A favorite parlor game for film buffs is to pick Hollywood’s greatest year and then argue. The obvious answer — 1939, the certified Golden Year — always gets the most votes, but a few eccentrics make the case for a dark horse. 1928 was Peter Bogdanovich’s choice, the year that saw the apotheosis of silent film aesthetics before synchronized sound ruined everything. 1974 — Chinatown, Godfather II, The Conversation, et al — draws a lot of ballots. Media critic Brian Raftery emphatically declared 1999 “the Best. Movie. Year. Ever.” in a book with the same title and punctuation. Nothing much past 1999 gets a mandate outside of the more outré precincts of the internet.
But what about Hollywood’s worst year — its annus horribilis maximus? And what are the criteria to measure the depths of badness? The dismal quality of the films? The profit margins of the studios? The level of contempt hurled at Hollywood for being,...
But what about Hollywood’s worst year — its annus horribilis maximus? And what are the criteria to measure the depths of badness? The dismal quality of the films? The profit margins of the studios? The level of contempt hurled at Hollywood for being,...
- 12/23/2023
- by Thomas Doherty
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
On a recent episode of the "Fly on the Wall" podcast, comedian Chris Rock talked about watching the Safdie brothers' film "Uncut Gems" and being incredibly impressed by Adam Sandler's performance. Rock was also made incredibly melancholy, however, as he immediately began to think of the later actor/comedian Chris Farley. Rock felt that, had Farley survived, he would have eventually had the opportunity to reveal his own dramatic acting chops, something Farley was never able to display in his film career prior. Rock and Farley both began performing on "Saturday Night Live" in 1990, and they both rose to fame rapidly. Farley, however, wrestled with addiction and health problems for many years, and died of an overdose in 1997. He was 33.
Farley's death hit the world of comedy hard, and many of his friends and co-workers have come out over the years to say what a kind, shy, decent guy Farley was.
Farley's death hit the world of comedy hard, and many of his friends and co-workers have come out over the years to say what a kind, shy, decent guy Farley was.
- 3/18/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
It's unsurprising how many have compared "Babylon," director Damien Chazzelle's super-charged elegy for early Hollywood, to "Boogie Nights" and "Singin' in the Rain." In its tensions -- talent and luck, apocryphal myth-making and the lesser-known truths, moral incongruity and creative spunk, and the critique of an apathetic business that nonetheless creates empathetic works -- Chazelle's "Babylon" bears some lineage to both films.
If you only focus on those influences, however, you will miss the primary tension: The fight between identity and assimilation. These politics, as viewed through the film's protagonist, Manuel Torres (Diego Calva), position Chazelle's behemoth vision closer to "The Last Black Man in San Francisco," "Medicine for Melancholy," and "Bamboozled" as an assimilation narrative affixed to a fable.
In Joe Talbot's "The Last Black Man in San Francisco," amid a gentrifying city selling the remnants of its Black heritage to the highest bidder, Jimmie Fails (played by...
If you only focus on those influences, however, you will miss the primary tension: The fight between identity and assimilation. These politics, as viewed through the film's protagonist, Manuel Torres (Diego Calva), position Chazelle's behemoth vision closer to "The Last Black Man in San Francisco," "Medicine for Melancholy," and "Bamboozled" as an assimilation narrative affixed to a fable.
In Joe Talbot's "The Last Black Man in San Francisco," amid a gentrifying city selling the remnants of its Black heritage to the highest bidder, Jimmie Fails (played by...
- 12/29/2022
- by Robert Daniels
- Slash Film
Damien Chazelle’s “Babylon” captures 1920s Hollywood in all its decadence, debauchery and excess. Filming on dusty backlots and in sumptuous mansions, Chazelle creates a fever dream of vintage filmmaking through a contemporary lens. But before looking at history through his own lens, Chazelle started out by doing months of intensive research, finding inspiration in real-life Hollywood stars, powerbrokers and events. And in many cases, the early days of moviemaking were pretty scandalous.
“The reality is that these people were operating in a no-holds-barred kind of world where an entire industry and city were being built from the ground up, and that takes a certain kind of madness,” Chazelle has said.
