Customer Reviews (5)

The Tragic Life of a Comedian
Frame-Up!, Andy Edmonds

In 1976 Andy Edmonds met Joe Rock, a silent-film comedian and producer. Joe told her the story about what really happened at that Arbuckle party. Roscoe's former wife Minta Durfee confirmed this story. Later when researching old records she found two $10,000 bank checks made out to the San Francisco district attorney. She found a plan to frame Roscoe, and the crimes of prosecution's star witness (p.9). Andy received the court transcripts of the first two trials. From this and other sources she uncovered a new and shocking story about the San Francisco party and why Roscoe became a scapegoat (`Foreword'). The `Acknowledgments' thank the many who helped with this book. There is no Table of Contents. A Filmography on pages 275 to 319 lists all the known films.

Roscoe Conkling Arbuckle went from one of the most popular film stars to a hated murderer and rapist due to the newspapers. [He was named after a prominent New York politician who died after the Blizzard of 1888.] Roscoe later worked under the name `William Goodrich' (his father's name). The chapters contain Roscoe's biography, his life and hard times, until he blossomed as a performer in California. He met and married Minta Durfee. Roscoe was sweet until he drank. Roscoe invented pie-throwing in movies (p.51). He became popular and earned $500 a week (when $5 a week was good wages). Silent films were popular world-wide (p.92). The big corporations tried to take over the small film businesses (Chapter 12). The next chapters tell about the party at the St. Francis Hotel. Newspaper headlines convicted Roscoe (p.173). He was charged with murder in the first degree (p.176). Would the publicity reveal "rampant drug abuse" and "blatant sexual degeneracy" in Hollywood (p.177)? There were discrepancies in the witnesses' testimony (p.179).

Roscoe's lawyer told him to keep silent so some witnesses could not fabricate stories or lies to refute Roscoe (Chapter 17). The prosecutor tried to keep Delmont from testifying first (p.184). Could she enhance her testimony after hearing others?] Delmont's "testimony would not stand up under scrutiny" (p.186). The effect of the arrest for Roscoe was near bankruptcy (p.189). Would a D.A. base a case on lies to win elections (p.196)? The trial begins in Chapter 20. Roscoe testified (Chapter 21). The jury was deadlocked ten to two for acquittal. People know of the lies told but not the truth (pp.242-243). One result was a movie-industry controlled censorship board (Chapter 22). It stopped foreign competition (p.244). The second trial was deadlocked ten to two for conviction (p.246). In the third trial defense lawyer McNab emphasized Virginia's background as a prostitute who had several abortions and a number of venereal diseases (p.247). Roscoe was quickly acquitted, but left bankrupt and owing back taxes to the IRS. [Do most people today assume guilt?]

The public paid to see Roscoe's films (Chapter 23). What really happened is on pages 250-252. Was Roscoe set up? Page 253 explains. Roscoe was the first blacklisted actor (p.254). Some theater owners rejected the ban (p.255). This ban deprived an individual from earning a living. Roscoe began to direct comedies (Chapter 24). William Jennings Bryan condemned Roscoe (p.259). Chapter 25 is the last. Write Roscoe scripted "That's My Line" and "Beach Pajamas", fictionalized versions of this scandal (pp.270-271). Roscoe drank more (p.272) and developed health problems (p.273). In 1933 he died in his sleep, age 46.
[In the 1949 film "D. O. A." "Frank Bigelow" attended a party in a St. Francis Hotel suite. The same room numbers as used by Roscoe Arbuckle?]

Early Hollywood Scandal
Andy Edmonds' book about Roscoe Arbuckle's murder trial during the 1920s is an exceptional read for fans of the silent movie era. Not only does it include information about Arbuckle's life before and after the trial, but it includes details provided from those who knew him best including his wives and the wife of Buster Keaton.

Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle was one of the most beloved silent movie comedians of his time. His popularity soared before Chaplin or Keaton had really made it on their own. Children loved him for his wonderful prat-falls and large physical presence, and adults loved him for his sweetness and his ability to make anyone laugh. That all changed when a small time actress and well known prostitute Virginia Rappe died at a party thrown by Arbuckle. Her death was called murder, and Arbuckle was accused of having raped the girl so brutally that he ruptured her bladder in the process. The media turned the trial into a frenzy, making Arbuckle the scapegoat of Hollywood, in turn leading to the implementation of the Hays Office.

