Mary Pickford Coquette 1930

“Friends” was a silent film starring Mary Pickford, who was 20 years old at the time, that was released in 1912. She plays a prostitute with “eager eyes and a bright smile” who lives above a mining camp bar. Despite earning her money through turning tricks, her character struggles to choose between two men. All three of them continue to be friends (as the title suggests). This film is remarkable because it was the first film in Hollywood to feature a close-up shot by a cinematographer. Mary would express her gratitude toward David W. Griffith, who wrote and directed this silent picture. A very rare print of Friends was run at New York City’s Museum of Modern Art in July 2007 as part of a retrospective. Those who are passionate about movies consider this one a classic.

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