Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle (1887-1933)

Arbuckle was one of the great early comedy stars.  A vaudevillian singer discovered by Mack Sennett, Arbuckle became one of the most successful slapstick comedians of his era.  He appeared in over 150 short films between 1909 and 1919, including the extremely popular Fatty and Mabel films in which he appeared opposite Mabel Normand (1892-1930) you can see one of the most famous of these films here (optional, 26 min)). By the late teens he had begun to take roles in feature films as well. By 1921, he had signed a contract for $1 million a year and was one of the most valuable performers in Hollywood.

Next: Rappe and Arbuckle

Both Arbuckle and Normand died quite young: he at 46, she at 37. Arbuckle had a heart attack and Normand died from tuburculosis. However, both lived hard lives and rumors swirled around them. Normand played a critical role in the William Desmond Taylor murder scandal (she was the last to see him alive). It's clear that both Arbuckle and Normand drank a lot. It's likely that they were alcoholics by current standards (and remember that Prohibition made alcohol illegal in 1920). Drug use was pretty common in the Hollywood of this era and Normand may have been addicted to cocaine as well. Hollywood was a small community and everyone knew everyone else. Normand had a reputation as the "I don't care" girl and may or may not have slept with many different Hollywood figures. The trouble is, it's very hard to separate reality from gossip and publicity. There is the Mabel who appears on film where she is a sexy tomboy, the Mabel of the gossip columnists who is a drug addicted slut, the Mabel of the scandals... I think that ultimately all you can say is that both Normand and Arbuckle were troubled individuals whose lives were shortened by both the stresses of the times in which they lived and by the lifestyles they pursued. And here's another easter egg for you. Tell me in 50-100 words about the Taylor murder: where was the body found, how was he killed, and anything else you want to add. To submit your paper, make sure it is in msword format, and title it William D. Taylor on the first page. Go to the Canvas site for the course, then assignments, then Canvas Practice and upload it and I'll add 5 points to your first exam grade. You must upload your paper before Spring Break. Please note that this is an easter egg for students who make the effort read carefully and on time. This only works if you don't tell your classmates about it and don't ask me about it in class (if you do I'll deny any knowledge). It won't show up officially in gradebook but the points will be added to your grade. If you want to talk to me about it, please either come by my office or send me an email.