The Rounders (1914)

In the heart of the bustling city, two men grapple with the harsh reality of their marital lives, both victims of domestic chaos in their own unique ways. One buckles under the weight of his wife's blows, while the other's stormy temper unleashes upon his spouse. Finding solace in shared misery, they escape their homes and the wrath of their wives, seeking refuge in the comforting arms of intoxication. The duo stumbles into a local restaurant, their uninhibited behavior mirroring the familiar comfort of their own homes. One sprawls his legs in a display of unapologetic abandon, while the other leans nonchalantly on a fellow patron. Their audacity reaches new heights when they mistake a tablecloth for a cozy sheet, choosing the cold, hard floor of the restaurant as their makeshift bed. Their momentary peace is shattered, however, when their irate wives storm into the restaurant, brandishing fury and sending the men fleeing for safety. Their flight takes them to the tranquil banks of a river, where a lone canoe becomes their final sanctuary. As they lie on the boat, their escape becomes a comedic tragedy; the boat fills with water and they start to sink. The men, however, find this fate far more preferable to the prospect of facing their wives again. This tale of unlikely camaraderie and humorous misfortune weaves a complex tapestry of domestic life in the early 20th century, offering both laughs and moments of sobering introspection.

The Rounders is a comedy movie featuring Charlie Chaplin.

The Rounders is currently streaming on DIRECTV.