I have been a big fan of Mary Pickford for years and always relish the opportunity to see one of her films in a restored condition. It is even more enjoyable when the movie happens to be one of those that she made before 1920 as they feature a younger more vibrant Mary before her overwhelming success and the Hollywood mentality set in. FANCHON THE CRICKET, made on the East Coast in 1915 for Famous Players-Lasky (Paramount), is just such a film. Mary was 23 at the time and lights up the screen whenever she appears which is about 90% of the time.
It is based on a work by 19th century French writer George Sand and tells the story of a young girl living in a forest with her grandmother who longs to take part in the local activities in a nearby village. She falls in love with the village squire’s son who naturally opposes their being together. FANCHON offers the rare opportunity to see Mary and her siblings Jack and Lottie Pickford in the same movie. It’s also an opportunity to see Jack Standing in something other than the William S. Hart Western HELL’S HINGES where he plays a weak willed minister corrupted by that town’s criminal element. He reminds me of a silent version of Nicholas Cage.
Mary Pickford died having no idea that FANCHON survived. Two incomplete prints in French & British archives were utilized with restoration work done in Italy. The results are nothing short of remarkable but this is what one expects from a Flicker Alley release and once again they do not disappoint. What is disappointing is the newly commissioned score from Julian Ducatenzeiler & Andy Gladbach. There is nothing wrong with the music itself, it’s just highly inappropriate for a period silent film. The use of pop/rock style drumming in several scenes takes you right out of the 19th century setting. It would sound fine on SESAME STREET or in A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS but not here.
So 5 stars for the restoration minus a star for the well played but anachronistic score adds up to 4 stars. Still a new Mary Pickford feature is cause for rejoicing and some people may not be bothered by the music. Flicker Alley offers FANCHON THE CRICKET in its usual Blu-Ray/DVD combo package. In addition to the two formats, there is a 25 page booklet with background information on the film, the director and performers, and even the musicians who wrote and performed the original score. An absolute must for Mary Pickford fans and not without interest to any lover of silent movies.
The Capsule Critic 