Sennett, << SEHN iht, >> Mack (1884-1960), was a pioneer motion-picture director and producer who became famous for his slapstick silent comedies. Many of the top silent comedy stars appeared in his Keystone films. His violent and vulgar film world challenged social authority. His famous Keystone Kops, instead of imposing order, added to the chaos. Sennett’s bathing beauties fell for rascals, played by comics like Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle, rather than respectable beaus. These and other characters were often involved in famous chases that ended in spectacular crashes at the close of many Sennett films.
Sennett was born on Jan. 17, 1880, in Danville, Quebec. His real name was Michael Sinnott. He directed and produced hundreds of silent short comedies, beginning in 1911. His career came to a virtual end soon after the arrival of sound films in the late 1920’s. He died on Nov. 5, 1960.
