Roscoe 'Fatty' Arbuckle: Silent Screen Legend

Roscoe 'Fatty' Arbuckle was one of the leading comedic film stars of the silent era and one of the most recognizable personalities in the world... until tragedy struck.  During a raucous Labor Day weekend party in San Francisco, an actress named Virginia Rappe began complaining of abdominal pains.  She died later that week at the hospital of a ruptured spleen and Arbuckle was arrested for her murder.  The press sensationalized the story and 'Fatty' became the poster boy for the immorality of Hollywood.

After three trials Arbuckle was finally acquitted, but the damage to his career had already been done.  He didn't star in another movie until 1932.  He died of a heart attack in 1933 at the age of 46.

Besides a biography and a filmography, included here are three articles from 1916 which show Fatty at his best; as lovable comic and screen idol.  They also attest to the fascination and esteem placed on 'Fatty' Arbuckle by the public.  Fatty off Guard is an interview with the comic master done at the peak of his career.   Fatty as the Cook is a preview for the movie The Waiter's Ball which starred 'Fatty,' Al St. John, and Kate Price and was released in 1916.  And Sixty Dollars, Please is a short tidbit about how 'Fatty' was concerned about the well being of his cat during the filming of a movie.