The Little American

Plot

Angela Moore, a young American woman, is traveling to France to claim her inheritance when her ship is torpedoed by a German U-boat during World War I. After surviving the attack and being rescued, she arrives at her ancestral château in France, only to find it occupied by German forces. Angela witnesses the brutality of the German occupation firsthand as they mistreat the local villagers and desecrate her family home. She becomes involved in resistance activities, using her position to gather intelligence for the Allies. When her American fiancé, Karl, who is of German descent but fights for America, arrives as a soldier, their relationship is tested by the war. Angela ultimately proves her patriotism through acts of courage and sacrifice, helping to save both her French compatriots and her American lover while demonstrating the strength of American ideals in the face of German aggression.

Historical Background

The Little American was produced and released during a pivotal moment in world history. The United States had just entered World War I in April 1917, and there was an immediate need for films that would build public support for the war effort. Hollywood quickly mobilized to create content that would both entertain and serve as propaganda. This film emerged during the golden age of silent cinema when movies were becoming the dominant form of mass entertainment. The film's release coincided with rising anti-German sentiment in America, and it reflected the government's efforts to rally citizens around the war cause. The Committee on Public Information, established by President Wilson, worked closely with Hollywood studios to ensure films supported the war effort, making 'The Little American' part of a coordinated campaign to shape public opinion.

Making Of

The production of 'The Little American' was rushed to capitalize on America's recent entry into World War I. Cecil B. DeMille, known for his meticulous attention to detail, worked closely with Pickford to ensure the film would both entertain and serve as propaganda. The cast and crew worked long hours to complete the film in record time. The U-boat attack scene was particularly challenging to film, requiring the construction of large water tanks and the use of camera techniques that were innovative for the period. Pickford, who was known for her perfectionism, insisted on performing many of her own stunts, including scenes involving water and explosions. The film's message was carefully crafted to encourage enlistment and support for the war effort while showcasing American values of courage and patriotism.

Visual Style

The cinematography by Alvin Wyckoff was considered innovative for its time, particularly in the U-boat attack sequence which used underwater photography techniques that were groundbreaking for 1917. The film employed dramatic lighting to create contrast between the peaceful American scenes and the dark, ominous German-occupied territories. Wyckoff used moving camera shots during battle sequences to create a sense of immediacy and chaos. The visual style incorporated both studio sets and location footage, with careful attention to period details in costumes and set design. The film's visual narrative effectively used close-ups of Pickford to convey emotion, a technique that was still relatively new in cinema.

Innovations

The film featured several technical innovations for its time, including the complex U-boat attack sequence that combined miniatures, full-scale sets, and special effects photography. The underwater scenes were particularly challenging and required custom-built equipment. The battle sequences used multiple cameras and editing techniques to create dynamic action sequences. The film's production design included some of the most elaborate sets built for a Pickford film up to that point. The special effects team developed new techniques for simulating explosions and naval warfare that would influence future war films.

Music

As a silent film, 'The Little American' was accompanied by live musical performances during its theatrical run. The original score was composed by William Furst, who created patriotic themes and dramatic motifs that enhanced the emotional impact of key scenes. The music included adaptations of popular American songs like 'The Star-Spangled Banner' and 'America the Beautiful' during patriotic moments. The score also used dissonant, militaristic themes for the German characters to create auditory contrast. The musical accompaniment varied by theater, with larger venues employing full orchestras while smaller theaters used piano or organ accompaniment.

Memorable Scenes

• The dramatic U-boat attack sequence where Angela's ship is torpedoed, featuring groundbreaking underwater photography and special effects for 1917.
• Angela's confrontation with German officers in her ancestral château, where she bravely defends her home and heritage.
• The emotional reunion between Angela and her American fiancé amidst the backdrop of war.
• The resistance sequence where Angela helps French villagers escape German persecution.

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics praised 'The Little American' for its patriotism, emotional power, and Mary Pickford's performance. The New York Times called it 'a stirring tale of American courage and virtue' while Variety noted its 'timely message and thrilling sequences.' Modern critics view the film as an important historical artifact of wartime propaganda, with its value lying more in its cultural significance than its artistic merits. Film historians recognize it as a well-crafted example of Cecil B. DeMille's early work and Mary Pickford's star power. While some modern viewers may find the overt propaganda elements heavy-handed, the film is generally appreciated for its technical achievements and its role in cinema history.

What Audiences Thought

The Little American was a tremendous commercial success, resonating strongly with American audiences during the war. The film played to packed theaters across the country and was particularly popular in cities with large immigrant populations. Audience members reportedly wept during emotional scenes and cheered during patriotic moments. The film's success at the box office helped establish Mary Pickford as the highest-paid actress in Hollywood. Veterans and families of soldiers found particular meaning in the film's portrayal of American heroism. The film's popularity extended beyond America to Allied countries, where it was seen as a powerful statement of American commitment to the war effort.

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