Hollywood Studio Magazine (August 1970)

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It looked like a pie throwing contest instead of a reunion I n the nearly 60 years that have passed since Mack Sennett and William Campbell dreamed up the zaniest collection of phoney police in the history of the world, the various veterans of the famed laugh factory have become scattered into careers both in the motion picture industry and out. As a sentimental journey back to the silent screen era, Eddie LeVeque* and Billy Bletcher, two veterans of the Keystone era were asked by Movieworld Cars of the Stars and Movieworld Planes of Fame in Buena Park, to try and locate the Kops for a reunion. Some of the original Kops were women, and these ladies took pratt falls, jumped out windows, leaped from moving trains and cars, and whatever other antics Sennett and Campbell could dream up, as a matter of course. One of the most prominant lady actors was Minta Durfee Arbuckle, widow of the famed silent comedian (also an original Kop) Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle. Miss Arbuckle worked in the first five films made by Charlie Chaplin at Keystone, and has continued her career through the years. Her most recent major role was “Hello, Dolly!” for 20th Century-Fox. Another old time stunt lady, Florence Craig, flew planes, drove crashing cars and other wild pieces of action for Sennett. She has been a member of the Ziegfield Follies, a dancer, singer, and still acts in motion pictures. Glen Walters, started with Universal in 1914 and her career has continued to the present, although she never worked with Keystone. Grace Wylie, a Hal Roach veteran started her career in “Birth of A SMILING TRIO - Flanked by Francis X. Lohman, columinst, and Lohman’s secretary, Eddie Le Veque smiles for the camera. Nation,” the D. W. Griffith classic, (now in current release in Los Angeles). LeVeque located these silent actresses, and Bill Bletcher helped find other authentic Keystone stars. Hank May ; Bernard Harris, (now owner of Gaffers and Sattler,) Bill Williams of Seal Beach, and Chester Conklin were all contacted by the pair, and only Conklin because of failing health was unable to attend. As part of the ceremonies, a huge cake measuring three feet by five feet was created with mini figures of Keystone Kops and ladies running across the top by Charlotte Taylor. On the evening of the reunion, which was also the opening of the twin attractions in Buena Park, the old timers were gathered behind the cake for a portrait. 'Eddie LeVeque, flanked by Billy Bletcher and Hank May stood in the center with a broad smile on his face. Suddenly a member of the audience stepped ‘ up and handed two pies to Bletcher and May. Zap! The custard flew in all directions as the actors cut loose on LeVeque. His face dripped with custard, but LeVeque roared with laughter. Only the absence of more pies prevented a free-for-all among the Keystoners — similar to hundreds they participated in during their silent movie days. LeVeque was led off to a nearby rest room to clean up still laughing. Claude Akins, the character actor, and many important civic officials cheered the game veteran off the floor for his performance. The film veterans were treated to photos, a tour of both Movieworld Cars BIG PLANE - Billy Bleether hands a wrench to Don Lykins,chairman of the board of Movieworld Planes of fame while Minta Durfee Arbuckle looks on.