"The Curse of Capistrano"

The Mark of Zorro (1920)
Monday June 30, 7:00pm, The Paramount Theater

The creation of United Artists Corporation brought greater artistic freedom to all of its founding members. Already an established star, Douglas Fairbanks caused a sensation in 1920 with The Mark of Zorro, the first in a series of costume spectacles that launched an entire genre and defined Fairbanks’ contribution to popular American culture.

In Old California, an effete member of the aristocracy disguises himself as a masked avenger and rallies his community to overthrow their corrupt oppressors.

Nowhere is Fairbanks’ almost superhuman athletic ability more apparent than the final two reels of this film. Alistair Cooke described the "delicious moment" of crisis when "Doug" pauses to consider his options, a reoccurring theme in The Mark of Zorro, his subsequent films and an essential ingredient in Fairbanksian action-adventure.

Marguerite De La Motte as the love interest, with Noah Berry and Robert McKim as the villains, complete the package in archetypal performances.

"Have you seen this one?"

Double "Doug"

Douglas Fairbanks and The Mark of Zorro swept into Seattle on Christmas Day 1920 for a week-long run at both The Clemmer Theater on Second Avenue, and the brand new Winter Garden, on Third. Both houses operated under the management of John Q. Clemmer.

The Winter Garden advertised, "The Hurricane of joy and excitement "Doug" Fairbanks," in "A gingery, swift-moving story combining melodrama, comedy and love with whirlwind action mixed with thrills and suspense, followed by a slam-bang climax that will startle you as well as shake you with laughter." Irma Falvey accompanied on the Hope-Jones Wurlitzer, with afternoon and evening seats at 35¢.

Larger and older of the two theaters, The Clemmer, re-named ‘Columbia’ two years later, announced Zorro as "A genuine Fairbanks novelty! Action, romance, mystery, thrills and comedy in fullest measure! From the All Story Weekly novel The Curse of Capistrano, "Doug" performs a multitude of neck-breaking agile stunts, wears his infectious smile and throws such a gorgeous amount of devil-may-care "pep" into the role that his admirers hail this performance his best screen offering." Included on the program "Clemmer Music," with "Concerts Afternoon and Evening, Liborius Hauptman, Director," performing The Holy City, by Stephen Adams, and Rio Grande, by Harry Olson. Also featured was the Chester Conklin comedy, A Soft-Boiled Yegg.

The Mark of Zorro closed at both theaters on New-Years-Eve. The Winter Garden stayed open all night, while The Clemmer offered a special midnight show.

" … never do anything on an empty stomach – but eat!"

Trader Joe’s, Seattle Theater Group and The Paramount Theater present Douglas Fairbanks in The Mark of Zorro, Monday, June 30 at 7:00pm. Live accompaniment at the Paramount’s Publix One Wurlitzer will be performed by Dennis James, the best period authentic organist anywhere (Try and find anyone better!). Tickets are available at the Paramount Theater box office, at Ticketmaster.com and at all Ticketmaster outlets.