Events Mack Sennett, who had previously worked as an actor and comedy director with D. W. Griffith, formed a new company, Keystone, that played an important role in developing slapstick comedy. Sennett's company became home to the Keystone Kops, English actor Charlie Chaplin, and others. October 31 - The Musketeers of Pig Alley, directed by D.W. Griffith, debuts as the first gangster film. Movies Released Movies released in 1912 include: Oliver Twist: The first American feature film to last over an hour. Keystone Comedy Births January 8 - José Ferrer, actor (+ 1992) May 23 - John Payne (I), actor June 26 - Jay Silverheels, actor (Tonto) (+ 1980) August 23 - Gene Kelly, actor (+ 1996) September 21 - Chuck Jones, animator (+ 2002) October 31 - Dale Evans, actress (+ 2001) Deaths
