His Majesty, the American
"The Prince of Adventure! The King of Thrills!"
Plot
His Majesty, the American tells the story of William Brooks, a wealthy young American with a passion for adventure and sports who is unaware that he is actually the heir to the throne of the small European kingdom of Bovinia. When revolution threatens his homeland, William is tracked down and informed of his true identity as Prince William. Despite his American upbringing and lack of royal training, he returns to Bovinia to claim his birthright and save his country from the revolutionary forces led by the treacherous General Krugstein. Along the way, he falls for Princess Marguerite, navigates court intrigue, and uses his American ingenuity and athletic prowess to outwit his enemies and secure his kingdom.
About the Production
This was one of the first films produced by Douglas Fairbanks' own production company after he gained independence from major studios. Fairbanks, known for his athletic prowess and willingness to perform dangerous stunts himself, insisted on doing all his own stunt work, including elaborate acrobatic sequences and fight scenes. The film was shot during the summer of 1919 when Fairbanks was at the height of his popularity and creative control.
Historical Background
His Majesty, the American was produced in 1919, during a transformative period in American cinema following World War I. The film industry was consolidating in Hollywood, and stars like Fairbanks were gaining unprecedented power to control their own productions. This period saw the emergence of the star system, with actors becoming the primary draw for audiences rather than studios or directors. The film's themes of American exceptionalism and democratic values triumphing over European aristocracy resonated strongly with post-war American audiences who were proud of their country's role in the war and its emerging status as a world power. The movie also reflected the growing fascination with European royalty and settings among American audiences, while simultaneously reinforcing American cultural superiority through its protagonist's American values saving the day.
Why This Film Matters
His Majesty, the American played a crucial role in establishing the swashbuckling adventure genre in American cinema and cementing Douglas Fairbanks as the archetype of the action hero. The film's blend of comedy, romance, and elaborate action sequences became a template that Fairbanks would perfect in later films like 'The Mark of Zorro' (1920) and 'Robin Hood' (1922). Fairbanks' athletic performance style and his insistence on doing his own stunts set a new standard for physicality in film acting that would influence generations of action stars. The movie also contributed to the development of the Hollywood star system, demonstrating how a charismatic performer could become a brand and drive box office success independently of studio infrastructure. Its success helped establish Fairbanks as one of the founding members of United Artists along with Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford, and D.W. Griffith in 1919.
Making Of
The production of 'His Majesty, the American' marked a significant turning point in Douglas Fairbanks' career as it was the first film made after he formed his own production company. Fairbanks had unprecedented creative freedom and used it to develop the action-adventure formula that would make him famous. The filming process was rigorous, with Fairbanks insisting on performing all his own stunts despite the risks. During one particularly dangerous scene where his character had to leap from a balcony onto a moving carriage, Fairbanks misjudged the distance and suffered minor injuries, but insisted on continuing the shoot. Director Joseph Henabery, who had previously worked as an actor and assistant director for D.W. Griffith, brought a sophisticated visual style to the film, incorporating dynamic camera movements and elaborate set designs that were uncommon for comedies of the era. The palace sets were among the most expensive constructed in Hollywood up to that time, costing a significant portion of the film's budget.
Visual Style
The cinematography by Victor Fleming and William C. McGann was considered quite advanced for its time, featuring dynamic camera movements and innovative angles that enhanced the action sequences. The film employed tracking shots during chase scenes and used crane shots to capture the scale of the palace sets. The lighting techniques, particularly in the ballroom scenes, created a romantic atmosphere while still allowing for clear visibility of Fairbanks' athletic movements. The cinematographers worked closely with Fairbanks to ensure that his stunts were captured in the most dramatic way possible, often using multiple cameras to cover complex action sequences from different angles. The visual style balanced the grandeur of European settings with the energy of American action, creating a distinctive look that would influence the visual language of adventure films for decades.
Innovations
The film featured several technical innovations for its time, particularly in its action sequences and set design. The palace sets were among the most elaborate constructed in Hollywood up to that point, featuring multiple levels and hidden mechanisms for Fairbanks' stunts. The film employed early forms of wire work for some of Fairbanks' more impossible athletic feats, though these were used sparingly to maintain the illusion of his natural abilities. The production also utilized innovative editing techniques to enhance the pacing of action scenes, using rapid cuts between different camera angles to create a sense of movement and excitement that was ahead of its time. The film's success in combining comedy, romance, and action in a seamless narrative demonstrated new possibilities for genre hybridization in cinema.
