ARBUCKLE MAY GET BAIL -- September 15, 2021

 

Salem, Oregon Capital Journal, 15-September-1921

District Attorney Matthew Brady made plans to charge Roscoe Arbuckle in the death of actress Virginia Rappe, who died in a San Francisco hospital on 09-September-1921. She had been in critical condition since attending a Labor Day party held by actor Roscoe Arbuckle at the Saint Francis Hotel on 05-November-1921. She died because of a ruptured bladder which became infected. The DA seemed to be trying to stack the deck against Roscoe. 

ARBUCKLE MAY GET BAIL

ARRAIGNMENT HELD

ON MANSLAUGHTER

CHARGE; TRIAL SET

Freedom To Be Allowed On $5,000 Deposit If

Prosecution Decides To Sidetrack Two Murder

Charges Pending; District Attorney

Undecided As To Course

San Francisco, Sept. 15. -- A county grand jury indictment charging Roscoe Arbuckle, with manslaughter in connection with the death of Miss Virginia Rappe, motion picture actress, after a party in his rooms in the St. Francis hotel, was returned to Presiding Judge Shortall of the superior court today.

The indictment was voted September 14.

Bail was set at $5,000 cash or $10,000 bonds and the case assigned to the court of Superior Judge Harold Louderback in the Hall of Justice.

The indictment:
"We, the grand jury charge, to wit: That on or about the ninth of September, 1921, Roscoe Arbuckle did then and there willfully, unlawfully and feloniously and without malice aforethought, kill Virginia Rappe, a human being."

Arbuckle was not in court.

District Attorney Brady explained that Arbuckle would not be admitted to ball until two murder charges pending against him had been disposed of. He is to confer with the chief of police and other authorities later in the day as to the exact charge on which Arbuckle shall be tried.

Arbuckle Threatened

San Francisco, Sept. 15. -- A threat of violence against Roscoe Arbuckle, "If justice is not done" in his case, was contained in an anonymous special delivery letter received from Sacramento today by Harry Kelly, secretary of the county grand jury. The letter was turned over to the police.

Arbuckle bade goodbye to his cellmate, David Bender, who escaped from the Maryland penitentiary. Bender left today in charge of a Maryland official to serve the remainder of his term. Bender wished Arbuckle "good luck" and the film comedian reciprocated the sentiment.

Funeral Plans Laid

San Francisco, Sept. 15. -- Arrangements are being completed today for the funeral of Miss Virginia Rappe, motion picture actress, whose death in a sanitarium here last Friday resulted in four charges against Roscoe C. (Fatty) Arbuckle, two of murder and two of manslaughter. Herman Jaurag, motion picture director of Los Angeles, is expected to arrive today and take charge of the remains for shipment to Hollywood, Miss Rappe's home.

Prosecutor Thanked.

A telegram from Mayor L. C. Hodgson of St. Paul which thanked Brady for his announced intentions that he will prosecute the case without fear or favor, was made public by Brady today. It continued:

"Latest reports Indicate Arbuckle money Is overcoming state testimony. Do not falter. Fight this to a finish. If Arbuckle is not punished the moving picture business is done, for decent people are tired of the eccentricities of genius. Go the limit and win praise of all good people."

Brady replied that "in spite of Arbuckle's money and influence the case will be prosecuted most vigorously."

Another telegram from Henry Lehrman of New York, Miss Rappe's fiance, to Brady also was made public. It said:

Fiancé Asks Justice.

"For the sake of God and justice to men don't let justice be cheated. It brought tears of rage to my eyes when I read your speech that influence and wealth are brought into play to bar justice. I cried because you told the truth in spite of the pressure of gold to stifle it.

"You are convinced from facts and I from knowing him that Arbuckle killed Virginia Rappe as a result of his attack.

"Now don't let them cheat justice -- for God's sake don't."

While the city authorities busied themselves with the case, federal prohibition enforcement officials, under the direction of Robert R. McCormack, assistant United States attorney general in charge of prohibition violations, continued an investigation of charges that a considerable quantity of liquor was served and consumed at the hotel party in Arbuckle's room in which Miss Rappe is alleged to have received her fatal Injuries. McCormack announced that there would be vigorous investigation and a quick hearing on the charge.

Bail Is Possible.