The 1920s in particular were a freer time, says “Tinseltown” author William J. Mann. “There was an incredible freedom before the production code was established, and so people had a much freer sense of how they could live their lives.
“The reality is that these people were operating in a no-holds-barred kind of world where an entire industry and city were being built from the ground up, and that takes a certain kind of madness,” Chazelle has said.
The 1920s in particular were a freer time, says “Tinseltown” author William J. Mann. “There was an incredible freedom before the production code was established, and so people had a much freer sense of how they could live their lives.
- 12/23/2022
- by Pat Saperstein
- Variety Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Long before Netflix’s Blonde landed a controversial Nc-17 rating, the Motion Picture Association gave films like Baby Doll (1956) and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966) “adults only” designations as a way to placate concerned parents and reformers.
Now, when news surfaces of Hollywood allegedly kowtowing to everything from domestic social crusaders to foreign governments, debate lights up headlines and social media conversations. But, historically speaking, industry moguls have most often erred on the side of not ruffling feathers, home or abroad, in order to court consumers — as evidenced in the birth of the MPA 100 years ago.
The lobbying group, which is marking its centennial in 2022, was born as the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors Association in 1922. Mppda counsel C.C. Pettijohn once told a 1929 Public Relations Conference that the film industry was first understood as a three-legged stool that included production, distribution, and exhibition.
Long before Netflix’s Blonde landed a controversial Nc-17 rating, the Motion Picture Association gave films like Baby Doll (1956) and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966) “adults only” designations as a way to placate concerned parents and reformers.
Now, when news surfaces of Hollywood allegedly kowtowing to everything from domestic social crusaders to foreign governments, debate lights up headlines and social media conversations. But, historically speaking, industry moguls have most often erred on the side of not ruffling feathers, home or abroad, in order to court consumers — as evidenced in the birth of the MPA 100 years ago.
The lobbying group, which is marking its centennial in 2022, was born as the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors Association in 1922. Mppda counsel C.C. Pettijohn once told a 1929 Public Relations Conference that the film industry was first understood as a three-legged stool that included production, distribution, and exhibition.
- 9/2/2022
- by Chris Yogerst
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Warning: The following article includes allegations of physical abuse and sexual assault.
The trial and conviction of Harvey Weinstein brought a microscope down over the rich and powerful in Hollywood. Long whispered rumors and backroom gossip filled courtrooms and newspaper headlines, which sparked necessary debates about abuse of power and money among the elite. In Weinstein's case, the rumors and gossip were corroborated by testimony and evidence, which led to a 23-year prison sentence for the producer. Since then, dozens of well-known actresses including Gweneth Paltrow, Selma Hayek, and Rose McGowan have come forward to accuse Weinstein of sexual assault. The scandal shook Hollywood and its fans, but Weinstein wasn't the first man in the movie industry to spark a scandal.
By 1914, Roscoe Conkling Arbuckle, lovingly called "Fatty" due to his 300-pound frame, was a silent film sensation on par with Charlie Chaplin. Audiences loved Arbuckle's physical comedy and versatility,...
The trial and conviction of Harvey Weinstein brought a microscope down over the rich and powerful in Hollywood. Long whispered rumors and backroom gossip filled courtrooms and newspaper headlines, which sparked necessary debates about abuse of power and money among the elite. In Weinstein's case, the rumors and gossip were corroborated by testimony and evidence, which led to a 23-year prison sentence for the producer. Since then, dozens of well-known actresses including Gweneth Paltrow, Selma Hayek, and Rose McGowan have come forward to accuse Weinstein of sexual assault. The scandal shook Hollywood and its fans, but Weinstein wasn't the first man in the movie industry to spark a scandal.
By 1914, Roscoe Conkling Arbuckle, lovingly called "Fatty" due to his 300-pound frame, was a silent film sensation on par with Charlie Chaplin. Audiences loved Arbuckle's physical comedy and versatility,...