What this book fails to do is entirely convince the reader that there was a pre-conceived conspiracy against Arbuckle. Edmonds makes a fool-proof plea for the comedian's innocence of the crime he was charged with,further supporting the acquittal with hindsight, but she does not provide enough evidence to prove her assertion that the party in San Francisco was all a set-up. Still, it is a fascinating read on one of the most damaging events in the actor's life.

It just goes to show
After reading this (and other Arbuckle books)
I've realized there is a moral to the story.
If someone becomes violently ill at a party
you're hosting......
send them to the hospital.
V. Rappe's bladder infection could have been treated,
and she would perhaps have lived, and Arbuckle's
career might have survived.

Revealing
Roscoe Arbuckle was one of the most popular comics of the silent film era, but it was inevitable that he would fall from grace and in a round-about way, he brought a lot of it on himself. The author clearly points out that Roscoe was well on the way to self destruction. He was a frequent buyer of bootleg booze during the era of prohibition. He was in trouble with the IRS and despite his million dollar a year salary, his reckless spending was already out of control. Its even been suggested that cocaine was involved at some of the big parties that Arbuckle had. Then comes Virginia Rappe and Maude Delmont, two Hollywood whores with $ signs in their eyes and larsony in their hearts. They saw the opportunity to make some cash and didn't care who they destroyed to get it. Delmont was hardly a stranger to the criminal world and Rappe was a well known slut with several abortions under her belt (No pun intended) Accusations of rape (with a Coke bottle no less)during a wild party was the begining of one of the biggest trials in California legal history. Equally appalling is how self righteous, sanctimonious and moralistic Hollywood became after the scandal broke. Most of the big name directors had round-the-clock mistresses and readily consorted with gangsters like Capone. Arbuckle would be aquitted of the charges, but the damage had been done. Forced to direct under an assumed name (William B. Goode and Reel Comedies) Roscoe faced a hard climb uphill and died on the verge of a comeback.

Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle Was Destroyed By Hollywood Greed
Andy Edmonds does an admirable job in detailing the tragic life of one of Hollywood's first and foremost comic actors, Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle. Long before Lloyd, Langdon, Keaton, even Chaplin, there was Arbuckle. Aside from precursors Max Linder and John Bunny and a very few others who were brilliant innovators in their own right, Arbuckle was the first great American comic star of silent film. From 1912 to 1921 Arbuckle was the reigning king of slapstick. Incredibly agile for a 280 pounder, Arbuckle did wonderful comic pantomime and made dozens of memorable shorts with silent comedy legends like Mabel Normand, Minta Durfee, Al Saint John, and his best friend, Buster Keaton as his sidekicks. As we all know, Arbuckle, who wanted more autonomy on his own productions, was framed by greedy, spiteful studio heads (including Paramount chief Adolph Zukor) on a frumped up rape charge. The incident allegedly occurred at an infamous 1921 party in a San Francisco hotel. Of course, it was all a lie. Roscoe, targeted for his insubordination to the totalitarian studio system--- was unjustly persecuted as the poster boy for Hollywood hedonism and excess. Talk about the pot calling the kettle black. Most studio executives at the time lived self-indulgent lives that would make the inhabitants of Soddom and Gemmorah blush. Worst of all, Arbuckle was completely innocent of the phoney charges of rape. Spiteful over Roscoe's switching studios, certain detestable movie executives paid a bigamist and professional correspondent ("Bambina Maude Delmont") to testify against him on the fabricated rape charge. The alleged rape victim ----Virgnia Rappe (ironic first name, isn't it)---died as a result of internal hemmoraging. While Delmont claimed Rappe's death was due to Arbuckle's shoving a bottle inside her (an incident conveniently witnessed solely by the correspondent), medical results proved her death was actually due to a botched abortion she had recently received. Rappe was an infamous Hollywood [lady] who had had more abortions than even she could remember. She was also being treated for an advanced case of venereal disease. Most telling of all, she was known for attending parties, getting stoned, ripping off her clothes, and running into the streets crying "rape." After enduring three separate trials, and despite his eventually being found not guilty in a court of law, in the court of public opinion Fatty's career was utterly destroyed. He was labled a "fat pervert" by ignorant mobs who were susceptible to the vicious vitriol leveled at him by pseudo-moralist studio executives whose only real concern was saving their own asses and preserving their financial bottom lines. The once beloved comedian was literally spat on by men, women, and children who should have known better than to fall prey to the slander perpetrated by corrupt Hollywood mogols. Roscoe's films were pulled from circulation. His contracts were all cancelled and his name became associated with all that was rotten in Hollywood. Of course, the moguls who destroyed him continued on making millions. After the tragic 1921 episode Arbuckle was basically blacklisted in the industry and had to turn to directing under the pseudonym "William Goodrich." But even then jobs were few and far in-between. He longed to return to making people laugh on the screen but his popularity never rebounded even after he was allowed to return to acting. Roscoe's final years were sad, and he turned to the bottle.His Hollywood friends, particularly Buster Keaton, stood by the man whom he described as being "very shy, naive, and innocent." Keaton, in particular, fought to have studios give his friend work. But by the late 1920s Arbuckle was all but forgotten except as the cruel butt of tasteless jokes. Arbuckle never understood how or why he came to be so despised. When Roscoe died in 1933, Keaton said the cause was a broken heart. I enthusiastically recommend the purchase of this well-researched and well-written biography. At the time she was working on this biography on Roscoe, Andy Edmonds had already established a fine reputation for herself as the biographer of another tragic Hollywood legend, Thelma Todd. But this book is extra special. Why? Because it helps to publicly exonerate a wronged human being simply by revealing the truth. Arbuckle was a good, kind man who was actually very well-mannered and a gentleman around women----assuredly more gentlemanly than the hedonistic moguls who daily employed the casting couch as their unique version of "screen testing" of young starlets. Keaton put it best when he said that Roscoe was too naive for his own good. In honor of Roscoe Conklin Arbuckle's memory, I will end this review by stating that Roscoe was a great man and a great talent. He was always embarrassed when people referred to him as "Fatty." He deserved better. Here's to you, Roscoe. ... Read more

