His Picture in the Papers

Plot

Pete Prindle, the son of a health food manufacturer, is desperate to get his picture in the newspapers to boost his family's business and win the approval of his girlfriend's father. After a series of comedic mishaps and failed attempts at gaining publicity, Pete finally succeeds by rescuing his girlfriend from a runaway automobile, making headlines and proving his worth. The film satirizes America's growing obsession with celebrity culture and media attention in the early 20th century, showcasing Fairbanks' athletic prowess and charming personality as he navigates various publicity-seeking adventures.

Historical Background

1916 was a pivotal year in American cinema and world history. The United States was still neutral in World War I, though the conflict in Europe was influencing American culture and politics. The film industry was transitioning from the East Coast to Hollywood, with studios like Triangle Film Corporation leading this migration. Celebrity culture was emerging as newspapers and magazines began to feature movie stars regularly, making the film's theme particularly timely. The Progressive Era was winding down, but its emphasis on self-improvement and physical fitness resonated with Fairbanks' on-screen persona. This period also saw the rise of the feature film as the dominant form of entertainment, replacing the earlier dominance of short films. The film's focus on publicity and media attention reflected the growing influence of newspapers and magazines in shaping public opinion and creating celebrity status.

Making Of

The production of 'His Picture in the Papers' represented a significant moment in early Hollywood history, as it brought together three talents who would shape American cinema. Douglas Fairbanks, already a successful Broadway star, was transitioning to films and needed the right vehicle to establish his screen persona. Anita Loos, who had already gained fame for her novel 'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,' brought her sharp wit and understanding of American culture to the screenplay. Director John Emerson, with his theatrical background, helped translate Fairbanks' stage charisma to the silent screen. The film was shot quickly and efficiently at the Reliance studio, with Fairbanks insisting on performing his own stunts to maintain authenticity. The collaboration was so successful that it led to several more films together, including 'The Mystery of the Leaping Fish' later the same year. The production team capitalized on Fairbanks' athletic abilities, incorporating physical comedy and action sequences that would become hallmarks of his later swashbuckling roles.

Visual Style

The cinematography of 'His Picture in the Papers' was handled by Victor Fleming, who would later become a renowned director of classics like 'Gone with the Wind' and 'The Wizard of Oz.' The film employed relatively static camera positions typical of the period, but Fleming showed early signs of his visual talent in composition and lighting. The photography emphasized Fairbanks' physicality, using medium shots that captured his full range of motion during stunt sequences. The newspaper office scenes used clever composition to suggest the chaotic energy of a newsroom. The film's visual style was clean and straightforward, allowing the physical comedy to take center stage. The outdoor sequences benefited from natural lighting, giving the film a bright, optimistic tone that matched its star's personality. The cinematography successfully supported the film's themes by making the publicity-seeking activities visually clear and engaging.

Innovations

While 'His Picture in the Papers' did not introduce groundbreaking technical innovations, it demonstrated sophisticated use of existing film techniques for its time. The film employed effective use of intertitles to advance the narrative and provide comic relief, a technique that Anita Loos excelled at writing. The stunt sequences were particularly notable for their realism, as Fairbanks performed his own dangerous actions without the benefit of modern safety equipment. The film's editing created smooth transitions between comedic set pieces, maintaining a brisk pace that kept audiences engaged. The production made effective use of location shooting in Yonkers, adding visual variety to the studio-bound scenes. The film's success in combining comedy, action, and romance within a compact runtime influenced the structure of future feature comedies. The technical team's ability to capture Fairbanks' athletic movements clearly on camera was crucial to the film's effectiveness.

Music

As a silent film, 'His Picture in the Papers' would have been accompanied by live musical performance during its original theatrical run. The typical score would have consisted of popular songs of the era, classical pieces, and original compositions arranged by the theater's music director. Music cues would have been provided by the studio to guide accompanists in matching the mood of each scene. The energetic sequences featuring Fairbanks' stunts would have been accompanied by lively, upbeat music, while the romantic moments would have used more sentimental melodies. The newspaper office scenes likely featured frantic, fast-paced music to convey the sense of urgency and chaos. No specific composer is credited for the original score, as was common practice for silent films of this period. Modern screenings of restored versions typically feature newly composed scores or compilations of period-appropriate music.

Memorable Scenes

• The sequence where Fairbanks' character attempts increasingly ridiculous schemes to get newspaper coverage, including pretending to be a hero and staging various accidents
• The climactic automobile rescue scene where Fairbanks saves his girlfriend from a runaway car, finally earning legitimate publicity
• The chaotic newspaper office scenes that satirize the frenetic pace of journalism
• Fairbanks' athletic stunts and physical comedy sequences throughout the film

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics praised Fairbanks' performance and the film's clever satire of American culture. The New York Times noted that Fairbanks 'brings a refreshing energy to the screen that is both entertaining and admirable.' Variety highlighted the film's 'sharp wit and timely commentary on the American obsession with publicity.' Modern film historians recognize the movie as a crucial stepping stone in Fairbanks' career and an important example of early American comedy. Critics have noted how the film anticipated later developments in celebrity culture and media studies. The collaboration between Fairbanks, Loos, and Emerson has been praised as a model of successful creative partnership in early Hollywood. The film is often cited in scholarly works about the development of American comedy and the evolution of the star system.

What Audiences Thought

Audiences in 1916 responded enthusiastically to 'His Picture in the Papers,' making it a commercial success and further establishing Douglas Fairbanks as a major star. Contemporary reports indicate that theaters showing the film experienced increased attendance, with many patrons returning for multiple viewings. Fairbanks' athletic stunts and charming personality resonated with American audiences who were looking for optimistic, energetic entertainment during the turbulent years of World War I. The film's satire of publicity-seeking behavior struck a chord with viewers who were witnessing the rise of celebrity culture firsthand. Moviegoers particularly enjoyed the sequence where Fairbanks' character attempts various ridiculous schemes to get his picture in the newspaper. The film's success helped cement Fairbanks' status as one of the most popular actors of the 1910s and laid the groundwork for his later transition to swashbuckling adventure films.

You Might Also Like