The Goose Girl

“The Goose Girl” is a silent drama film directed by James Kirkwood and released in 1912. It stars Mary Pickford as the titular character, alongside J. Jiquel Lanoe and Kate Bruce.

The film follows the story of a young goose girl named Gretchen (Mary Pickford) who lives in a small village. She falls in love with a handsome young man named Max (J. Jiquel Lanoe), who works for the local Duke (played by a non-credited actor). Max also reciprocates Gretchen's feelings, and the two plan to marry.

However, their plans are interrupted when the Duke decides to take Gretchen as his own mistress. He offers Max a bribe to keep him silent, and Max accepts it, breaking Gretchen's heart. As a result, Gretchen is forced to leave the village and work as a goose girl in an unfamiliar countryside.

The rest of the film follows Gretchen's struggles as she tries to make a living as a goose girl. She is constantly mistreated by her boss and the other workers, and Max is haunted by guilt and remorse for his actions.

Despite the challenges she faces, Gretchen remains determined and resilient. She eventually comes across a young prince (also played by J. Jiquel Lanoe) who falls in love with her. However, Max is still in love with Gretchen, and the prince's mother (played by Kate Bruce) objects to the match, believing that Gretchen is not of noble birth.

The film ends with a climactic confrontation between Max, the prince, and Gretchen. Max confesses his betrayal and begs for Gretchen's forgiveness, while the prince's mother finally accepts Gretchen as her son's true love.

Overall, “The Goose Girl” is a poignant tale of love and redemption, featuring outstanding performances from Mary Pickford, J. Jiquel Lanoe, and Kate Bruce. The film is set against a backdrop of rural landscapes and quaint village scenes, adding to its charm and authenticity. Despite being over a century old, “The Goose Girl” remains a timeless classic, showcasing the talents of some of the most iconic actors of the silent era.