Product Description
Fatty Arbuckle’s career came to a sudden halt amidst allegations that he raped and caused the death of a young starlet named Virginia Rappe. Though he was acquitted, the comedian, who was at one time second in popularity only to Charlie Chaplin, was ruined. Interviews with many of Arbuckle’s contemporaries (including Minta Durfee, his first wife) and extensive research inform this serious study of the once-fabled comedian. His early days in the Keystone comedies and his relationship with Chaplin are recounted. The details of the Rappe trial and his life afterwards are also provided. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Fatty Wasn't so Jolly
I have read Frame Up and The Day the Laughter Stopped and am convinced that Roscoe Arbuckle was innocent of the rape and manslaughter charges.What I love about this book is that more of Mr Arbuckle's personality shows through.His treatment of his first wife Minta shows that he wasn't the "Jolly Fatman" that people thought he was.Most likely due to his harsh treatment by his father and growing up unloved led Roscoe to be a bitter person who wasn't as nice to people as he should have been.It seems that he would drink more than he should and the booze would render him surly and argumentative.

There may have been some mistakes made, poor editing,and yes it was a small book with a large price, but I truly enjoyed the book and really felt that Mr Oderman was able to coax alot of information out of Minta, Arbuckle first wife and give us a better picture of the man himself.

Better than some...
I had high hopes for this book- particularly given the $30 price tag. Don't get me wrong, I am more than willing to pay more for a good product. Unfortunately, there are several "little" problems that add up to a less than stellar experience. The first thing that struck me when I received the book was how thin it was. Now at 255 pages, it's not exactly a pamphlet but most of the other biographies that I own for silent film stars are more substantial. My real issues started within the first few pages. The text states that Arbuckle made 3 sound shorts in 1933 as part of an attempt at a comeback. Not true. Arbuckle made a total of 6 shorts in 1932-1933. The short that the text says was the first short made was in fact the LAST one made. Elsewhere, the text states that Buster Keaton gave up $250/wk on a show in exchange for $40/wk to work with Arbuckle and he considered the pay cut a small price to pay for his apprenticeship with Arbuckle. Keaton, if fact never bothered to ask initially how much he would make working with Arbuckle. There are other minor examples I could site. This may seem nitpicky of me but if these basic facts are incorrect and/or misleading, I am left to wonder what else in incorrect or misleading. There are also several typos throughout the book- not a big deal but one more minor thing that detracts from the work. I also noticed that on several occasions an incident that is sited in one chapter is sited again in the following chapter without adding anything to the retelling; it gives the impression of a school child told to write a 1000 word essay and repeats himself to reach the word requirement.

On the bright side, I have this to say about the book: It is certainly better that the Stahl book out there that, though a self proclaimed fictional work, many take to be more biographical than they should. Oderman's book is a balanced, non-sensationalized account of Arbuckle's life. Also I was pleased to see excerpts of interviews with Minta Durfee(Arbuckle's first wife). It was informative to read her take of events in her own words. Much of this material I have not seen elsewhere.In the end I enjoyed reading the book very much but I am left wondering how much of the material is accurate.