- 8/16/2022
- by Christian Gainey
- Slash Film
In Hollywood’s long and illustrious history, thousands of young starlets have arrived with big dreams and plans. Some make it, establishing successful careers that last so long we’re duped into believing they’ll be with us forever. Who didn’t believe Betty White would make it to 100? How many of us were stunned when she died 18 days before that landmark birthday? Sadly, some don’t get that many years, and stun the world when they die suddenly at the height of their fame. Then there are those who die young and tragically when their careers have just begun, and are remembered more for their manners of death than their work. In more than 100 years of Hollywood history, there have been several deaths that have made the headlines.
SEE30 music legends tragic deaths; remembering Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, Selena and more
One of the earliest Hollywood scandals involved the...
SEE30 music legends tragic deaths; remembering Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, Selena and more
One of the earliest Hollywood scandals involved the...
- 7/22/2022
- by Susan Pennington and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
In Hollywood’s long and illustrious history, thousands of young starlets have arrived with big dreams and plans. Some make it, establishing successful careers that last so long we’re duped into believing they’ll be with us forever. Who didn’t believe Betty White would make it to 100? How many of us were stunned when she died 18 days before that landmark birthday? Sadly, some don’t get that many years, and stun the world when they die suddenly at the height of their fame. Then there are those who die young and tragically when their careers have just begun, and are remembered more for their manners of death than their work. In more than 100 years of Hollywood history, there have been several deaths that have made the headlines.
One of the earliest Hollywood scandals involved the sudden death of a young actress. In 1921, 26-year-old Virginia Rappe died from a...
One of the earliest Hollywood scandals involved the sudden death of a young actress. In 1921, 26-year-old Virginia Rappe died from a...
- 7/21/2022
- by Susan Pennington, Chris Beachum and Misty Holland
- Gold Derby
This is an excerpt from Melissa Anderson’s Inland Empire, available to order from Fireflies Press.Like the Avenging Angel – the Nikki/Susan avatar who delivers a long soliloquy teeming with tales of imperilment – I often don’t know what was before or after in Inland Empire no matter how many times I’ve watched it. Recursive episodes proliferate in the film. At least three times Nikki/Susan dissociates, looking at another version of herself from another vantage point. At one point the Avenging Angel enters an empty movie palace, here a de facto hall of mirrors: she sees herself onscreen saying, ‘Watchin’ it, like in a dark theatre.’ That nearly vacant cinema instantly recalls Mulholland Drive’s Club Silencio, the mystical cabaret that Betty and Rita, desire-drunk after having sex, cab to in the middle of the night – and where their love story, if not their very identities, begins to unravel.
- 10/31/2021
- MUBI
This Perry Mason review contains spoilers.
Perry Mason Episode 1
Perry Mason, episode 1, “Chapter One,” opens with a furtive violin overtaking cheerful jazz trumpets as a man walks through the darkness cradling what looks like a baby as he approaches the Angels Flight Railway entrance. It is sad. It is somber. It is somehow unsettling as an opening image and reminiscent of Angel Heart in its dread-filled ambiance. The entire opening sequence is fraught with tension, which builds incrementally until the payoff establishes the crime and frustrates the victims.
The first thing you might notice about Perry Mason is there is no theme song. The original series, which ran in the fifties and sixties and starred Raymond Burr, had an iconic theme song with a hummable melody and an aura of hope amidst impending doom in the halls of justice. HBO‘s Perry Mason has doom, it opens in the gloom of it,...
Perry Mason Episode 1
Perry Mason, episode 1, “Chapter One,” opens with a furtive violin overtaking cheerful jazz trumpets as a man walks through the darkness cradling what looks like a baby as he approaches the Angels Flight Railway entrance. It is sad. It is somber. It is somehow unsettling as an opening image and reminiscent of Angel Heart in its dread-filled ambiance. The entire opening sequence is fraught with tension, which builds incrementally until the payoff establishes the crime and frustrates the victims.
The first thing you might notice about Perry Mason is there is no theme song. The original series, which ran in the fifties and sixties and starred Raymond Burr, had an iconic theme song with a hummable melody and an aura of hope amidst impending doom in the halls of justice. HBO‘s Perry Mason has doom, it opens in the gloom of it,...
