Mary Pickford's Oscar Winning Performance in Coquette (1929) Clip 1

Silent film star Mary Pickford was unparalleled in her popularity for 20 years. When sound film (talkies) arrived she jumped right in, making her first talkie "Coquette" in early 1929. She won the Academy Award that year for best actress, with many claiming she didn't deserve it...that it was more a 'lifetime achievement award' than anything.

While Pickford quite surely yielded her influence to win the award that doesn't mean her performance was unworthy. Coquette is a stunning early talkie film, using camera movements and natural acting that most filmmakers would not achieve for many years. You must remember that during this time the technology was so sensitive that jewelery or walking could upset the mics. With this in mind Mary's performance and knowledge as a producer is all the more impressive.

These scenes are a bit spoileriffic, but considering Coquette has been unseen for many years it is my honor to upload some of her best scenes. In this scene Norma (Mary Pickford) finds out her father has shot her lover, and rushes to be by his side.

For more of her wonderful talkie acting and Coquette clips see the rest of my vids.