Lively, entertaining reviews of, and essays on, old and newer films and everything relating to them, written by professional author William Schoell.

Monday, May 5, 2008

LITTLE LORD FAUNTLEROY


LITTLE LORD FAUNTLEROY (1936). Director: John Cromwell.

Cedric Erroll (Freddie Bartholomew), a nine-year-old boy in 1880's Brooklyn, discovers that he's actually Lord Fauntleroy and the heir to a fortune. He accompanies his mother to England to meet his grandfather (C. Aubrey Smith), but learns that his mother, whom he calls "Dearest" (Delores Costello Barrymore), is to live in a separate cottage while he lives with the old man (because his grandmother never approved of his mother). C. Aubrey Smith gives a heart-tugging performance as the grumpy old man whose love for his grandson gives him a new lease on life, and amazingly self-assured little Bartholomew is superb. Henry Stephenson, Guy Kibbee and Mickey Rooney, among others, also give superior performances. The sensitive score by Max Steiner is a plus. Charming stuff.

Verdict: Well-made, sentimental audience pleaser.***.

No comments: