Watch Little Lord Fauntleroy

Little Lord Fauntleroy is a 1936 American drama film based on the novel of the same name by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Starring Freddie Bartholomew, Dolores Costello, and C. Aubrey Smith, the film is directed by John Cromwell and produced by Selznick International Pictures. The story revolves around a young boy named Cedric Errol (played by Freddie Bartholomew), who grows up in Brooklyn with his mother, Mrs. Errol (played by Dolores Costello). Cedric's father, a British nobleman, died when he was young, and his mother has raised him on her own ever since. But when his grandfather, the Earl of Dorincourt (played by C. Aubrey Smith), sends for Cedric to come live with him in England, the boy must leave his home and mother behind.

Upon arriving in England, Cedric discovers that his grandfather is a cold and stern man who has never forgiven Cedric's father for marrying an American woman. The Earl intends to teach Cedric how to be a proper English lord and heir to his estate, but Cedric's sunny disposition and charm begin to win over the Earl and his household staff. Cedric also befriends a young girl named Lady Fauntleroy (played by Virginia Weidler), who becomes his closest companion.

As Cedric adapts to his new life and tries to reconcile his love for his mother and loyalty to the Earl, a threat to his inheritance arises in the form of another claimant to the title. Cedric and his mother must work together to prove that he is the rightful heir and prevent the estate from falling into the wrong hands.

The film's themes of family, class, and loyalty are hallmarks of Frances Hodgson Burnett's work and are brought to life by the talented cast. Freddie Bartholomew, who had already made a name for himself in Hollywood with his roles in David Copperfield and Captains Courageous, delivers a nuanced performance as Cedric, capturing the character's innocence, wit, and determination. Dolores Costello exudes warmth and maternal love as Cedric's mother, and C. Aubrey Smith, a veteran character actor of stage and screen, brings gravitas and humor to the role of the Earl.

The film's production values are also top-notch, with lush sets and costumes that capture the opulence and grandeur of aristocratic England in the late 19th century. Director John Cromwell, known for his work on dramas like Of Human Bondage and The Prisoner of Zenda, keeps the pace of the film steady while allowing the actors to shine.

Overall, Little Lord Fauntleroy is a classic tale of a young boy's journey to find his place in the world and the power of love and loyalty to overcome even the most difficult obstacles. With its timeless themes and charming performances, the film remains a beloved classic and a testament to the enduring legacy of Frances Hodgson Burnett's work.

Little Lord Fauntleroy is a 1936 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.