“Leap Year” (1924) starring Fatty Arbuckle / Z-View

Leap Year (1924)

Director:  James Cruze, Roscoe ‘Fatty’ Arbuckle (uncredited)

Screenplay: Walter Woods from a story by Sarah Y. Mason

Stars: Roscoe ‘Fatty’ Arbuckle

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Stanley Piper (Arbuckle) lives with his rich uncle.  As his Uncle prepares for a trip, he warns Stanley about falling in love with every woman he meets.  Stanley is in love with just one woman.  But through a series of mix-ups several women believe that Stanley has proposed to them… and they’re all heading to see Stanley at his Uncle’s mansion.  What could go wrong?

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Roscoe Fatty Arbuckle was at one time arguably the most popular actor in Hollywood.  He was also one of the highest paid!  Arbuckle was a breakout star from his appearances in shorts for Keystone Studios.  Roscoe Arbuckle served as a mentor to Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton and Bob Hope.

Arbuckle was making his move into feature length films when he was charged with rape and manslaughter in the death of actress Virginia Rappe.  He was tried three times!  The first two trials resulted in hung juries.  Arbuckle was acquitted in the third trial.  For all intents and purposes, Roscoe Arbuckle was finished as a big Hollywood star.  He didn’t work much and when he directed it was under the name William Goodrich.  Roscoe Arbuckle died in his sleep in 1933.  He was just 46 years old.

Leap Year was completed in 1921, but because of the scandal it wasn’t released in the United States until 1981 for a limited run.  1924 is listed as the year of release due to the film being shown in Finland.  Leap Year showcased Fatty Arbuckle in his final feature length film.

Leap Year earns 3 of 5 stars.