Evidence of Arbuckle's Uncredited Directing Work

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Rob Farr
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Evidence of Arbuckle's Uncredited Directing Work

Postby Rob Farr » Fri Jul 19, 2013 2:07 pm

I am wondering what incontrovertible evidence exists for Roscoe Arbuckle's generally agreed-upon directing credits prior to taking William Goodrich and his nom de director's chair. "Fronts" Grover Jones and Al St. John were no slouches as directors themselves. Do photos exist of Arbuckle directing their shorts (doubtful if you're trying to hide the fact that Arbuckle is working for you)? Did later interviews confirm him as director? There are gags in all his uncredited directoral efforts that scream Roscoe, but he could have been working as a gag man? I mean, we all love Roscoe and want him to be the director, but is there proof?
Rob Farr
"If it's not comedy, I fall asleep" - Harpo Marx

Richard Warner
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Re: Evidence of Arbuckle's Uncredited Directing Work

Postby Richard Warner » Sat Jul 20, 2013 4:06 am

In Steve Massa's Lame Brains & Lunatics book, there is a photo of Arbuckle on location with the cast of The Iron Mule. He certainly looks like the man in charge!

Richard W.

Steve Massa
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Re: Evidence of Arbuckle's Uncredited Directing Work

Postby Steve Massa » Sat Jul 20, 2013 3:21 pm

There's also paperwork and contracts that survive which name Roscoe as the producer and director of the Reelcomedies, Inc. shorts. The first season used no director credits, and the second credited Al and Grover. Roscoe's contract was on ebay not too long ago, and it was signed by Roscoe and Eddie Mannix.

Steve Massa
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Re: Evidence of Arbuckle's Uncredited Directing Work

Postby Steve Massa » Sat Jul 20, 2013 9:43 pm

Here's a chunk from Roscoe's Reelcomedy, Inc. contract where he's named as producer:

"First. The producer agrees to make and produce during the 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 sequence and continuity with proper titles and be approximately two thousand linear feet in length.

Second. The producer agrees to personally surpervise and direct said comedies and to furnish necessary story, cast and each and every thing necessary to properly produce the said motion pictures and to bear and pay the cost of all manufacture and production.

Third. The Producer hereby agrees that during the period of this contract and until all the aforesaid comedies have been produced and delivered to the Company, he will devote his entire time and attention to the manufacture, production, direction, and supervision of the motion picture comedies to be produced and sold to the company hereunder and that he will not release for distribution any other motion pcitures produced by him until three months after the delivery of the last of the series of comedies covered by this agreement."

The contract also specifies that Roscoe was to receive the sum of $20,000 for each comedy delivered, and was to get a salary of $1,000 a week during production. It was all signed, sealed, and delivered, and signifies that Roscoe was the man in charge.

Paul E. Gierucki
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Re: Evidence of Arbuckle's Uncredited Directing Work

Postby Paul E. Gierucki » Wed Jul 24, 2013 10:59 am

All of the above, Rob. There are contracts, telegrams, letters, photos, and interviews with many of the people involved. I discovered the Reel Comedies contract about 10 or 12 years ago (made high resolution scans then later resold the original to help acquire another archive of Arbuckle documents) and as Steve indicates, Arbuckle's role was very clearly defined.

All of this information, and more which has never been reported previously, will be reprinted in the book.

For those interested, longtime Arbuckle advocate David B. Pearson has officially joined the project to help with layout and graphic duties. This will absolutely help to speed things along toward completion.

-- PG


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