Not merely viewing this film for its humor, I watched it to gather an understanding about its time and the things it implied. In this film, Mabel Normand wants to drive her boyfriend's car, but he declines. The reason he declines was not given, but considering the title, it may well be because of condescension towards her as a female. Not content with no for an answer, and to Chaplin's convenience, she accepts Chaplin's offer to ride with him on his bike to spite her mate. Unfortunately for Chaplin, she falls into a puddle, becoming furious; she then reconciles with her boyfriend. Her partner was going to be in a car race, but Chaplin had plans to thwart his success. After tying him up in a shed, Mabel "takes the wheel." Also recognizing Mabel Normand being the directer and writer, I see this as a point of triumph for her, conveying herself as accomplishing what she wanted and breaking the gender gap. When her boyfriend was finally freed, he found to his delight that Mabel was the victor. The irony makes a point: women can do as well as men in men's stereotypical roles and there is no justification for men to be seen as superior!
Review of Mabel at the Wheel
