A Night in the Show & The Rink

Chaplin starred in and directed A Night in the Show in 1915 at Majestic Studio in Los Angeles. The film was based on a turn-of-the-century English music hall play called Mumming Birds, which Chaplin often performed during his touring days with Fred Karno’s pantomime troupe.

In the film, Chaplin plays dual roles as Mr. Pest and Mr. Rowdy, audience members who demolish all theater etiquette and create a climax of chaos before the curtain drops.

Chaplin directed The Rink in 1916, drawing on another talent he developed during his stage career. A flamboyant and comic roller-skater, he could pirouette gracefully or perform spectacular pratfalls. 70 min.