The Little American

The Little American is a romantic war-drama directed by Cecil B. DeMille and Joseph Levering, initially released in 1917. The film starred Mary Pickford, one of the most popular actresses of the silent era, along with other known actors such as Jack Holt and Raymond Hatton.

The narrative of The Little American revolves around Pickford's character, Angela Moore, a young and innocent American caught amidst the ravages of World War I. She voyages across the Atlantic Ocean to reclaim her family's heritage, a castle in France. Moore’s journey becomes a turbulent one as her ship gets torpedoed by a German U-boat.

The multi-layered narrative showcases an ambitious boy-next-door character as well, played by Raymond Hatton and named Count Jules de Destin. The Count, aspiring to higher social ranks, leaves America for France early in the film. Concurrently, another character in the movie, Karl Von Austreim, portrayed by Jack Holt, is Angela's other love interest, a German-American who also leaves for his homeland at the outbreak of the war. The destinies of these two characters intertwine with Angela’s story, creating a complex and immersive narrative that delicately balances romance and war.

A significant aspect of The Little American's plot involves showcasing the two-sidedness of war, largely bolstered by the love-triangle perpetuated by Angela and her two suitors. Jack Holt's character, despite fighting for Germany, tries to maintain his American allegiance and love for Angela amidst all the havoc. At the same time, the film goes beyond depicting the other male lead, the Frenchman Count, as a mere rival for Angela’s affections. Rather, Raymond Hatton's character embodies the dignified, patriotic spirit of a country engaged in defending its sovereignty.

The film, through Mary Pickford’s character, draws attention to the role of women amid war chaos. Pickford, lauded as "America's Sweetheart," effectively uses her appeal to portray an innocent American girl who must brave, endure, and survive the horrors of war. Angela Moore's evolution, from being a naive American girl to a war veteran, gives viewers a glimpse of women’s strength, perseverance, and resilience in the face of adversity.

While the central crux of the story lies in the love triangle between Angela and her two suitors, the film doesn't avoid the opportunity to delve deep into the brutalities of warfare. The Little American doesn't shy away from depicting the harsh realities of World War I, managing to portray the war's physical destruction and psychological ramifications alongside the romantic adrenaline.

Cecil B. DeMille and Joseph Levering, the co-directors of this film, create a cinematic experience filled with unexpected twists, remarkable performances, and visual storytelling. Their direction and vision, paired with Pickford's standout performance, make the film intriguing and memorable. Both directors show deft handling of the grand set-pieces, the ship torpedoing, and the war scenes, invoking a sense of authenticity and drawing viewers into the action.

Given its release during World War I, the film also possesses historical significance. It aims to stir the emotions of American audiences and inspire patriotism in them. Its portrayals of war horrors, romance, and Angela's bravery combined to create a unifying message meant to resonate with viewers during a time of global conflict.

The Little American blends romance, war, and patriotism in a compelling narrative, fueled by strong performances, particularly that of Pickford. It adeptly confronts the tumultuous dynamics of the World War I era while exploring compelling character arcs and relationships. The film’s narrative, historical context, and themes make it a significant entry in the canon of early twentieth-century silent cinema.