So Far So Good
I am About halfway through this bookbut it is well written , informative and definitely holds your attention. Idecided to get this book after reading Jerry Stahl's novel" I ,Fatty" so I could get morefactual info on Roscoe Arbuclkle and this book delivers!!!

Arbuckle's life included more than a terrible scandal, and this book confirms that
It is of great satisfaction to every fan of silent comedy that Roscoe Arbuckle is finally gaining some recognition as something more than an unfortunate victim of false accusations. His work was recently celebrated in a loving DVD-set released by Laughsmith, and this book, ROSCOE "FATTY" ARBUCKLE A BIOGRAPHY OF THE SILENT FILM COMEDIAN by Stuart Oderman, which was first published in 1994 and reprinted last year, is another triumph. While it examines the infamous scandal thoroughly, it also includes aspects of his life far beyond that, beginning with his sad, friendless childhood which was largely shaped by his mother's death and his father's alcoholism, going on to cover his early stage career. Oderman has done his research not only on Arbuckle but also, obviously, on his era. Oderman spent years interviewing people involved in Arbuckle's life, most significantly his first wife Minta Durfee; some have questioned the accuracy of Durfee's statements, but it does in any case remain of value to be provided with her insights and way of thinking. Of particular interest to me was reading about Arbuckle's working relationship with Chaplin and Keaton.

The book does suffer from some inaccuracies; whereas Oderman claims that Arbuckle starred in three sound shorts for Warner Brothers towards the end of his life, he did in fact appear in no less than six. However, all in all these flaws are quite minor, and ROSCOE "FATTY" ARBUCKLE: A BIOGRAPHY OF THE SILENT FILM COMEDIAN is highly recommended from me to anyone who appreciate the comedies of the charming comedian, and to you who simply want a belivable study of his life.

--
UPDATE: FEBRUARY 2010 - I've recently re-read this book and must admit to have slightly changed my opinion on it. I have done more research on Arbuckle in the time that has passed and have come to realize that Oderman's study disappoints on some levels. First of all, some of his sources, and hence the conclusions he draws, regarding the scandal are worthy of skepticism. Further, it fails to give a satisfying exploration of Arbuckle as a comedian and film-maker. It is still the best full-fledged biography devoted to Arbuckle to date, to my knowledge, but my five-star rating seems a bit of an exaggeration now.

Beyond the Scandal
If you want to know more about Roscoe than just the infamous scandal you should read this book.Roscoe had a very sad childhood and as a result he was not the "Clown Prince" off camera at all times.A very complex man, Roscoe was generous to his friends to a fault, he and Buster Keaton were well known pratical jokers and these stories are told.This book also talks about the health, alcohol and drug problems that plagued Roscoe. We have much to thank Roscoe for, not only was he a great comedic talent, he was at one time mentor to Buster Keaton.You have to keep reminding yourself that this is written with Minta Durfee's assistance and so it tends to skip through Roscoe's live after Minta. ... Read more

Product Description
Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle had an interesting and varied career as a vaudeville monologist, musical comedy star, and silent film comedian, writer, director, and producer. He was also the subject of scandal, having been accused of rape and murder. Though he was never indicted on these charges and was acquitted of manslaughter, his case is still mentioned today. This book draws upon extensive research to provide an objective account of Arbuckle's life and career. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

No need to read anything else on this case!!!
This book should be the end of all the scandal regarding the case of murder against Roscoe Fatty Arbuckle.The author lays it all out so well that there is no question that Arbuckle had absolutely nothing to do with the death of Virginia Rappe.That is not to say this is not as interesting as the dirty little stories that others have told about this case, it is just that this happens to be the truth!I highly recommend this book!!!

A Death, And an Innocent Man Who Became a Scapegoat
Buster Keaton said that the day the laughter stopped was September 5, 1921 - the day that Virginia Rappe became ill during a party in Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle's suite at the St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco.She died four days later as a result of her illness, peritonitis caused by a ruptured bladder.Mr. Arbuckle had nothing to do with Ms. Rappe's illness and death, but he paid with his good name, his career and his happiness nonetheless.He was tried three times, by a politically motivated and extraordinarily underhanded prosecution, and was acquitted with an unprecedented apology signed by every member of the jury.This should have been more than enough to ensure his warm welcome back into film, but nothing of the sort happened.The tragedy of Roscoe Arbuckle is that he was made to be the scapegoat of a Hollywood running scared from public opinion - his guilt or innocence had become irrelevant.

