THERE was a time when films about children could be
relied on to make the normal person queasy. The precocious prattlings and almost adult actions of the old school of film children could give even the hardened cinema-goer some uncomfortable moments. Then the Germans, with Madchen in Uniform, and the French, with Pail de Carotte, showed that intelligence and sincerity could take the place Of bathos and saccharine sentiment. Nevertheless, child studies still remain among the most prickly themes that film-makers can tackle. On all sides false notes are waiting to be struck and false steps to be made. Much praise is due therefore to Little Friend, which, in its simplicity, imagination and deftness, deserves high rank. That it should be a British film is a matter for added congratulation. It is unquestion- ably one of the best films that have come out of the British studios. The story is of a child whose parents are drifting to divorce. The sound of their quarrelling mingles with her dreams. A recitation at a children's party is ruined by a violent outburst of jealousy from her father. Meal times are occupied in bickering. She dimly understands what is wrong ; instinctively hates her mother's lover when she meets him. The child's misery as the estrangement deepens is beautifully shown. There are few moments when the most exigent spectator can feel that a sensitive child in such circumstances would behave or talk differently. Finally, she is dragged into the divorce court witness box and attempts suicide.
Nova Pilbeam, a fourteen year old girl, makes a remark-
able debut. She can act ; she is unspoilt and unaffected. Her future should be interesting. Berthold Viertel, the
director, has concentrated all his considerable talents on
the child. The other characters are skilfully used as a back- ground. Matheson Lang is the father and Miss Lydia Sherwood
the mother. Mr. Lang brings to the films an uncompromis- ingly stagey technique. Jean Cadell, as a governess, and Jimmy Hanley, as a messenger boy, are outstanding. But the limelight is deservedly Miss Pilbeam's.
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