September, 1921 - The mysterious circumstances regarding the death of young actress Virginia Rappe has resulted in serious charges against silent film comedian Fatty Arbuckle. Rappe died in the hospital after attending a party hosted by Arbucke at the Saint Francis Hotel. 

The cause of death was diagnosed by doctors as acute peritonitis as a result of a ruptured bladder. However, a friend of Rappe's who also attended the party, has told police that Arbuckle had or attempted to rape Miss Rappe. It is on the basis of this allegation that Arbuckle was arrested.

Arbuckle vigorously proclaimed his innocence and his accuser later admitted to making the accusation in an attempt to extort money from his attorney's. Arbuckle had to go through three trials and was eventually acquitted by a jury, but the highly publicized scandal and prosecution virtually ended his once promising career.

Roscoe Arbuckle's career is regarded by many film historians as one of the great Hollywood tragedies

Tags: arbuckle indicted, fatty arbuckle, roscoe arbuckle, virginia rappe

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