This is the story that David Yallop tells in The Day the Laughter Stopped.Though the book tells the story of Arbuckle's birth, start in show business and the years after his being sacrificed by so-called friends, the focus of this book is on the unfortunate death of Virginia Rappe, and the ham-handed attempt of the prosecutor to wrangle a political future out of the railroading of an innocent man.The problem?The prosecution had no case - its "star" witness, Maude Delmont, was lying from the onset and was easily discredited, and the doctors who examined Ms. Rappe during and after the party, and who conducted the autopsy, clearly indicated that no violence was done to her.The question, of course, is why she didn't receive proper surgical medical care in the first place, but due to the passage of time I suppose that query will forever go unanswered.

When Mr. Yallop began research for this book, all three of Mr. Arbuckle's wives were still living, and were eager to share their stories with him.Even Minta Durfee and Doris Deane, whose marriages with him ended in divorce, remembered him with great love.Indeed, all who were still around to be interviewed by Mr. Yallop had positive and kind things to say about the gentle, generous Roscoe Arbuckle.

This is an indispensable and devastating text in the study of the trial and the nature of Hollywood politics in the 20's.Simple common sense and a rudimentary review of the facts indicate that Roscoe Arbuckle was completely innocent - this book makes it abundantly clear.It is a shame that Mr. Yallop has not written further titles regarding the silent era - his voice would be more than welcome.My only quibble, and it is a tiny one, is that there is some gratuitous foreshadowing in the "Before" section of the book- chances are that anyone who awaited this book's arrival knew that its main focus was the events following September 5, 1921, and didn't need to be reminded of the sadness just around the bend during Roscoe's happy times. ... Read more

Product Description
A reexamination of the brutal rape and murder of a Hollywood starlet in 1921 reveals the truth about the affair, exposing the Hollywood conspiracy that framed comedian Fatty Arbuckle. Reprint. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

The Tragic Life of a Comedian
Frame-Up!, Andy Edmonds

In 1976 Andy Edmonds met Joe Rock, a silent-film comedian and producer. Joe told her the story about what really happened at that Arbuckle party. Roscoe's former wife Minta Durfee confirmed this story. Later when researching old records she found two $10,000 bank checks made out to the San Francisco district attorney. She found a plan to frame Roscoe, and the crimes of prosecution's star witness (p.9). Andy received the court transcripts of the first two trials. From this and other sources she uncovered a new and shocking story about the San Francisco party and why Roscoe became a scapegoat (`Foreword'). The `Acknowledgments' thank the many who helped with this book. There is no Table of Contents. A Filmography on pages 275 to 319 lists all the known films.

Roscoe Conkling Arbuckle went from one of the most popular film stars to a hated murderer and rapist due to the newspapers. [He was named after a prominent New York politician who died after the Blizzard of 1888.] Roscoe later worked under the name `William Goodrich' (his father's name). The chapters contain Roscoe's biography, his life and hard times, until he blossomed as a performer in California. He met and married Minta Durfee. Roscoe was sweet until he drank. Roscoe invented pie-throwing in movies (p.51). He became popular and earned $500 a week (when $5 a week was good wages). Silent films were popular world-wide (p.92). The big corporations tried to take over the small film businesses (Chapter 12). The next chapters tell about the party at the St. Francis Hotel. Newspaper headlines convicted Roscoe (p.173). He was charged with murder in the first degree (p.176). Would the publicity reveal "rampant drug abuse" and "blatant sexual degeneracy" in Hollywood (p.177)? There were discrepancies in the witnesses' testimony (p.179).

Roscoe's lawyer told him to keep silent so some witnesses could not fabricate stories or lies to refute Roscoe (Chapter 17). The prosecutor tried to keep Delmont from testifying first (p.184). Could she enhance her testimony after hearing others?] Delmont's "testimony would not stand up under scrutiny" (p.186). The effect of the arrest for Roscoe was near bankruptcy (p.189). Would a D.A. base a case on lies to win elections (p.196)? The trial begins in Chapter 20. Roscoe testified (Chapter 21). The jury was deadlocked ten to two for acquittal. People know of the lies told but not the truth (pp.242-243). One result was a movie-industry controlled censorship board (Chapter 22). It stopped foreign competition (p.244). The second trial was deadlocked ten to two for conviction (p.246). In the third trial defense lawyer McNab emphasized Virginia's background as a prostitute who had several abortions and a number of venereal diseases (p.247). Roscoe was quickly acquitted, but left bankrupt and owing back taxes to the IRS. [Do most people today assume guilt?]