District Attorney Brady announced that he would be present in the court of Presiding Judge Shortall, of the superior court, when the grand jury manslaughter indictment against Arbuckle is returned, and that he might decide later in the day the charge on which he will try Arbuckle.

It was pointed out by Brady that should it be decided to try the film star on a charge of manslaughter, and the murder charge be dismissed, Arbuckle would be admitted to bail. Under the California law a person charged with murder cannot obtain bail.

The coroner's inquest into the death of Miss Rappe was the most important feature of the Arbuckle case yesterday. The coroner's jury recommended a charge of manslaughter. Telegrams were received by District Attorney Brady yesterday asking him to prosecute the case vigorously. Arbuckle too received telegrams, eighteen of them, the contents of which were not made public. The telegrams to Arbuckle were sent in care ot the chief of police and, it was said, many were from women friends.

Tom Mix -- The Night Horsemen -- September 15, 2021

Omaha Bee, 25-September-1921

I like the design of this ad for The Night Horsemen, which apparently survives in an archive. It is based on a novel by Max Brand (Frederick Schiller Faust), who wrote lots of Westerns.

Moving Picture World, 31-January-1920

Exhibitors Herald, 17-September-1921

Exhibitors Herald, 03-September-1921

Tom Mix and Fox's number two western star, Buck Jones talked about touring the rodeo circuit together.

Moving Picture World, 24-September-1921

Tom Mix was invited to visit the Pendleton Round-Up, a major rodeo.

East Oregonian, 10-September-1921

Unfortunately, his schedule did not permit him to go. 

Exhibitors Herald, 17-September-1921

Buck Jones serenades his leading lady, Helen Ferguson, in To A Finish. I find the title interesting because usually we would say "To The Finish."

Exhibitors Herald, 17-September-1921

listal.com

Moving Picture Weekly, 03-September-1921

"Let your crowd go wild with excitement when the fearless king of cowboys fights the skull-faced demons." Sounds like an exciting serial. Art Acord was another contemporary of Mix and Jones, who appeared in many silent films, but did not make the transition to talkies.

Moving Picture Weekly, 11-September-1921

Frank Mayo had a long career but never became a star. John Ford directed him in Hitchin' Posts.

Moving Picture Weekly, 11-September-1921

Moving Picture Weekly, 03-September-1921

Hoot Gibson was a contemporary of Tom Mix and Buck Jones. His movies tended to emphasize humor. How about those sheepskin chaps?

Moving Picture Weekly, 25-September-1921

"Universal's first Americanism Film"!?

Moving Picture World, 03-September-1921

Lester Cuneo had worked with Tom Mix at the Selig Polyscope Company and then served in the army during World War One. Cuneo died by his own hand in 1925. 

Moving Picture World, 17-September-1921

Tom Santschi (hard name to spell) had a long career, but mostly worked in small character parts after the mid-1920s. The Secret of Butte Ridge was directed by Bob Bradbury.

Moving Picture World, 24-September-1921

Santschi's leading lady in The Honor of Ramirez was Bessie Love. 

Fatty Arbuckle May Be Tried On Two Charges -- September 14, 2021

Salem, Oregon Capital Journal, 14-September-1921

District Attorney Matthew Brady made plans to charge Roscoe Arbuckle in the death of actress Virginia Rappe, who died in a San Francisco hospital on 09-September-1921. She had been in critical condition since attending a Labor Day party held by actor Roscoe Arbuckle at the Saint Francis Hotel on 05-November-1921. She died because of a ruptured bladder which became infected. Roscoe's estranged wife Minta Durfee stood up for him and provided support. I need to learn more about the women's vigilante committee. 

ARBUCKLE MAY BE TRIED ON TWO CHARGES

Wife Rushing Back

To Arbuckle After

5-Year Separation

New York. Sept. 14 -- Mrs. Roscoe Arbuckle, who was known professionally as Minta Durfee, left New York today for San Francisco to help her husband. If possible, although she has been separated from him for five years.

"I am going to him as I think it my duty to be near him," she said. "I want to help him in every way I can. I don't know just how I can be of service to him, but many things will turn up that I can do.

