The Rink (1916)

In the whirlwind world of upscale dining, the hapless Charlie struggles to make ends meet. As a waiter, he juggles the ceaseless demands of his rigorous profession, under the critical gaze of the relentless maître d', and contends with the irritable Mr. Stout, a customer with a penchant for chaos. After a string of comedic mishaps, Charlie seizes a moment of respite and escapes to the lively local roller skating rink. In this haven of amusement, he encounters the enchanting Edna, a fellow skater under siege by the unwelcome advances of the insistent Mr. Stout, who is ironically also a thorn in Charlie's side. A graceful roller skate ballet ensues, which results in Charlie coming to Edna's rescue. Charmed by his chivalry, Edna extends an invitation to Charlie for an elite skating party, not knowing that he would adopt the guise of the highborn Sir Cecil Seltzer. As the party commences, a cavalcade of couples, including Mr. Stout with a new partner, descend upon the occasion, bringing with them a whirl of hilarious antics. Charlie, caught in his noble deception, finds himself entangled not only in the grandeur of the party but also in the intricate web of the Stouts' shenanigans. Amidst the merriment and mayhem, one question lingers - can Charlie keep his secret hidden, or will his true identity skate out into the open?

The Rink is a comedy movie featuring Charlie Chaplin.

The Rink is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy and it's also available on Criterion Channel, Max Amazon Channel and The Film Detective.