This is a pretty enjoyable Chaplin short from 1915. While certainly not among his best, it is worth seeing and is far from a bad film. In fact, up until the rocking ship segment of the film, it was probably a good bit better than average. Charlie was offered a job helping some sleazy ship's captain from kidnapping a crew for his boat--which the owner already intended to blow up for the insurance money (this is DEFINITELY not a ship you'd want to work). In the end, he, too, is conked on the head and becomes an unwilling crewman.
However, despite a good beginning, soon Chaplin chooses to incorporate a rocking boat sequence into the film while he worked as a dishwasher. I've seen rocking boat scenes in two other Chaplin films already before this (including A PERFECT DAY and one other that doesn't immediately come to mind). I really hated this because although Chaplin was known for his attention to detail, these scenes by him were always handled very sloppily. Once again, the boat rocked way too fast and way too quickly--while the ocean appeared very calm. It just looked stupid and didn't make me laugh. A rolling boat COULD have been very funny--but not one that looks like that!
Well, after this lousy part of the film, the short got better and involved Charlie saving the boat and the lives of everyone. At least it ended well.
However, despite a good beginning, soon Chaplin chooses to incorporate a rocking boat sequence into the film while he worked as a dishwasher. I've seen rocking boat scenes in two other Chaplin films already before this (including A PERFECT DAY and one other that doesn't immediately come to mind). I really hated this because although Chaplin was known for his attention to detail, these scenes by him were always handled very sloppily. Once again, the boat rocked way too fast and way too quickly--while the ocean appeared very calm. It just looked stupid and didn't make me laugh. A rolling boat COULD have been very funny--but not one that looks like that!
Well, after this lousy part of the film, the short got better and involved Charlie saving the boat and the lives of everyone. At least it ended well.