CINDERELLA (1914)
Article 5190 by Dave Sindelar
Date: 6-23-2016
Directed by James Kirkwood
Featuring Mary Pickford, Owen Moore, Isabel Vernon
Country: USA
What it is: Fairy tale

If you knew the story yesterday, you still know it.

At fifty minutes of length, this version of the classic fairy tale really has enough time to do what yesterday’s version couldn’t – flesh out the story. It also does a fine job. One big plus is Mary Pickford in the title role; she adds a number of touches which make the story seem more real and brings her character to life; for example, when she brings out the mice for the coach, it’s obvious she’s not too enthused about carrying a cage of rodents, and that’s just the type of detail that adds to the fun. Furthermore, the script fleshes out the story in ways that enhance the main plot line; the scene where Cinderella meets Prince Charming early on and a relationship is established at that point actually makes the rest of the story seem more immediate and important. It’s one of those versions that makes me see the story with fresh eyes, and makes me realize how much a familiar old plot can be revitalized by making the characters seem alive. This is a very solid take on the story.