The Foundling (1915)

This 1915 film was completed in August and reviewed by trade papers, but was destroyed by fire in a studio accident. It was immediately remade with a different director and a slightly different cast and release on 2 January 1916, only 6 days after the scheduled release date for the destroyed version.

Film Summary
"The Foundling" is an American silent brief film launched in 1915, directed by John B. O'Brien and produced by Famous Players Film Company. The movie stars Mary Pickford, a reigning star of the era frequently acknowledged as "America's sweetheart".

Plot Summary
The story of "The Foundling" is fixated the character Molly O (played by Mary Pickford), who has grown up in a foundling home, unknown to her rich father. She, like the other wards of the organization, leads a life loaded with difficulty, isolation, and deprivation.

The story jumps into high equipment when Molly O encounters a rich guy on the street who takes a sudden interest in her. It turns out that he is the owner of the outlet store where she is presently working as an underpaid shopgirl. His kindly concern for her health and wellbeing draws in Molly's attention, little knowing he is unconsciously her own long-lost dad.

Key Themes and Development
"The Foundling" effectively showcases its themes of poverty, identity search, and the yearning for familial bonds. The movie achieves this by accentuating the severe conditions in which foundlings are made to thrive and Molly's desperate yearning for her unidentified familial previous types the crux of the story.

Throughout the film, Mary Pickford's performance as Molly O illustrates a series of feelings. For example, she brilliantly communicates the character's delight and relief when she faces compassion from the unforeseen visitor, her employer, evidencing a subtle telling of the father-daughter bonding. The audience can see her aspirations that radiates from Molly's eyes, all of which she magnificently showcases under the extreme realities that come with living in a foundling home.

Climax and Conclusion
The film's climax unfolds significantly with Molly discovering her father's identity. It later on comes into light that the visitor and her boss is certainly her biological dad, which Molly pertains to discover after a series of events. Filled with mixed sensations, she rejoices at the discovery of her own identity.

There is a sense of satisfaction as Molly's long-lasting yearning for a sense of belonging and identity is lastly met. The film ends on a hopeful note, symbolically hinting at Molly's escape from the impoverished foundling home to her dad's loving accept makes her difficulty worth enduring.

Important Response
"The Foundling" in 1915 got combined reactions. While it was praised for encapsulating the harsh realities of foundling homes and their occupants, some critics argued that it lacked depth. However, Mary Pickford's commendable acting gathered significant appreciation.

Last Comments
In summary, "The Foundling" interacts a heart-touching tale of a girl's life in a foundling home and her subconscious search for her dad. It effectively portrays Molly's journey from being a confidential foundling to becoming a rightfully acknowledged child of a rich entrepreneur. Although the movie might lack depth in specific areas, it is a must-watch for its extensive commentary on society and Mary Pickford's extraordinary acting prowess.

Top Cast

  • Mary Pickford (small)
    Mary Pickford
    Molly O
  • Edward Martindel (small)
    Edward Martindel
    David King (as Edward Martindale)
  • Maggie Weston
    Mrs. Grimes
  • Mildred Morris
    Jennie
  • Marcia Harris
    Julia Ember
  • Tammany Young (small)
    Tammany Young
    Crook