Mary Pickford

pbs's American Experience producers have done a great service for teachers, scholars, and the viewing public by bringing Mary Pickford—a biography of one of the most significant actresses, producers, and icons in the U.S. silent film era—to the small screen. This documentary ably covers the story of Pickford's life from her humble origins as Gladys Smith, a young actress (and family breadwinner) in regional theater to Mary Pickford, Broadway ingénue turned Hollywood royalty and America's Sweetheart, to elderly recluse. Though she has been the subject of two able biographies, much scholarly work remains to be done on Pickford, and this film offers a solid starting point for scholars—as well as a tool for teachers and an engaging story for the general public. The filmmakers have done prodigious archival research and incorporate incisive commentary from a wide range of accomplished writers and scholars. Director Sue Williams has artfully pulled

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