"When we were married. I was 17 and my husband was 21, That was back in 1908. Five years ago, we agreed to disagree and I received a separate maintenance. Unfortunately -- or perhaps fortunately, as you please -- there are no children. We were not bitter against each other. We simply decided that we would remain good friends. Mr. Arbuckle has been very generous in his treatment of me in regard to finances. I have not had to work during these years, and last February he made me a present of a fine automobile.

"A reconciliation? That depends on whether I find that my place is with him and whether he finds that he is ready for a return to the life we led when we were married, when I was his inspiration. All I know now is that I am going to a friend who needs every bit of help he can get."

Mrs. Arbuckle was accompanied on the trip to San Francisco by her mother, Mrs. Flora Durfee of Los Angeles.

ARBUCKLE MAY BE TRIED ON TWO CHARGES

DEFENSE

ASKS FOR

FAIRNESS

Prosecutor Answers

Report That "Square

Deal" Denied Fatty

With Demand

San Francisco, Cal., Sept. 14. -- Examination of all but expert witnesses was concluded in the coroner's inquest into the supposed murder of Miss Virginia Rappe, a motion picture actress, when the coroner's jury today decided to allow a protest by District Attorney Brady that Miss Zeh Prevost and Miss Alice Blake, show girls, should not be questioned. As a result of the decision, Miss Prevost, who had taken the stand, was excused.

The coroner announced that Dr. Selby Strange, autopsy surgeon, and Dr. William Ophuls, who performed post mortem, on Miss Rappe's body, would be questioned, and that this examination would conclude the testimony taking. Roscoe C. (Fatty) Arbuckle. motion picture comedian, who is charged with having murdered Miss Rappe was at the inquest in accordance with legal requirements.

Defense Answered.

At the inquest Brady said it had been reported to him the defense had complained "it was not getting a square deal."

"If they are not getting a square deal why do they not put Arbuckle on the stand in this inquest?" the district attorney asked. "We will withdraw our objections to further witnesses if the defense thinks it is being hard used."

Defense counsel did not announce what action would be taken.

Faces Two Charges.

San Francisco, Sept. 14. -- The way was cleared today for a speedy trial of Roscoe C. (Fatty) Arbuckle, motion picture comedian, on one of two charges which hold that he is responsible for the death of Miss Virginia Rappe, motion picture actress, after she had been subjected to an alleged attack in his rooms at the St. Francis Hotel.

The first charge is murder, preferred Monday by Mrs. Bambina Maude Delmont, who said she was in an adjoining room at the time of the alleged attack. The second is manslaughter, which was returned as a true bill by the county grand jury last night and which will become a formal indictment when it is filed in court tomorrow.

Two Trials Possible.

The authorities are discussing today the charge on which they will bring the actor to trial. District Attorney Brady is of the opinion that the murder charge should stand. If Arbuckle is cleared of that charge in the event that he is tried on it, he must still face the manslaughter charge.

The coroner's inquest, which started Monday, was continued today with Miss Zeh Provost, motion picture bathing girl, and Alice Blake, show girl, as scheduled witnesses. They attested in statements to the authorities and the grand jury that they were present at the Labor day party in the St. Francis hotel in which Miss Rappe is alleged to have received the injuries that resulted in her death four days later.

Arbuckle Unmoved.

The women's vigilante committee, formed to assist the moral forces of the city in maintaining the honor of the courts and of the administrative bodies, is expected at its regular meeting today to take up the Arbuckle matter and determine on the stand it shall take.

Arbuckle received news of his indictment in the city prison early today. He said nothing and appeared unmoved. Newspapermen who attempted to interview him noted that his face was more pallid than usual and that an air of dejection seems to have become fixed on him.

He sent out for his breakfast, keeping its items a secret.

Dr. Mariana Bertola, president of the women's vigilante committee, said that she expected the committee at its meeting today would adopt resolutions pledging every possible assistance to the authorities in the clearing up of the Arbuckle case.

"We will have a committee of women at the trial," Dr. Bertola said.

