FATTY ARBUCKLE GRANTED MOTION PICTURE CHRISTMAS 'PARDON'
Los Angeles, California (JFK+50) On December 24, 1922, movie actor-comedian Roscoe C. "Fatty" Arbuckle* gave his first statement following a Christmas 'pardon' from Will H. Hayes, head of the American motion picture industry.
The actor quoted the Bible...'As ye judge, so shall ye be judged,' and added...
"All I ask is the rights of an American citizen--American fair play."
A jury found on April 12, 1922 that Mr. Arbuckle was innocent on charges of manslaughter and rape in the death of Virginia Rappe**, a 25 year old actress.
*Roscoe C. "Fatty" Arbuckle (1887-1933) was born in Smith Center, Kansas & became a silent film actor, comedian, director & screen writer. By 1921, RCA was making $1 million a year with Paramount Pictures.
The scandal involving Virginia Rappe did major damage to his career & legacy.
**Virginia Caroline Rappe (1891-1921) was born in Chicago & became a silent movie actress. She was dubbed "The Best Dressed Actress in Pictures."
VCR appeared in 'Paradise Garden' in 1917.
SOURCES
"Arbuckle Asks For American Fair Play," New York Tribune, December 25, 1922, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
"The Skinny on the Fatty Arbuckle Trial," by Gilbert King, November 8, 2011, Smithsonian Magazine, www.smithsonianmag.com/
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