Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm (Silent) (DVD)

Behind in the mortgage on Sunnybrook Farm and barely managing to feed seven hungry mouths, mother sends young Rebecca off to Riverboro to be raised by her wealthy Aunt Miranda. The little girl is treated like a prisoner by her strict Aunt, yet she gamely does her best to get an education. When spoiled girls at school mock the spirited Rebecca as "missy poor-house," she soon makes them come to eat their words. Despite many difficulties, Rebecca manages to help the less fortunate and spread joy in Riverboro, dreaming that her reward will come when she is "all growed up."

Kate Douglas Wiggin's classic children's novel, Rebecca Of Sunnybrook Farm, is brought to the screen for the first time in this beautifully produced film in which 25 year-old Mary Pickford is wonderfully convincing as a young teenager. Nicknamed "America's Sweetheart," Mary was one of the most popular and highly paid actresses of the silent era. She would star in 52 features and win the 1929 Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in Coquette.

• silent