The Extraordinary Mary Pickford

Mary Pickford was all of five feet tall, but she was a giant in the early film industry. Thanks to the memorable little girl character she created on the silent screen, Pickford became the first moving picture star, the most famous woman in the world and the most highly paid actor in Hollywood. She also took charge of the business side of filmmaking. She became a producer and co-founder of United Artists and of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

For Back Lane Studios' September Extraordinary Women session at the Revue Cinema, we explore the life and accomplishments of the Toronto-born actor through a documentary and discussion with early cinema expert Charlie Keil.

Like many artists who create a beloved little girl character, Pickford became trapped by the demands of her fans. In her late 30s, she finally quit playing little Mary with ringlets (each costing $50), but her more adult roles with cropped hair lacked the same audience appeal and she ceased acting.

Although Mary Pickford was America’s Sweetheart, she treasured her Canadian origins and citizenship to her dying days. She was born in 1892 in the family’s house on University Ave. Her father died when she was just 6. At that time, she vowed to take on the paternal task of supporting her mother and two siblings – and she did as a child actor first on the stage and then in film. Hers is a story of endurance, chutzpah and talent, but it is also the story of the early film industry that she helped shape.

THE FILM:

Mary Pickford, a Blessing and a Curse. This 53-minute 2023 documentary was produced by siblings Clara and Julia Kuperberg. Watch the trailer.

OUR GUEST SPEAKER:

Early cinema expert Charlie Keil joins us to discuss the documentary and Pickford's influence. He’ll also fill us in on the period of transition in the movie industry, when film producers moved toward feature films, supported by stars like Mary Pickford.

Principal of Innis College and professor in the history department and Cinema Studies Institute at U of T, Charlie is an engaging lecturer who consistently earns high ratings from his students, 100 percent of whom say they would take his course again!

YOUR TICKET:

Tickets are by a suggested donation of $16 (fees included). Proceeds from our Extraordinary Women series support Back Lane Studios' projects. Thank you!

Please note, with tickets by donation on Eventbrite, you are able to purchase only one at a time.

Host or Publisher Back Lane Studios