Very well executed

Plot so thin, it passes unnoticed.

Clever, believable, and super fun to watch. It totally has replay value.

One of the film's great tricks is that, for a time, you think it will go down a rabbit hole of unrealistic glorification.

Freddie Bartholomew, the little British lad with the face of an angel and a sweet disposition, is the title character in this classic David O. Selznick version of the famous story. He steals your heart as he plays wonderfully touching scenes with C. Aubrey Smith whereby his character charms the gruff old man and softens his heart forever.The plot has Smith resenting the lad because he thinks so little of the boy's mother, through a misunderstanding of her true character. All of these things are swept aside by the time the story reaches its conclusion, with boy, mother and grandfather all reunited for a happy ending.I have to say that C. Aubrey Smith, the venerable old actor who stole scenes in many a British film, is at his finest in this particular role. Using his bushy eyebrows and monocle for great effect, his expressions of anger, joy, surprise or stern contempt are beautifully executed. What an actor! I don't think he ever showed such range in any other of his memorable character roles.Never for a moment intimidated by his gruff grandfather, Freddie stands up to him in scene after scene, matching him for pure professionalism. He too delivers a standout performance as the polite but resolute lad who worships his loving mother (Dolores Costello) whom he calls "Dearest." Mickey Rooney and Guy Kibbe are excellent in good supporting roles.John Cromwell's detailed direction is superb for this charming, if old-fashioned tale played to perfection by Freddie Bartholomew and C. Aubrey Smith.Notice how Cromwell even fleshes out background scenes with a single paper boy working hard to attract buyers while adding reality to a street scene focused on two other characters in the forefront.

This film is like a little box of surprises. True, it looks and feels as aged as it is, but that's exactly this old-fashioned quality that makes it charming.The plot is an unexpected surprise in the positive sense. This plot is certainly original, unique and unusual, different from other films regardless of the era.The plot concerns a widowed mother and her son Ceddie living in America in the 1880's. Ceddie likes to call her "Dearest". That is another surprise. I've never seen a movie with someone calling their mother "Dearest" before. I find that quite cute. Ceddie seems popular where he lives, everybody likes him (except the bullies, of course) and he is very nice to everyone. Meanwhile, Ceddie's grandfather, the Earl of Dorincourt, wants the boy to be brought to England to be his heir, as he has no more living sons.However, the Earl does not allow his mother to live in his castle. Ceddie gets devastated but "Dearest" does everything she can to convince him that the man is a very generous person, not touching on subjects that could be traumatic for the kid.The Earl, although reluctant at first, gets deeply impressed with the boy from the start. He, a bitter and cranky old man who always hated children, never thought he could be so fond of a child. Ceddie believes in the Earl's generosity so much that the stern old man really becomes generous. He couldn't have found a better heir. Ceddie is so delicate, so polite and has such aristocratic manners. This cute curly-haired boy has the face of an angel and the posture and manners of a little prince... or lord. He definitely conquers the old man's heart. They have a perfect chemistry from the very start.Even when an information that tells that Ceddie is not the real heir, the Earl is so proud of him that he doesn't want anyone else as his heir. He even gets to see the supposed real heir but dislikes him and thinks he is annoying. His wish is granted and he even allows Ceddie's mother to live in the castle in the ending.Freddie Bartholomew is noble as Ceddie, Dolores Costello is wonderful as "Dearest", C. Aubrey Smith has dignity as the Earl of Dorincourt and it's fun to see a very young Mickey Rooney as the bootblack and Ceddie's friend Dick Tipton. Mickey Rooney is like a comic relief, to which the actor's hilarious accent and charismatic acting contribute greatly. Guy Kibbee is fine as Mr. Hobbs... This precious little film should be properly restored to improve its slight audio flaws, as well as its many image scratches and "bounces", characteristic flaws in very old movies.Title in Portugal: 'O Pequeno Lorde'.

The Earl of Dorincourt, lonely in his great castle, has grown old. Now, with the death of both of his sons, he sends for his only grandchild to be with him. This is an innocent boy living in New York City with his American mother. Sweet-tempered and beloved, the earnest young child knows nothing of the crusty, fierce old lord in England, or of the wonderful changes about to happen in his own life, now that he is LITTLE LORD FAUNTLEROY.This is David O. Selznick's wonderful & lavish retelling of the classic children's story by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Much effort was put into getting the details just right. Sentimental? Yes, but honest sentiment, with emotions straight from the heart. Freddie Bartholomew & marvelous Sir C. Aubrey Smith are picture perfect in their roles as young Fauntleroy & his grandfather. There may never be a finer male child actor than Master Bartholomew and Sir C. was the epitome of the English aristocratic tradition. Two champion scene-stealers, they work together beautifully.The rest of the cast is both extensive & uniformly excellent: Dolores Costello Barrymore, Henry Stephenson, Guy Kibbee, Jessie Ralph, Una O'Connor, Constance Collier, E. E. Clive, Lionel Belmore, Eily Maylon & Mickey Rooney. Film mavens will spot uncredited appearances by Mary Gordon as a churchgoing villager & Leonard Kibrick as one of Fauntleroy's Brooklyn tormentors.Sir Hugh Walpole, the celebrated English novelist, wrote the screen adaptation.

Break out the insulin! This antique heartwarmer, awash in tears and goodness, is risibly sentimental, but David Selznick made it an expert entertainment as well. Plucky Freddie Bartholomew is just about irresistible as the Brooklyn boy who becomes an earl. Melting hearts left and right, he wins over his crusty grandfather, becomes a philanthropist in a sailor suit, and fights the local toughs to prove he is NOT a sissy! C.Aubrey Smith seemed born to play the venerable old gentleman, although he relies a bit too much on acting with his monocle. Mickey Rooney stands out as the loyal Brooklyn shoeshine boy. This is the film to watch if you've never actually heard anyone say, "Cheezit, the cops!"