I also hate it when people say he was guilty.
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deborahwakid11 — 19 years ago(January 24, 2007 10:54 PM)
Hi, September Storm:
I can vaguely remember seeing the documentary. Virginia Rappe was this very tiny, dainty-looking girl, while Fatty was naturally a very big man. The papers at the day painted this picture of the giant Fatty crushing this poor, unfortunate fair flower to death by raping her. The truth was that Fatty hadn't been anywhere near the girl during the whole party.
The only thing Fatty was guilty of was throwing a party in San Francisco on the wrong date, at the wrong time. It's a matter of justice, not how long ago it happened as well. The reason Cheryl Crane wrote "Detour" was because some people still believed she had been found guilty of murdering Johnny Stompanato, when, in fact, she was acquitted. One wonders if DNA evidence had been available back then, what might happened. I think Fatty was punished for his so-called "wild lifestyle" than for what happend to Virginia.
From what I've read about Virginia, she was not a very stable person. There is a strong probability she suffered from mental illness. It is known she had at least two abortions, and her death was caused by a botched abortion. As far as I can recall, no one had touched her that day. How a botched abortion could have been presented as rape, I don't know. There is always somebody trying to make a name for themselves on a high-profile case.
No matter how long ago it happened, the truth should come out and a person's name be cleared. Arbuckle came from a large family. and he probably still has living relatives who have to hear the same kind of garbage Cheryl Crane probably still has to hear to this day.
Oh, and by the way, the case began on Labor Day weekend in 1921, which makes it nearly 86 years ago. Four hundred years ago would be 1607, around the time Jamestown was being settled. Just clearing up the math.
Take care.
Deborah -
phoenix-216 — 17 years ago(August 24, 2008 09:13 PM)
Actually, Virginia Rappe died of an infected bladder.
There is no way an abortion can rupture a bladder without rupturing
the uterine wall.
The myths of Virginia's abortions came from the smear campagn the
defense attorneys waged against the victim. It was common practice
until recent years to demonize the victim.
Bear in mind, Virginia was the victim, and Virginia's name was completely
smeared in the multiple trials. A smear campagn which continues to this day. -
MrBook_ — 13 years ago(May 06, 2012 08:17 AM)
Oh, and by the way, the case began on Labor Day weekend in 1921, which makes it nearly 86 years ago. Four hundred years ago would be 1607, around the time Jamestown was being settled. Just clearing up the math.
Wow Do you think that guy really thought it was 400 years ago? I figured it was just a joke.
Pills are good! PILLS ARE GOOD! -
karenlynn1 — 19 years ago(January 24, 2007 08:28 PM)
FYI, CourtTV Crime library has the full
truthful
story about Arbuckle, and when he was proven innocent. It was interesting to read, and really paints a valid picture of those events.
Apparently, Virginia Rappe had a botched abortionor something like that.
anyhow, here's the link: http://www.crimelibrary.com/notorious_murders/classics/fatty_arbuckle/1.html
One man's trash is another man's treasure. -
padawan1111 — 19 years ago(January 24, 2007 11:49 PM)
I saw a documentary about this case and it said Rappe had cronic bladder infections . Not a problem in this day and age, but back then their were no antibiotics, so a chronic infection could not be treated and could kill you. They think that contributed to her death. I think their was a famous tenis player in the 30's who died from an infection in his foot. Scary times for medical problems. Poor Arbucle had bad lawyers who decided not to give a closing argument at his trial. The media was really bad with the false headlines back then too.
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bheck1 — 19 years ago(February 09, 2007 04:28 PM)
What gets me about Hearst's coverage of the trial was the exoneration of Rappe. Hearst portrayed her as some pure, virginal, saint-like, all american girl when in fact she had been a prostitute, had several abortions (the effects of which probably caused her death), and (according to Mack Sennett) had given half of his male staff clap. What did Pathe' Lehrman see in her enough for him to launch a press vendetta against Arbuckle. Lehrman might have gone after Virginia under the auspices of lust, but then you must consider the fact that Lehrman requested and was granted the right to be buried next to her upon his death. Maybe Lehrman was still in envy of Roscoe's talents?
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ceebeegee — 17 years ago(May 21, 2008 12:08 AM)
Slandering a girl who died horribly doesn't make Arbuckle any more innocent. There's no "in fact," there's no proof whatsoever that she'd been a part-time prostituteno doubt spread by the same type who eagerly spread equally unfounded rumors about Elizabeth Short. Something about a young woman dying horribly brings out the vultures. Your basic point, that Hearst portrayed her as a saint in order to smear Arbuckle and sell more papers, is well-takendon't fall into the same trap.
