Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle: A Biography of the Silent Film Comedian, 1887-1933

by Stuart Oderman

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780786422777
Publisher:	McFarland & Company, Incorporated Publishers
Publication date:	08/12/2005
Pages:	255
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.51(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

The late Stuart Oderman was an internationally acclaimed silent film pianist. He lived in New Jersey.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments     
Introduction     

1. Endings and Beginnings     
2. First Steps to First Love     
3. Touring     
4. Keystone Comedy     
5. Charlie Chaplin Makes His Entrance     
6. Madcap Mabel     
7. Going East     
8. Roscoe Goes to Paramount     
9. A New Talent Arrives     
10. No Dogs, No Actors!     
11. On Their Own     
12. The Best Show in Town     
13. Up in Roscoe’s Rooms     
14. The Arbuckle Trials     
15. Retribution     
16. New Beginnings, Old Problems     

Notes     
Bibliography     
Index     

Editorial Reviews

[a] fascinating biography...an invaluable and thorough historical perspective...highly recommended”—Choice; “a good read that will satisfy any fan of these early movie stars”—Sullivan County Democrat; “fascinating first-hand accounts...vividly captures the personal side of the people in the world of early film comedy”—Past Times.

From the Publisher

"fascinating first-hand accounts...vividly captures the personal side of the people in the world of early film comedy"

Past Times

a good read that will satisfy any fan of these early movie stars

Sullivan County Democrat

[a] fascinating biography...an invaluable and thorough historical perspective...highly recommended

Choice

Recounts Arbuckle's early career in the Keystone comedies, his relationship with Charlie Chaplin (at one time the only comedian more popular), and the details of the rape charges and trial that ruined his career despite his being acquitted. Draws on interviews with his first wife, Minta Durfee. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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