Book Launch Success

Mary Pickford, Canada's Golden Girl

On Saturday, November 5 at the Trenton Library we launched Mary Pickford, Canada's Silent Siren, America's Sweetheart in fine style. I couldn't have asked for a better turnout.

We had expected about twenty-five (with my fingers crossed!), and we easily doubled that number, having to set up extra chairs. In the end, it was standing room only. Obviously, Mary Pickford still draws a crowd!

This is the way the program went. After a brief introduction I read several short selections from the book, tossing in a bit of necessary detail in order to link the pieces. A few questions and a bit of discussion followed.

Afterwards we showed The New York Hat, one of Mary's short silent films, available now on YouTube. It proved to be a big hit, with plenty of chuckles over the rather predictable plot. It is, after all, almost 100 years old. The film is considered to be one of Mary's best shorts, and was the last one she made for Biograph. It proved to be a good example of Mary's acting style, the way she used subtle, natural body movements.

The library generously provided the crowd some light refreshments while they stayed to chat, and I was kept busy autographing books and smiling for the camera. 

So, the book is now officially launched! Go, Mary!