New York City slum lass Mary Pickford (as Annabelle "Little Annie" Rooney) has a 12-year-old's girlish crush on William Haines (as Joe Kelly), who becomes the suspect in a too-close-for-comfort murder. "Little Annie Rooney" is a well-produced film; however, Pickford's "little girl" characterization does not fit the slummy story. The film begins with Pickford in a protruded fight with fellow street children, throwing bottles, bricks, and fists at each other. Apparently, this is meant to show Pickford as a "tomboy" character; but, frankly, she appears insultingly retarded.
Pickford's pouting performance is more cloying than convincing, through most of the film. A well-intentionally diverse cast provides some cringe worthy moments; for example, Pickford spoon-feeding Spec O'Donnell's "Abie Levy" character some ham. Gordon Griffith (as Tim Rooney) is another notable co-star; his mother Katherine was the fine supporting actress seen in Pickford's "Pollyanna". Director William Beaudine re-teamed with his star for the superior "Sparrows" (1926).
***** Little Annie Rooney (10/18/25) William Beaudine ~ Mary Pickford, William Haines, Gordon Griffith
Pickford's pouting performance is more cloying than convincing, through most of the film. A well-intentionally diverse cast provides some cringe worthy moments; for example, Pickford spoon-feeding Spec O'Donnell's "Abie Levy" character some ham. Gordon Griffith (as Tim Rooney) is another notable co-star; his mother Katherine was the fine supporting actress seen in Pickford's "Pollyanna". Director William Beaudine re-teamed with his star for the superior "Sparrows" (1926).
***** Little Annie Rooney (10/18/25) William Beaudine ~ Mary Pickford, William Haines, Gordon Griffith