The Rounders (1914) | Chaplin and Arbuckle's Drunken Duo

Charlie Chaplin and Roscoe 'Fatty' Arbuckle as the two drunk men in The Rounders (1914)

**The Rounders (1914)** is a hilarious Keystone short that is primarily remembered for uniting two of the biggest stars of the era: **Charles Chaplin** and **Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle**. They play two strangers staying in the same hotel who become instant comrades in misery over their shared problem: their wives.

Synopsis: Escape by Rowboat

The film revolves around two inebriated men who reside in the same hotel. One (Chaplin) starts off by inflicting harm on his spouse, while the other (Arbuckle) is enduring mistreatment from his own wife. In a shared state of intoxication, they decide to band together and venture out for a night on the town, hoping to escape their domestic troubles.

Their escapade is short-lived. They attempt to find repose in a restaurant, using the tables as makeshift beds, but are promptly ejected. They ultimately seek a more peaceful refuge in a rowboat on a lake. In a classic piece of Keystone slapstick and dark humor, the boat eventually becomes submerged. Their demise is played for laughs, implying that sinking in a rowboat is preferable to returning home to their volatile wives.

Context: A Meeting of Legends

**"The Rounders"** is a prime example of the rough-and-tumble Keystone style, featuring constant physical action and drunken buffoonery. It's especially notable because it pairs Chaplin, just weeks after establishing the Tramp persona, with Roscoe Arbuckle, another physical comedy genius at the studio. Scenes featuring the two stars bumbling around together, often with their furious wives in hot pursuit, are highlights of this early era of film comedy.

Film Details and Restoration

Director & Writer:
Charles Chaplin
Starring:
Charles Chaplin, Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle, Phyllis Allen, Minta Durfee
Production Company:
Keystone Film Company
Release Date:
September 7, 1914 (USA)
Runtime:
13 minutes (780 seconds)
Color/Sound:
Black and White / Silent (Restored & Colorized Version)
License:
PUBLIC DOMAIN MARK / “No Known Copyright”

This version of the film has been colorized and enhanced using tools like DeOldify, ESRGAN, and EDVR to improve the visual quality and bring a fresh look to this public domain classic.

Watch The Rounders (1914) - Restored and Colorized

Watch Chaplin and Arbuckle team up in this chaotic classic!

📧 **Copyright Disclaimer:** This film is believed to be in the **public domain** and has been restored for historical and educational purposes. If you have any concerns regarding the copyright status, please contact the restorer directly at **inestorate@gmail.com**. We are committed to intellectual property rights and will promptly address any claims.