Mabel Normand: Queen of Comedy (Silent) (DVD)

Mabel Normand (1892-1930) is widely considered one of the greatest comedians of the silent era, during a time when the competition was predominantly male. Growing up working-class in New York, Mabel started modeling at age 16, posing for Charles Dana Gibson, creator of the "Gibson Girl". Her good looks soon got her bit parts at Vitagraph. She so impressed Mack Sennett that the producer took Normand with him when he founded Keystone Studios in 1912. Though Sennett initially cast Mabel as one of his bathing beauties, he quickly noticed the young woman had a gift for comedy. Her madcap sense of humor meant that she could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Charlie Chaplin and "Fatty" Arbuckle, with whom she often co-starred in shorts. Now headlining in features, Mabel's popularity became so great that she opened her own film studio outside Hollywood. But two scandals -- the 1922 murder of her boyfriend William Desmond Taylor and the 1924 shooting of Courtland S. Dines by her chauffeur -- brought a swift end to Normand's movie career. Tragically, Mabel died at the young age of 37 from complications due to tuberculosis, three years after making her last film. However, she will forever be remembered as a trailblazer for women in comedy.

WISHED ON MABEL: Mabel brings her mother to the park to meet her new boyfriend. She's less than impressed when it appears her daughter's beau has stolen her watch.

MABEL'S WILLFUL WAY: Mabel sneaks out of her parents' house for an evening's entertainment. But she gets into trouble when she can't decide which boy to kiss at the carnival.

THAT LITTLE BAND OF GOLD: Mabel plays a newlywed who catches her spouse cheating during a night at the opera. But the headstrong girl makes sure her marriage isn't over until the fat lady sings.

HE DID AND HE DIDN'T: Mabel plays a doctor's wife whose husband suspects her of having an affair with an ex-boyfriend. But it'll be a cold day in court before she grants him a divorce.

FATTY AND MABEL ADRIFT: Mabel marries her childhood sweetheart, who buys her a cottage on the seashore. When a strong wind blows the house down, they're all at sea.

• silent