Chaplin edited, wrote, produced, and directed this film about a family out to enjoy an afternoon boat ride. The film is broken down into three parts. The first part has Chaplin trying to start the car, which is not that interesting. The boat ride sequence is the highlight of the film with Chaplin getting into several amusing situations. The woman with the pram, who comes aboard at the last minute, pulls off a hilarious stunt in coming aboard. Aboard ship, Chaplin and company are entertained by a jazz group while he battles an unsteady ship, an obnoxious passenger, and a deck chair. The deck chair sequence is the funniest with Chaplin trying to open the chair for a minute and a half before giving up and yielding to frustration. Once the boat ride is over, Chaplin and family head home in their car and get stuck in traffic, literally with road tar. Policemen get involved, as usual, and the sequence becomes an excuse for Chaplin to unleash several sight gags which are very funny. Edna Purviance has nothing to do in the film, which is disappointing. Jackie Coogan appears briefly in only his second film and first credited role. **1/2 of 4 stars.
Review of A Day's Pleasure
