Henry King (as Bob Daley) and Marguerite Nichols (as Sylvia Sanford) are engaged; to celebrate, Mr. King goes out drinking with the boys. Meanwhile, "Baby" Marie Osborne (as "Little" Mary) sits with her ailing (or abused) mother Mollie McConnell. She gets Ms. McConnell a drink, and plays with her doll. King continues to drink; so much so, he is late for a theater date with Ms. Nichols. Then, Mary's father stumbles home, obviously drunk, and fights with his wife. King finally arrives for his date, stumbling drunk; furious, Nichols ends their engagement, and throws him out. Elsewhere, Osborne runs away from home; her mother has died. So that she can get to Heaven faster, and see her mother again, "Little Mary" stows away in a fast car; there, she meets the despondent King.
Has Providence provided King's life with meaning?
This "Sunbeam" was a cute draw for viewers; so, King starred in several more films with "Baby" Marie Osborne. King was more renown as a director; and, Marguerite Nichols was, arguably, more renown as Mrs. Hal Roach. The early 1900s cars are very cool. The adults are more interesting viewing than the little girl -- her antics with a live bear are unsettling. Still, "Mr. Bear" always appears gentle on screen, even when chasing "Baby" Marie, after she gives him a bath, thanks to Providence, no doubt.
**** Little Mary Sunshine (3/6/16) Henry King ~ Marie Osborne, Henry King, Marguerite Nichols
