Cast
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Mary Pickford
as Sara Crewe
Norman Kerry
as Capt. Richard Crewe
Katherine Griffith
as Miss Minchin
Anne Schaefer
as Amelia Minchin
Zasu Pitts
as Becky
W.E. Lawrence
as Ali-Baba
Theodore Roberts
as Cassim
Gertrude Short
as Ermigarde
Gustav von Seyffertitz
as Mr. Carrisford
Loretta Blake
as Lavinia
George A. McDaniel
as Ram Dass
Edythe Chapman
as (uncredited)
Josephine Hutchinson
as (uncredited)
Joan Marsh
as Child (uncredited)
Joe Murphy
as Leader of Forty Bandits (uncredited)
Crew
Director
- Marshall Neilan
Writer
- Frances Marion
Producer
- Mary Pickford
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, A Little Princess examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Marshall Neilan brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1917, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of A Little Princess took approximately 29 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 62 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 101 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 7 months to complete.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 1917, when this film was released:
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While A Little Princess shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike A Little Princess, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, A Little Princess subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Home and Wild Child explore similar territory, A Little Princess stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: November 5, 1917
- Runtime: 1h 2m
