The Fatty Arbuckle case (1962)

feel it was only our plain duty to give him that exoneration, under the evidence, for there was not the slightest proof adduced to connect him in any way with the commission of the crime. He was manly throughout the case and told a straightforward story on the witness stand. The happening at the hotel was an unfortunate affair for which Arbuckle, as the evidence shows, was in no way responsible. "We wish him success and hope the American people will take the judgment of twelve men and women who have sat Hstening for thirty-one days to the evidence, that Roscoe Arbuckle is innocent and free from all blame." It was the kind of statement that Arbuckle himself couldn't have dictated any better. He was delighted. McNab was all smiles. It was a sweet victory. Asked for a statement, McNab said: "It was a splendid victory. I am very happy for Mr. Arbuckle and his vindication." 1 Arbuckle said, "I deeply appreciate the clear picture my legal counsel prepared for the jury and I thank the jurors from the bottom of my heart for their verdict. As for the American public, I pray they will accept the verdict as my vindication." Brady said: "The jury did what they believed." Minta kissed Arbuckle, McNab and the whole staff in a burst of excitement and happiness. Headlines screamed ARBUCKLE INNOCENT. The case had cost Arbuckle $110,000. That didn't count in the attorney fees or the money he had lost from pictures he couldn't make or those that couldn't be released. The trials had taken eight months. Now he was free. Jesse Lasky immediately issued a statement stating that a Fatty Arbuckle picture would be released immediately, and that if the public accepted it, he would continue to release other Arbuckle pictures. The trials cost the State an estimated $140,000. Actually, on the evidence, the case probably never should have 133