The Rink + The Adventurer + Behind the Screen
Charlie Chaplin
In 1916, Chaplin left Essanay for Mutual, a film studio for which he made 12 two-reeler shorts, his last in this format before moving on to features. Even though they were limited to two reels, each had the makings of a classic. The Tramp twirls on a skating rink, battles with the enormous props of a cinema set, falls in love with the daughter of the judge who sent him to prison... Throughout, his mastery of pantomime sends us into fits of laughter, and the pacing (in contrast to the slapstick of the time) gives us plenty of time to admire the flawless execution of his gags.
Flagey, Cinematek