The public paid to see Roscoe's films (Chapter 23). What really happened is on pages 250-252. Was Roscoe set up? Page 253 explains. Roscoe was the first blacklisted actor (p.254). Some theater owners rejected the ban (p.255). This ban deprived an individual from earning a living. Roscoe began to direct comedies (Chapter 24). William Jennings Bryan condemned Roscoe (p.259). Chapter 25 is the last. Write Roscoe scripted "That's My Line" and "Beach Pajamas", fictionalized versions of this scandal (pp.270-271). Roscoe drank more (p.272) and developed health problems (p.273). In 1933 he died in his sleep, age 46.
[In the 1949 film "D. O. A." "Frank Bigelow" attended a party in a St. Francis Hotel suite. The same room numbers as used by Roscoe Arbuckle?] The page numbers are from the hardcover book.

Early Hollywood Scandal
Andy Edmonds' book about Roscoe Arbuckle's murder trial during the 1920s is an exceptional read for fans of the silent movie era. Not only does it include information about Arbuckle's life before and after the trial, but it includes details provided from those who knew him best including his wives and the wife of Buster Keaton.

Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle was one of the most beloved silent movie comedians of his time. His popularity soared before Chaplin or Keaton had really made it on their own. Children loved him for his wonderful prat-falls and large physical presence, and adults loved him for his sweetness and his ability to make anyone laugh. That all changed when a small time actress and well known prostitute Virginia Rappe died at a party thrown by Arbuckle. Her death was called murder, and Arbuckle was accused of having raped the girl so brutally that he ruptured her bladder in the process. The media turned the trial into a frenzy, making Arbuckle the scapegoat of Hollywood, in turn leading to the implementation of the Hays Office.

What this book fails to do is entirely convince the reader that there was a pre-conceived conspiracy against Arbuckle. Edmonds makes a fool-proof plea for the comedian's innocence of the crime he was charged with, further supporting the acquittal with hindsight, but she does not provide enough evidence to prove her assertion that the party in San Francisco was all a set-up. Still, it is a fascinating read on one of the most damaging events in the actor's life.

Early Hollywood Scandal
Andy Edmonds' book about Roscoe Arbuckle's murder trial during the 1920s is an exceptional read for fans of the silent movie era. Not only does it include information about Arbuckle's life before and after the trial, but it includes details provided from those who knew him best including his wives and the wife of Buster Keaton.

Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle was one of the most beloved silent movie comedians of his time. His popularity soared before Chaplin or Keaton had really made it on their own. Children loved him for his wonderful prat-falls and large physical presence, and adults loved him for his sweetness and his ability to make anyone laugh. That all changed when a small time actress and well known prostitute Virginia Rappe died at a party thrown by Arbuckle. Her death was called murder, and Arbuckle was accused of having raped the girl so brutally that he ruptured her bladder in the process. The media turned the trial into a frenzy, making Arbuckle the scapegoat of Hollywood, in turn leading to the implementation of the Hays Office.

What this book fails to do is entirely convince the reader that there was a pre-conceived conspiracy against Arbuckle. Edmonds makes a fool-proof plea for the comedian's innocence of the crime he was charged with, further supporting the acquittal with hindsight, but she does not provide enough evidence to prove her assertion that the party in San Francisco was all a set-up. Still, it is a fascinating read on one of the most damaging events in the actor's life.

Irrelevant rehash
I can't really see a point to this book. It brings nothing new to the Arbuckle story, and the writing is weak. There's nothing here that wasn't covered in more detail -- and better -- in David Yallop's "The Day theLaughter Stopped."

Engrossing And Shocking True Tale Of Early Hollywood
Being a longtime fan of Buster Keaton and his pal Roscoe Fatty Arbuckle, I had to pick this up. This story has all the requisite Hollywood characters and themes; the millionaire star, the bigamist old shrew out for money andblackmail, the Hollywood "Party Girl" with a past, a prosecutorwith an eye on reelection instead of justice, witnesses threatened, illegalbooze...it's all here. Arbuckle's career was ruined in a scandal. Ruined isnot the correct word. Imagine a raw egg hitting a brick wall, and you getsome idea of Arbuckle's life that Labor Day weekend back in '21. Arbucklewas innocent, but that didn't stop unscrupulous people from using him as ascapegoat for the "sins of Hollywood". This book also containsthe only actual version of what REALLY happened. Arbuckle evidently relatedthe actual story to very few people. Read on, the answer's at the end! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The Frame-Up of Arbuckle
The Day the Laughter Stopped, David Yallop

David Yallop is a film and television writer. He spent more than three years writing this book. The `Acknowledgments' thank the many who helped in this 1976 book. There is a `Filmography' by Samual A. Gill, and a `Bibliography'. The `Preface' presents the testimony given by Maude Delmont. She accused Roscoe Arbuckle of murdering Virginia Rappe. Delmont never testified in court because her story was all lies. District Attorney Matthew Brady knew this as he prosecuted Arbuckle. Most people know of the legend of Arbuckle as a murderer with a Coke bottle. It ruined the career of Arbuckle, one of the most popular comedians of Hollywood, and was followed by a national board of censors. Arbuckle was the first actor to be blacklisted (p.261).

