THE CABINET CARD GALLERY

Mary Pickford (1892-1979) was a Canadian-American actress and one of the most influential figures in early Hollywood. She was often referred to as “America’s Sweetheart”. She was a pioneer of silent film and a co-founder of the film industry as we know it today. Pickford’s career began in childhood when she performed in theater productions in Canada and the United States. By the early 1900s, she transitioned to film, working with director D.W. Griffith at Biograph Studios. Her delicate beauty and expressive acting quickly made her a fan favorite, setting her apart in an era when exaggerated stage-style performances dominated silent films. During the 1910s and 1920s, Pickford became one of the highest-paid and most beloved actresses in the world. Starring in films such as Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm (1917), Daddy-Long-Legs (1919), and Pollyanna (1920), she was known for playing wholesome, spirited young women. Her curly hair and signature on-screen innocence became iconic, but she was also a savvy businesswoman who understood the power of her brand. Pickford was not only a star but also a trailblazer in the film industry. In 1919, she co-founded United Artists alongside Charlie Chaplin, Douglas Fairbanks (her then-husband), and director D.W. Griffith. This revolutionary move allowed filmmakers to control their own productions rather than rely on major studios, changing the industry forever. As the film industry transitioned to “talkies,” Pickford retired from acting in the early 1930s, though she continued to produce films. Her contributions earned her an honorary Academy Award in 1976 for her lasting impact on cinema. Mary Pickford’s influence extends beyond her films. She helped shape the star system, paved the way for women in Hollywood, and co-founded the Motion Picture Relief Fund to support struggling actors. She remains an enduring symbol of early Hollywood glamour and innovation. Mary Pickford was born into a working-class family in Toronto, Canada. Her father, John Charles Smith, was an alcoholic who struggled to provide for the family and died from a workplace accident when Mary was just six years old. Her mother, Charlotte Hennessey Smith, was left to raise Mary and her two younger siblings, Lottie and Jack, on her own. To support the family, Charlotte encouraged her children to enter acting, and Mary began performing in theater at a young age. She soon became the family’s primary breadwinner, and her siblings, Lottie Pickford and Jack Pickford, also pursued film careers. Pickford transitioned from theater to film in the early 1900s, quickly rising to fame with her expressive acting and wholesome on-screen persona. By the 1910s and 1920s, she was one of the most recognizable stars in the world, earning the nickname “Queen of the Movies.” She also helped establish the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Mary Pickford was married three times. Pickford’s first marriage was to silent film actor Owen Moore (1911-1920). Her second and most famous marriage was to fellow silent film actor, Douglas Fairbanks (1920-1936). Her third marriage was to actor Charles “Buddy” Rogers (1937-1979). After retiring from acting in the early 1930s, Pickford focused on producing films and philanthropy. She became more reclusive in her later years, struggling with alcoholism and health issues. Today, she is remembered as a pioneering force in cinema history. This original real photo postcard (RPPC) features the legendary  Pickford in her role as Pollyanna from the 1920 United Artists film Pollyanna. The image is hand tinted. The postcard was published in the United Kingdom by Beagles & Company. The card was meant to promote the film. “Pollyanna” was a silent film released in 1920 and Pickford was it’s star. The film was based on the 1913 novel by Eleanor H. Porter, the story follows an optimistic young orphan named Pollyanna who is sent to live with her stern, crotchety Aunt Polly in a dour New England town. Pollyanna transforms the lives of the cynical townspeople by teaching them the “glad game”—a challenge to find something to be glad about in every situation, no matter how difficult. This was the first film released by United Artists, the independent studio Pickford co-founded with Charlie Chaplin, D.W. Griffith, and Douglas Fairbanks. Despite being 27 years old at the time, Pickford played the role of the 12-ye The film was a massive commercial hit, grossing over $1.1 million, which was an astronomical sum for the era. Her success in the role was so immense that she continued to play “little girl” characters for several more years. This postcard has an ornate border and is in excellent condition (see scans).

This cabinet card is available for purchase at my store, The History Peddler, for $38.00 at auction.

Interested collectors may view the listing here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/336445979915