Riding on a wave of success from 2 enormously popular hit films, The Poor Little Rich Girl and Rebecca Of Sunnybrook Farm , Mary Pickford immediately followed with The Little Princess. Mary is adorable as Sara Crewe, but what really makes this film worth watching is the brilliant performances of both Pickford and ZaSu Pitts. The chemistry between the two is especially good, making them a likable and believable duo. Frances Marion who wrote the script for The Little Princess was introduced to the thin, awkward teenage girl, looking for a part. When the young man who brought ZaSu in made an insulting remark about her looks, a furious Frances threw him out of her office. After consoling the timid girl she asked her to tell her about herself. As Frances watched and listened to the young ZaSu's life story, she didn't know whether to laugh or cry and it occurred to her that others might be touched the same way. There was a key part in The Little Princess for a young maid called a slavey. When Frances told Mary the full story, ZaSu was immediately given the role of Becky. As rave reviews poured in for Mary's flawless acting, there was special mention of the actress playing the young maid; "Watch ZaSu Pitts, for she is a coming star." The lighting and the sets in this film are of a remarkably high standard along with bold close-ups and extreme long shots, all help to make this a very fine quality film of the period. Pickford's version of the beloved Little Princess is enchanting and enjoyable entertainment.
Review of A Little Princess
