Little Lord Fauntleroy

Plot

Young Cedric Errol, a cheerful American boy living in Brooklyn with his widowed mother, discovers he is the heir to a British earldom and must travel to England to live with his cold, aristocratic grandfather, the Earl of Dorincourt. Despite the Earl's initial rejection of Cedric's American mother due to her common background, the boy's innocence, kindness, and unwavering love gradually transform the bitter old man. When a false claimant emerges to challenge Cedric's inheritance, the truth is eventually revealed through the testimony of an American witness who knew Cedric's father. The film culminates in the Earl's complete transformation as he embraces both his grandson and daughter-in-law, healing the family rift and finding redemption through love.

Historical Background

The early 1920s marked a pivotal period in American cinema as the industry consolidated its power in Hollywood and moved toward the studio system that would dominate for decades. Mary Pickford was not just a star but a powerful businesswoman who co-founded United Artists in 1919, giving stars unprecedented control over their careers. This film emerged during the post-World War I era when audiences gravitated toward sentimental stories that reinforced traditional values and offered escape from social upheaval. The film's Anglo-American themes reflected the cultural ties between the two countries and appealed to an America still defining its relationship with European aristocracy. The early 1920s also saw the film industry grappling with censorship issues, particularly regarding content suitable for family audiences, making Pickford's wholesome image particularly valuable to studios and exhibitors.

Making Of

The production of 'Little Lord Fauntleroy' was a monumental undertaking that pushed the technical boundaries of 1921 cinema. Mary Pickford's dual role required innovative solutions from the cinematography and special effects departments. The team developed sophisticated double exposure techniques and carefully choreographed scenes to maintain the illusion of both characters appearing together. Pickford's transformation into young Cedric involved not just makeup but extensive preparation - she studied children's mannerisms and movements for weeks before filming. The emotional scenes between Cedric and his grandfather were particularly challenging, as Pickford had to maintain her child character while conveying deep emotion. The set design was meticulously researched, with the production team studying Victorian photographs and illustrations to ensure authenticity. Jack Pickford's direction focused on balancing the story's sentimental elements with naturalistic performances, avoiding the excessive melodrama common in silent cinema of the era.

Visual Style

The cinematography by Charles Rosher employed groundbreaking techniques for the dual role sequences, using careful camera placement, innovative editing, and early double exposure methods to create the illusion of Pickford as both characters in the same frame. The visual style emphasized soft focus and romantic lighting to enhance the story's sentimental qualities while maintaining period authenticity. The English countryside scenes were shot using natural light whenever possible to create an authentic Victorian atmosphere. The camera work in emotional scenes, particularly those between Cedric and his grandfather, used medium close-ups to capture the actors' subtle expressions, demonstrating the increasingly sophisticated visual language of 1921 cinema. The film's visual composition reflected the influence of Victorian painting, with carefully arranged groupings and meticulous attention to period detail in every frame.

Innovations

The film's most significant technical achievement was the convincing dual role performance by Mary Pickford, which required innovative camera techniques and careful editing. The production employed early double exposure methods, matte shots, and carefully choreographed scenes to show both characters simultaneously. The makeup techniques used to transform Pickford into young Cedric were considered advanced for the time, involving prosthetics, wigs, and strategic lighting to create the illusion of a child's features. The film's sets, particularly the recreation of the English manor house, demonstrated the increasing sophistication of Hollywood production design. The movie also showcased advanced editing techniques for maintaining narrative continuity across the dual role sequences, with seamless transitions between Pickford's two characters that impressed contemporary critics and audiences.

Music

As a silent film, 'Little Lord Fauntleroy' was accompanied by live musical performance during its original theatrical run. The score was typically provided by theater organists or small orchestras, using compiled classical pieces and popular melodies appropriate to each scene's emotional tone. Major urban theaters likely commissioned original scores or used cue sheets provided by the Pickford-Fairbanks organization. The music emphasized the story's emotional beats, with lighter, playful themes for Cedric's scenes and more dramatic, romantic music for confrontations with the Earl. While no specific composer was credited for the original theatrical score (as was common for silent films), the musical accompaniment was crucial to the film's emotional impact and audience reception.

Memorable Scenes

• The first meeting between Cedric and his stern grandfather, where the boy's innocent charm begins to break through the Earl's cold exterior
• The emotional scene where Cedric gives his pocket money to a poor family, demonstrating his generous nature
• The revelation scene where the false claimant is exposed and Cedric's legitimacy is confirmed
• The final reconciliation between the Earl, Cedric, and his mother, bringing the family together
• The departure scene where Cedric leaves America for England, marking his transition into a new world

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics universally praised 'Little Lord Fauntleroy' as one of Mary Pickford's finest achievements. The New York Times lauded the film's emotional depth and Pickford's 'remarkable transformation' into the young boy, noting the technical sophistication of the dual role sequences. Variety highlighted the film's production values and emotional power, particularly praising the scenes between Cedric and his grandfather. Motion Picture Magazine called it 'a triumph of cinematic art' and 'the crowning achievement of Miss Pickford's career.' Modern critics and film historians recognize the film as a significant example of Pickford's artistry and its importance in the development of family entertainment cinema. The film is frequently cited in retrospectives of silent cinema as exemplifying the sentimental tone and technical sophistication of high-end productions from the era.

What Audiences Thought

The film was a resounding commercial success, drawing record audiences across America and internationally. Moviegoers were particularly enchanted by Pickford's performance as young Cedric, with contemporary accounts noting that many viewers found it difficult to believe the same actress played both roles. The emotional story resonated deeply with post-WWI audiences seeking uplifting entertainment. Audience letters and contemporary newspaper accounts suggest that viewers were profoundly moved by the relationship between Cedric and his grandfather, making it one of the most emotionally affecting films of its time. The film's success extended beyond typical film audiences, attracting theater-goers who might not otherwise attend cinema, further legitimizing film as a respectable art form for middle and upper-class audiences.

You Might Also Like