Part 1 has the history of Roscoe and show business. Originally all American films were made on the East Coast (p.25). California had better weather and light, and a varying landscape (p.25). There was awide-open free market for films in the early days (p.27). Mack Sennett was an inventive pioneer who recorded real events for future films (p.40). Roscoe was enormously popular in American, but also in Great Britain, France, Italy, Germany, and elsewhere (p.47). The "true story of what happened in Boston" begin on page 67, when Roscoe "was still a sick man". Roscoe "is not now considered one of the greatest silent film comedians because most experts have never had the chance to see the best of his works" (p.83). Roscoe was a deputy sheriff (p.86). There was a famous dinner party (pp.87-90). 1921 saw the beginning of the Depression (p.96). [Due to falling agricultural prices.]

Part 2 tells about the St. Francis Hotel that survived the earthquake and fire of 1906. Roscoe picked the best hotel in town. Yallop interviewed many of the people who were involved, and read thousands of pages from the six proceedings to construct what happened on September 5, 1921 (p.109). Pages 108 to 128 end with Virginia's death. Yallop says medical malpractice killed her. An illegal post-mortem removed organs that could tell of an abortion. The death caused reporters to investigate the story for The Front Page. Theaters began to drop Roscoe's films (p.135). Lawyer Frank Dominguez advised Roscoe to answer no questions at the Hall of Justice (p.136). [This prevented the creation of prosecutorial perjury.] The reports in the Hearst Press was "criminally irresponsible" (p.138). Was Hearst the only millionaire to use gangsters (p.140)?

Was the scandal about Roscoe meant as a diversion from the economy (p.141)? Censorship of Chaplin (p.143)? Lehrman made up stories (p.145). Delmont made up stories (p.149). D.A. Matthew Brady knew that Roscoe was guiltless but prosecuted anyway (p.152). They tried to put words into one witness (pp.162-165). Brady knew he didn't have a case (p.186)! Arbuckle's films were banned in Great Britain and elsewhere, but not in France (p.191). [Is there some human flaw that causes people to hate what they once loved (p.194)?] Was the incident a variation of the "badger game" (p.196)? Maude Delmont played this game before (p.197). Brady refused to let her testify (p.198). A fickle public now cheered Arbuckle (p.202). Private detectives guarded Roscoe (p.207). Finally, the third jury acquitted Roscoe in five minutes because there was no proof (p.253).

Part 3 asks why an innocent man ws banned from movies (p.259). Will Hays was a puppet of Adolph Zuckor (p.260). The acquittal and the ban shattered Roscoe (p.264). He worked behind the scenes (p.265). Popular support ended the ban (p.266). But there were objections (p.267). [How wise are those moral leaders who would condemn an accused innocent (p.268)?] Billy Sunday said the ban was evil (p.272). The film "Sherlock Jr." was based on the trial (p.278). There was another important case about the morals of a plaintiff (p.279). The rest of the book tells about Roscoe's last years. Roscoe made comedy shorts in 1932 and was prepared to return to features when he died in his sleep (p.294). [Was there a need for comedy during the Great Depression?] The `Epilogue' tells how the ban on Roscoe's films continued long after his death (p.299). [Andy Edmonds' book explains why the event was a frame-up.] ... Read more

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This digital document is an article from St. James Encyclopedia of Popular Culture, brought to you by Gale®, a part of Cengage Learning, a world leader in e-research and educational publishing for libraries, schools and businesses.The length of the article is 922 words.The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase.You can view it with any web browser.Signed essays ranging from 500 to 2,500 words, written by subject experts and edited to form a consistent, readable, and straightforward reference. Entries include subject-specific bibliographies and textual cross-references to related essays. ... Read more

