Early and Silent Cinema, 1895-1929

Items

• Comedian Sticks to His Original Character in New Film, "Pay Day"
  It is clear that Pay Day (1922) is a very personal film for Chaplin. The most valuable thing about Chaplin's performance is the perfect blend of comedy and life, his smile and gestures can cause you to laugh, but you can't deny that when you stop laughing and think about it, what you are left with is not the moments that make you laugh, but rather the images that make you feel sad.
• The dream in The Kid (1921)
  As the article says, the episode gives the audience a glimpse into Charlie's inner world, an understanding of his fears and his flaws, and the realisation that Charlie and the child cannot co-exist. At the end of the film, when Charlie and the child are reunited in real life, the audience is left wondering if this is a good ending. It is thus clear that Charlie Chaplin adds to the touching and tragic nature of the film with the dreaming episode.
• The sign of capacity
  it shows his growing influence as a founder of UAC and his prevalence within cinema has grown again. His face it the tartan shirt is smiling and youthful. The drawing looks fit and healthy with an admired figure. Douglas Fairbanks is large text to highlight his importance. His style makes him look masculine like a lumberjack. Looks at one with nature and content with life.
• Here are nine pictures of unusual merit
  It shows the importance of Fairbanks to Hollywood. Someone who is a businessman who was bale to churn out films but more importantly star in ones that were classed a good films too. His name pasted on the page three times shows the importance of him and the originality to his work which was inventive yet familiar. This page is a simple page with no pictures, this is to highlight the actors and directors work over the stylised visions of their imagination. Within these three films there is a common occurrence. Love, romance, adventure and comedy. It creates a synonymous representation of the man himself: stunt loving, straight man and funny.
• The American Gesture … the Interpreter of a Nation
  This shows how the public n editors viewed Fairbanks. This article shows Fairbanks in a positive light whereby he has furthered American society by his onscreen acting and his business enterprises. The economic rise of Fairbanks is meteoric which coincides with American virtues of privatising industry and leaving it to the individual to run. This article is the pinnacle of positive for an actor who is celebrated in every sentence. This over exaggeration of Fairbanks career up to date over glorifies him and shows his success without any of the failures that occurred along the way. This is to be read by people everywhere which shows Fairbanks positively which helps his reputation and films further.
• Douglas Fairbanks, Manuel Alonso and William Tilden on a tennis court forming a human pyramid
  This shows Fairbanks who is in the middle of the pyramid enjoys having time off with friends. This makes him approachable and more down to earth other than a celebrity who is power and business driven. It shows other aspects of life matter to him as well. Fun, Friendship and Sports.
• Robin Hood periodical page and supplementary poster
  'Douglas Fairbanks' is written in bold large text which indicates his importance in and for the film. The celebrating knights indicates a victory and success for Robin Hood both in the film and the films financial success. The text indicates the financial success that puts into proportion the film as a great success that is "still going strong". The aim of this page is to entice people to watch the film who haven't seen it. It does this by Signposting Fairbanks' name and the financial success of the film which will indicate to some that the financial success means the film must be good. Therefore bringing more to cinemas to see it. being in black and white also means the attention is drawn to the text sooner which is an important role to drawing crowds to see the film.
• Les Vedettes de Cinéma : United Artists : Max Linder, Douglas Fairbanks, Charlie Chaplin
  It shows the three as stars. One currently in action and two normally. They are lined up and photographed, therefore the photo looks a little uncomfortable due to the wry smiles by all three who do not look happy nor sad. The smiles seem fake and put on especially for the photo. This photo marks the hidden element s of cinema, the making f movies. Fairbanks in costume looks unusual compared to his peers next to him, however on set with actors for the film he would look far more normal. It shows a key element of film which is its fictionality. The three look very detached from each other with gaps in-between each other to keep a distance from touching. The idea that physical contact between men was not normal. The bottom of the card contains the company United Artists which produced 'Douglas Fairbanks in Robin Hood' (1922). Chaplin and Fairbanks were both founders in this company which became so prosperous in the 1920's. Fairbanks stands out in the photo due to his centrality which indicates his influence in the film. He was screenwriter, star and producer.
• Charles Chaplin and Douglas Fairbanks walking in the Studios
  Backs facing the camera can feel authentic as the subjects seem to be unaware of the photo being taken. However it can in some extreme cases make the subjects look pompous or self-absorbed. It could perhaps have that effect here as they feel so famous that people will know its them even from behind. Hiding your face from the camera can suggest you are trying to hide something from others. in this can it could be suggested the talks they have are secretive and this photo displays this secret that divides the public and the stars. This shot is from a distance and feel as if this is as close as we are allowed to get, like a barrier is stopping us from getting closer.
