Almost eighty years after her death, production has finally begun on a film based on the life and career of silent screen legend Mabel Normand. America’s first “Queen of Comedy” was known as the “Female Chaplin” by becoming Hollywood’s first Comedienne, Screenwriter, Director and Producer. Unfortunately fast living also made her Hollywood’s first party girl which led to scandals and health problems that destroyed her career, thereby preventing people from knowing the true story of her short lived life and long listed accomplishments.

“Riddle Me This” Productions began work on the screenplay two years ago and after producing the following trailer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iNkfc-dgk4 quickly learned of the public’s interest in the story. Actress Penelope Lagos was cast as the lead due not only to her ability to combine comedic timing with a dramatic edge, but also her remarkable resemblance to the pretty, wide-eyed Normand. The cast also includes Ron Nummi as “Mack Sennett”, whose Keystone studio was helped built by Normand, Katie Maguire as “Edna Purviance”, Normand’s friend and fellow party girl who was also Charlie Chaplin’s leading lady, Brian Linden as “William Desmond Taylor”, the famous Hollywood Director and murder victim that set Normand’s career in a downward spiral, Elizabeth Claire Taylor as “Julia Benson”, Normand’s longtime nurse and confidant, Elise Rovinsky as “Adela Rogers St. Johns”, famed Hollywood Reporter, Ian Blackwell as “Hamilton Perry”, fictional Editor of a Hollywood newspaper and the Screenwriter of the script Rudy Cecera who ironically plays fictional Reporter “Charlie Craig”, whose writing helped tarnish Normand’s career.

Directing the cast is Dena Schumacher, who being a female Director can relate to Normand’s experiences. Costume & Set Design will be helmed by Molly Maguire, Music by Clay Franklin and special thanks to Marilyn Slater who served as Techincal Advisor. Production will take place in and around Manhattan, Westchester County, New Jersey and Connecticut. A winter release is expected. For more information contact rjc722@aol.com.