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This is nonfiction commentary.Chapters: Fatty's Tintype Tangle, Fatty Arbuckle Filmography, the Butcher Boy, Fatty and Mabel Adrift, the Garage, Coney Island, Out West, Fatty's Plucky Pup, Back Stage, Fatty and Mabel at the San Diego Exposition, a Reckless Romeo, That Little Band of Gold, the Rough House, the Bell Boy, the Cook, His Wedding Night, Good Night, Nurse!, Fatty and the Broadway Stars, the Waiters' Ball, a Country Hero, Mabel, Fatty and the Law, Mabel and Fatty's Married Life, Fatty and Minnie He-Haw, Fatty's Faithful Fido, Moonshine, He Did and He Didn't, Mabel and Fatty's Wash Day, Miss Fatty's Seaside Lovers, a Desert Hero, Mabel and Fatty's Simple Life, Those Country Kids, Bright Lights, Fatty's Chance Acquaintance, the Hayseed, Fickle Fatty's Fall, Leading Lizzie Astray, Oh Doctor!, the Sky Pirate, Fatty's New Role, the Alarm, Curses!, an Incompetent Hero, Camping Out, a Creampuff Romance, Lover's Luck, Barnyard Flirtations, Fatty's Reckless Fling, a Bath House Beauty, His Wife's Mistakes, Fatty's Magic Pants, When Love Took Wings, a Rowboat Romance, the Sea Nymphs, Zip, the Dodger, Fatty's Wine Party, Fatty and the Heiress, Fatty's Jonah Day, the Bank Clerk, Fatty's Gift, Shotguns That Kick, the Sheriff, Love and Bullets, Where Hazel Met the Villain, Fatty's Finish, a Village Scandal, Chicken Chaser, Fatty Again, a Scrap of Paper, That Minstrel Man, Those Happy Days, the Pullman Porter, Lovers' Post Office, Fatty's Debut, a Suspended Ordeal, Their Ups and Downs, a Brand New Hero, the Water Dog. Source: Wikipedia. Pages: 181. Not illustrated. Free updates online. Purchase includes a free trial membership in the publisher's book club where you can select from more than a million books without charge. Excerpt: These are the films of Fatty Arbuckle. Films marked with a diamond () were directed by and featured Arbuckle. He used the name William Goodrich on the films he directed from 1924 onwards. As an actor: Early y...http://booksllc.net/?id=5818177 ... Read more

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This digital document is an article from Proceso, published by CISA Comunicacion e Informacion, S.A. de C.V. on March 8, 2009. The length of the article is 615 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Roscoe Arbuckle "Fatty".
Author: Jorge Munguia Espitia
Publication: Proceso (Magazine/Journal)
Date: March 8, 2009
Publisher: CISA Comunicacion e Informacion, S.A. de C.V.
Issue: 1688Page: 68(2)

Distributed by Gale, a part of Cengage Learning ... Read more

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Fatty Arbuckle and His Funny Friends, Published by Fantagraphics in 2004. Reprints 1920s comic strips. Cover by Kim Deitch. ... Read more

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Classic children's book, from the Sleepy-Time Tales series. Teaches basic science of the animal and insect world through the lives of the characters and explores various animal characteristics, environments and predators. Rich in vocabulary and attention to detail. ... Read more

Product Description
A Comedy Stuttering Song, Oh Helen, dedicated to Roscoe Fatty Arbuckle. C. 1918 by Jos. W. Stern & Co. Back cover has chorus of Tears of Love advertising. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A Treasure Trove / Table of Contents
A special Performing Arts volume from the Library of Congress with a fascinating and important collection of articles, with particular emphasis on silent film and music in film.

Hardback with pictorial boards, issued without dustjacket. Large format. Glossy paper. 167 pp. Illustrated with something like 250 illustrations, about 5 of them in color, from the collection of the Library of Congress: historical photos, sketches, posters, original script pages, original screenplay pages, original score excerpts, costume design sketches, production photos, publicity photos, stills from films, newspaper clippings...

At the end of most articles, a bit of bibliographic information appears, either styled as "Research Aids" or "For Further Reading."

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Hot Spells: Alex North's Southern Gothic Film Scores (The Sound and the Fury, The Rose Tattoo, and The Long Hot Summer) by Ross Care; p. 10

Have I Got a Play for You! (Drama in the Library of Congress Collection) by Barbara Pruett; p. 26

Behind the Looking Glass: The Federal Theatre Project's Children's Theatre; p. 52

The Pordenonone Film Festival p. 84
- Lillian on the Rocks: D.W. Griffith's Way Down East in Italy (and the recreated film score) by Gillian B. Anderson
- Feasting on the Silents (the highlights of the 1987 and 1988 Pordenone Festival included seldom seen Fatty Arbuckle films as well as well-known titles...) by John J. Wayne
- Is This the World's Best Film Festival? Le Giornate del Cinema Muto by Paul C. Spehr ... Read more