• The Inverell Times - Douglas Fairbanks clipping
  This longevity of the film has meant it being screened two years after release and around the world in Australia. It shows the worldwide stardom of Douglas Fairbanks. Fairbanks did indeed have an influence in the making of 'Mollycoddle', he actually was producer, star, screenwriter and part owner of the distribution company United Artists. His Hollywood influence was great and this could be seen through his worldwide fame and acclaim. He represents a clear American identity of a capitalist who is a private owner making profit in the countries media system.
• The Film Renter and Moving Picture News
  It shows the reasoning behind why so many films were screened to a large scale. It again thrusts Fairbanks into limelight and presents him positively for his acting and starring in good films.
• Exhibitor's Trade Review (Sep-Nov 1922)
  Part 1: It shows Fairbanks as a businessman and entrepreneur. The cost of the film clearly shows the trust companies had him and the trust he had in himself to write, produce and star within this film. it shows he has intelligence rather than just brawn which is usually shown in his films in the 1920's Part 2:Fairbanks' name is in the title of the film, this is massive and doesn't even happen today. It shows how famous he is and how much weight his name caries within Hollywood. Doing this alongside his wife brings in gossip that reaches media like this. It also shows how relevant the couple are. His life and image in the 1920's is conjoined with Pickford's where the power couple became so famous. His image is therefore bound alongside hers and the idea of the masculine man that won over Pickford and married her.
• Declaration of intents
  It shows that there was an unhappiness by Fairbanks against censorship, unhelpful propaganda and people destroying theatre. Although this is one perspective it is understandable due to the echelon of names that followed. As a businessman his reputation, acting and livelihood was threatened and it was something that he wanted to ratify. It was not until 1934 when the Hays code introduced the film industry to the Motion Picture Production Code, which is known widely as “the Hays code.” For the first time there was a cohesive censorship guideline for films that were made and distributed in the United States. This is the fear that Fairbanks and others worried about and they wanted to stop this. This document shows his influence and his own knowledge of his power within Hollywood. Partially as a co-founder of United Artists but also as an influential star. Their aim was not to stop new artforms from occurring but to stop the machines within film from determining what actors, directors and producers can make.
• A Kiss from Mary Pickford
  This shows their relevance to film. Although Fairbanks only has a cameo in the film, his face is on the posters. This shows his stardom and importance not just in Hollywood but as a star in Russia. He represents the wealthy, influential movie star who travelled to USSR and drew crowds to see him. The films development centres around Pickford and Fairbanks who are small roles but are felt throughout the film as important figures. Their roles show a perspective of the audience of wanting to meet their 'heroes'. It puts Fairbanks on a podium of being an influential star. His good looks are prominent as one character is smitten with him which furthers his swashbuckling, rugged smart look which is a clear indicator of what type of actor he is. His heterosexuality is furthered by his marriage to the perhaps most famous woman of the 1910s and 1920s. This implies he has a charm and ability to win the best of the best. As if a trophy.
• Mary & Doug Travel to Russia
  Admirers of the advanced state of Soviet filmmaking, particularly Sergei Eisenstein’s Battleship Potemkin, Doug and Mary extended their annual trip to Europe to visit Moscow in July, 1926. Eisenstein was a great admirer of Douglas Fairbanks and in the 'Mask of Zorro'. They were greeted by an outpouring of interest from fans they didn’t know they had. This shows the extent to their fame which had reached Russia. Footage from the trip was made into 'A Kiss from Mary Pickford' by the Russian director Sergei Komarov. The inside, enclosed videos of the couple become glimpses into their love, they look happy and comfortable with each other. Fairbanks has gone to Russia in love of the new filmmaking methods. It shows his love for the film industry and his own personal aim to create new and inventive films.
• Doug & Mary planting a “Douglas Fern” to celebrate their Fifth Wedding Anniversary in 1925
  These home movies give us a rare glimpse into Doug and Mary’s life at Pickfair with their dog, Zorro. It shows they are real people too not just movie stars. It shows the two are in love and happy to present their relationship to the public too. This can mean a growing relevance for the two in the public eye. The Beverly hills in the background show off their wealth, fame and status in Hollywood.
