This Is Francis X. Bushman (2021)

Chris Bushman: Narrator

Quotes 

• Narrator : Chaplin may have been the leading Joker in 1915; but, Francis X. Bushman was the King of Hearts. He was described in the press as the most popular man in the world today. His distinctive features were seemingly everywhere: covers of movie magazines, commemorative spoons, pennants, hat pins, picture postcards, in advertisements, and sheet music featuring songs associated with his films.

• Narrator : Fan magazines of the time published reverential articles describing the lavish lifestyle of the recently crowned King of the Movies. Grandfather was always photographed impeccably dressed, in the finest custom-made suits, wearing an oversized amethyst ring, and smoking his own brand of monogrammed lavender colored cigarettes. He traded in his luxury automobiles, he said, when the ashtrays were full.

• Narrator : What appears to modern eyes as hammy acting, is, in fact, the American interpretation of the Delsarte method, originated by François Delsarte. Audiences at the time, felt they were getting their money's worth when actors used exaggerated facial expressions and broad gestures.

• Narrator : His famous custom-built Marmon automobile, the roadster was 23 feet long and guaranteed to do 110 miles per hour. All the metal parts of the automobile the public could see were gold-plated. The Marmon was painted in his favorite color: royal purple and upholstered in lavender. He also had his initials displayed prominently just above the motor car's logo. He paid a then whooping $22,000; but, the manufacturer gave him a $2,000 discount if he would have his name lettered in gold on the side.

• Narrator : According to various polls in movie magazines of the time, Mary Pickford was the most popular actress in films, and Francis was the leading male star. He was such a huge success that he was barraged with offers from better paying studios.

• [last lines] 

  Narrator : His personality and his ego were bigger than life. But, he backed up that ego with skill and professionalism - and a lot of charisma. That was Francis X. Bushman.