- 6/22/2020
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
Dozens of powerful men and women have abruptly lost public favor in the past twelve months, from the numerous men toppled by #MeToo movement to comedians who have been shunned for an inappropriate Twitter joke. And that’s only in the last year. Here’s a list of most shocking falls from grace in movie and TV history, from director Roman Polanski to comedian Roseanne Barr to disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein.
Fatty Arbuckle
After becoming one of the most successful stars of the silent film era, Roscoe Conkling “Fatty” Arbuckle abruptly fell from grace when he was put on trial for the rape and murder of actress Virginia Rappe in 1921. Arbuckle was eventually acquitted, but the scandal overshadowed his legacy as a pioneering comedian and actor in Old Hollywood.
Roman Polanski
The French-Polish director has been a fugitive from the U.S. criminal justice system since 1978, when he fled...
Fatty Arbuckle
After becoming one of the most successful stars of the silent film era, Roscoe Conkling “Fatty” Arbuckle abruptly fell from grace when he was put on trial for the rape and murder of actress Virginia Rappe in 1921. Arbuckle was eventually acquitted, but the scandal overshadowed his legacy as a pioneering comedian and actor in Old Hollywood.
Roman Polanski
The French-Polish director has been a fugitive from the U.S. criminal justice system since 1978, when he fled...
- 8/7/2018
- by Juliette Verlaque
- The Wrap
15 September 1921: Tinseltown’s first scandal – Roscoe Arbuckle is accused of killing actress Virginia Rappe
Jury return charge of manslaughter
Nurses differing evidence
San Francisco, Wednesday
The grand jury yesterday evening indicted Roscoe Arbuckle on a charge of manslaughter. It is reported that the jurors voted in favour of the indictment by twelve votes to two. It is expected the charge will be brought before the Court on Thursday.
Continue reading...
Jury return charge of manslaughter
Nurses differing evidence
San Francisco, Wednesday
The grand jury yesterday evening indicted Roscoe Arbuckle on a charge of manslaughter. It is reported that the jurors voted in favour of the indictment by twelve votes to two. It is expected the charge will be brought before the Court on Thursday.
Continue reading...
- 9/15/2016
- by Guardian Staff
- The Guardian - Film News
I do not think anyone can accuse James Franco of not doing interesting things with his time. Between being a director, writer, actor, artist and wizard, I wonder when he has time to do things like sleep, or breathe. Franco’s most recent foray into the ‘is it art or is it pretension?’ world is his art installation ‘Psycho Nacirema’ at London’s Pace Gallery. The installation is not quite an homage to Alfred Hitchcock’s 1960 film Psycho, but rather an investigation of the questions and concerns that the movie inspires.
Franco created the art installation with Scottish video artist Douglas Gordon. The installation is a combination of media, including models of the Psycho motel rooms and flashing neon sign, a mirror installation that is supposed to install both the artist and the viewer in the position of Marion Crane, and video and film feeds. Franco and Douglas also include...
Franco created the art installation with Scottish video artist Douglas Gordon. The installation is a combination of media, including models of the Psycho motel rooms and flashing neon sign, a mirror installation that is supposed to install both the artist and the viewer in the position of Marion Crane, and video and film feeds. Franco and Douglas also include...
- 6/10/2013
- by Lauren Humphries-Brooks
- We Got This Covered
James Franco is going 'Psycho' for his most recent art exhibit, on view at London's Pace Gallery this week.
For the cinematic-inspired show, the actor performs his best Janet Leigh impersonations in a lofty reimagination of Alfred Hitchcock's epic 1960 film. That's right, the ever-reaching Franco dons a blonde wig and screams his lungs out in a shower, all in an effort to recreate the disturbing terror magic of a Hollywood relic.
"Psycho Nacirema," the official title of Franco's homage to Hitchcock, is a large-scale video installation that functions as a full-on mise-en-scène of the original "Psycho." Created with Scottish artist Douglas Gordon (someone who seems all too eager to produce multiple projects centered on Norman Bates), the work references a real-life murder as well, intertwining plot points from the investigation of suspected killer Fatty Arbuckle. Arbuckle was the first actor to receive a $1 million pay check, but...