Roscoe Arbuckle -- PERJURY CHARGE MADE -- September 13, 2021

 

Salem, Oregon Capital Journal, 13-September-1921

100 years ago today, on 13-September-1921, a San Francisco grand jury looked into the death of actress Virginia Rappe, who died in a San Francisco hospital on 09-September-1921. She had been in critical condition since attending a Labor Day party held by actor Roscoe Arbuckle at the Saint Francis Hotel on 05-November-1921. She died because of a ruptured bladder which became infected. Stories began to circulate that Arbuckle had assaulted Rappe. Tried for manslaughter three times, he was acquitted. Virginia Rappe was 26 when she died. Arbuckle's career was ruined. The newspapers sold a lot of copies. Many people who tried to defend Arbuckle said some nasty and unfounded things about Virginia Rappe. Mrs. Bambina Maude Delmont, who had come to the party with Virginia Rappe, told a doctor at the hospital that Arbuckle had raped her friend. The doctor found no evidence of rape. Delmont had been accused of extortion, and may have tried to get money from Arbuckle's attorneys. San Francisco District Attorney Matthew Brady used the case to boost his career. Comedy producer and director Henry (Pathé) Lehrman said he had been engaged to Rappe, and pushed hard for Arbuckle to be tried. Tried for manslaughter three times, Arbuckle was acquitted. Virginia Rappe was 26 when she died. Arbuckle's career was ruined. The newspapers sold a lot of copies. Many people who tried to defend Arbuckle said some nasty and unfounded things about Virginia Rappe.  

In these articles, it is easy to see that District Attorney Matthew Brady had it in for Roscoe Arbuckle. He strongly implies that Arbuckle or some other person was tampering with witnesses. 

PERJURY CHARGE MADE

PROSECUTOR SAYS

WITNESS AGAINST

ARBUCKLE SWAYED

District Attorney Declares "Undue Influence

and Pressure of Sinister Character Brought

to Bear;" Claims Testimony of Woman Is

Changed; Another Witness Missing.

San Francisco, Sept. 13. -- A statement expressing the conviction that perjury had been committed by one of the chief witnesses for the prosecution at the grand jury investigation last night of the death of Miss Virginia Rappe, film actress, for whose alleged murder Roscoe (Fatty) Arbuckle is under arrest, was issued here today by District Attorney Matthew Brady.

District Attorney Brady in the statement also charged that he believed "undue influence and pressure of a sinister character has been brought to bear" upon certain witnesses. Whether or not an arrest would be made in connection with his charge of perjury, he said, would depend on further developments.

In his statement District Attorney Brady charged that Miss Zey Provost, also known as Zey Pyvron, had changed her testimony before the grand jury from that she had given previously to the police and officials of the district attorney's office that Miss Rappe had told her Arbuckle had caused her injuries. Earlier last night it was reported Miss Pyvron refused to sign a statement that Miss Rappe had

told her this and later, it was said, she denied that she had ever made the assertion concerning Miss Rappe, Brady said.

District Attorney Brady also charged in his statement that Miss Alice Lake, another prosecution witness, was missing.

The statement came shortly after the grand jury had concluded a five-hour consideration of the case and adjourned without voting an indictment.

District Attorney Brady's statement follows:

"We have sent Miss Pyvron home under surveillance. The girl changed her story completely before the grand jury. Whether or not we shall arrest her and charge her with perjury will depend on further developments. I am convinced, however, that perjury has been committed by her.

"I am convinced that undue influence and pressure of a sinister character has been brought to bear on her and other witnesses, one of whom, Alice Lake, has mysteriously disappeared from her home in Berkeley. We have been unable to find her.

Prosecution Determined

"In spite of these effort, to thwart the ends of justice the investigation will proceed and no effort will be spared to bring the guilty ones to their just deserts.

"Whenever wealth and influence are brought to the bar of Justice every sinister and corrupt practice is used in an effort to free the accused. It is always easy to convict a poor man. The wealthy malefactors are the ones who find means of using their wealth to their advantage. Wealth and influence should not count in favor of defendant, neither should they count against him. The case should be handled just as the cases of the other  gangsters are handled. The Pyvron (something wrong with the following lines - JT)

presence of Captain of Detective

presence of Captain of Detective Duncan Matheson. Assistant District Attorney Milton U'Ren and George Duffy. She repeated this statement time and again. Tonight before the grand jury she changed her testimony."

Defendant Silent

Arbuckle, the last witness summoned by the grand jury during its five hour session, was aroused from a sound sleep about one o'clock this morning. Arbuckle, it is said, was in the grand jury room only three minutes. He is reported to have declined to make any statement, further than to explain that his lawyers had advised him to keep silent.

