Watch The Poor Little Rich Girl

The Poor Little Rich Girl is a silent film from 1917 that stars Mary Pickford, one of the most famous actresses of the era. The film is a drama that tells the story of a wealthy young girl named Gwendolyn who lives in a luxurious mansion with her wealthy father and neglectful mother. Gwendolyn is a lonely child who longs for attention from her parents, but they are too busy with their own lives to notice her. Her father, played by Charles Wellesley, is a successful businessman who is constantly on the phone, while her mother, played by Madlaine Traverse, is obsessed with her social life and her looks. Gwendolyn is left to her own devices, spending her days exploring the mansion and dreaming of adventure.

One day, while exploring the attic, Gwendolyn discovers a picture book that transports her to a magical fairyland. In this world, Gwendolyn is no longer the lonely little girl she once was - she becomes a fairy princess with magical powers and lots of friends. She is happy in this world and spends all her time playing and having fun.

However, when she comes back to reality, Gwendolyn is still the neglected child she was before. The only person who seems to care for her is her nurse, who tries to fill the void left by her parents. But even her nurse can't protect Gwendolyn from the dangers of the real world.

The Poor Little Rich Girl is a simple but powerful story about the importance of love and attention in a child's life. Mary Pickford gives an incredible performance as Gwendolyn, capturing both the innocence and the sadness of this lonely child. She is able to express so much without ever saying a word, making her one of the great silent film actresses of all time.

The film is also notable for its imaginative use of special effects. The scenes set in fairyland are beautifully shot, with intricate costumes and set designs that create a magical world that is both enchanting and believable. The contrast between this world and Gwendolyn's real life is stark, and the film's use of symbolism is effective in conveying the message that wealth and material possessions are not enough to make a child happy.

The Poor Little Rich Girl was one of Mary Pickford's biggest successes, cementing her reputation as a superstar of the silent era. It was also a critical success, receiving rave reviews for its performances, its direction, and its special effects. The film has since become a classic, and is still regarded as one of the greatest films of the silent era.

Overall, The Poor Little Rich Girl is a must-see for anyone interested in silent film or in the history of cinema. Its message about the importance of love and attention in a child's life is timeless, and its use of special effects and symbolism is still impressive today. Mary Pickford's performance is a tour-de-force, and she rightly deserves her place in history as one of the greatest actresses of all time.