For the cinematic-inspired show, the actor performs his best Janet Leigh impersonations in a lofty reimagination of Alfred Hitchcock's epic 1960 film. That's right, the ever-reaching Franco dons a blonde wig and screams his lungs out in a shower, all in an effort to recreate the disturbing terror magic of a Hollywood relic.
"Psycho Nacirema," the official title of Franco's homage to Hitchcock, is a large-scale video installation that functions as a full-on mise-en-scène of the original "Psycho." Created with Scottish artist Douglas Gordon (someone who seems all too eager to produce multiple projects centered on Norman Bates), the work references a real-life murder as well, intertwining plot points from the investigation of suspected killer Fatty Arbuckle. Arbuckle was the first actor to receive a $1 million pay check, but...
- 6/4/2013
- by Katherine Brooks
- Huffington Post
(Note: This review pertains to the UK Region 2 Pal format release available on www.amazon.co.uk)
By Adrian Smith
Normal 0 false false false En-us X-none X-none
Cecil B. DeMille will always be remembered for his lavish historical epics like The Ten Commandments (1923 and again in 1956), Sign of the Cross (1932) and Samson and Delilah (1949). However, with over one hundred and sixty credits as either director or producer, he also worked in plenty of other genres. Following two flops, This Day and Age (1933) and Four Frightened People (1934), Paramount head Adolph Zukor insisted he try to replicate the success of Sign of the Cross with another visual spectacle. DeMille agreed and cast Claudette Colbert in the lead role of Cleopatra (she had already starred in both Sign of the Cross and Four Frightened People and was about to win the Oscar for It Happened one Night (1934)).
The plot focuses on Cleopatra's...
By Adrian Smith
Normal 0 false false false En-us X-none X-none
Cecil B. DeMille will always be remembered for his lavish historical epics like The Ten Commandments (1923 and again in 1956), Sign of the Cross (1932) and Samson and Delilah (1949). However, with over one hundred and sixty credits as either director or producer, he also worked in plenty of other genres. Following two flops, This Day and Age (1933) and Four Frightened People (1934), Paramount head Adolph Zukor insisted he try to replicate the success of Sign of the Cross with another visual spectacle. DeMille agreed and cast Claudette Colbert in the lead role of Cleopatra (she had already starred in both Sign of the Cross and Four Frightened People and was about to win the Oscar for It Happened one Night (1934)).
The plot focuses on Cleopatra's...
- 2/25/2013
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
News broke last week that porn star Princess Donna is working on a new project with James Franco. While no other details were revealed at the time, today we can tell you that we believe the project is a film centring on the famous silent film star Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle. Franco released several photos from the production this week, one of which features a slate from the film dated December 20th, 2012.
From the photo, which is seen above, we can tell that the film features at least 28 scenes, which suggests at least a long form short film, if not a feature length project. The slate also tells us the film is being shot by Bruce Cheung, the Dop from Tar.
Interestingly enough, Franco wrote a piece for The Huffington Post on Jerry Stahl’s book I, Fatty back in June, so it isn’t surprising that he is now creating...
From the photo, which is seen above, we can tell that the film features at least 28 scenes, which suggests at least a long form short film, if not a feature length project. The slate also tells us the film is being shot by Bruce Cheung, the Dop from Tar.
Interestingly enough, Franco wrote a piece for The Huffington Post on Jerry Stahl’s book I, Fatty back in June, so it isn’t surprising that he is now creating...
- 1/3/2013
- by Blake Dew
- We Got This Covered
The great movie pioneer D.W. Griffiths once said “we do not want now and we shall never want the human voice with our films.” Shame he failed to realise that film-making is a technical medium that will always develop. In the last 100 years we have had the introduction of colour, trick photography, 3D and CGI, among other numerous innovations such as CinemaScope - and even Smellovision. But none of these compare to the most revolutionary of cinematic changes: sound.
The silent era of the twenties holds little more than curiosity-value for many modern film fans. Other than a few notable exceptions such as Nosferatu (1922) and The Phantom of the Opera (1925), it’s become a long-forgotten part of cinema history. But back then we had the Brad Pitts and Angelina Jolies of their day! Big stars and talented actors who sadly failed to survive the test of time.
