More than one critic and film historian has claimed that Margaret O'Brien's performance was the worst one in the film.
Well, while I wouldn't say it was flawless (there was something in her French accent that seemed unnatural), I have to admit that I like her Adele MUCH better than her Tootie in MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS.
Agree?
Amazingly, this is my first time seeing this version. Already I dislike her French accent. I always hated Adelle, anyway, and I don't expect O'Brien to change my opinion.
I have to say I loved Tootie. She was a precocious, often annoying moppet and you sometimes wanted to slap her, but I thought O'Brien managed to make her adorable, funny and engaging despite the character's faults. I was watching it one time, all grown up, and when she started crying and destroying her snow people, I unexpectedly burst into tears. Now that's a good performance.
AGREE. I am one of those that like her in everything else but cannot stand her as Tootie. I thought she did well in this, it's not that easy for any young child to put on an accent and she was probably only about 6 or 7 here.
shareOne must be careful not to confuse the character's traits with the actress. She plays a girl with a hyper quality, always 'on', desperate to be loved and is a most 'unnatural' product of a strange domestic arrangement. She is not supposed to be simply 'adorable'. her 'cloying' quality and attempt to be a little dancing doll are sad and part of the character.
share[deleted]
I get the impression you don't care for her.
shareRegarding the performance, I at first thought the accent was odd, but then considered that her character is one who has mixed a French background with an English education, and of course presence in an English home. I think the book speaks to this as well, so she is a mix of sorts, and her accent fits.
The performance is good. Not the best in the film, but not awkward, either.
I haven't read the book, but you described what I saw in this version. The 2011 version of Adele was excellent in my opinion. But may not be true to the character. I thought her accent may have been a bit off also. But I understand the limitations of casting at the time and the female actor has a good track record of delivering.
Your second life is never like your first. Sometimes it's even better