His Majesty, the American
Theatrical release poster
Directed byJoseph Henabery
Written byJoseph Henabery
Douglas Fairbanks (credited as "Elton Banks")
Produced byDouglas Fairbanks
StarringDouglas Fairbanks
Marjorie Daw
CinematographyVictor Fleming
Glen MacWilliams
Distributed byUnited Artists
Release date
  • August 31, 1919 (1919-08-31) (Chicago)
Running time
96 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageSilent (English intertitles)
Budget$300,000[1]

His Majesty, the American is a 1919 American silent comedy film directed by Joseph Henabery and starring Douglas Fairbanks.[2] It was the first film produced for distribution by United Artists. It was released in the U.K. as One of the Blood. Prints exist in the film holdings of Cohen Media Group (Raymond Rohauer collection) [a 35mm positive]; in the film holdings of EmGee Film Library [a 16mm reduction positive]; and in private film collections [a 16mm reduction positives].[3][4]

This was one of Boris Karloff's earliest acting jobs in the movie industry. He can be spotted in the scene where Sarzeau's men storm the inn where Bill Brooks is staying. Karloff is at the front of the crowd, wearing a thick mustache and a cloth cap. He can also be seen on the staircase as the men race up the stairs to Bill Brooks's room.

Plot

As described in a film magazine,[5] Bill (Fairbanks), whose hair raising antics have made him the talk of New York City, decides to leave the metropolis after a new district attorney starts cracking down on minor offenses, and visits Mexico in search of adventure. He receives a telegram for a foreign country asking him to come at once to its capital. At the train station he is met by a mysterious stranger and told he will be summoned when the time is right. A rebellion is brewing and the plotters seek to capture him, but Bill eludes them. The King (Southern) gathers his court around him while the rabble, headed by the traitorous Minister of War, storm the castle. Bill dons the uniform of an army officer and goes to an outlying garrison, and returns to the capital with the troops and restores quiet. The King presents Bill as heir apparent and future ruler of the country. Bill's romance with a pretty member of the court is allowed to progress to the altar.

Cast

  • Douglas Fairbanks as Bill (William) Brooks
  • Marjorie Daw as Felice, the Countess of Montenac
  • Frank Campeau as Grand Duke Sarzeau
  • Sam Southern as the King Phillipe IV
  • Jay Dwiggins as Emile Metz
  • Lillian Langdon as Princess Marguerite
  • Albert MacQuarrie as Undetermined Role (credited as Albert McQuarrie)
  • Bull Montana as Undetermined Role
  • William Gillis as Undetermined Role (credited as Will Gillis)
  • Phil Gastrock as Undetermined Role (credited as Phil Gastrox)
  • Boris Karloff as the Henchman in the cloth cap (uncredited)
  • Karla Schramm (uncredited)
  • Charles Stevens as an officer (uncredited)

See also

References

  1. ↑ Balio, Tino (2009). United Artists: The Company Built by the Stars. University of Wisconsin Press. p. 39. ISBN 978-0-299-23004-3.
  2. ↑ "Progressive Silent Film List: His Majesty, the American". silentera.com. Retrieved April 6, 2008.
  3. ↑ "Silent Era : Progressive Silent Film List".
  4. ↑ Balio, Tino (2009). United Artists: The Company Built by the Stars. University of Wisconsin Press. p. 30. ISBN 978-0-299-23004-3.
  5. ↑ "Reviews: His Majesty, the American". Exhibitors Herald. New York City: Exhibitors Herald Company. 9 (12): 63. September 13, 1919.
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