Vintage original 11 x 14 in. US lobby card from the teens silent film comedy/romance, HIS MAJESTY, THE AMERICAN, released in 1919 and directed by Joseph Henabery.
 
This was the very first film to be released by the newly-formed United Artists Corporation, which consisted of co-partners Mary Pickford, Charlie Chaplin, D.W. Griffith and Fairbanks. The image features a charming scene as New Yorker William Brooks (Douglas Fairbanks) romances pretty Felice, Countess of Montenac (Marjorie Daw), from atop the garden wall above her. Printed with a light glossy finish, it is unrestored in good- condition and has darkened over time. 
 
*"His Majesty, the American is a 1919 American silent comedy film directed by Joseph Henabery and starring Douglas Fairbanks. It was the first film produced 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]. 
 
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."
*(source: Wikipedia)
 
*"Principal photography began in April 1919 at the Pickford-Fairbanks Studio in West Hollywood, CA, and completed in July 1919, as stated in the 9 August 1919 and 16 August 1919 issues of Motion Picture News. The film was the first release from the recently formed United Artists Corp. Eight weeks were devoted to writing the scenario, and “massive” interior and exterior sets were constructed, some at a cost of more than $40,000. Elton Banks, credited with assisting director Joseph Henabery with the scenario, was the pseudonym of lead actor Douglas Fairbanks."
*(source: AFI Catalog of Feature Films)
 
*"A man goes to Mexico and tangles with bandits. His then called to a tiny European country where a revolution is going on. It turns out that he is heir to the throne and he manages to squelch the plotters and win the girl in short order."
*(source: IMDb)
 
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