With her expressive face, impeccable comic timing, and apparent emotional intelligence, Baby Peggy was just five years old when she shot this film – already with an astonishing 45 shorts and features to her name. In Captain January, she charms as a foundling adopted by Hobart Basworth’s grizzled old lighthouse keeper, forming an unlikely family together with only a parrot and the sea for company.

The pair’s happiness is threatened when local do-gooders begin meddling and wealthy relatives arrive looking for the lost child. Unashamedly sentimental, brimming with gentle humour and playful mischief, this is a delight from start to finish – guaranteed to melt the most cynical of hearts.

Peggy (later known as Diana Serra Cary) disappeared from the spotlight aged eight, re-emerging as an author and campaigner for child actors’ rights.

Dir. Edward F. Cline | USA | 1924 N/C U | b&w | English intertitles | 1h 5m

With: Baby Peggy (Diana Sera Carey), Hobart Bosworth, Irene Rich

Performing live: Stephen Horne (piano, accordion)

Online programme notes: Fritzi Kramer

Screening material courtesy of Milestone/Kino Lorber.