Charlie Chaplin was hitting his comedic stride late 1916 when he produced three highly praised films. Professional skaters were hired for December 1916's "The Rink" to play as extras for the rink scenes. These skaters coached Chaplin thoroughly, who hadn't been on roller skates for quite some time. Spending almost an entire week to hone his skills, Chaplin, in "The Rink," displays his adeptness and fluidity on the rollers skates that continue to amaze today's viewers.
Chaplin plays a waiter who causes both the restaurant management and customers great consternation by his antics. His bartending skills shown are unquestionably remarkable. Upping his skills beyond the kitchen was the waiter's passion for roller skating, which occupied him during his lunch breaks.
Chaplin regular, Eric Campbell, who is romantically pursuing Edna Purviance, proved to be totally inept on the rink in real life. For his scenes, a crew member would push the bulky actor off camera onto the rink, where Chaplin applied all sorts of moves and kicks to Campbell. Purviance also knew the blueprint to the comedian's planned maneuvers, but once the cameras rolled, it was anyone's guess where and what Chaplin would do with his spontaneous improvising on the rink.
Chaplin plays a waiter who causes both the restaurant management and customers great consternation by his antics. His bartending skills shown are unquestionably remarkable. Upping his skills beyond the kitchen was the waiter's passion for roller skating, which occupied him during his lunch breaks.
Chaplin regular, Eric Campbell, who is romantically pursuing Edna Purviance, proved to be totally inept on the rink in real life. For his scenes, a crew member would push the bulky actor off camera onto the rink, where Chaplin applied all sorts of moves and kicks to Campbell. Purviance also knew the blueprint to the comedian's planned maneuvers, but once the cameras rolled, it was anyone's guess where and what Chaplin would do with his spontaneous improvising on the rink.