Freddie Bartholomew: The Movies that Made him a Hollywood Legend

David Copperfield is a 1935 film adaptation of Charles Dickens's novel of the same name. It tells the story of a young boy who faces many hardships and challenges, from losing his mother to being sent to a boarding school by his cruel stepfather. He also meets many colorful and memorable characters along the way, such as his eccentric aunt Betsey Trotwood, his loyal friend Mr. Micawber, and his first love Dora Spenlow.

Freddie Bartholomew plays the role of David Copperfield as a child, and he delivers a remarkable performance that captures the character's innocence, courage, and resilience. He also shows great chemistry with the other actors, especially Lionel Barrymore as Mr. Micawber and W.C. Fields as Mr. Micawber's friend Mr. Dick. Freddie Bartholomew's portrayal of David Copperfield is considered one of his best roles and one of the most memorable child performances in film history.

Anna Karenina is a 1935 film adaptation of Leo Tolstoy's novel of the same name. It tells the story of a married woman who falls in love with a handsome and charming count, despite her affair's social and moral consequences. She also struggles with her husband's coldness, her son's affection, and the jealousy and hostility of her lover's family and friends.

Freddie Bartholomew plays the role of Sergei Alexeyevich Karenin, Anna's son from her marriage to Alexei Karenin. He gives a touching performance that shows the bond between mother and son and the confusion and pain he feels when his mother leaves him. He contrasts his innocent and loving nature and his father's rigid and stern demeanor. Freddie Bartholomew's portrayal of Sergei Karenin is one of his career's most dramatic and emotional roles.

Little Lord Fauntleroy is a 1936 film adaptation of Frances Hodgson Burnett's novel of the same name. It tells the story of a young boy who lives with his widowed mother in New York until he discovers he is the heir to a wealthy and aristocratic British family. He is sent to England to live with his grandfather, the Earl of Dorincourt, who is cold and unsentimental. However, the boy's kindness and charm gradually win over the older man and everyone around him.

Freddie Bartholomew plays the role of Cedric Errol, also known as Little Lord Fauntleroy, and he delivers a captivating performance that showcases his talent and charisma. He also plays a dual role as Cedric's look-alike cousin, who tries to claim the inheritance. He convincingly portrays both characters with different accents, expressions, and personalities. Freddie Bartholomew's portrayal of Little Lord Fauntleroy is one of the most iconic and widespread roles in his filmography.

The Devil Is a Sissy is a 1936 comedy-drama film that follows the adventures of three boys from different backgrounds who become friends in New York. One is a well-bred English lad who moves to America with his father, another is a tough street kid who lives with his widowed mother, and the third is a mischievous prankster with a wealthy but neglectful father.

Freddie Bartholomew plays the role of Claude Pierce, the English boy who tries to fit in with his new classmates and environment. He gives a humorous and charming performance that contrasts his refined manners and accent with the slang and attitude of the other boys. He also shows courage and loyalty when he joins them in their escapades and troubles. Freddie Bartholomew's portrayal of Claude Pierce is one of his career's most comedic and fun roles.

Lloyds of London is a 1936 historical drama film that depicts the origins and development of the famous insurance company. It follows the lives of two childhood friends who grow up to become rivals in love and business. One becomes a successful merchant and politician, while the other becomes a daring naval officer and spy.

Freddie Bartholomew plays the role of Jonathan Blake, the younger version of the merchant and politician Tyrone Power plays as an adult. He gives a spirited and engaging performance that shows his ambition, intelligence, and friendship with Horatio Nelson, the future naval hero. He also displays his romantic interest in Polly, his employer's daughter. Freddie Bartholomew's portrayal of Jonathan Blake is one of the most mature and impressive roles in his career.

The Gorgeous Hussy is a 1936 historical drama film that tells the story of Peggy Eaton, a controversial figure in American politics in the 1820s and 1830s. She is the daughter of a tavern owner who becomes friends with President Andrew Jackson and his wife. She also attracts the attention of several influential men, including John Randolph, John Eaton, and John Calhoun.

Freddie Bartholomew plays the role of Bow Timberlake, Peggy's first husband, who dies at sea. He gives a brief but memorable performance that shows his love and devotion for Peggy and his bravery and patriotism. He also introduces Peggy to the world of politics and society, which will shape her future. Freddie Bartholomew's portrayal of Bow Timberlake is one of his career's most minor but significant roles.

Captains Courageous is a 1937 adventure film based on the novel by Rudyard Kipling. It tells the story of a rich and spoiled boy who falls overboard from a luxury liner and is rescued by a fishing boat. He learns to adapt to the harsh and simple life of the fishermen and forms a close bond with a Portuguese sailor who becomes his mentor and friend.

Freddie Bartholomew plays the role of Harvey Cheyne, the boy who transforms from a selfish and arrogant brat to a humble and grateful young man. He gives a powerful and moving performance that shows his character's growth and development and his emotional attachment to Manuel, the sailor played by Spencer Tracy. Freddie Bartholomew's portrayal of Harvey Cheyne is one of the most acclaimed and award-winning roles in his career.

Kidnapped is a 1938 adventure film based on the novel by Robert Louis Stevenson. It tells the story of a young Scottish boy betrayed by his uncle and sold into slavery. He escapes with the help of a rebel Highlander, and together they embark on a perilous journey across the Highlands to reclaim his rightful inheritance.

Freddie Bartholomew plays the role of David Balfour, the boy kidnapped by his uncle and shipped to America. He gives a thrilling and heroic performance that shows his character's courage, determination, and loyalty. He also has a strong rapport with Warner Baxter, who plays Alan Breck, the Highlander who becomes his ally and friend. Freddie Bartholomew's portrayal of David Balfour is one of his career's most adventurous and exciting roles.

