Vintage original 9 x 11.75 in. US sheet music from the teens fictional kingdom-themed adventure comedy/romance, HIS MAJESTY, THE AMERICAN, released in 1919 by United Artists and directed by Joseph Henabery.
This film has a place of prominence in American film history in that it was the first film to be released by United Artists after its formation by Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks, Charles Chaplin, and D.W. Griffith. Published in 1919 by Broadway Music Corporation (NY), the song is entitled His Majesty, the American, with words by Lew Brown and music by Albert Von Tilzer. The front cover features a close exterior shot of Douglas Fairbanks (as American William Brooks) as he pushes his head and shoulders through an opening in a large wooden door to unlock it from the inside. The interior consists of 2 pages of music. It is in very fine- condition.
*"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. 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)
*"According to director Joseph Henabery, the film was created as a form of propaganda. The Woodrow Wilson administration approached actor-producer Douglas Fairbanks and prevailed upon him to create a motion picture which would promote the Fourteen Points of the League of Nations. Fairbanks consented and work began on this film. However, mid-way through production, the League of Nations' proposal collapsed and the film's plot had to be rewritten. Reportedly, Henabery loathed making the film as a result.
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)
SMB