TORONTO SILENT FILM FESTIVAL presents SPARROWS

TORONTO SILENT FILM FESTIVAL- In partnership with the Mary Pickford Foundation and the Paradise Theatre- presents Mary Pickford in 1926's SPARROWS. Toronto Premiere of the new restoration!

Legendary Mary Pickford stars as Molly, the oldest of a group of orphans at a Dickensian “baby farm” deep in a dismal Southern swamp where they’re exploited, sold as child labour or illegally adopted. She fiercely fights to protect them from the cruel owner but to save them, she must escape by fleeing with them through the alligator infested swamps. 

Sparrows is a beautifully stylized epic, part drama, part Gothic thriller, held together by Pickford’s heart and humour, and stunning cinematography.  

Mary Pickford, born here in Toronto in 1892, had already worked nearly 2 decades in the film industry by the time she made Sparrows-her second to last silent film. By 1926, she was the world’s most recognized woman, “America’s Sweetheart”, the Queen of Hollywood, producer, actor, writer, studio founder and top businesswoman. Mary’s captivating star power, coupled with her onscreen underdog characters still resonates with audiences even at close to a century after production. 

FEATURING A SPECIAL INTRODUCTION BY PICKFORD BIOGRAPHER EILEEN WHITFIELD.

All screening materials courtesy of the Mary Pickford Foundation. This screening will utilize the specially commissioned composed and recorded score by Taylor and Cameron Graves. 

Sparrows was reconstructed by the Library of Congress from a 35mm nitrate print and 35mm safety dupe negative with additional lab work by Colorlab. 

Bonus Shorts restored by the Mary Pickford Foundation with recorded commissioned scores.

Two of Pickford’s Biograph shorts directed by D. W. Griffith. 

Beast At Bay 1912

Feud in the Kentucky Hills 1912

This Pickford event is co-presented by the Canadian Women in Film Museum www.cdnwomeninfilm.ca 

Sunday May 5th, 2:30 PM/2 PM Doors

General Admission $15.00 | Student/Senior (with valid ID) $12.50 + HST/eventbrite fees

Door tickets are available for purchase on the day of screening. Refunds can be requested up to 12 hours before the screening. All refunds must be requested and processed through eventbrite.

Looking for pre or post show snack or sip? Check out our amazing options right next door!

Osteria Rialto | Bar Biltmore | Blue Door Wine Shop | Café Paradise