Child Stars: Their Story

Margaret O'Brien, one of filmdom's brightest child stars throughout the 40s and 50s, was invited to a round table of former pixie stars assembled here, then given no footage in the final cut.

It was as though Margaret's optimism and positive career reflections had no place on this forum of basically negative recalls.

Here was an over-the-title co-star opposite to such greats as Judy Garland (in "Meet Me in St. Louis") adored by millions and who worked steadily as a true star for twenty years. Yet in this tv presentation (shown on the Biography Channel) O'Brien's remarks were limited to mere seconds during group round table general banter.

Could it be that the producers didn't really want to hear a former child star who actually enjoyed her work, made a successful transition into adulthood, and who lived and is living a normal, pleasant life? After all, that would mess up their dramatic theme of troubled over-the-hill actors who ran into all kinds of tough situations following their respective youthful careers. No place for normalcy or joy in this discussion.

Whatever the case, O'Brien's lack of footage speaks for itself. In fact, it's almost embarrassing to watch everyone at the round table except Maggie given time to share. Still, those who remember this talented MGM youngster, who co-starred in equal billing with such luminaries as Edward G. Robinson (in "Our Vines Have Tender Grapes") and Charles Laughton (in "Three Wise Fools") know O'Brien was a genuine star.

That she's turned out normal and so well-adjusted may be her biggest blessing in disguise: there's nothing disturbing to tell here, just a living success. So she can smile politely at the others and get on with her happy life.

While I'll agree I would have liked more of Margaret O'Brien's opinions, I still really enjoyed this special- although it's half a decade old now, it's still great to see the adult faces of so many child actors who gave me such pleasure when I was a kid. I've attended "Conventions" where many of these performers hawk autographs(to meet the fans or to make money, I'm not sure), but for the many I've met who've had major personal problems growing up, they were all friendly and approachable in person(at the one I attended, Ms. O'Brien was among the stars!) With the "older" generation dying out, I would love to hear more from them, and their reflections on their cohorts who are no long with us, like Judy Garland, Jackie Coogan, Jackie Cooper, etc). Mickey Rooney should be hailed as a national legend- when will someone do a great interview with him? All in all, this was a very enjoyable nostalgic trip for me!

I had to write and agree with the other message, that Margaret O'Brien seems completely out of place, even with her "own kind;" the other "Child Stars." I contacted of friend of Ms. O'Brien's and he said he had asked her not to do the show, assuming the program would convey a negative theme. Possibly wanting to correct this, Margaret O'Brien did appear, and seems to be more an observer than participant. This program recently aired again and I again was struck by Ms. O'Brien not being able to get a word in, or maybe just not wanting to comment. Once the viewer catches on to this, there is amusement in just watching her face, as everyone else whines out their story and she sits there with a smile on her face...in essence saying, "Get over it." The only real saving grace of this is the fairly extensive footage with Diana Serra Cary, "Baby Peggy," of Silent Films. There are some wonderful (and rare) vintage films clips, and insightful memories from her and her work experience. Although Diana's childhood wasn't "on the Good Ship Lollipop," she expresses her views and memories with a forthright attitude and ends by saying she now understands how the difficulties of her career have made her who she is today; and that she is good "...friends with Baby Peggy." The two major low points are: one of the boy "Child Stars" complaining he didn't get to have a paper route. Please. No, I guess there wasn't time for you to have a paper route since you had a job paying (at least) a four income salary per week. The channel has to be changed when Kim "Tootie" Fields bursts into tears because she had to "reinvent" herself. Newsflash: that is called growing from childhood to adulthood and everyone goes through it, not just "Child Stars." For the most part, these people suffer from what I call the "B and G Complex," that is, "Bitch and Gripe."