Mary Pickford: A Life on Film

Best known for her portrayal of the impish little sweetheart in scores of early silent films, Mary Pickford was an intelligent, tenacious child who taught herself to read and clawed her way out of extreme poverty to become the most powerful woman in Hollywood. In fact, by the time she was 30, Pickford was the highest paid thespian in Tinseltown and retained creative control over all her projects. As a consummate practitioner of her craft, she pioneered the transfer of stage acting techniques to the more subtle demands of understated performances required by the camera, and was a master of gesture, movement, and facial expression, in comedy and drama. Combining stills and rare footage from films and home movies, Mary Pickford: A Life on Film offers viewers a close-up look at a life that was largely played out on the public stage, complete with fairytale romances and personal tragedy. Narrated by Whoopi Goldberg, this outstanding documentary includes interviews with film historians, friends, and actors, including Douglas Fairbanks Jr. and Charles "Buddy" Rogers, Pickford's co-star in My Best Girl and husband of 42 years. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. Aud: H, C, P. (L. Stevens)