The coming of sound was controversial,...
The silent era of the twenties holds little more than curiosity-value for many modern film fans. Other than a few notable exceptions such as Nosferatu (1922) and The Phantom of the Opera (1925), it’s become a long-forgotten part of cinema history. But back then we had the Brad Pitts and Angelina Jolies of their day! Big stars and talented actors who sadly failed to survive the test of time.
The coming of sound was controversial,...
- 3/7/2012
- Shadowlocked
[1] Modern Family star Eric Stonestreet has signed up to play silent film star Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle in an HBO biopic titled The Day the Laughter Stopped. Arbuckle was one of the most popular, most successful actors of his time, but his career fell apart after he was accused of raping and murdering actress Virginia Rappe. Although he was eventually acquitted, he never completely recovered. He enjoyed only a very brief comeback before he died of a heart attack in 1933 at the age of 46. Barry Levinson is set to direct the film from a script penned by John Adams screenwriter Kirk Ellis. The project is apparently something of a dream come true for Stonestreet, who's been looking for a potential Arbuckle project since the late '90s. [Vulture [2]] After the jump, the Old Spice guy gets a new gig, ABC picks up a split-personality drama, and USA announces return dates for some of its most popular shows.
- 8/25/2011
- by Angie Han
- Slash Film
Normally when you her the phrase “TV movie” images of poorly made, poorly funded schlock dance through your head. But when HBO makes a TV movie, what you get is name talent like John Adams’s Kirk Ellis writing the script and Hollywood veteran Barry Levinson sitting in the director’s chair. That’s exactly the case for the upcoming HBO biopic The Day the Laughter Stopped, which will be a look at the life of film star Fatty Arbuckle as based on a book by David A. Yallop. This one seems like it’s going to follow that classic rise and fall story that many biopics do, as it follows Arbuckle from being one of the most loved screen personalities on the planet, to becoming a pariah after getting accused of the rape and murder of Virginia Rappe. Ellis says of Arbuckle, “He was the biggest and most loved star of the time, bigger...
- 8/23/2011
- by Nathan Adams
- FilmSchoolRejects.com
Modern Family star Eric Stonestreet is set to play Fatty Arbuckle in a new biopic.
Stonestreet, who won an Emmy Award for his role as Cameron Tucker on the popular U.S. TV comedy, has signed on to star in a small screen adaptation of David A. Yallop's book The Day The Laughter Stopped, a novel which chronicles Arbuckle's tragic demise.
Arbuckle, a legendary silent film star, was falsely accused of raping and accidentally killing fellow actress Virginia Rappe, who was found dead days after attending a California hotel party he hosted in 1921.
His films were subsequently banned and Arbuckle became a Hollywood outcast.
Arbuckle was later acquitted of all charges and but the scandal all but ruined his reputation and now Stonestreet is ready to bring that dramatic scandal to life.
He tells New York Magazine, "In addition to the fact that I'm from Kansas and he's from Kansas, I just always found it to be such a fascinating and tragic story. He went from this jolly person who fell down and entertained people into a sexual deviant. It's a true story people don't know about, with a twist."
The movie is set to air on U.S. network HBO.
Stonestreet, who won an Emmy Award for his role as Cameron Tucker on the popular U.S. TV comedy, has signed on to star in a small screen adaptation of David A. Yallop's book The Day The Laughter Stopped, a novel which chronicles Arbuckle's tragic demise.
Arbuckle, a legendary silent film star, was falsely accused of raping and accidentally killing fellow actress Virginia Rappe, who was found dead days after attending a California hotel party he hosted in 1921.
His films were subsequently banned and Arbuckle became a Hollywood outcast.
Arbuckle was later acquitted of all charges and but the scandal all but ruined his reputation and now Stonestreet is ready to bring that dramatic scandal to life.
He tells New York Magazine, "In addition to the fact that I'm from Kansas and he's from Kansas, I just always found it to be such a fascinating and tragic story. He went from this jolly person who fell down and entertained people into a sexual deviant. It's a true story people don't know about, with a twist."
