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Today, it's a precious treat to view one of Pickford's movies, since silent cinema is rarely revived in the theatres and her films have only recently begun to circulate on video. But fans and film historians hungry for Pickford's talent will devour the hundreds of magnificent (and mostly never-before-published) photographs and production stills collected in this stunning tribute to the Hollywood legend. This lush book features 232 black-and-white photos and stills--many taken by some of the century's most talented still photographers and cinematographers. Robert Cushman's detailed introduction discusses the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' arduous process of collecting the photographs, many of which were for decades believed lost. The main text, which limns Pickford's career and traces the photographs and films in chronological order, was composed by Kevin Brownlow, author, documentary filmmaker and restorer of silent movies. Brownlow incorporates interviews with Pickford and her former colleagues, period accounts, anecdotes and technical information about the process of creating a silent film. This gorgeous, fascinating title brings silent movies alive--even for those people who may never have seen one--and, most importantly, pays well-deserved homage to a woman without whose influence the film institution could well have taken a different course.
It is difficult in today's climate of instant access to information to understand just how popular Mary Pickford was in her day. She was embraced by the entire world, and reportedly, every twenty four hours, 12 1/2 million people saw her on screen. She perfected her craft in an era of film when very few people actually saw her natural acting style for the hard work and genius it was. George Cukor called her the first method actor.
Mary Pickford's career as an actress spanned decades. She did much for women with her strong business savvy and the roles she not only portrayed, but created. A very practical woman by all accounts, her films themselves reflected our better side as human beings and were often sentimental in tone. She didn't play weak characters as many of her contemporaries did. When people walked out of the theatre after seeing a Pickford film, they were often uplifted, feeling generous towards their fellowman.
Brownlow has done a wonderful job bringing Mary Pickford to life as a three dimensional human being. With all the rare and beautiful photographs here to distract you it would have been easy to have an uninspiring text. But the introduction by Cushman, and the lengthy and insightful comments by Brownlow, which includes comments on each Pickford film, make this a mesmerizing journey into a life, both on film, and off.
There were many things about Mary the public knew, such as the famous Pickfair and her celebrated marriage to Douglas Fairbanks and their friendship with Charlie Chaplin. They knew little of a young girl who virtually had no childhood. Before her career finally took off she was poor in the extreme, sleeping in a chair so long it would take quite some time after owning a bed before she could sleep in any other position.
Some knew of her first marriage to actor Owen Moore, but few knew he was an abusive alcoholic who would drive Mary to seek comfort with actor and director James Kirkwood. They certainly didn't know that in 1917, at the height of her fame, Mary almost committed suicide. Though these aspects of Mary's life are only touched upon and not dealt with in depth, it is admirable they are here at all, separating this from other coffee table books.
The photographs are so stunningly beautiful (some never before seen) you may have trouble concentrating on the text. Of particular note are photographs on pages 110, 65, 17, 12, 27, 154, 121, and 66. They are not to be missed.
This lush and informative book, filled with affection for it's subject and augmented by rare and breathtaking photographs, is a must own for anyone who loves film. It's overall perspective of America's Sweetheart, and ultimately the world's sweetheart, Mary Pickford, is unmatched. Pick this one up today!
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