The time of great prosperity and change began to increase in the USA in the 1920s. "The Red
Scare" frightened the minds of Americans and immigrants were coming from all over the world to
the USA. People started the fashions of new music, American Jazz, and the Nineteenth
Amendment was established, which gave the right to any woman to vote. It was also a time of
industrial growth and intensive progress. New sources of entertainment were invented:
automobiles, improved airplanes, radio and especially movies captured the society of that time.
One recognized figure of cinematography was Douglas Fairbanks Sr., who is known for his
comedies, heroic swashbucklers and his significant efforts for American movie production.
(Encyclopedia of Popular Culture).
Famous American silent movie actor was Douglas Fairbanks was born in Denver, Colorado on
May 23, 1889. His father Charles Ulman escaped his responsibility of fatherhood by separating
with his wife and leaving his two sons Douglas and Robert with their mother. However, his sons
had some happy memories about their father. Their mother Ella Fairbanks, besides taking care of
them, influenced Doug's interest to become an actor. According to her: "Doug was physically
active from a young age, falling off the roof" (geocities.com, media site). Growing up in Denver,
Doug started acting in theaters around the city. His mother took him to theater performances and
shows. As a result young Doug met the retired actress Maude Fealy, who was his first instructor.
Soon after, Doug was brought to the attention of the professional actor-manager Frederick
Warde.(geocities. com)
After Doug turned 17 he moved to New York City by taking an offering from Mr.Warde. Having
not finished his senior year, young Fairbanks worked at many places, besides trying to make his
way to the Broadway stage. Finally singing a contract with the theatrical producer William Brady,
he joined the company for the Broadway season. Doug hoped to reach the top, and worked very
hard to succeed. Although first his movies did not make him famous, success was not far from
him.
In 1907 Mr. Fairbanks met and married the beautiful blond Anna Beth Sully, whose father was in
a big business. Doug happily agreed to work with her father and stop theatrical acting for a little
while. Soon after their marriage Anna gave birth to Douglas Fairbanks Jr., who was named after
his father. In 1915, coming back to acting Doug entered the company Triangle of Fine Arts,
where he made his debut with the picture "The Lamb".(geocities. com). Over the next several
years , after his successful movies such as " The Half Breed", "Manhattan Madness" , " The
Americano", and some others, and Doug became quite popular, not just in the United States ,but
also in Europe .
By that time, becoming a well-known actor and making enough money, Doug was able to create
his own production companies and his own movies. He was not only an actor, but also produced
many movies and wrote scripts with his pseudonym Elton Thomas. (biography.com). In 1915
Fairbanks met Mary Pickford and they instantly fell in love, although both of them were married
at that time. Hollywood's couple kept it in secret for three years in order to prevent a scandal for
the whole of America. (douglasfairbanks.org/bio.htm). In 1919, Doug was involved with the
United Artists Corporation with his best friend Charley Chaplin and his secret girlfriend Mary
Pickford. (douglasfairbanks.org/bio.htm) .
They supported the producers and movie makers, helping them to protect their financial earnings.
For the next few years Douglas Fairbanks was not only involved in the film industry, but also
produced entertaining pictures. His movies were even more famous for their expense , beauty
and exciting activity in his new style of swashbuckler; these included "The Mask of Zorro", "
The Three Musketeers", " The Thief of Baghdad",and "Robin Hood". (geocities.com)
Finally in 1920 the couple ofHollywood got married after divorcing with their past lovers. By that
time Mary Pickford was increasing her popularity in American movies and with Doug they were
called "The King and The Queen of Hollywood" (biography.com).Together they went to Europe
for their honeymoon, where they had high regards of European crowds.(geocities.com). They were
together everywhere: making movies and showing up at the all parties of Hollywood; working in
the United Artist Corporation and traveling around Europe.(Encyclopedia of Popular Culture
p.58). This couple stayed in the memories of many Americans for a long time.
By 1927 Douglas was approaching the end of his artistic career, but he still was active in
developing the American picture industry. Being 44 years old, Doug could not be a heroic
swashbuckler as well as before. Giving speeches on opening movie theaters he concentrated on
building the future of movie production in the United States. Fairbanks was one of the founders of
the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science where he was its first president, taking part of
the first ceremony of Academy Awards .(Encyclopedia of Popular Culture p.58) Doug helped to
financially support the project of Grauman's Chinese Theater in Hollywood and raised other
important developments to improve movie production. (douglasfairbanks.org/bio.htm). Being one
of the first silent movie stars Douglas definitely influenced American cinematography.
As an artistic person Doug had some other interests in his life. Since childhood he would act and
sing. Douglas also loved to watch fascinating performances and theater shows. The writing of
books, stories, journals and memorizing poems were included in his artistic interests as well. As a
result many of his movies are based on real stories from Doug's life. Staying in Europe for months
and traveling numerous times with Mary or alone Douglas had strong international interests. One
of his best adventures was the Honeymoon he spent traveling in Europe. He liked sports as well:
when he was a child he often used to go out camping or mountain climbing with his father. As
Doug grew up he kept practicing athletics consistently, keeping his figure and appearance in good
shape all the time. This was one of the reasons for his attractiveness.
Douglas Fairbanks Sr., athletic, optimistic, devoted and persona of endless possibilities, was one
of the founders of American silent movies. He had a special impact both on his audience and his
coworkers. He was a successful businessman with a vision in the film industry. Being an excellent
actor, some of his pictures will never be forgotten and will remain in the minds of many
Americans as "The Kingof Hollywood".
. everywhere: making movies and showing up at the all parties of Hollywood; working in
the United Artist Corporation and traveling around Europe.(Encyclopedia of Popular. president, taking part of
the first ceremony of Academy Awards .(Encyclopedia of Popular Culture p.58) Doug helped to
financially support the project of Grauman's