The movie is set to air on U.S. network HBO.
- 8/23/2011
- WENN
A few years ago I was at my local library (support yours please) looking for a good read. I came across some work by Jerry Stahl (Permanent Midnight) including I, Fatty. This book is a fictionalized autobiography of Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle, a famous silent film comedian, I was intrigued. After finishing the book a few nights later I began the inevitable Internet searches for more on Arbuckle, the not so fictionalized life. Needless to say what I found was pretty messed up. Arbuckle (1887-1933) I would soon learn was more than a star; he was a comedian, director and screenwriter who mentored Charlie Chaplin and discovered Buster Keaton and Bob Hope. He was also accused of rape and murder.
This week comes word that a TV movie The Day The Laughter Stopped is set to chronicle the sudden and tragic downfall of Arbuckle’s career after facing false accusations of rape and murder.
This week comes word that a TV movie The Day The Laughter Stopped is set to chronicle the sudden and tragic downfall of Arbuckle’s career after facing false accusations of rape and murder.
- 8/23/2011
- by Graham
- City of Films
Modern Family star Eric Stonestreet will be bringing the real life drama and downfall of Fatty Arbuckle to HBO in The Day the Laughter Stopped. The project will detail how the popular movie star lost his career and became the victim of what could be considered the first trial by media. Vulture reported this news exclusively and also revealed that HBO favourites Kirk Ellis (John Adams) and Barry Levinson (You Don't Know Jack) are slated to perform writing and directing duties. The venture is based on David A. Yallop's book of the same name and the title is taken from this Buster Keaton quote:
"But one day in September, 1921, all of the laughter stopped. Overnight what had been innocent fun was suddenly being denounced as 'another Hollywood drunken orgy' or 'one more shocking example of sex depravity.' The day our laughter stopped was the day that Roscoe Arbuckle...
"But one day in September, 1921, all of the laughter stopped. Overnight what had been innocent fun was suddenly being denounced as 'another Hollywood drunken orgy' or 'one more shocking example of sex depravity.' The day our laughter stopped was the day that Roscoe Arbuckle...
- 8/23/2011
- by emma fraser
- TVovermind.com
HBO films is going into development on a new film that will be based on the legendary and scandalous silent film star and comedian Fatty Arbuckle. Modern Family's Eric Stonestreet is attached to play Arbuckle in the movie, which is title The Day the Laughter Stopped.
Barry Levinson is set to direct the film from a script that will be written by John Adams screenwriter Kirk Ellis. The HBO movie will be based on the book by David A. Yallop. The life of Arbuckle is a classic rise and fall story. He rose to the top as one of Hollywood's comedian, director and screenwriter. He mentored Charile Chaplin and discovered Buster Keaton and Bob Hope. In 1921 the comedian was accused of raping and accidentally killing actress Virginia Rappe and was tried for her death three times. He was acquitted, but the scandal plagued his career and during the 1920's he didn't work much.
Barry Levinson is set to direct the film from a script that will be written by John Adams screenwriter Kirk Ellis. The HBO movie will be based on the book by David A. Yallop. The life of Arbuckle is a classic rise and fall story. He rose to the top as one of Hollywood's comedian, director and screenwriter. He mentored Charile Chaplin and discovered Buster Keaton and Bob Hope. In 1921 the comedian was accused of raping and accidentally killing actress Virginia Rappe and was tried for her death three times. He was acquitted, but the scandal plagued his career and during the 1920's he didn't work much.
- 8/23/2011
- by Venkman
- GeekTyrant
Pioneering silent film comedian Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle -- whose career was ruined following charges that he raped and murdered actress Virginia Rappe in 1921 (he was acquitted) -- is getting a proper biopic treatment in the HBO movie The Day the Laughter Stopped, with Modern Family star Eric Stonestreet set to star. The tragic story will be spun by John Adams scribe Kirk Ellis, with Barry Levinson attached as director. Seems like a perfect storm of talents; I just wish HBO titled it something a little more Arbucklian, like Fatty's Big Murder or Mabel's Confounding Demise. [Vulture]...
- 8/22/2011
- Movieline
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