For many of us movie buffs, when a classic fairy tale is brought up we automatically think of the Disney version. Not only do these stories date back before the Disney version but often the Disney movie is not even the first film version of the story. In fact the1914 film that I will be discussing in this post isn’t even the earliest film version of Cinderella. Cinderella was in fact a very popular story among the silent filmmakers and was adapted often during that era. Film historian and huge influence to me, JB Kaufman wrote about these silent film adaptions of the story here.
Unlike the previous film versions of Cinderella, this film was created heavily as a vehicle of this star. The star is one I am sure most of you are familiar with Mary Pickford. Though she isn't as mischievous as we are used to, Mary is certainly playing Mary Pickford here. However rather than hurting the movie this ends up helping the film. Previous film adaptions were more concerned with the awe and wonder of the story rather than providing a characterization of Cinderella herself. What we have here is a film that is less visually impressive (not much of a surprise considering two previous adaptions had been directed by Georges Melies) than some previous adaptions, but something that is more human and emotional.
Despite for the most part this movie not being as visually creative as the previous adaption, one scene certainly was an exception. After having to rush home after the ball, Cinderella has a nightmare. This nightmare is quite Avant Grade when compared to the rest of the film. Part of this nightmare involves the hands and numbers of a clock losing control. This is shown very effectively through stop motion animation. The result is perfect not only looking very impressive but also getting us into the emotional state of our main character without the use of intertitles.
This version changes a couple things about the story. These changes certainly benefit the film adding a bit of depth humanity. One of these changes is that Cinderella meets the Fairy Godmother (Inez Marcel) before she helps Cinderella get to the ball. She appears as a poor beggar, who Cinderella treats very kindly. This gives reason for the Fairy Godmother help Cinderella. It also makes that important scene seem less like a Dues Ex Machina and more like a natural part of the story. Also in this film version the Prince (Owen Moore, Mary Pickford's then current husband) and Cinderella meet before the ball. This makes their romance feel more fleshed out and believable.
The director James Kirkwood was more prolific as an actor and as late as the 1950's was playing small parts in various TV episodes (after spending the 1940's playing uncredited parts in many movies). As a director he only directed in the 1910's. However Mary Pickford loved having James as a director. Other Mary Pickford movies James directed would include, The Courting of Mary (1911), Little Red Riding Hood (1911), The Eagles Mate (1914), Esmerelda (1915), Franchon the Cricket (1915), Mistress Nell (1915) and Behind the Scenes (1915).
For those interested in watching this film it can be found on YouTube (which you can watch below) or as a bonus feature on the DVD for Through the Back Door (1921, also starring Mary Pickford).
-Michael J. Ruhland
Nice post, thanks!
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