American Experience - Mary Pickford (2005)

Synopsis: As the world's first movie star, "America's Sweetheart" Mary Pickford not only set the standard for Hollywood stardom but pioneered the role of women in show business and, arguably, American... As the world's first movie star, "America's Sweetheart" Mary Pickford not only set the standard for Hollywood stardom but pioneered the role of women in show business and, arguably, American society as a whole. In addition to portraying feisty females on screen--for which she commanded then unheard-of million-dollar salaries--Pickford took charge behind the scenes to write and produce some of her own films, co-found United Artists Pictures, and help establish the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. But as she grew older and became unable to play the pixieish roles that had made her famous, Pickford fell victim to the perennial dilemma of aging actresses and died an alcoholic recluse in the once-glamorous Pickfair estate she had shared with her former husband, actor Douglas Fairbanks. Narrated by actress Laura Linney (MYSTIC RIVER, KINSEY), this episode of PBS's American Experience series chronicles Pickford's groundbreaking, but ultimately tragic, life and career through archival footage and photographs, audio interviews with Pickford, and clips from her 200-plus films. [More]