The Masher played by Charlie Chaplin fights for the attention of the landlady with the Rival played by Chester Conklin at the beginning of the film. The Rival makes his attempt first. While he is talking to the Landlady played by Helen Carruthers the Masher pokes him with a fork from behind a curtain. The Rival gets upset and returns to the table. The Masher makes a gesture to the Rival and goes on to talk to the landlady. As the Masher sweet talks the Landlady, the Rival does the same thing the Masher did to him. The Landlady gets upset and walks away from the Masher. Upset, the Masher returns to the table and takes the Rival outside by his tie.<ref name="auto"></ref>