Watch The Little American

The Little American is a romantic drama film directed by Cecil B. DeMille and stars Mary Pickford, Jack Holt, and Raymond Hatton. It was released in 1917 during the time of World War I, and its plot focuses on the effects of the war on both sides and a love story between an American woman and a German officer. Mary Pickford plays the role of Angela More, a young American woman who is living in Paris with her father. When the war breaks out, she sees firsthand the devastation and loss that it brings to the city. Her father dies in a bombing, leaving Angela alone and vulnerable. However, when she is taken in by a French family, she becomes more determined to help those affected by the war.

Throughout the film, the audience sees Angela's experiences as an American trying to help in a foreign country. She starts off by taking care of wounded soldiers at a hospital, and later, she starts a soup kitchen to feed the people affected by the war. Along the way, she meets Karl Von Austreim, a German officer played by Jack Holt, who becomes a love interest for Angela.

The love story between the two is complicated by the fact that they are on opposite sides of the war. However, their connection is undeniable, and they struggle to reconcile their feelings with their loyalties. Karl is torn between his duty to his country and his love for Angela, while Angela grapples with the fact that she might be falling in love with someone from the enemy side.

Aside from the romance, the film also features the political tensions between France and Germany during the war. The French characters are shown to be patriotic and loyal to their country, while the German characters are depicted as honorable and struggling with their own doubts about the war. This creates a nuanced portrayal of the war, showing that there are good and bad people on both sides.

As the film progresses, Angela and Karl's relationship becomes more complicated as they face challenges from both their own and the opposing armies. The climax of the film features a dramatic escape scene that showcases Angela's bravery and Karl's willingness to help her flee to safety.

Overall, The Little American is a well-crafted film that captures the sentiment of the time in which it was made. Its themes of war, love, and duty still resonate today, and it offers a unique perspective on the experiences of an American in Europe during World War I. Mary Pickford's performance is particularly notable, as she brings both strength and vulnerability to her character. The cinematography and production design are also impressive, conveying the devastation of war in a way that feels real and poignant.

In conclusion, The Little American is an important film that deserves to be remembered for its portrayal of a unique moment in history. Its themes and characters still resonate today, and it remains a testament to the power of cinema to capture the human experience.

The Little American is a 1917 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.