c. 1915
Image: Hulton Archive/Getty Images
In 1914, Keystone Pictures founder Mack Sennett was looking for a way to drum up extra press for his slapstick films in the crowded silent comedy market
While reading the newspaper one day, he noticed a front page, photo-illustrated story about a girl who had been in a fender bender. The content of the story did not seem to merit such a prominent placement — but the woman in the photo was pretty, and showing off her shapely knees.
Sennett decided knees would grab people’s attention, and began sending out publicity photos of Keystone comedy stars surrounded by mischievous women baring their limbs. The publicity tactic was a success, and the women were soon incorporated into the films themselves. Read more…
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