• Douglas Fairbanks sitting on the back of Charles Chaplin, who is walking on all fours
  Both were known for their comedies in the 1910's and this shows the sense of humour they both have. A friendship tat would last a long time is shown as being playful and funny. It shows that Fairbanks did not always take himself so seriously. Perhaps even humbles him and create a familiarity with the US population. What does smiling usually indicate? Image result for what does someone smiling in a photo imply Fairbanks can be seen to use the smile to reassure others while communicating trustworthiness good intentions about this roleplay with Chaplin. It implies that Fairbanks and Chaplin are not intending to be photographed but appear to have been caught while messing around it insinuates a social connectors with the audience of the normality of stars. A child centre to them. Does this playing with Chaplin however insinuate homosexuality between the two? Probably due to the famous marriage and affair with Mary that has occurred with Fairbanks.
• Douglas Fairbanks and Charles Chaplin behind the camera
  It shows how hands-on Fairbanks was with filmmaking in Hollywood. As a director, producer, actor, stuntman and director it showed his versatility and skill within the films he created and performed in. A very in-the-moment photo shows naturality about Fairbanks and Chaplin. Both showing them as friends and film stars naturally.
• Exhibitors Herald - United Artists
  The section is about films produced by Fairbanks, Griffiths and Pickford. The majority are Fairbanks films with mixed reviews, this shows although he had a love for the cinema he did not always have the skill to pull off popular or successful films. It displays a clear message about how efficient and productive his company was to produce so many in the space of one year, and have exhibitors nationally screening his work. Fairbanks is understated and his success, alongside Mary Pickford, in the 1920's was bigger than that of Chaplin or D.W. Griffiths. It shows how famous and popular he was in the decade. This shows that his work is everywhere but also faced criticism from many alongside the praise. The majority of the films by Fairbanks that are spoken about are also action films with himself as the lead. Perhaps indicating an ego or vanity. But is also proves his fame stems from just his swashbuckling feature films alongside his marriage to Pickford.
• Three top men stars
  This shows the importance of the three actors. Their legacy as stars is important. It shows a gag where each is stereo typically dressed as famous character they portrayed or what they are best know wearing. Fairbanks attire is well dressed, neat and crisp. He lacks a tie due to his outgoing nature where a tie would get in the way. Therefore he is dressed smart but practically.
• Clipping - The Thief of Bagdad
  This clipping shows how relevant Fairbanks was. His name as large as the title. Above the title. He is more important and what draws crowds to watch the film. The detailing around the clipping is like a cinema screen. The box-like appearance is connoting to the reader what its like going to see a feature-length film. Hoping positive connotations come from experiences at the cinema therefore they may go. Its exclusivity is almost an echelon for the public to view Fairbanks as if a work of art.
• Oscar Price and the founders of United Artists Corporation
  This is a photo of celebrities but in a private manner. Their backs are turned which indicates hiding something, in this instance it is the business details of creating United Artists. Backs facing the camera shows the unawareness of the photo or the meaningfulness to have their faces within the photo. Although outside the 1920-1929 dates it is important to understand this context of the friendship these stars had and the power they had for the next decade.
• Swashbuckling Douglas Fairbanks in 'The Thief of Bagdad'.
  Douglas Fairbanks was not a lazy actor, usually performing his own stunts he became the swashbuckling actor. Swinging from ropes and vaulting across film sets meant his fame in the 1920's stemmed from these swashbuckling films. He portrays a rough, rugged character who likes adventure and outdoors. Characteristics that are commonly associated with the ideal man.
• 'Douglas Fairbanks in Robin Hood' Trailer
  This shows scale of productions by Douglas Fairbanks Pictures and how Hollywood was a growing industry in the silent era. The large scale of this film with hundreds of extras, massive sets and famous actors presents a clear identity of Fairbanks who is more than just an actor. He is a businessman, an actor and movie star. His wealth is huge. Fairbanks stars in a film which is violent and stereotypically 'macho'. Violence, action, war and weaponry are themes even today that are associated more with male actors than females. This presents a masculine portrayal of Fairbanks and the type of films he would star in and produce. Shots of him and a women indicate a love interest, inferring a romance between the two characters which ties into sexuality in the 1920's
• 'Spanish People at Pickfair'
  This shows so much. Firstly it presents Fairbanks as a lover of films who, in his spare time with friends, loved creating films for fun not just as a business. Powerful friends like Charlie Chaplin and Mary Pickford show how big his influence was in 1920's Hollywood. It situates itself aside from normal Hollywood and questions gender roles and courting of women. This shows an intelligence and interest in questioning societies normalities. It does not however diverge from the heterosexuality of men even if this does resent Chaplin's characters consciousness of flaunting privacy where he pulls over his tunic and crosses his legs like a woman. Still sexuality is not questioned enough. Mary Pickford stands out within the little film and that is perhaps of her stardom or of her figure against other women.