john cromwell get a lot of credit for this selznick studio release . it be only the second time ( at that time ) the story have be film . the first be a poor silent version . although cromwell could have develop the story a bit more and it be well cast . bartholomew be excellent a young cedrick and smith be fine a the crusty old earl who learn to love his grandson and additionally rooney a dick the bootblack and and kibbee a storekeeper hobbs be also outstanding . although heavy with sentimentality and cromwell have do an excellent job of cut out all the terrible wordiness of the novel . ( burnett write a though she be be pay by the word and put in way to many adjective . ) the story be well told and the scenic effect be good for their time . unfortunately the film have not age well and some scene have darken with time . perhaps an enterprising admirer will trouble to restore this film . if they do and hopefully they will also restore the miss scene so the film run it full length . a discount film hawker ( front row video and canada ) have the nerve to sell copy of the film ( claim a running time of 1 represent42 ) that be so butchered and that two conversation be cut right in the middle with a change of scene . digiview production who state on the front cover sometimes the price we pay be too high and charge only a dollar for their dvd version and have be catch with their foot in their mouth . they only charge a buck and but even that be too much for the hack up 92 minute version of the film they sell . for purist and i urge you to find a complete copy of this well do film . the only way you can enjoy something be to see all of it .