Roscoe Arbuckle, American actor, director, and screenwriter (d. 1933)

Roscoe Conkling Arbuckle, better known by his indelible screen persona, "Fatty" Arbuckle, was an American silent film actor, comedian, director, and screenwriter whose talent captivated audiences in the nascent days of Hollywood. Born on March 24, 1887, Arbuckle’s career, marked by both soaring success and profound tragedy, left an undeniable, albeit often overshadowed, impact on cinematic history. His journey from vaudeville stages to the silver screen was a testament to his comedic genius and pioneering spirit.

Arbuckle began his film career with the Selig Polyscope Company, a significant early player in the motion picture industry, before making a pivotal move to the legendary Keystone Studios. It was at Keystone that his star truly began to ascend. Here, he collaborated with other burgeoning talents like Mabel Normand and Harold Lloyd, and even brought his nephew, Al St. John, into the fold. Arbuckle wasn't just a performer; he was a mentor, famously guiding future luminaries such as Charlie Chaplin, Monty Banks, and Bob Hope in their early days. Perhaps his most significant contribution to the industry, beyond his own performances, was introducing vaudeville sensation Buster Keaton to the world of movies, fostering a friendship and professional relationship that would prove crucial during Arbuckle's darkest hours. By the 1910s, Arbuckle had become one of the most beloved silent stars, a household name, and one of the highest-paid actors in Hollywood, cementing his status with a remarkable contract in 1920 with Paramount Pictures for $14,000—a sum equivalent to approximately $181,000 in 2020 dollars, underscoring his immense commercial appeal.

The Scandal and its Aftermath

However, Arbuckle's meteoric rise was abruptly halted by a scandal that would forever alter his legacy. Between November 1921 and April 1922, he became the defendant in three widely publicized trials, accused of the rape and manslaughter of actress Virginia Rappe. The incident stemmed from a party hosted by Arbuckle at San Francisco's St. Francis Hotel in September 1921, where Rappe fell ill and tragically died four days later. A friend of Rappe's subsequently accused Arbuckle, igniting a sensational media frenzy that gripped the nation. The first two trials resulted in hung juries, reflecting the public's divided opinions and the complexities of the case. In a pivotal moment for the defense, Buster Keaton testified on Arbuckle's behalf during the third trial. Ultimately, this trial concluded with Arbuckle's acquittal, and the jury went further, issuing him a formal written statement of apology, a rare and significant gesture.

Despite the acquittal, the court of public opinion and the powerful forces within the emerging film industry effectively condemned Arbuckle. The scandal sent shockwaves through Hollywood, prompting intense moral outrage from various groups such as the Lord's Day Alliance, the influential Federation of Women's Clubs, and even the Federal Trade Commission. These organizations saw the scandal as proof of "Hollywood debauchery run amok" and its perceived corrosive effect on public morals, demanding strict industry oversight. In response, and at the behest of Adolph Zukor, president of Famous Players-Lasky (which would become Paramount), Arbuckle's films were banned by the newly appointed motion picture industry censor, Will H. Hays. Zukor, under immense pressure to protect the industry from government censorship and moral crusaders, effectively sacrificed Arbuckle to placate these powerful groups, even though Arbuckle had seen a brief resurgence in popularity immediately after his acquittal. Publicly ostracized, Arbuckle found his career in tatters.

While Hays lifted the ban within a year, the damage to Arbuckle's reputation was irreparable, and his acting opportunities became exceedingly scarce throughout the 1920s. In a poignant display of loyalty and friendship, Buster Keaton made an agreement to give Arbuckle thirty-five percent of his profits from Buster Keaton Comedies Co., offering a lifeline during his difficult period. Arbuckle attempted to rebuild his career behind the camera, working as a film director under the pseudonym "William Goodrich" to avoid the pervasive stigma associated with his own name. He finally saw a glimmer of hope for a return to acting, making a series of short two-reel comedies for Warner Bros. in 1932–33.

Final Bow

Tragically, just as his career seemed poised for a genuine comeback, Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle died in his sleep of a heart attack in 1933 at the age of 46. Reportedly, his passing occurred on the very day he signed a contract with Warner Bros. to make a feature film, a final cruel irony in a life filled with both laughter and profound sorrow. His story remains a stark reminder of the immense power of public opinion and the nascent, turbulent moral landscape of early Hollywood.

Frequently Asked Questions About Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle

Who was Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle?
Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle was a highly popular American silent film actor, comedian, director, and screenwriter known for his innovative physical comedy and early contributions to cinema in the 1910s.
When did "Fatty" Arbuckle's career begin?
He started his film career with the Selig Polyscope Company before gaining significant fame at Keystone Studios in the early 1910s, quickly becoming a major star.
What was "Fatty" Arbuckle famous for in his acting career?
Arbuckle was famous for his distinctive comedic style, often playing lovable, bumbling characters. He was one of the highest-paid actors of his time, known for his work at Keystone Studios and later with Paramount Pictures. He also mentored several future stars like Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton.
What was the "Fatty" Arbuckle scandal?
The "Fatty" Arbuckle scandal involved three widely publicized trials between 1921 and 1922, where he was accused of the rape and manslaughter of actress Virginia Rappe. Despite being acquitted by a jury, the scandal severely damaged his career and led to him being blacklisted from Hollywood for a period.
How did the scandal impact Hollywood?
The Arbuckle scandal contributed significantly to the establishment of the Hays Code and increased censorship in Hollywood. It led to the public ostracization of Arbuckle, as the industry sought to protect its image from accusations of immorality.
Did "Fatty" Arbuckle ever return to acting after the scandal?
After a period of being banned and working under the pseudonym William Goodrich as a director, Arbuckle did make a limited return to acting in short comedies for Warner Bros. in 1932–33, shortly before his death.
When and how did Roscoe Arbuckle die?
Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle died in his sleep of a heart attack on June 29, 1933, at the age of 46. He reportedly passed away on the same day he signed a contract with Warner Bros. to make a feature film.