A Little Princess (1917 film)

The Little Princess is a 1917 American silent film directed by Marshall Neilan based upon the 1905 novel A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett. This version is notable for having been adapted by famed screenwriter Frances Marion.[1]

The Little Princess
A scene with ZaSu Pitts and Mary Pickford
Directed byMarshall Neilan
Produced byMary Pickford
Written byFrances Marion
Based onA Little Princess
by Frances Hodgson Burnett
StarringMary Pickford
Norman Kerry
ZaSu Pitts
Theodore Roberts
CinematographyCharles Rosher
Walter Stradling
Distributed byArtcraft Pictures Corporation
Release date
  • November 11, 1917 (1917-11-11)
Running time
62 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageSilent (English intertitles)

Plot

As described in a film magazine,[2] Sara Crewe (Pickford) is treated as a little princess at the Minchin boarding school for children until it is learned that her father has lost his entire fortune, and she is made a slave (a household servant). She and Becky (Pitts), another slave, become close friends who share their joys and sorrows. Christmastime draws near and the girls watch the preparations wistfully. Their loneliness arouses the sympathy of a servant of the rich Mr. Carrisford. On the night before Christmas he prepares a spread for the slaveys in their attic. He calls his master Mr. Carrisford (von Seyffertitz) to watch their joy, but both are witness to the slaveys being abused and whipped by Miss Minchin (Griffith). Carrisford interferes and learns that Sara is the daughter of his best friend. He adopts Sara and Becky and in their new home they have a real Christmas.

The film opens with Sarah's father moving back to London after serving in the British Army in India. She is opposed to leaving the luxurious life of an officer's child with a large house and many servants, and is initially shy when enrolled in Miss Minchin's School. Her reputation as "the little princess" precedes her and the other girls are fascinated with her tales of life in India. The girls sneak into Sarah's room at night to listen to her stories. One night, she tells "Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves" which becomes a story within a story with elaborate exotic sets and costumes.

Cast
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References
  1. Progressive Silent Film List: The Little Princess at silentera.com
  2. "Reviews: A Little Princess". Exhibitors Herald. New York: Exhibitors Herald Company. 5 (22): 29. November 24, 1917.
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