Fatty Arbuckle Follies (Silent) -- Volume 1 (DVD)

Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle is an enormously popular comedian who in 1914 was paid the unheard of sum of $1,000 a day plus 25% of profits to make movies. He co-starred with Mabel Normand or his wife, Minta Durfee, in scores of successful comedies, and by 1918 was earning a million dollars a year. Arbuckle was influential in launching the careers of Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton and Bob Hope. His career was destroyed by scandal in 1921, when actress Virgina Rappe died at a party and Arbuckle was charged with manslaughter. He was eventually exonerated, but his reputation was damaged beyond repair. Today, his contribution to the development of American slapstick comedy is widely acknowledged.

Fatty And Minnie-He-Haw (1918): Fatty is courted by an enormous Indian princess, who proposes marriage. He accepts when she draws a hunting knife to his throat. Starring Minnie Devereaux, Minta Durfee; Directed by Fatty Arbuckle.

Fatty Joins The Police (1913): After rescuing the commissioner's daughter, Fatty is rewarded with a job on the Police force. He finds that life on the beat is a little more than he bargained for. Starring Edgar Kennedy, Minta Durfee, Dot Farley; Directed by George Nichols.

Fatty's Spooning Days (1918): In a film that's way ahead of it's time, two couples engage in a little wife swapping at the park. Starring Mabel Normand, Minta Durfee; Directed by Fatty Arbuckle.

Fatty's Suitless Day (1914): Fatty needs formal wear so he can bring his sweetheart to the big dance. He steals a tux from his rival, who shows up at the ball seeking revenge. Starring Charlie Chase, Minta Durfee, Al St. John; Directed by Fatty Arbuckle.

• comedy