Mary Pickford: Queen of the Movies

Mary Pickford: Queen of the Movies

by Christel Schmidt

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	38516 KB
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Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	288 pages
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The Early Years

Mary Pickford was born Gladys Louise Smith on April 8, 1892, in Toronto, Canada. Her parents were Charlotte Hennessey and John Charles Smith, an electrician. Pickford had a difficult childhood. Her father was an alcoholic, and her mother was often sick. Pickford was also bullied by her classmates because of her small size.

Despite her challenges, Pickford had a passion for performing. She began acting in local theater productions at the age of five. In 1909, she moved to New York City to pursue a career in film. Pickford quickly became one of the most popular actresses in the silent film era. She was known for her sweet and innocent persona, and her films often featured romantic stories.

The Golden Age of Hollywood

In the 1920s, Hollywood entered its golden age. Pickford was one of the biggest stars of the era. She starred in some of the most iconic films of the time, including The Poor Little Rich Girl (1917),Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm (1917),and Daddy-Long-Legs (1919).

Pickford was also a successful businesswoman. She co-founded the film studio United Artists with Charlie Chaplin, Douglas Fairbanks, and D.W. Griffith. Pickford was also one of the first actresses to demand a share of the profits from her films.

The Later Years

Pickford's career began to decline in the late 1920s. The advent of sound films made it difficult for her to transition to the new medium. Pickford also struggled to keep up with the changing tastes of the public. In 1933, she married Douglas Fairbanks, and the two of them retired from acting.

Pickford and Fairbanks remained married until Fairbanks's death in 1939. Pickford never remarried. She died in 1979 at the age of 87.

Legacy

Mary Pickford is one of the most iconic actresses in history. She was known for her sweet and innocent persona, and her films often featured romantic stories. Pickford was also a successful businesswoman, and she co-founded the film studio United Artists.

Pickford's legacy continues to inspire actresses today. She is a role model for those who want to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. Pickford's films are still enjoyed by audiences around the world.

Further Reading

• Mary Pickford on IMDb
• The Mary Pickford Foundation
• Mary Pickford: Queen of the Movies by Eileen Whitfield

Mary Pickford: Queen of the Movies

by Christel Schmidt

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	38516 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	288 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE