The movies’ first action-adventure star, who created the iconic characterizations of Zorro, Robin Hood and The Thief of Bagdad, returns to the big screen in his penultimate silent film as The Gaucho.  

In this feature, set high in the Andes Mountains, Fairbanks plays a reckless Argentine outlaw whose prowess with pistols, swords and bolas is matched by his ability to tango, scale buildings and seduce women.

DOUGLAS FAIRBANKS as THE GAUCHO was produced during a particularly troubled time in the star’s life, and it replaces his virtuous screen persona with a darker, more complex characterization.  Yet the film still delivers the cleverly staged stunts, charismatic flair and the stunning, detailed design that audiences have long associated with a Fairbanks film.

In addition to being regarded as one of silent Hollywood’s greatest stars, Fairbanks also was one of its most respected citizens.  He served as the Academy’s first president, and through the organization he helped develop the first university-level film studies curriculum, personally delivering the first lecture in film appreciation at USC.  Fairbanks also was a founder of United Artists, and along with his wife Mary Pickford was the first to be immortalized in the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre footprint ceremony. His civic leadership and vision for Beverly Hills resulted in the unique cathedral-like design for the waterworks facility that today serves as the Academy’s Fairbanks Center for Motion Picture Study, home to the Margaret Herrick Library.

DOUGLAS FAIRBANKS as THE GAUCHO will be screened from a new print from the Museum of Modern Art.