Based on the 1886 children's novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, "Little Lord Fauntleroy" has a title that evokes old-fashioned, nineteenth century English stuffiness. But if you can't judge a book by its cover, you can't judge a film by its title, either. Slow and sentimental, those who expect action will be disappointed. However, the film is completely charming, with a fine cast and excellent script and direction.
The third film version of the classic, "Little Lord Fauntleroy" was preceded by silent adaptations from 1914 and 1922. Young Freddy Bartholomew, who was adept at playing exuberant, well-spoken children ("David Copperfield", "Captains Courageous") was well cast for the lead role of Cedric. C. Aubrey Smith, the crusty, venerable British character actor, plays his grandfather. Dolores Costello, recently divorced from John Barrymore and the future grandmother of Drew Barrymore, plays Cedric's saintly mother. Mickey Rooney, whose considerable acting talent peaked while still a teenager, has an enthusiastic supporting role.
Sweet, angelic Cedric (Bartholomew) lives in relative poverty with his widowed mother (Costello) in Brooklyn, near the turn of the century. Although street toughs take him for a sissy, he has swell pals in shoeshine boy Dick (Rooney) and grocer Mr. Hobbs (Guy Kibbee). Hobbs is an emotional middle-aged man who considers Cedric almost to be his son, but he has a Yankee disdain for English nobility.
This prejudice must be changed when it is revealed that Cedric is the long-lost grandson of the wealthy Earl of Dorincourt. Cedric is sent to England to live with his grandfather (Smith), who turns out to be a bitter, tyrannical old man half-crippled with gout. But Cedric doesn't see him that way, and soon charms the Earl into a more benevolent character. But trouble arises for young Cedric, as his inheritance is threatened by an older, worthless boy (Jackie Searl) who claims to be the first grandson of the Earl.
While Costello is unable to overcome the stereotyped sweetness of her character, Bartholomew is much more successful. His character is also too good to be true, perfectly polite and generous. But Bartholomew has the talent to make his character convincing, and he is aided by the clear affection that the whole cast has for him.
Useless trivia: "Little Lord Fauntleroy" was directed by John Cromwell, who was the father of James Cromwell ("Babe", "Deep Impact") (75/100)
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