Watch Little Annie Rooney

In the movie Little Annie Rooney from 1925, Mary Pickford delivers a touching performance as the titular character, a mischievous tomboy who always seems to be getting into trouble. Set in a working-class neighborhood, the story follows Annie as she navigates the ups and downs of childhood, from playing pranks on her friends to dealing with the death of a loved one.

The film begins with Annie and her gang of neighborhood kids playing pranks on each other, ranging from harmless tricks to more serious misdemeanors like breaking windows. Despite her tough exterior, Annie has a soft spot for her family, particularly her father (played by Walter James) who spends his days working hard at the local streetcar company. When a rival gang from a nearby neighborhood threatens the safety of their turf, Annie becomes determined to protect her loved ones at all costs.

Along the way, Annie meets and falls in love with a young man named Joe Kelly (played by William Haines). Joe is from a wealthy family and initially rubs Annie the wrong way, but he proves to be a kind and caring companion who helps her through some of the toughest moments of her life. Together, they navigate the streets of their working-class neighborhood, trying to make sense of the world around them.

One of the most powerful scenes in the movie comes when Annie's mother falls ill and passes away. Pickford delivers an emotional and heart-wrenching performance as Annie struggles to come to terms with her loss. The scene is a testament to Pickford's range as an actress, as she effortlessly switches between moments of grief, anger, and confusion.

Another standout moment in the film is when Annie and her gang get into a fight with the rival gang. The scene is choreographed beautifully, with Pickford and her co-stars performing their own stunts as they engage in hand-to-hand combat. The fight is intense and gritty, but it's also infused with a sense of camaraderie and loyalty that is admirable.

Overall, Little Annie Rooney is a charming and poignant film that showcases the talents of Mary Pickford as a performer and storyteller. The film is a testament to the power of cinema to capture the innocence and wonder of childhood, as well as the harsh realities of life in a working-class neighborhood. With its wonderful cast, heartfelt script, and beautiful cinematography, it's no wonder that Little Annie Rooney remains a classic of the silent era.

Little Annie Rooney is a 1925 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.