In going over the calendar, I found that I would be missing three very important weeks that I am going to celebrate here. Of course, any film viewed cannot count toward the challenge, but it would be nice to honor the these film stars. The first is a truly tragic figure in film history.
Roscoe Arbuckle - born 24 March 1887
Known as Fatty, Roscoe Arbuckle began in the stable of Mack Sennett. He can be seen as one of the famous Keystone Kops. Soon, he would distinguish himself as a masterful comic. In spite of his size, he was known to have the grace and agility of a ballet dancer. Legend has it that he was also the most accurate marksman when it came to pie fights.
He was often paired with two of the greats of the time. He and Mabel Normand made numerous films that began with the words "Fatty and Mabel". He was also partnered with his friend, Buster Keaton. He even working with Charlie Chaplin. By himself and with others, Arbuckle is credited with 166 films.
In 1921, Roscoe was accused of rape in the dying breath of Virginia Rappe (who, according to IMDb, had a long history of accusing men of rape). After a hung jury and a mistrial, he was finally found not guilty. But the damage was irreparable. No one would hire him.
Arbuckle did work as a director, under the name of William B. Goodrich. His friends, Buster Keaton, Al St. John, and others, would use his comic savvy to make their films. IMDb lists 133 films directed by him. Overall, he has a large body of work.
In 1932, Roscoe made a talking short that sparked interest in him. He would make five more shorts in 1933. Warner Brothers was impressed and signed him to a contract to make a feature film. Sadly, he would die in his sleep the day after signing. He was 46.
When speaking of Roscoe Arbuckle, one should use his name. It was documented that when fans would call him "Fatty" in public, he would usually say "I have a name, you know."
Films viewed:
Silents
Fatty and Mabel Adrift (1916)
Fatty and Mabel's Wash Day (1915)
Fatty's Spooning Day (1915)
Fatty's Suitless Day (1914)
A Flirt's Mistake (1914)
Mabel's Dramatic Career (1913)
Mabel's New Hero (1913)
Mabel and Fatty's Married Life (1915)
Missy Fatty's Seaside Lovers (1915)
Peeping Pete (1913)
Sound
Close Relations (1933)
In the Dough (1933) with Shemp Howard
Ones to view:
Listen Lena (1927) An Al St. John comedy featuring a "Fat man with a strategically covered face", thought to be Arbuckle. Likely his last silent film.
His films are available on YouTube, Daily Motion and Vimeo. Thanks to IMDb for some of the additional information.
interesting post, Ernie.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know the details of what happened.
Tragic from all sides.
One of Hollywood's saddest story. I think had this had not happened, we would talk about the Big 4 in silent comedy, not 3.
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