Cinderella (1914)

Mary Pickford is perfectly cast here as the put-upon sister living as a drudge for her stepmother (Isabel Vernon) and her two daughters. Director James Kirkwood and the costumiers have done well to portray both Lucille Carney and Georgia Wilson as well as their mother as rather ghastly individuals whilst ensuring that Pickford retains the butter-wouldn’t-melt look. The story unfolds fairly faithfully, albeit substantially condensed, to the Perrault story as the King holds a ball to try and get his handsome son (Owen Moore) hitched. Naturally, a scullery maid isn’t on the guest list but the timely intervention of her fairy godmother (Inez Ranous) ensures that she can go and do some royal dazzling. It’s a little bit static at times, but the visual affects are charmingly applied and there’s a clear chemistry between the couple that fate has thrown together. There is also a little light-heartedness at times too as it unfolds and just desserts a-plenty at the conclusion. It just goes to show what you can do with an engaging story and people who know how to play to the camera.