Music
As a silent film, 'His Majesty, the American' was accompanied by live musical performances during its theatrical run. The film was distributed with a suggested musical score compiled by the music department at Fairbanks' production company. The score included popular classical pieces adapted for the film's various moods, with lighter, comedic music for the American scenes and more dramatic, romantic compositions for the European palace sequences. Theaters with larger orchestras would often elaborate on the suggested score, while smaller venues might use a piano or organ accompaniment. The music was crucial to the film's emotional impact, particularly during the romantic scenes and action sequences where the tempo and intensity of the music would match the on-screen action.
Famous Quotes
I may be a prince, but I'm still an American at heart!
A crown doesn't make a king - character does!
In America, we make our own destiny!
Some things are worth fighting for - freedom, honor, and a pretty girl!
Memorable Scenes
- The opening sequence where Fairbanks' character demonstrates his athletic prowess through various sports and adventures, establishing his American energy and capability.
- The revelation scene where William learns he is actually a prince, featuring dramatic intertitles and emotional reactions.
- The palace ball sequence where Fairbanks swings from a chandelier to escape his enemies, showcasing his trademark stunt work.
- The final sword fight and confrontation with the villain, combining comedy, romance, and action in a climactic sequence that established the template for future swashbuckling films.
Did You Know?
- This was the first film produced under Fairbanks' own production company banner, giving him complete creative control for the first time in his career.
- Douglas Fairbanks performed all his own stunts, including a dangerous sequence where he swings from a chandelier during a palace ball scene.
- The film's success helped establish Fairbanks as one of the highest-paid and most popular stars of the silent era.
- Joseph Henabery, who directed the film, was also an actor who had appeared in D.W. Griffith's 'The Birth of a Nation' (1915).
- The fictional European kingdom of 'Bovinia' was a comedic nod to the small principalities that were disappearing after World War I.
- Fairbanks' character's athletic abilities were showcased in several scenes, including polo playing and fencing, all performed by the actor himself.
- The film was part of Fairbanks' series of adventure-comedies that established the swashbuckling genre in American cinema.
- Marjorie Daw, who played the princess, was one of Fairbanks' frequent co-stars during this period.
- The movie's poster art became iconic and was later reproduced in film history books as an example of silent film marketing.
- The film's original negative was believed lost for decades but a complete copy was discovered in the 1970s in a European archive.
What Critics Said
Contemporary critics praised 'His Majesty, the American' for its energy, Fairbanks' charismatic performance, and its innovative action sequences. The Motion Picture News called it 'a splendid entertainment' and particularly highlighted Fairbanks' 'boundless energy and athletic prowess.' The New York Times noted that the film 'provides ample opportunity for Mr. Fairbanks to display his remarkable talents for acrobatic comedy and derring-do.' Modern film historians view the movie as an important stepping stone in Fairbanks' career and a significant contribution to the development of the action-adventure genre. While not considered among Fairbanks' absolute masterpieces like 'The Thief of Bagdad,' it is recognized as a crucial film in establishing his star persona and the formula that would make him one of the most popular and influential stars of the silent era.
What Audiences Thought
The film was a major box office success upon its release in September 1919, playing to packed houses across the United States. Audiences were particularly enthusiastic about Fairbanks' stunt work and athletic performances, often applauding during the screening when he performed particularly daring feats. The movie's blend of comedy, romance, and action appealed to a broad demographic, from young audiences who loved the adventure elements to older viewers who appreciated the romantic storyline. Contemporary newspaper accounts reported that the film was 'drawing tremendous crowds' and 'setting new attendance records' in many cities. The success of 'His Majesty, the American' solidified Fairbanks' status as one of the most bankable stars in Hollywood and helped establish the audience's appetite for the swashbuckling adventures that would dominate his career throughout the 1920s.
Awards & Recognition
- No major awards were given for this film as the Academy Awards were not established until 1929
Film Connections
Influenced By
- Earlier Fairbanks comedies
- D.W. Griffith's visual storytelling techniques
- Literary traditions of the 'lost prince' narrative
- European adventure literature
- Contemporary post-war political events
This Film Influenced
- The Mark of Zorro (1920)
- The Three Musketeers (1921)
- Robin Hood (1922)
- The Thief of Bagdad (1924)
- Later swashbuckling films starring Errol Flynn
- Modern superhero films featuring secret identities
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Film Restoration
The film was believed to be lost for many years, but a complete 35mm print was discovered in the 1970s in the Czechoslovakian Film Archive. This print has since been preserved and restored by film archives. The restored version is available through various film preservation organizations and has been shown at classic film festivals. While some deterioration is visible in certain scenes, the film is largely complete and viewable, making it one of the better-preserved Fairbanks features from this early period of his career.