Daddy-Long-Legs (1919)

Daddy-Long-Legs Poster

Wealthy Jarvis Pendleton acts as benefactor for orphan Judy Abbott, anonymously sponsoring her in her boarding school. But as she grows up, he finds himself falling in love with her, and she with him, though she does not know that the man she has fallen for is her benefactor.

Introduction
"Daddy-Long-Legs" is a quiet romantic comedy-drama film launched in 1919, directed by Marshall Neilan as well as starring Mary Pickford. The film is based on the 1912 book of the very same name by Jean Webster. The film tells the story of a young orphan girl named Jerusha Abbott who is provided the chance to go to college as a result of the generosity of a mysterious benefactor. In return, the benefactor just asks that she write him month-to-month letters about her university experiences, under the pseudonym Daddy-Long-Legs.

Story
The movie begins with 17-year-old orphan Jerusha Abbott, that lives at the John Grier Home, an establishment for orphaned and also penniless youngsters. Jerusha gets on the cusp of aging out of the system and also has no leads, up until a trustee of the orphanage checks out the institution eventually, excited by among Jerusha's essays. He goes on to determine to fund Jerusha's college education anonymously. The only problem he establishes is that Jerusha has to write him a letter each month to update him on her development, and that she must never ever recognize his real identity.

Jerusha expresses her thankfulness by referring to her unidentified benefactor as 'Daddy-Long-Legs,' because of his high shadow that she saw one night. While going to university, Jerusha begins to experience life beyond the orphanage, makes brand-new good friends, as well as at some point finds her passion for creating. She remains to send her letters faithfully to her sponsor, narrating her growth and also growth.

Characters and Relationships
Throughout the film, Jerusha experiences numerous personalities that play a substantial function in her journey, both within and also outside the college. One such remarkable personality is Jervis Pendleton, a rich boy who is additionally the uncle of among Jerusha's college buddies, Julia. Jerusha and also Jervis meet for the very first time when he comes to visit his niece at the college. They slowly establish a friendship, and Jerusha progressively falls in love with him.

Unbeknownst to Jerusha, Jervis is actually her mysterious benefactor, 'Daddy-Long-Legs.' He locates himself loving Jerusha also and appreciates her firm, without her understanding his true identification. While they share minutes of both delight as well as problem, Jervis realizes that if he were to reveal his identity as the benefactor, Jerusha could feel required to marry him out of appreciation, as opposed to love.

Orgasm as well as Resolution
As Jerusha finishes from university, she seeks her profession as an author and also gains both success and crucial acclaim. She additionally gets a proposition from a fellow author, but her heart still comes from Jervis. At the same time, Jervis deals with the choice of whether to expose his true identification to Jerusha.

In a remarkable scene, Jerusha uncovers a collection of her letters to 'Daddy-Long-Legs' in Jervis' library, realizing the fact about his identity. Jervis confesses his love for her which he's been her benefactor all along. Jerusha tearfully replies that she loves him in spite of his deceptiveness.

Conclusion
"Daddy-Long-Legs" is an enchanting as well as heartfelt film that explores motifs of love, development, identity, and appreciation. The movie showcases Mary Pickford's phenomenal performance as a wonderful and also perky heroine, recording the hearts of target markets in 1919 as well as past. The film also works as a testimony to the power of kindness as well as kindness, and how an easy act of a good reputation can alter someone's life right. This timeless romantic tale has actually been adjusted right into numerous plays, films, and TV collection over the years, proving its classic importance as well as appeal.

Top Cast

  • Mary Pickford (small)
    Mary Pickford
    Judy Abbott
  • Milla Davenport (small)
    Milla Davenport
    Mrs. Lippett
  • Percy Haswell
    Miss Pritchard (as Miss Percy Haswell)
  • Fay Lemport
    Angelina
  • Mahlon Hamilton (small)
    Mahlon Hamilton
    Jarvis Pendleton
  • Lillian Langdon (small)
    Lillian Langdon
    Mrs. Pendleton
  • Betty Bouton (small)
    Betty Bouton
    Julia Pendleton
  • Audrey Chapman
    Sallie McBride
  • Marshall Neilan (small)
    Marshall Neilan
    Jimmie Mc Bride (as Marshall A. Neilan)
  • Joan Marsh (small)
    Joan Marsh
    (uncredited)
  • Carrie Clark Ward
    Mrs. Semple (as Carrie Clark Warde)