Mrs. Bambino Maud Delmont had previously testified concerning the party in Arbuckle's rooms at a hotel here on Labor day at which Miss Rappe was present. Other witnesses were heard.

Jury Delays Ballot

After Arbuckle left the grand jury room the jurors began to deliberate upon the testimony given. Behind closed doors, the jurors argued, it is said, for half an hour, having excluded District Attorney Brady and his assistants. The conclusion then was reached, It was announced, to defer action until further evidence

could be presented. No date was set for the resumption of the inquiry. After the adjournment Clifford Curtis, foreman, said:

"We have decided to continue the hearing to give District Attorney Brady the opportunity to secure certain information which we desire. It was thought best not to vote on an indictment tonight."

Tells About Party

Mrs. Delmont testified in detail in the grand jury session regarding the occurrences at the party in which Miss Rappe is alleged to have received her fatal injuries. She had repeatedly knocked and kicked at the closed door behind which were Arbuckle and Miss Rappe, she said, and finally compelled Arbuckle to

open it. She told of having attended the stricken girl and of the girl's removal to the Wakefield  sanitarium from the hotel.

Mrs. Jean Jameson, one of the nurses who had attended Miss Rappe at the sanitarium, testified that Miss Rappe had told her that Arbuckle had treated her roughly and that Arbuckle had said that he had waited five years for the girl. At times Miss Rappe said she did not remember what happened in the room and at other times she accused Arbuckle of hurting her, Mrs. Jameson testified. Dr. William Ophuls, who performed the post mortem on Miss Rappe, and Ira G. Fortlouis and Al Semnacher, guests of the party, also testified.

District Attorney Brady announced that he had summoned Miss Provost for an examination today regarding their testimony before the grand jury.

Witness Put

To Grilling

By Attorney

San Francisco, Sept. 13. -- Miss Zey Provost, motion picture bathing girl, was questioned by District Attorney Brady today regarding testimony she gave before the grand jury in supposed conflict with her other statements to the authorities concerning her interest in the hotel party where Miss Virginia Rappe, motion picture actress, is alleged to have received the injuries from which she died. Simultaneously  Roscoe C. (Fatty) Arbuckle, motion picture comedian, who is charged with murdering Miss Rappe, went before a coroner's jury in the second day of the inquest into the actress' death.

District Attorney Brady said he was going to endeavor to determine if Miss Provost, who is also known as Zey Pyvron, was induced to commit perjury in her grand jury testimony last night. This testimony differed widely with statements made to himself and Captain of Detectives Matheson, Brady said.

Mrs. Bambina Maud Delmont, who brought the murder charge against Arbuckle, was the first witness at the inquest today. Mrs. Delmont was called as a witness in the inquest yesterday but was not permitted to testify.

Arbuckle Made Date

Today she testified she met Miss Rappe and Miss Rappe's manager, Al Semnacher, by appointment in Los Angeles Saturday September 3. They arrived here Sunday night September 4.

Labor day, while Mrs. Delmont and Miss Rappe were having breakfast at the Palace hotel, Miss Rappe was paged and announced afterward that a Mr. Arbuckle wanted to see them all at the St. Francis hotel. Miss Rappe said "it might be Roscoe Arbuckle, but I don't know."

They drove to the St. Francis and Miss Rappe went to Arbuckle's rooms, telling Mrs. Delmont and Semnacher, who had joined them, to wait until she called for them. She telephoned down to them in a few minutes and they went up to Arbuckle's rooms, meeting Arbuckle, Lowell Sherman, Ira C. Fortlouis and Frederick Fischbach. There were many bottles on the table in the room, she testified. Miss Rappe had three drinks of gin and orange juice and Mrs. Delmont had about ten drinks of whisky. Two more girls came in whom she learned later were Alice Blake and Vey Provost.

Heard Screams

The Rappe girl rose and went into the bathroom off Arbuckle's room. When she came out of the bathroom Arbuckle was in his room. He closed the door.

Mrs. Delmont heard screams coming from the room about an hour later and demanded that Arbuckle open the door. He did so and it was noted that he was wearing Miss Rappe's panama hat and the pajamas he was wearing were wet with perspiration. The Rappe girl was on the bed tearing at her clothing and screaming.

