Little Lord Fauntleroy 1936

Drama

Family

Rank

#18,101

Runtime

102 mins

Language

English

Directed by

Fred Walton

Made by

Selznick International Pictures

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Little Lord Fauntleroy Plot Summary

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Little Lord Fauntleroy Timeline

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Cedric and His Mother in Brooklyn after Father's Death

Young Cedric Errol lives frugally with his widowed mother in 1880s Brooklyn after his father's death. They lean on each other for strength while facing poverty and social prejudice. Cedric's warmth and honesty earn him admiration from those around him despite his harsh circumstances.

1880s Brooklyn, New York

The Earl's Disownment of His American Son

The Earl of Dorincourt, who holds a deep-seated prejudice against Americans, disowns his son for marrying an American woman. This backstory explains the bitter rift that shadows Cedric's future and the family's fortune. It sets the stage for Cedric's eventual move to England.

Late 19th century (backstory) Dorincourt Castle, England

Havisham Sent to Fetch Cedric to England

The Earl's lawyer Havisham travels to Brooklyn to fetch Cedric and bring him to England as the heir. He carries the expectation that Cedric will be raised to assume the title. This mission marks the beginning of Cedric's new life in aristocratic circles.

early 1880s Brooklyn, New York to Dorincourt Castle, England

Cedric and His Mother Arrive at Dorincourt but Cannot Live in the Castle

Cedric and his mother arrive at Dorincourt, but they are not allowed to reside in the castle due to the Earl's bigotry. His mother shields him from this cruelty by not telling him the reason. Cedric remains hopeful and trusting, unaware of the adult tensions surrounding him.

upon arrival Dorincourt Castle, England

Havisham Delivers a Warm Assessment of Mrs. Errol

Havisham notices Cedric's mother's quiet wisdom and kindness, which begin to soften the Earl's rigid stance. His favorable impression helps ease the tension between Cedric's family and the aristocracy. The earl's skepticism about accepting an American widow begins to waver.

shortly after Cedric's arrival Dorincourt Castle, England

A Grand Party to Introduce Cedric to British Society

The Earl hosts a grand party to introduce Cedric to British society and to display him as a potential heir. Cedric's natural charm wins the hearts of guests and especially his stern grandfather. The event signals a turning point in how the family views him.

soon after Cedric's arrival Dorincourt Castle, England

Havisham Reveals a Twist: Cedric Might Not Be the Heir

After the party, Havisham informs the Earl that Cedric may not be the heir apparent after all. American Minna Tipton then claims her son Tom is the true offspring of the Earl's eldest son. The revelation unsettles Cedric's prospects and tensions the household.

immediately after party Dorincourt Castle, England

Minna Tipton's Claim: Tom as Heir; Tom's Obnoxious Nature

Minna Tipton asserts that her son Tom is the Earl's grandson and rightful heir. Tom is depicted as obnoxious and ill-tempered, complicating Cedric's standing. The Earl wrestles with the possibility that the estate could pass to the Tom family.

after party Dorincourt Castle, England

Dick Tipton and Ben Travel from America to Disprove the Claim

Dick Tipton recognizes Minna from a newspaper picture and convinces his brother Ben, Tom's real father, to travel to England. They work to expose the truth of Tom's paternity and Minna's deception. This journey heightens the stakes in Cedric's future.

after Minna's claim Brooklyn, New York to Dorincourt Castle, England

The Earl Apologizes and Invites Mrs. Errol to Live on the Estate

Tom's deception is exposed, and the Earl apologizes to Cedric's mother. He invites her to live with Cedric on the Dorincourt estate, restoring the family’s harmony. Cedric’s future as heir is secured and the boundaries of prejudice begin to soften.

after discovery Dorincourt Estate, England

Little Lord Fauntleroy Characters

Explore all characters from Little Lord Fauntleroy (1936). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.

Cedric 'Ceddie' Erroll (Freddie Bartholomew)

The sweet-natured heir whose warmth and honesty win over the stern Earl of Dorincourt. He navigates two very different worlds—frugal Brooklyn and opulent Dorincourt—with optimism and a sense of belonging that transcends wealth. His kindness drives the story's emotional core and catalyzes change in his grandfather.

