Fanchon, the Cricket

Plot

Fanchon, a wild and unkempt young girl, lives isolated in the forest with her eccentric grandmother who is feared by local villagers as a witch. Despite her grandmother's dark reputation, Fanchon possesses a pure heart and demonstrates this when she rescues a young man from drowning, leading to a deep connection between them. When the young man declares his love and wishes to marry her, Fanchon stubbornly refuses unless his father formally asks for her hand, maintaining her pride despite their growing affection. A year passes, and the young man falls gravely ill, wasting away until Fanchon's presence brings him back to health, her natural goodness and love proving more powerful than any superstition. The villagers' perceptions begin to shift as they witness Fanchon's true character, challenging their prejudices and the grandmother's supposed witchcraft.

Historical Background

1915 was a watershed year in cinema history, occurring during World War I's early stages when American films began dominating the global market as European production declined. The film industry was consolidating in Hollywood, with studios like Famous Players establishing the star system that would define classical Hollywood cinema. This period saw the transition from short films to feature-length productions, with 'Fanchon, the Cricket' at 50 minutes representing the emerging feature format. The year also witnessed D.W. Griffith's controversial 'The Birth of a Nation,' which revolutionized film technique while exposing cinema's power to influence social attitudes. Against this backdrop, Pickford's film offered a more wholesome alternative, focusing on universal themes of love overcoming prejudice. The film's release coincided with growing women's suffrage movement, and Pickford's powerful position as an independent businesswoman made her an important figure in changing perceptions of women's roles in society.

Making Of

The production of 'Fanchon, the Cricket' took place during a pivotal moment in Mary Pickford's career as she was transitioning from a popular actress to a powerful producer with creative control. James Kirkwood, the director, brought his experience as a D.W. Griffith protégé to the project, employing sophisticated techniques for the era including location shooting and natural lighting. The forest scenes required the cast and crew to transport heavy camera equipment to remote locations, a significant challenge in 1915. Mary Pickford was known for her intense preparation for roles, and for this film she studied the mannerisms of wild children and spent time observing nature to authentically portray Fanchon's connection to the forest. The production benefited from the resources of Famous Players Film Company, which was investing heavily in quality productions to compete with European imports. The film's success helped establish the formula of literary adaptations starring Pickford that would dominate her career throughout the 1910s.

Visual Style

The cinematography by Walter Stradling and Tony Gaudio employed natural lighting techniques that were innovative for 1915, particularly in the forest scenes where they utilized filtered sunlight to create ethereal effects. The film features remarkable location photography for its era, with the forest sequences demonstrating sophisticated use of depth and framing to create a sense of both isolation and natural beauty. The camera work shows the influence of D.W. Griffith's visual storytelling techniques, with careful composition of shots to emphasize character relationships and emotional states. The cinematographers used soft focus techniques to enhance the romantic scenes and create a dreamlike quality during Fanchon's interactions with her love interest. The film also demonstrates early examples of match cutting and continuity editing that help maintain narrative flow across the five reels.

Innovations

The film demonstrated technical sophistication for its era through its effective use of location shooting, which was still relatively uncommon in 1915. The production employed portable cameras and lighting equipment that allowed for filming in natural forest settings, creating a visual authenticity that studio-bound films of the period lacked. The film's makeup and costume design for Fanchon's 'wild' appearance represented an early example of using visual transformation to characterize psychological development. The editing techniques employed, including cross-cutting between the village and forest scenes, helped build dramatic tension and contrast different social worlds. The film also utilized special effects techniques of the period, including multiple exposure sequences during the more mystical elements of the story.

Music

As a silent film, 'Fanchon, the Cricket' would have been accompanied by live musical performance during its original theatrical run. The typical score would have been compiled from classical pieces and popular songs of the era, with theater organists or small orchestras providing accompaniment. The music would have been carefully synchronized to enhance emotional moments, with romantic themes during the love scenes, mysterious music for the grandmother's witchcraft reputation, and triumphant melodies when Fanchon proves her goodness. Some theaters may have used cue sheets provided by the studio, which suggested specific musical pieces for different scenes. The forest scenes would have been accompanied by pastoral or nature-themed music to enhance the natural setting. No original score survives, but modern screenings typically feature newly composed scores or carefully selected period-appropriate music.

Memorable Scenes

• The dramatic rescue sequence where Fanchon saves the drowning boy, showcasing her strength and compassion despite her wild appearance
• The tender forest scenes where Fanchon demonstrates her connection to nature, communicating with animals and plants
• The emotional bedside scene where Fanchon's presence miraculously heals her dying love interest, proving her goodness over superstition
• The climactic confrontation where the villagers' prejudice is challenged by witnessing Fanchon's true character

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics praised 'Fanchon, the Cricket' for its artistic merits and Mary Pickford's performance. The Moving Picture World noted that 'Miss Pickford has never done better work' and highlighted the film's 'beautiful forest photography.' Variety praised the adaptation's faithfulness to George Sand's spirit while making it accessible to American audiences. Modern critics and film historians view the film as an important example of Pickford's early work, demonstrating her range beyond the purely sweet roles for which she became famous. The film is often cited in studies of early literary adaptations and the development of the feature film format. Recent restorations have allowed contemporary scholars to appreciate the film's sophisticated visual storytelling and Kirkwood's directorial technique, with particular praise for the effective use of natural locations and lighting.

What Audiences Thought

The film was warmly received by audiences of 1915, who were drawn to Mary Pickford's growing star power and the film's blend of romance, drama, and moral themes. Contemporary theater reports indicated strong attendance, particularly among women and families who appreciated the wholesome yet emotionally complex story. Audience letters published in film magazines of the era expressed admiration for Pickford's portrayal of the wild but good-hearted Fanchon, with many finding the character relatable despite her unusual circumstances. The film's success at the box office helped cement Pickford's status as one of the most reliable box office draws of the era. Modern audiences who have seen the film through screenings at film archives or festivals have responded positively to its timeless themes and Pickford's charismatic performance, though some find the pacing slow by contemporary standards.

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