"I am hurt. I am dying. He did it."

She removed the girl's clothing and assisted by Fischbach, placed her in a tub of cold water. This had no effect and so Miss Rappe was taken to another room and put to bed.

Arbuckle kept his eye fixed on the witness throughout her testimony, and he appeared to be somewhat affected by it.

Fatty Arbuckle

Dropped by Club

Los Angeles, Cal., Sept. 13. -- Roscoe Arbuckle was dropped from the membership roll of the Los Angeles Athletic club here last night. President William M. Garland said "It was the  unanimous belief of the directors that such a step should be taken."

The L. A. A. C. is the largest club in the city.

Jane Eyre -- September 13, 1921

Moving Picture World, 03-September-1921

Charlotte Brontë's 1847 novel Jane Eyre has been made into movies many times. One hundred years ago this month, in September 1921, Mabel Ballin played Jane in an adaption produced and directed by her husband, Hugo Ballin. Hugo was also a muralist. Norman Trevor, who played Rochester, was born in British India and had changed his name from Norman Pritchard. In the 1900 Summer Olympics in Paris, he represented India and won the first two medals (silver) won by a representative of an Asian nation. Some sources say that he competed for Great Britain, but the IOC (International Olympic Committee) regards the medals as being won by India. Elizabeth Arians played Bertha Rochester. WW Hodkinson released the film.

Moving Picture World, 10-September-1921

I can't find any images for the first adaption of Jane Eyre, which was a one-reeler produced by Thanhouser in 1910. Irma Taylor played Jane Eyre, Frank Hall Crane played Rochester and Amelia Barleon played Bertha Rochester. 

Moving Picture Weekly, 14-February-1914

1914 saw two two-reel productions of Jane Eyre; one was released through IMP. The IMP version was directed by Frank Hall Crane, who had played Rochester in the 1910 version, and starred Ethel Grandin as Jane and Irving Cummings as Rochester. Cummings later became a director, and was the last host of The Lux Radio Theater. Miss Burke played Bertha Rochester. 

Bennington Evening Banner, 06-March-1914

Moving Picture Weekly, 04-July-1914

The Whitman version was directed by Martin Faust. Lisbeth Blackstone played Jane. Alberta Roy played Bertha Rochester. The fire that destroyed Rochester's home and killed Bertha Rochester nearly destroyed the Whitman studio and killed Alberta Roy, whose costume caught fire.

South Bend News-Times, 23
-May-1915

In 1915, Biograph released a three-reel version of Jane Eyre. Louise Vale played Jane, Franklin Ritchie played Rochester and Gretchen Hartman played Bertha. The film was directed by Travers Vale, husband of Louise. Alan Hale played a small part. Note how this ad spells Chaplin's first name and uses a photo of him without his tramp makeup. 

Daily Ardmoreite, 04-April-1915

Note that this ad says the Biograph Jane Eyre had four reels. 

Arizona Republican, 23-June-1918

In 1918, Select Pictures released an adaption of Jane Eyre with the title Woman and Wife. Jane was played by Alice Brady, who was a well-respected actress who continued to work into the talkie era. Elliott Dexter played Rochester. Rochester's wife, called Valerie in this version, was played by Leonora Morgan. Edward José directed.

Exhibitors Herald, 29-December-1917

Kinematograph, 12-December-1926

The last silent production of Jane Eyre was made in Germany. It was called Die Waise von Lowood (The Orphan of Lowood). Evelyn Holt played Jane. Olaf Fønss played Rochester. I don't know who played Bertha. It was directed by Curtis Bernhardt, who worked in Hollywood after he fled Nazi Germany. 

I may write about the many talkie versions another time. 

