Chaplin edited, wrote, directed, and produced his eighth film for the Mutual Film Corporation. The Rink is a simple comedy contrasting the styles of the slapstick, knock about Chaplin and his talent for elusiveness in chase scenes. Chaplin is a simple waiter who really has no business being a waiter. He has a unique way of adding up the tab, serving a dishrag with a scrub brush on the side, and mixing a drink. While this is going on Edna Purviance's father (James T. Kelley) is making time with Henry Bergman in drag as the wife of comic foil Eric Campbell. Chaplin goes to a party as a big-shot and roller skates to impress Edna. Along the way, the mismatched couples realize their gigs are up so to speak, and Chaplin creates havoc on the roller rink. The police get involved near the end, but of course to no avail. Chaplin's acrobatics on skates is the highlight of the film, as it appears he's inadvertently playing roller derby with the rest of the cast. Chaplin ends up escaping down the street by using his cane to hitch a ride so to speak. Not quite as good as other top Mutual films, but still entertaining nevertheless. **1/2 of 4 stars.
Review of The Rink
