm, although the version I saw is a poor cheap money grab as it needed some restoration.

What can I say about a 20 minute short entitled 'The Rink'? I guess, that it's really the first Chaplin short I've seen. I haven't seen that many silent movies. Basically, Charlie Chaplin's The Tramp messes up a restaurant, and then goes roller-skating in order to impress The Girl. It's easy to understand why Chaplin was so popular, and why films like these made audiences laugh. He was a talented man, and truly unique with visual humour and timing! More fascinating than actually funny while watching this short, however, you will probably watch it with a wry smile on your face looking at the way comedy was done back then with it's exaggerated make-up jobs and The Tramp's constant causation of trouble! It's kind of cute! Baby cinema taking it's early steps in the form of Charlie Chaplin! Oh yeah, and expect to be impressed Chaplin's footwork whilst roller-skating. Even though the footage is sped up slightly, his movement and body positions for the purposes of comedy is extremely impressive. I liked this short, but like I said; more from fascination than storyline or laughs.***½ out of *****!

A well made comedy from Charlie Chaplin has some very good moments. Yet, I can't say I'm a big fan of the grotesque-type supporting players or Chaplin's jerky, knock-around body language. This film works best as a record of the period, but as a piece of entertainment, it's also not too bad.