Roscoe Arbuckle -- MURDER CHARGES FILED -- September 12, 2021

Salem, Oregon Capital Journal, 12-September-1921

100 years ago today, on 12-September-1921, comedian Roscoe Arbuckle was arrested in connection with the death of actress Virginia Rappe, who died in a San Francisco hospital on 09-September-1921. She had been in critical condition since attending a Labor Day party held by actor Roscoe Arbuckle at the Saint Francis Hotel on 05-November-1921. She died because of a ruptured bladder which became infected. Stories began to circulate that Arbuckle had assaulted Rappe. Tried for manslaughter three times, he was acquitted. Virginia Rappe was 26 when she died. Arbuckle's career was ruined. The newspapers sold a lot of copies. Many people who tried to defend Arbuckle said some nasty and unfounded things about Virginia Rappe. Mrs. Bambina Maude Delmont, who had come to the party with Virginia Rappe, told a doctor at the hospital that Arbuckle had raped her friend. The doctor found no evidence of rape. Delmont had been accused of extortion, and may have tried to get money from Arbuckle's attorneys. San Francisco District Attorney Matthew Brady used the case to boost his career. Comedy producer and director Henry (Pathé) Lehrman said he had been engaged to Rappe, and pushed hard for Arbuckle to be tried. Tried for manslaughter three times, Arbuckle was acquitted. Virginia Rappe was 26 when she died. Arbuckle's career was ruined. The newspapers sold a lot of copies. Many people who tried to defend Arbuckle said some nasty and unfounded things about Virginia Rappe.  

MURDER CHARGE FILED

ARBUCKLE IS

ACCUSED OF

KILLING GIRL

Film Comedian Held Without Bail on Charge

Preferred by Friend of Dead Actress; Prosecutor 

Says Case Against "Fatty" Complete;

Coroner's Inquest Today.

San Francisco, Sept. 12. -- A formal complaint charging murder was sworn to before Police Judge Daniel O'Brien today against Roscoe C. (Fatty) Arbuckle in connection with the death of Miss Virginia Rappe, a motion picture actress. The complaint was signed by Mrs. Bambina Maude Delmont, a friend of the dead actress.

Arbuckle appeared in court to be arraigned on the charge sworn to by Mrs. Delmont. At the request of the district attorney the case was continued until Friday morning and Arbuckle was taken back to his cell.

Dr. T. B. W. Leland, city and county coroner, said that the inquest would start today, but probably would not be concluded until tomorrow. Doctors Arthur Beardslee, William Ophuls and M. E. Rumwell who attended Miss Rappe, will be called on to testify today, he said. Arbuckle will be present at the inquest, but may not testify today.

In his answer to Lehrman, Brady said Miss Rappe's body would not be shipped to her home in Los Angeles until after the inquest. He asked Lehrman what his wishes were in regard to the funeral.

Mrs. Delmont appeared to be near collapse after making the charge against Arbuckle.

The arraignment was conducted in a haze of flashlight smoke, the flashlights popping with machine gun regularity.

Arbuckle appeared through a side door, flanked by his attorneys and the police guard. He appeared greatly dejected and heaved many sighs.

Court Room Packed.

Following the court session and before he was taken back to his cell, he was given an opportunity to go Into the judge's chambers and smoke a cigarette while the arraignment papers were being made out.

The little court room was packed, the spectators rising in their chairs when Arbuckle appeared and remaining in that position during the brief session. There were few women present.

District Attorney Brady announced that he had received a telegram from Henry Lehrman, motion picture producer of New York and fiancé of Miss Rappe, asking him to obtain a sworn statement from Mrs. Delmont. Brady replied that the statement has already been obtained.

Mrs. Spreckles Named.

Brady said also that he had sent for Mrs. Sidi Wirt Spreckles, widow of John D. Spreckles Jr., who was killed in an automobile accident recently, to question her regarding a visit she made to Miss Rappe at the girl's request after the attack.

Mrs. Delmont, in signed and sworn statements, gave the police many details of the party in Arbuckle's rooms in the St. Francis hotel here a week ago today, at which time Miss Rappe was subjected to an alleged attack by Arbuckle. She died four days later.

Mrs. Delmont attended the party and assisted Miss Rappe after the alleged attack. She appeared personally in court to swear to the complaint. Arbuckle was not in court when the complaint was filed.

Arbuckle is held without bail in the Hall of Justice here. He was arrested last Saturday night on his arrival from Los Angeles and was booked on a charge or murder.

Goes to Grand Jury.

The Arbuckle case is scheduled to be brought before the San Francisco county grand jury tonight. A coroner's inquest into Miss Rappe's death has been called for next Thursday.

Arbuckle has requested that none but his attorneys be allowed to see him at the Hall of Justice. He declined yesterday, on the advice of counsel, to make any statement. His lawyers also refused to make a statement or discuss the case in any way.

