Little Old New York

About Little Old New York

"Little Old New York" is a 1923 silent historical drama film directed by Sidney Olcott. The story revolves around an Irish girl who disguises herself as a boy to claim a fortune left by her deceased brother in America. The film portrays the struggle to prove her legitimacy and poses a detailed picture of 19th century New York. Her journey includes facing the suspicion and opposition from her brother's associates, the twists and turns of deceit and the ultimate revelation of her real identity.

Making / Production

"Little Old New York" was a product of the silent era, created by an experienced team of filmmakers. Directed by Sidney Olcott, the film was shot in black and white, accommodating the cinematic technology available at the time. The meticulous production design recreated the historical truth of old New York with great detail, contributing to the authenticity of its period setting. The interesting storyline, unique twists, and strong performances, make it a compelling watch, reflecting the film-making sensibilities of the 1920s.

Actors

• Marion Davies played the role of Patricia O'Day, disguised as her brother to claim a fortune. Her acting was versatile, balancing both the feminine and masculine traits required for the role.
• Harrison Ford appeared as Larry Delevan, the romantic interest. Ford's portrayal was both charming and believable, adding depth to his character.
• Stephen Carr gave an excellent performance as the illegitimate claimant, supporting the core conflict of the story.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film was based on a play of the same name, written by Rida Johnson Young, bringing the stage drama to the silver screen.
• Despite its title, most of the scenes were shot in the streets of Los Angeles, standing in for 19th-century New York.

Awards

Information on the film's awards is not readily available, which is not surprising for films released in the early days of cinema.

Quotes

• "You've got the pluck of an Irishman, Pat." – Larry Delevan
• "Underneath this boy's clothes, beats the heart of a true woman." – Patricia O'Day

Music, Soundtrack

• Being a silent movie, "Little Old New York" didn't contain spoken dialogue or audible music. Instead, it was often accompanied by live music in theaters.
• This film would typically be screened with a custom score played live by an orchestra or pianist, providing an emotionally dynamic sonic backdrop that drove the film's drama and action.