Dorothy Vernon of Haddon Hall (1924)

In the year 1550, Sir George Vernon agrees to have his young daughter Dorothy betrothed to John Manners, the son of the Earl of Rutland. Sir George signs a contract, promising that the ... See full summary »

Director:

Marshall Neilan

Writers:

Charles Major (novel), Waldemar Young (adaptation)

Stars:

Mary Pickford, Anders Randolf, Marc McDermott

Cast

Credited cast:
Mary Pickford	...	Dorothy Vernon
Anders Randolf	...	Sir George Vernon
Marc McDermott	...	Sir Malcolm Vernon
Carrie Daumery	...	Lady Vernon
Allan Forrest	...	Sir John Manners
Lottie Pickford	...	Jennie Faxton (as Lottie Pickford Forrest)
Wilfred Lucas	...	Earl of Rutland
Clare Eames	...	Queen Elizabeth
Estelle Taylor	...	Mary, Queen of Scots
Courtenay Foote	...	Earl of Leicester
Colin Kenny	...	Dawson
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Julie Bishop	...	Child Extra (as Jacqueline Wells)

Storyline

In the year 1550, Sir George Vernon agrees to have his young daughter Dorothy betrothed to John Manners, the son of the Earl of Rutland. Sir George signs a contract, promising that the marriage will take place on Dorothy's 18th birthday, or else he will have to pay a large penalty to Rutland. But when the two children have grown older, rumors of John's wild behavior in France provoke Sir George to call off the engagement, and to pledge his daughter instead to her cousin Malcolm. Rutland now claims the forfeit from Sir George, and meanwhile, John has befriended Mary Stuart, the sworn enemy of Elizabeth, who is now Queen of England.

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Plot Keywords:

tudor | based on novel | character name in title

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Genres:

Drama | History | Romance

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

25 May 1924 (USA)

Also Known As:

Der Ritt ums Leben

Filming Locations:

Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$750,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Mary Pickford Company

Technical Specs

Runtime:

135 min

Sound Mix:

Silent

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

In Allan Forrest's opening scene, the broad bare shoulders seen as his wound is being dressed actually belong to Mary Pickford's husband Douglas Fairbanks, who was busy filming on the next-door set and was brought in as "body double" when Forrest's own physique was felt to be inadequate.

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Connections

Featured in Mary Pickford: A Life on Film (1997)

User Reviews

Mary, Queen of Lots

In Elizabethan England, Mary Pickford (as Dorothy Vernon) is contracted by her father, Anders Randolf (as George Vernon), to marry cousin Marc McDermott (as Malcolm Vernon) upon reaching the age of eighteen. But, Ms. Pickford also wants to marry Allan Forrest (as John Manners). The "Lord" and "Lady" set of Rutland Castle and Haddon Hall await her decision. Who will Pickford choose?

"Dorothy Vernon of Haddon Hall" is an expectedly opulent Pickford production. Its strength is in the rich sets and photography displayed on screen; Pickford regulars Charles Rosher and Marshall Neilan contribute. Nepotism is represented not only by the presence of sister Lottie in a supporting role, but also by brother-in-law Forrest, who is a likable leading man. Pickford employs a touch of slapstick humor early in the running time; possibly, as she playing a teenager. Reaching maturation, the character, and film, become exceedingly lugubrious.

***** Dorothy Vernon of Haddon Hall (5/25/24) Marshall Neilan ~ Mary Pickford, Allan Forrest, Anders Randolf, Marc McDermott