Rediscovering Roscoe: The Films of “Fatty” Arbuckle

by Steve Massa

Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle was a silent comedy trailblazer--the teacher of Buster Keaton, a collaborator of Charlie Chaplin—whose reputation was eclipsed for many years by his involvement in one of Hollywood's first scandals. Rediscovering Roscoe is a film by film examination of his work as a performer, director, and all around comedy creator.Having learned and developed his craft on the stage, Arbuckle came to films in 1909. After joining Mack Sennett's Keystone Company he became one of the most important pioneers of American silent comedy, as well as a screen icon known around the world.This filmography details his initial forays into films and mastering of the medium, but also his banishment from the screen and ultimate comeback. It is lavishly illustrated with more than 500 rare photographs and advertising images.Steve Massa is the author of Slaptstick Divas: The Women of Silent Comedy, Lame Brains and Lunatics: The Good, The Bad, and the Forgotten of Silent Comedy, and Marcel Perez: The International Mirth-Maker.

982 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 7, 2020

Reviews

[KariG · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steve Massa has written an excellent book of silent comedy and comedians. Although the main focus is in Roscoe Arbuckle's films and career, this book is really a "who was who in silent comedy". Massa introduces dozens of forgotten comedy stars and bit players and suddenly we have got loads of information about Hank Mann, Vernon Dent, Henry Bergman, Frank Alexander, Bert Gillespie, Marvin Loback, Frank J. Coleman and many many more. I highly recommend this great book!

[Ronald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Includes films in production or finished at the time of his trials and those he directed and starred in after. Along the way of discussing each of his movies, this includes minibiographies of his costarring/supporting players. There's a section on other rotund comedians of the silent era at book's end. Most of his movies have pertinent information, such as date released, director, supporting players, lost or extant, number of reels and a synopsis.

[Jordan R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's taken nearly 100 years for Roscoe Arbuckle to be taken seriously as a filmmaker--it's about time. Steve Massa delivers the goods.