Little Lord Fauntleroy (1980) Film Summary
Young Cedric (Ceddie) Errol and his widowed mother (known only as “Dearest”) live in genteel poverty in 1880s Brooklyn after the death of his father. Cedric’s grandfather, the Earl of Dorincourt, has long ago disowned his son for marrying an American. But after the death of the Earl’s remaining son, he decides to accept the little Cedric as Lord Fauntleroy, his heir.
Key Points
Little Lord Fauntleroy (1980) Movie Review
This 1886 children’s classic by Frances Hodgson Burnett tells the very straightforward, heartwarming tale of Cedric (“Ceddie”), a young boy of seven who lives simply with his mother in New York. His father was the youngest son of the Earl of Dorincourt in England, with whom the Earl severed all relations after the Earl married a very sweet young American woman (known as Mrs. Errol after her husband, “Captain Errol”) who was a “local.” Captain Errol passed away while Ceddie was quite young, leaving Mrs. Errol to raise him with a great deal of love and care. Cedric is what you may call a perfect child. His honey-sugary speech, brilliant eyes, and golden hair make him quite attractive. His queries and remarks are also incredibly innocent and lovely. You would assume there wasn’t a finer lad anywhere based on way the book describes him!
His friendly, fearless, cute little style of making friends with everyone was his biggest charm. I believe it came from having a really open personality, a kind heart, and a desire to make everyone feel as comfortable as he liked to be himself. He became quite adept at reading the emotions of others close to him as a result.
These are only a few lines from the first few chapters, by the way. The charm in the novel is everywhere. Ceddie was called home by Mary, the housekeeper, one evening when he was discussing politics with Mr. Hobbs, the grocery store owner, while sitting on a high stool. Since Cedric was the heir and the Earl of Dorincourt’s sons had passed away, Mr. Havisham, a lawyer sent by the Earl, wanted to arrange for Cedric to stay at the castle. The Earl despises Mrs. Errol so much that he made plans for her to dwell at a modest house outside the castle, thus this shift is very significant for Mrs. Errol and Cedric. The novel explores this shift and the worldview of a young boy with a good, innocent heart who is full of love and affection. It’s a brilliantly told tale that demonstrates how a well-raised youngster may significantly improve the world.
Little Lord Fauntleroy (1980) Movie trailer
Little Lord Fauntleroy (1980) Movie Cast & Crew
Director: Jack Gold
Writers: Blanche Hanalis(screenplay)Frances Hodgson Burnett(based on the novel by)
Stars: Ricky Schroder, Alec Guinness, Eric Porter
