The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1936-03-04
Movie Rated
One of Best
Productions
Freddie Bartholomew and
Dolores Costello Are
Stars of Film.
BY JOHN w. THOMPSON

In a setting as delicate as cameo,
Director John Cromwell has pro-
duced Frances Hodgson Burnett's
classic, Little Lord Fauntleroy,"
starring the screens leading juve-
nile, Freddie Bartholomew, opening
at Loew's Friday.
Dolores Costello Barrymore, in re-
tirement for four years, is to be seen
in the role of Dearest, the little
lords mother. While her inactivity
has not added to her beauty, her
acting has not suffered. She most
certainly is on the road back"
Master Bartholomew never has
been better than in this story of a
young American boy who becomes
an English lord. He has more to do
than in David Copperfield," and
does it just as well. Without the
traditional curls and plush suit OF
the part, he is more acceptable than
many presented on the stage and
screen years ago.
The year is 1885, Havisham, law
yer of the Earl of Dorincourt ar
llNLO Ill DIOOhlyll w Veil N1AO o. II Va
(DearesD that the death of the
Earls third son makes Ceddie, her
son, the heir.
He takes them to England, where
Ceddie is to live in Dorincourt cas-
tie with his grandfather, the Earl.
Dearest, because the Earl had not
approved his sons marriage, is re-
i - H. Id
Child Softens Earl
Because of the child's influence,
the tyrannical Earl improves the
living conditions of his tenants.
Even the Earls devoted dog, Douyal,
goes to Ceddies side.
Every day, Ceddie insists on visit
ing his mother. She never tells him
of the estrangement, and he grows
to like his grandfather.
The Earl gives a party for his
heir, and Ceddie makes favorable
impression on the notables, many of
whom were enemies of the Earl.
Havisham arrives with news of
a woman who claims she was secret
ly married to the Earl's son and
therefore her son is the rightful
heir.
Earl Visits Dearest
Crushed, the Earl visits Dearest
and tells her that no matter what
happens she and Ceddie are to be
provided for. Through the efforts
of Dick, Ceddie's bootblack friend
back in Brooklyn, and Mr.. Hobbs,
who ran grocery near their Amer
lean home, the woman is revealed
as fraud. Ceddie then is securely
established and the Earl invites
Dearest to live with them.
Mickey Rooney as Dick, steals our
praise for his natural work, and
should go places. He's played many
roles, but this is his best
c. Aubrey Smith does his finest
character work as the aristocratic
Earl. Mr.. Smith is a grand actor,
but never has had the opportunity
this part gives him. When he Suf-
fers with the govt, we suffered with
him.
Others Add to Film
Henry Stephenson, Guy Kibbee
and Una O'Connor aid materially
to the success of the picture.
Charles Rosher's fine photography
is graphically correct and Sophie
Wacher's costumes are in excellent
taste.
The whole film, of course, hinges
on Master Bartholomew, who car
ries his part splendidly. The pathos
and comedy of the story have been
captured in a challenge to actresses
who played the role. Freddie's per-
feet diction lends itself we'll to the
portrayal of Ceddie, a type of ideal
istic boy who probably couldn't be
found today.
Little Lord Fauntleroy" should
take its place alongside David Cop
perfield" and "A Tale of Two Cities"
as one of the screens masterpieces