It speaks well to all involved that this is filled with plentiful light humor by way of clever gags and situational comedy, deftly covering for the dour severity of Rebecca's aunts. Certainly this is to the credit of author Kate Douglas Wiggin, and playwright Charlotte Thompson, but more immediately it's a credit to prolific screenwriter Frances Marion for giving cinematic form to the story of a plucky, energetic child thrust into circumstances that are ill-fitting for her. The intertitles and scene writing are characterized by wit and charm that counterbalance the less cheerful facets of the narrative, allowing this comedy-drama to mostly feel more like the former than the latter under director Marshall Neilan's shrewd orchestration of every shot and scene. And to that same end, it's hard to imagine anyone other than silent superstar Mary Pickford in the title role, for she embodies Rebecca with all the range, nuance, physicality, and otherwise skill we know she possessed, but above all there's an unremitting gaiety in her performance that's endlessly enchanting. None of this is to say that 'Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm' is necessarily perfect, but it's very well done and great fun all around.
One should note a dubious instance of blackface that hasn't exactly aged well. Even by the standards of the silent era, there are also little details in the intertitles or scene writing that demonstrate values or culture that are all but totally alien to modern viewers. Smart, earnest, and entertaining as it is, mark this as an example of an older movie that may not appeal to those who aren't already enamored of works from the 1910s or 20s. This is to say nothing of aspects reflecting contemporary film-making sensibilities or capabilities (relatively exaggerated acting to compensate for lack of sound, sometimes brusque editing, division into discrete segments, and so on) that more commonly limit modern engagement. Yet though the sum total may not be altogether perfect, by and large I rather think this is splendid, and holds up better than some of its kin, or even no few flicks to follow the advent of talkies. That there are recognizable strains in the story is endearing, not off-putting, particularly as the good-natured levity of the proceedings readily shine through. Superseding the less favorable elements are themes of privilege, class, prejudice, plain old kindness, and stiff haughtiness, and the terrific contributions that everyone made to the picture.
Pickford stands out above all, yet her co-stars are no less able, and it's just a joy to watch the cast practice their art. Marjorie Daw, Eugene O'Brien, Violet Wilkey, Mayme Kelso, Josephine Crowell, and all others involved share in the tremendous spirit of warmth that broadly defines the film, making it all the more a delight. Moreover, crew behind the scenes did a fine job all around, from costume design, hair, and makeup, to sets, stunts, and simple effects. Modest by today's standards, there are nonetheless instances of cinematography or editing that are especially sharp on top of Neilan's swell direction. Really, even noting slight indelicacies or inelegance, in every way that matters most this is an excellent production. It may well represent "simpler entertainment for a simpler time," but there's gratifying sincerity and frivolity in the storytelling that handily outweighs whatever criticisms one might levy. Honestly, I quite had mixed expectations when I sat to watch, but I'm all so pleased at just how enjoyable and satisfying the end result is. While it may not be a feature that utterly demands viewership, when all is said and done 'Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm' is softly compelling and rewarding, and in that unflagging wholeheartedness becomes something that's well worth one's time. Don't feel like you need to go out of your way for it, but at only 70 minutes, this is a pleasant, refreshing diversion.
