Beverly Hills Tours Allow a Glimpse Into Past Grandeur
Beverly Hills tour guides will often tell you about the house called “Pickfair” and some of the history behind it. Owned by silent era power couple Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks Sr., the home became almost as famous as them. Actually, after the passing of both of these stars, the house may have become even more memorable.
Douglas Fairbanks, Sr. was a legendary figure in the early days of Hollywood, a charismatic actor, producer, and one of the founding fathers of American cinema. His impact on the film industry was immense, and his career spanned from the silent era to the early days of sound cinema. Alongside his cinematic prowess, Fairbanks was instrumental in shaping the very landscape of Hollywood, and his marriage to the equally iconic Mary Pickford led to the creation of Pickfair, one of the most famous and opulent estates in Hollywood history.
Early Life and Career:
Douglas Fairbanks, born Douglas Elton Thomas Ullman on May 23, 1883, in Denver, Colorado, was the son of a wealthy mining engineer. His privileged upbringing provided him with access to education and the arts, sparking his interest in the theater from a young age. After briefly attending the Colorado School of Mines, he pursued a career in acting.
Fairbanks began his stage career in New York City, where he honed his skills in various productions, eventually making his Broadway debut in 1902. His talent and boundless energy on stage quickly caught the attention of theatergoers and critics alike. Fairbanks' charismatic presence and remarkable athleticism set him apart, foreshadowing his later success in the burgeoning film industry.
Transition to Film:
The early 20th century saw the emergence of motion pictures as a new form of entertainment, and Fairbanks recognized their potential. In 1915, he made his film debut in the silent movie "The Lamb," marking the beginning of a remarkable film career. It was in this medium that Fairbanks truly found his calling, and his popularity soared.
Fairbanks' early silent films, including "The Mark of Zorro" (1920) and "Robin Hood" (1922), showcased his remarkable physicality, agility, and dashing charm. His roles often involved swashbuckling heroes who fought for justice and engaged in daring stunts, making him a beloved figure on the silver screen. His innovative approach to filmmaking, including the use of acrobatics and humor, helped shape the action-adventure genre, leaving an enduring impact on Hollywood.
Creating United Artists:
During the early years of his film career, Fairbanks recognized the need for creative independence and financial control. In 1919, along with Mary Pickford, Charlie Chaplin, and director D.W. Griffith, he co-founded United Artists, a groundbreaking film studio that allowed artists to retain creative control and financial stakes in their work. This move was revolutionary, challenging the dominant studio system and empowering artists in the industry.
United Artists provided Fairbanks with the platform to produce and star in his own films, further cementing his status as a Hollywood powerhouse. He was not only an actor but also a producer, shaping the direction of his films and the studio itself. This creative freedom allowed him to experiment with storytelling and continue pushing the boundaries of cinema.
The Iconic Pickfair Estate:
It was in the midst of his Hollywood success that Fairbanks met Mary Pickford, America's Sweetheart and another silent film luminary. The two stars fell in love and married in 1920, creating one of the most iconic power couples in entertainment history. This union also led to the creation of the legendary Pickfair estate, which became the epicenter of Hollywood glamour and opulence.
Pickfair, a sprawling estate located at 1143 Summit Drive in Beverly Hills, was purchased by Fairbanks in 1919, just before his marriage to Pickford. The estate's name was a combination of their last names, reflecting their shared life and career endeavors. The property featured a stunning mansion, beautifully landscaped gardens, and various amenities, including a swimming pool and tennis courts.
The Fairbanks-Pickford marriage and their lavish home captured the imagination of the public and the press, symbolizing the height of Hollywood's Golden Age. Pickfair became the venue for glamorous parties attended by the Hollywood elite, political figures, and international celebrities. The couple's hospitality was legendary, and the estate became a symbol of the American Dream and the allure of Hollywood stardom.
The Legacy of Douglas Fairbanks, Sr.:
Throughout his career, Douglas Fairbanks, Sr. continued to excel in silent film, creating enduring classics such as "The Three Musketeers" (1921) and "The Thief of Bagdad" (1924). His commitment to physicality and his innovative approach to storytelling laid the foundation for future action-adventure stars like Errol Flynn and swashbuckling heroes like Indiana Jones.
With the transition to sound in the late 1920s, Fairbanks successfully made the leap, starring in "The Taming of the Shrew" (1929) alongside Mary Pickford. However, the advent of sound cinema marked the end of his prolific film career. He made only a few more films, retiring from acting in 1934. His final film, "The Private Life of Don Juan," provided a fitting farewell to a career filled with adventure and romance.
Tragically, Douglas Fairbanks, Sr. passed away on December 12, 1939, at the age of 56, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the world of cinema. His contributions to the film industry, his founding role in United Artists, and his unforgettable on-screen persona established him as an enduring icon.
The Legacy of Pickfair:
Following Fairbanks' death, Mary Pickford lived at Pickfair until her own passing in 1979. The estate had been a symbol of Hollywood's Golden Age and continued to hold a special place in the hearts of film enthusiasts. After Pickford's death, the estate underwent several changes in ownership and fell into disrepair.
In 1988, Pickfair was sold to Los Angeles Lakers owner Jerry Buss, who planned to renovate and restore the historic property. However, these plans were never fully realized, and the mansion faced the threat of demolition. The loss of this iconic Hollywood landmark was averted when the estate was purchased by actress Pia Zadora and her husband, Meshulam Riklis, in 1989.
Despite the subsequent renovations, Pickfair's original glamour and grandeur had faded. Nevertheless, the estate retained its historical significance, and its legacy as the home of one of Hollywood's most famous couples remained intact.
Douglas Fairbanks, Sr. was more than just a Hollywood star; he was a pioneer who helped shape the early film industry and redefine the possibilities of cinema. His partnership with Mary Pickford not only produced a legendary marriage but also led to the creation of Pickfair, an enduring symbol of Hollywood's Golden Age.
Fairbanks' impact on the film industry, from his innovative approach to storytelling to his role in founding United Artists, is still felt today. His charisma and athleticism made him an unforgettable presence on the silver screen, and his legacy as a cinematic icon endures, as does the memory of Pickfair, the legendary Hollywood estate that bore his name. Together, Douglas Fairbanks, Sr. and Pickfair remain a testament to the glamour and allure of Hollywood's early days.
Comments