Police yesterday were busy examining witnesses whom they say will be presented to the grand jury tonight. These witnesses number 22 and are being guarded by police detectives.

Shows Cancel Films.

Representatives of the Famous Players-Lasky corporation, distributors of the films in which Roscoe Arbuckle is featured, said today that there bad been some cancellations of Arbuckle's pictures as a result of the scandal involving the actor. Any declaration of policy in regard to the corporation's pictures would have to come from New York.

The corporation representatives here declined to say where the pictures were cancelled outside of San Francisco. There were' two cancellations here.

Arbuckle went to bed on his narrow cell couch at 9 o'clock last night and apparently slept soundly. When the prison watch shouted "everybody up" at the usual rising time today, he awakened, but rolled over on the bed and tried to go to sleep again. He was told he must get up, however, so he arose, smilingly.

Eats Big Breakfast.

While he did not take advantage of the prison showers, he dressed with the greatest care. He ordered his breakfast from the outside and when the waiter came, held a long, secret conference with him. The waiter brought back a carefully covered tray which Arbuckle attacked with all of the secrecy possible.

He continued to decline to see any visitors, other than his attorneys. He is scheduled to appear in police court for formal arraignment today.

Captain of Detectives Matheson ordered that Arbuckle be placed in the regular morning lineup of prisoners which is held for the police detectives each morning, and that he be photographed for the rogue's gallery and his fingerprints and Bertillon measurements taken.

Case "Complete" Claim.

Arbuckle consented later to see a group of newspaper men, but refused to discuss the Rappe case with them. He appeared dejected but said he was receiving good treatment in the jail.

District Attorney Grady through Deputy Milton T. U'Ren, said:
"We have a complete case against Arbuckle."

Arbuckle's appearance in police court was delayed until his Bertillon measurements could be taken and he could be photographed for the rogue's gallery.

The measurements showed that his weight was 266 pounds and his height 5 feet 8 5/8 inches. He gave his birthplace as Kansas and his age at 34.

LEHRMAN ENGAGED TO

GIRL; TO PUSH CHARGE

New York, Sept. 12. -- Henry Lehrman, motion picture director, who was engaged to marry Virginia Rappe, the film actress for whose death Roscoe Arbuckle .is held in jail in San Francisco, today said he would devote every moment he could spare from his business to pressing the comedian's prosecution.

"I cannot got to the coast in person," he said, "but I am doing everything that can be done by telephone."

Mr. Lehrman said that he would supervise funeral arrangements after the inquest in San Francisco Thursday. Miss Rappe, he said, had no near relatives. Burial will be in Los Angeles.

William S Hart -- The Tale of a Big Man's Fight for Justice -- September 11, 2021

Indiana Daily Times, 03-September-1921

Lambert Hillyer directed William S Hart in The Whistle, a William S Hart Production released by Paramount. At the Isis Theater in Indianapolis, Hart shared the bill with Roscoe Arbuckle in "The Garage," a short comedy which also featured Buster Keaton (one of their best).

Moving Picture World, 04-July-1914

Bisbee Daily Review, 01-September-1921

The Amazon Theater in Bonner's Ferry, Idaho showed Bill Hart in The Cradle of Courage for two days, paired with a short Mack Sennett comedy.

Manchester Journal, 01-September-1921

Wolves of the Rail was a rereleased 1919 Thomas H Ince production. It was paired with a Larry Semon short comedy, "The Head Waiter." The Old Depot Theater (I like the name) was in Manchester Depot, Vermont.

Moving Picture Weekly, 03-September-1921

I'd like to mention a contemporary of William S Hart, Harry Carey. I have enjoyed every movie in which I have seen him. I should give Carey his own monthly post. Here seem him again called "Human Harry Carey." In Blue Streak McCoy, Harry was supported by Breezy Eason, the six-year-old son of B Reeves Eason, who directed the movie.

Moving Picture World, 17-September-1921

Sundown Slim is a good title for a movie. Harry played a drifter who went to jail for a friend. I like the drawing of Harry.

Moving Picture World, 24-September-1921

Moving Picture World, 10-September-1921

I do not know why, but Fox ran a slew of ads with folksy quotes from Human Harry Carey. Perhaps I will make this a series.