Tom Brown's School Days is a 1940 drama film based on the novel by Thomas Hughes. It tells the story of a young boy who attends Rugby School, a prestigious boarding school in England, in the early 19th century. He faces various challenges and difficulties, such as bullying, cheating, and illness, but he also finds friendship, honor, and courage.

Freddie Bartholomew plays the role of Tom Brown, the boy who is the film's protagonist. He gives a heartfelt and inspiring performance that shows his character's growth and development, as well as his moral values and principles. He also interacts well with the other actors, especially Jimmy Lydon as Harry East, his best friend, and Billy Halop as Flashman, his nemesis. Freddie Bartholomew's portrayal of Tom Brown is one of his career's most wholesome and uplifting roles.

Professional Soldier is a 1935 adventure film based on a story by Damon Runyon. It tells the story of a mercenary hired to kidnap a king of a fictional European country but discovers that the king is a young boy in danger from his corrupt uncle. He decides to protect the boy and help him regain his throne with the aid of a loyal countess and a band of rebels.

Freddie Bartholomew plays the role of King Peter II, the boy kidnapped by the mercenary. He gives a spirited and endearing performance that shows his character's innocence, curiosity, and courage. He also bonds closely with Victor McLaglen, who plays Michael Donovan, the mercenary who becomes his friend and guardian. Freddie Bartholomew's portrayal of King Peter II is one of his career's most adventurous and charming roles.

Swiss Family Robinson is a 1940 adventure film based on the novel by Johann David Wyss. It tells the story of a Swiss family who emigrated from London to Australia during the Napoleonic Wars but was shipwrecked on a deserted island. They must survive and adapt to their new environment, using their skills and resources. They also encounter various dangers and wonders, such as pirates, wild animals, and a volcano.

Freddie Bartholomew plays the role of Fritz Robinson, the family's eldest son. He gives a spirited and adventurous performance that shows his character's leadership, bravery, and resourcefulness. He also develops a romantic interest in Roberta, a girl rescued from the pirates. Freddie Bartholomew's portrayal of Fritz Robinson is one of his career's most action-packed and enjoyable roles.

Naval Academy is a 1941 drama film that follows the lives of three boys who enroll at the State Naval Academy, a prestigious military school. They have to overcome their personal problems and conflicts, as well as prove themselves worthy of becoming naval officers. They also face various challenges and dangers, such as hazing, sabotage, and war.

Freddie Bartholomew plays the role of Tommy Blake, a former reform school student who is given a chance to change his life by his father's friend, John Frazier. He gives a strong and convincing performance that shows his character's struggle and growth, as well as his loyalty and courage. He also reunites with Jimmy Lydon, who plays Roger Ashford, one of his friends at the academy. Freddie Bartholomew's portrayal of Tommy Blake is one of his career's last and most mature roles.

A Yank at Eton is a 1942 comedy-drama film about an American boy sent to Eton College, a prestigious boarding school in England, during World War II. He has to adjust to the different cultures and customs and deal with the hostility and rivalry of some of his classmates. He also finds friendship, romance, and adventure along the way.

Freddie Bartholomew plays the role of Peter Carlton, a British boy who is the leader of his house at Eton. He gives a confident and charismatic performance that shows his character's pride, authority, and sense of humor. He also clashes and competes with Mickey Rooney, who plays Timothy Dennis, the American boy who becomes his roommate. Freddie Bartholomew's portrayal of Peter Carlton is one of his career's final and most entertaining roles.

Cadets on Parade is a 1942 drama film that follows the lives of two brothers who enroll at a military academy. One is a rebellious and trouble-making teenager who wants to join the army, while the other is an intellectual and responsible young man who wants to become a doctor. They have to overcome their differences and conflicts and prove themselves worthy of their father's legacy.

Freddie Bartholomew plays the role of Bob Randolph, the older brother who is a model cadet and student. He gives a solid and respectable performance that shows his character's leadership, integrity, and compassion. He also reunites with Jimmy Lydon, who plays Jerry Randolph, his younger brother, a prankster, and a slacker. Freddie Bartholomew's portrayal of Bob Randolph is one of his career's last and most serious roles.

The Spirit of Culver is a 1942 drama film about a boy who attends Culver Military Academy, a prestigious boarding school in Indiana. He is the son of a war hero who is presumed dead, and he has a hard time adjusting to the discipline and rules of the academy. He also faces various challenges and conflicts, such as rivalry, romance, and honor.

Freddie Bartholomew plays the role of Bob Randolph, a senior cadet who is the roommate and friend of Tom Allen, the boy who is the film's protagonist. He gives a supportive and friendly performance that shows his character's wisdom, generosity, and loyalty. He also helps Tom cope with his problems and achieve his goals. Freddie Bartholomew's portrayal of Bob Randolph is one of his career's final and most minor roles.

The Town Went Wild is a 1944 comedy film about two young lovers who want to get married but face opposition from their feuding fathers. They also discover that they were accidentally switched at birth, complicating their situation even more. They have to find a way to overcome the obstacles and prove their love for each other.

Freddie Bartholomew plays the role of David Conway, one of the lovers who is the son of a wealthy and conservative lawyer. He gives a funny and romantic performance that shows his character's passion, determination, and wit. He also has good chemistry with Jill Browning, who plays Carol Harrison, his sweetheart, the daughter of a poor and liberal inventor. Freddie Bartholomew's portrayal of David Conway is the last and most lighthearted role in his career.