Charlie Chaplin -- The Cure

Review of The Cure (1917) The Cure is a classic Charlie Chaplin silent comedy short, set in a health spa where Chaplin plays an inebriated man attempting to "cure" his drinking problem. However, rather than embracing sobriety, he smuggles alcohol into the spa, leading to a series of hilarious disasters. The film is packed with brilliant physical comedy, especially Chaplin's drunken antics as he stumbles around the spa, struggles with revolving doors, and accidentally causes chaos. His interactions with an annoyed masseur, a sneaky flask of alcohol, and other guests make for some of the most iconic slapstick moments in silent film history. One of the film’s funniest sequences involves Chaplin getting a violent massage, where he’s twisted, stretched, and flung around like a rag doll. The situation escalates as the entire spa descends into drunken mayhem, thanks to his smuggled liquor leaking into the therapeutic waters. Like many of Chaplin’s works, The Cure is more than just slapstick—it's a satirical take on upper-class indulgence and the absurdity of wellness fads. Chaplin’s impeccable timing, creative gags, and expressive acting make this film a must-watch for fans of classic comedy.