Review of Little Annie Rooney

When I first viewed Little Annie Rooney, about 2 years ago I was a bit disappointed, finding it rather ridiculous. Watching it again recently, I now have a deeper appreciation for this finely executed film. After Mary's two attempts at playing a grown-up role, her fans were not happy until she went back to the little girl again. Never wanting to disappoint her public, she thought of the idea for this story while walking through the empty studio sets one night and wrote the story in two weeks. As a lovely tribute Mary gave story credit to her late Irish grandmother. William Beaudine, a prop boy from the Biograph days, was chosen by Mary for director, as he had become a skillful director of kid pictures, a very wise choice. Rewatching the film I was very astounded at how Pickford could once again slip back into playing a child of twelve, with such an extraordinary naturalness, the mannerisms are down pat. The scene where Annie's brother picks the grieving girl up off the floor and tenderly rocks her in the rocking chair, after they have been told of their father's death, is extremely realistic and very effectively touching. All this achieved while Mary was dealing with a very real kidnapping threat during the production of this film. Police had been tipped off about a plot to kidnap Pickford and several other stars of the day, and a detective was assigned to stay with Mary at all times. She was to behave as if nothing was wrong and to keep up her normal schedule. Mary writes an entire chapter in her autobiography, of this period of nerve-wracking tension her and husband Douglas Fairbanks endured until the men were finally apprehended. This film was entirely shot on the Pickford-Fairbanks back-lot, superbly converted into cobbled streets and old worn looking tenements that adequately capture the appropriate atmosphere. The supporting cast all give strong realistic performances along with the impressive acting from the large assortment of children. The set had visits from several impressive people of the day including Helen Keller. If Mary Pickford set out to please her loyal and adoring fans, she certainly achieved it with "Little Annie Rooney". I suggest when watching this amusing film, keep in mind the audiences of 1925, high expectations from this sensitive actress who always wanted to please her devoted public.