Roscoe 'Fatty' Arbuckle is associated with which notable event in early Hollywood history?

• A. Hollywood's first major scandal
• B. The formation of the Hays Office
• C. The invention of roll film
• D. The development of the Cinematograph

Answer: (A)

Arbuckle’s lasting place in early Hollywood history comes from being at the center of Hollywood’s first major scandal. In 1921–22, his high-profile trial over the death of Virginia Rappe drew sensational national attention, leading to a public backlash that wrecked his career and reshaped audience trust in the film industry. This scandal became a defining moment for the era, highlighting the fragility of stardom and the industry’s image, and it helped spur the push toward greater self-regulation in Hollywood. The other items refer to developments in technology or separate industry reforms, but the event most people remember about Arbuckle is the sensational scandal that marked the era.