Thought lost for decades, Fanchon the Cricket based on an ‘adult fairy tale’ by George Sand, stars Mary Pickford as the title character, a strong-willed waif ostracized by ‘acceptable society’ until she shows them the power of love and understanding. A natural, sensual and uninhibited Pickford breaks through today’s stereotype of her as ‘the girl with the curls’. Fanchon the Cricket is the only surviving film in which both Jack and Lottie Pickford appear with their sister. Based on the 1849 novel La Petite Fadette by George Sand and directed by one of Mary Pickford’s favourite directors, the Wareham Silent Film Weekender are proud to present this UK Premiere of the new restoration and recorded score by the Mary Pickford Foundation. The Wareham Silent Film Weekender is presented by The Rex Cinema and South West Silents and supported by BFI Film Audience Network.