The Hoodlum

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Nick M Mary Pickford is good as always, but the story lacks development, and can't be considered other than a B picture. She stars as Amy Burke, the granddaughter of an unscrupulous business tycoon who we learn early on is an ill-tempered, spoiled brat. Without knowing what she is getting herself into, she decides to live with her largely absent father when the opportunity arises. Father, however, is a sociologist writing a book that requires him to live in the slums of a major city. This is a massive culture shock for Amy, who is informed that she must learn to fit in or it will ruin the experience for the both of them. The concept itself is a comedy goldmine that is right up Pickford's alley, but we aren't allowed to see any of her riches-to-rags transformation. An intertitle tells us that two weeks have passed, and as if by magic she is an entirely different person. It's a waste of a good premise, though she makes the best of it. The performances are solid from the entire cast, but there really aren't any standouts. The direction is serviceable, but uninspired; the comedic elements frequent, but generally lacking spark. I'd recommend it to Pickford fans who have seen all of her better work, but can't see anyone loving this on its own merits. Rated 2.5/5 Stars •  Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 09/23/24 Full Review Audience Member ok silent com-dram with America's sweetheart Rated 2.5/5 Stars •  Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 01/21/23 Full Review Audience Member Another fantastic film from my silver screen favorite Mary Pickford & it's a quite well done film indeed. Although firstly introduced as a spoilt brat she quickly wins our heart and she grows in character in the film. Mary truly helmed any film she worked on, she has such a presence. This is a well made silent film, that clearly showcases Mary's comic & dramatic ability & her incredible gift to express on her face everything she needed to. The street scenes are really interesting & the people that inhabit them are also. A lesser known work of Mary Pickford but one of her best.... Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/31/23 Full Review Audience Member Fun little movie with great visual connections. I loved how Pickford's character, Amy, is such a bratty girl in the beginning and gets mad at her neighbor for using one of their towels from the line, but then when she steals the umbrella to keep dry her character turns. I think it has been the best characterization I have seen so far in the silent films. The story is constantly moving and it was more than just silly things happening to make you laugh. The Hoodlum is one of the steps to making great films. It was also really cool having the live piano accompaniment from a guy who was improvising the whole time based off his wide knowledge of music from that era. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/18/23 Full Review Read all reviews

The Hoodlum

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