Douglas Fairbanks Exhibit: Pictures and Review!

Believe it or not that's a whole wall! Last Friday was the first of two Douglas Fairbanks screenings held by the Academy. I was glad to get another chance to see Doug and Anna May Wong on the big screen in "Thief of Bagdad". Unfortunately I was late (Mabel), hit traffic (damn Hollywood), and had trouble finding the parking garage (damn Beverly Hills). I made it in right about the time the purse argument was going on, so unfortunately I missed Kevin Brownlow's introduction. I can guarantee I'll be going early on Monday for "The Iron Mask".

The Samuel Goldwyn Theatre is HUGE...probably the biggest I have seen here in LA. It was near 80% full and it was a really lovely mix of ages and genders and such. Everyone seemed to really enjoy the film, which looked lovingly restored and the score was fantastic. I kinda wish they'd had an actual orchestra (now THAT woulda been something!) but I'll take what I can get.

After the screening they announced the "First King of Hollywood" Exhibit would be open for another hour or so for those who wanted to see it. Oh my was it CROWDED! EVERYONE seemed to want to go through it, which made for some awkward maneuvering. I've been meaning to see the exhibit before it closes in April so this was a nice bonus.

Unfortunately what with taking pictures and the crowds I didn't get to thoroughly enjoy it. Its several rooms long and has neat little cards explaining things along the way. Lots of pictures and artifacts and I believe 3 film exhibit parts as well (documentary, newsreels with Mary, talkies and final silents). The film bits were where it was the most crowded. It was funny I was taking pictures of the production artifacts part and all of a sudden I heard a voice. A lot of people stopped and looked and there was a clip from "Taming of the Shrew". Mercifully they didn't have Mary speak (my what a wrong impression THAT would have given for her!). I always liked Doug's voice, he needs a Silents Talk one of these days.

For that matter I've always liked Doug. He's not my lord and savior like Chaplin nor my true love like Valentino, but I definitely enjoy him. He's just so damn charming on screen...I don't see how you COULDN'T like him! I also think its unfair people say he 'wasn't a good actor'. Definitely not the greatest, and he didn't go to great lengths to show he could act, but he could when he felt like it. His ''character'' (much like Mary's little girl or Charlie's tramp) was the little energetic boy who had wide gestures and did wild stunts while getting crushes on similarly childlike girls (this time a Princess). The wide gesturing turns a lot of people off acting wise (though it does convey how fun he was) but there are moments in his films where he goes for serious and it does prove he had that ability. He was on Broadway before film ya know...

Anyways here's some pictures with some commentary! My apologies if I cant label everything, I didn't have much time to take notes!





I can't remember which film this was from but it was an early one, with full approval from Beth apparently! Well...Mary had good taste! Thanks to Harlett O'Dowd for pointing out its the opening shot of "The Half-Breed" from 1916.

This is a working ''script'' of how they would film during that day.

One of those pictures where you wonder what they talked about: Valentino, Hays, and Doug. I think Doug wanted to be Valentino and Valentino wanted to be Doug. Some of the pictures in the exhibit back this up. Apparently Doug didn't like Valentino at first, but they made their peace eventually.

This is a drawing for the set design of the Thief of Bagdad dining room.

And then Doug spoke! Taming of the Shrew playing

Boots from I believe Robin Hood

AHHH its the bull from The Gaucho! Looks a lot less scary here...

Of all the pictures to not come out this one is a shame. That's the dagger Doug used to hold Anna May Wong hostage in Thief. Its really pretty in person. Thanks to Ian for cleaning the pic up a bit!

Some more set drawings...all from The Iron Mask

A curling iron used in Taming and I think Dorothy Vernon as well.

Doug and the almighty Chaplin!

Mary's having a bad hair day here...well thankfully it's a weave! This is from "The Black Pirate" when she stepped in for the final kissing scene.

3 love letters from Doug to Mary. He had VERY illegible handwriting...and according to the commentary he didn't like writing much anyways. They were sweet little letters, I believe from right around the time they were 'on' again.

People watching the newsreel exhibit

The key from The Black Pirate

Doug at the Egyptian!

An extra costume from I believe The Iron Mask. AMAZING detail!

Doug's costume from The Iron Mask (it has been altered a little over the years for other productions)

See its very Valentino!

The Iron Mask and some coins! Sorry I didnt get a picture of it but in this box is also a fleur de lis branding device. Apparently there was a scene where the bitchy criminal lady gets branded...but it didnt make the final cut (or was never filmed, we dont know.)

These were props from various films. The one on the left is from Thief of Bagdad. They didn't know what the broom was from.

Valentino-esque part 2!

Note the Doug cigars on the bottom right corner. He endored his own brand of cigars and smoked like a chimney...which probably didnt help his health in later years.