The time of great prosperity and change began to increase in the USA in the 1920s. "The Red Scare" frightened the minds of Americans and immigrants were coming from all over the world to the USA. People started the fashions of new music, American Jazz, and the Nineteenth Amendment was established, which gave the right to any woman to vote. It was also a time of industrial growth and intensive progress. New sources of entertainment were invented: automobiles, improved airplanes, radio and especially movies captured the society of that time. One recognized figure of cinematography was Douglas Fairbanks Sr., who is known for his comedies, heroic swashbucklers and his significant efforts for American movie production. (Encyclopedia of Popular Culture).
Famous American silent movie actor was Douglas Fairbanks was born in Denver, Colorado on May 23, 1889. His father Charles Ulman escaped his responsibility of fatherhood by separating with his wife and leaving his two sons Douglas and Robert with their mother.
English: United Artists Corporation stockholders D...
English: D.W. Griffith, Mary Pickford, Charlie Cha...
English: United Artists Corporation stockholders a...However, his sons had some happy memories about their father. Their mother Ella Fairbanks, besides taking care of them, influenced Doug's interest to become an actor. According to her: "Doug was physically active from a young age, falling off the roof" (geocities.com, media site). Growing up in Denver, Doug started acting in theaters around the city. His mother took him to theater performances and shows. As a result young Doug met the retired actress Maude Fealy, who was his first instructor. Soon after, Doug was brought to the attention of the professional actor-manager Frederick Warde.(geocities. com)
After Doug turned 17 he moved to New York City by taking an offering from Mr. Warde. Having not finished his senior year, young Fairbanks worked at many places, besides trying to make his way to the Broadway stage. Finally singing a...