The Hoodlum (1919)

Just perfect...

I don't have all the words right now but this film is a work of art.

Best movie ever!

Blistering performances.

The Hoodlum is a good example of what Mary Pickford produced when she was totally at the helm of her pictures, and it shows, as the actress was just as concerned about the quality of her films as she was with her acting. This film was Pickford's second fully independent production and it gives the very best photography of the time, direction, scenarios, lighting effects and the finest attention to detail. Even Sidney Franklin's career as director of this film was elevated by working with Mary Pickford. Reviews at the time were glowing, with one stating; "After 8 years she is still queen of the screen". During the production of this film, Mary was struck by the influenza epidemic that had killed many people worldwide. In the spring of 1919, she was out of action for 4 weeks, but so dedicated was the actress that she returned to work against doctor's orders. Others have already written very adequate synopsis about the story, so I will add, Mary plays Amy Burke, the spoiled rich girl with so much spunk and liveliness, it's just plain fun to watch her. I thoroughly enjoyed this very delightful movie and encourage anyone interested in Mary Pickford, to have a look at her performance in this fine film.

Bratty young Mary Pickford (as Amy Burke) lives a life filled with tantrums in her fancy Fifth Avenue mansion, while wealthy grandfather Ralph Lewis (as Alexander Guthrie) wheels and deals. At first, Ms. Pickford is thrilled when Mr. Lewis announces a trip to Europe. She wants to go shopping. For no particular reason, Pickford decides she doesn't want to travel. It could be a woman's prerogative, or Pickford may be missing writer daddy Dwight Crittendon (as John Burke), an apparent sociologist. When her father suddenly returns, Pickford moves with him to slummy Craigen Street, where he plans to work on a book.So, Pickford goes from pampered rich girl to street hoodlum - it's a struggle, but Pickford's plucky.Previously, one of Mr. Lewis' business endeavors required the jailing of an innocent man, arousing bachelor Kenneth Harlan (as John Graham). Mr. Harlan turns out to be one of Pickford's ghetto neighbors. Pickford thinks Harlan might make good husband material, unaware he is plotting against her grandfather, who canceled his trip to Europe and has also moved into the area. "The Hoodlum" is hospitable Pickford fare. Her "little girl" character is broadly played, and provides salvation. Some of the early sequences are not pieced together well; for example, Pickford's father should have returned before she declined the European trip.And, the early running time plays more painful than funny (especially for animals), and out of place.But, once the story moves to an artificially created poor side of town, the film becomes quite visually strong. Scene-stealing street kid Melvin "Buddie" Messinger (as Dish Lowry) looks like the template for an early Mickey Rooney. Pickford's director Sidney Franklin, photographer Charles Rosher, and editor Edward McDermott combine camera shots and coordinate personnel to marvelous effect; their screen is incredibly alive. Though this is not one of Pickford's strongest overall characterizations, she excels in several sequences; a highlight features her lost in a bluesy-tinted New York City rainstorm, without an umbrella.******* The Hoodlum (8/31/19) Sidney Franklin ~ Mary Pickford, Ralph Lewis, Kenneth Harlan, Buddy Messinger

THE HOODLUM is perhaps one of Mary Pickford's lesser known silent films, but it's a total delight. And she does not play "little Mary," in this one, but plays an older version of her famous and beloved character.We first see Pickford as Amy Burke, a rich little terror who throws hysterical fits when she can't have her way. She's maybe 16-ish, in school, but she drives a car (a "white racer"). Her grandfather (Ralph Lewis) is planning a trip to Europe but she pitches a fit for some reason and decides to go live with her father on Craigen Street in New York City while he finishes up his sociological study for his book. Snooty Amy has a major culture shock as she adjusts to life in the slums.So Pickford becomes one of the "gang," learns to fit in, and also learns through a neighbor (Kenneth Harlan) that her grandfather framed him and sent him to jail. Of course all wrongs are righted by the end of the film.Pickford is hilarious as she shoots craps with loaded dice, runs from the police, dances a wild tango in an alley, and eventually settles the score between the wronged man (whom she marries) and her grandfather.The film is great looking with a terrific "Craigen Street" set that includes tenement hallways and stairs, fire escapes, and alleys. The film is briskly directed by Sidney Franklin and boasts some beautiful title cards by Ferdinand Pinney Earle, who was the major title card artist of his time, and whose art sometimes resembles that of Edward Hopper.But Mary Pickford is center stage here whether she's trashing her mansion bedroom, driving wildly down country roads, or dancing in an alley. Aggie Herring, Melvin Messinger, and Max Davidson (as Isaacs) co-star.

Mary Pickford's appeal as `America's Sweetheart' is very clear in this film. While many of her fellow actors use an excessively theatrical style, she is totally natural. She inhabits her character completely and, contrary to the stereotype of her films, that character is anything but sweet for most of the movie. In fact, much of the delight of watching her is in enjoying her bad behavior!Another impressive facet of the film is the authentic-looking slum where Amy Burke (Pickford's character) spends most of her time. Although created at a Hollywood studio, the slum almost smells like old New York.The film does employ some ethnic stereotypes common at the time – but the poor characters are generally treated with affection, while the rich are seen as uncaring and in need of enlightenment. Also, it seems notable that Amy associates with ALL the kids of the slum neighborhood, not just those of her own ethnic group.