Rotund motion picture actor and director (1887–1933) whose charismatic persona and surprising agility made him one of the most popular screen comedians of the early Silent Era. His legacy in the development of motion pictures was forever clouded by one of the most unsavory criminal cases ever to erupt in an industry whose very fabric was riddled by all manner of scandal and sensation. After a wild party in a San Francisco hotel on September 3, 1921 resulted in the death of a young actress, Virginia Rappe, accusations arose that a drunken Arbuckle was responsible. The tawdry details—most notably, that Arbuckle had “violated” the woman with, variously, a piece of ice or a champagne or Coca-Cola bottle, rupturing her bladder and causing her death from peritonitis—coupled with the actor’s celebrity, ensured extensive media coverage of the ensuing trials. Murky evidence against Arbuckle and the naked ambition of the prosecutor at the initial trial resulted in a mistrial; two more trials resulted in a mistrial and an acquittal, respectively. Despite his exoneration in a court of law, and public support from the likes of Buster Keaton, Arbuckle was effectively blacklisted in Hollywood, and his career was devastated. Though he continued to work on an irregular basis (sometimes under a pseudonym), he sank into alcoholism, contributing to his second divorce (and subsequent remarriage to a different woman). After slowly rebuilding his career in the early 1930s with a series of two-reel talkies, he finally signed a contract for a full-length feature on June 28, 1933, reportedly remarking, “This is the best day of my life.” He died of a heart attack that night. DS, signed “Roscoe C. Arbuckle,” four pages, 8.5 x 12, January 27, 1923. A contract engaging Arbuckle as a producer for Reel Comedies Incorporated. In part: “The Producer agrees to make and produce during a period of one year from the date hereof, a series of two-reel motion picture comedies not exceeding ten in number, all of a proper and entertaining character, with competent cast suitable for distribution and exhibition in first-class motion picture theatres. Each of said motion picture comedies shall consist of a connected story in sequence and continuity with proper titles and be approximately two thousand linear feet in length.... The producer agrees to accept as and for payment in full for each complete motion picture comedy sold and delivered ... the sum of Twenty Thousand Dollars.... The Producer must include in said sum, a salary to himself of one thousand dollars per week during production....” Countersigned by famed producer E. J. “Eddie” Mannix (1891–1963), who later became the subject of speculation in the death of Adventures of Superman actor George Reeves, with whom Mannix’s wife had a longtime affair. The document is housed in its original stapled folder. Mild handling wear, and small authentication label to reverse of signed page, otherwise fine, clean condition. R&R COA.
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