👑 Protagonist 💖 Kind 🧭 Bridge-builder

Mrs. Erroll 'Dearest' (Dolores Costello)

Cedric's widowed mother who protects her son while choosing to withhold the truth about allowances from the Earl. She embodies resilience and practical wisdom, guiding Cedric through new social landscapes. Her quiet strength helps mediate between American warmth and English propriety.

💪 💞 Family matriarch 🗺️ Cross-cultural navigator

The Earl of Dorincourt (C. Aubrey Smith)

A stern, tradition-bound aristocrat who initially rejects his American grandson due to prejudice and fear of losing status. His softening comes from Cedric's unassuming decency and his sister's influence, signaling a gradual reconciliation with his lineage. He embodies the film's tension between old-world elitism and evolving compassion.

👑 🧭 Tradition 🛡️ Authority

Mr. Havisham (Henry Stephenson)

The Earl's lawyer who professionally navigates Cedric's ascent, delivering news and facilitating the family’s integration. He represents the legal and social machinery through which heirship claims are contested. His perspective helps move the plot toward resolution.

⚖️ Law 🧭 Gatekeeper 📜 Adviser

Minna Tipton (Helen Flint)

A mother from America who asserts a potential hereditary claim for her son Tom, reflecting a pragmatic but contentious belief in birthright. Her actions trigger a dispute over who deserves the title, testing the Earl's willingness to honor truth over sentiment. Her character underscores the clash between American pragmatism and British tradition.

📰 Press 👨‍👩️ Parent 🧭 Claimant

Tom Tipton (Jackie Searl)

Minna's son, presented as the rightful heir by claim but revealed to be less deserving as events unfold. He embodies a boisterous, mischievous energy that contrasts with Cedric's earnest virtue. His journey exposes the flaws in relying on birthright alone.

🧒 Child 🧪 Test of worth 🎭 Antagonist-lite

Dick Tipton (Mickey Rooney)

Cedric's friend who recognizes Minna's past public image and uses that knowledge to help uncover the truth about Tom's parentage. He embodies loyalty and cunning resourcefulness, playing a key role in reuniting Cedric with his rightful place. His bold action helps break the Earl's prejudice.

🤝 Loyal friend 🧭 Insightful

Ben Tipton (Eric Alden)

Dick and Tom's father whose presence becomes central when the truth about hereditary claims is pursued. He acts as a pivotal link in proving Cedric's rightful status by showing the real family connections. His role underlines the story's emphasis on truth and legitimate lineage.

👨‍👦 Father figure 🧭 Truth seeker

Little Lord Fauntleroy Settings

Learn where and when Little Lord Fauntleroy (1936) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.

Time period

1880s

The narrative unfolds in the 1880s, a period marked by urban growth in America and rigid Victorian hierarchies in Britain. The era's social codes dictate life, wealth, and lineage, creating barriers Cedric must navigate. The story uses time to juxtapose the warmth of American family life with the formality of aristocratic England.

Location

Brooklyn, Dorincourt Castle, England

In the story's opening, Cedric and his mother live frugally in 1880s Brooklyn, a bustling urban setting of America. The action then shifts to England, centering on the imposing Dorincourt Castle and its austere aristocratic society. The two settings establish a contrast between immigrant American life and old-world British class traditions, framing Cedric's journey toward belonging.

🌆 Brooklyn 🏰 Dorincourt Castle 🕰️ 19th Century

Little Lord Fauntleroy Themes

Discover the main themes in Little Lord Fauntleroy (1936). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.

💖

Family and Belonging

Cedric's kindness and openness gradually soften the Earl's rigid demeanor, showing that true belonging comes from love and care, not just birthright. Mrs. Erroll's courage guides Cedric's experience as he moves between Brooklyn and Dorincourt. The family bond transcends borders, revealing how warmth can bridge social divides.

⚖️

Class and Prejudice

The Earl's prejudice against Americans stems from established class boundaries and fear of losing status. Cedric's presence exposes the hypocrisy of strict social rules and gradually shifts the Earl's attitude toward his American grandson. The subplot with Minna and Tom tests assumptions about rightful heirship and worth.

🌍

Cultural Exchange and Compassion

The story contrasts American practicality with British aristocratic ritual, inviting compassion as a bridge between cultures. Cedric befriends people across social lines, including Dick Tipton, who helps reveal the truth about Tom's parentage. The narrative suggests that empathy and honest action can soften even long-standing traditions.

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