LITTLE LORD FAUNTLEROY (1936). Well directed by John Cromwell, with matching production by David O. Selznick. From the book by Frances Hodgson Burnett ("The Little Princess"), that generations of children grew up with --and that hardly anyone under 40 seems to have hear of today. It is the engaging story of an American youngster (Freddie Bartholomew) who turns out to be the heir of British nobility, and who charms his old, tired, and grumpy relative (C. Aubrey Smith). Smooth, warm, not excessively sentimental film is surprisingly undated. British-born Bartholomew was launched in America in 1935 with his portrayal of David Copperfield and that of Anna Karenina 's son in the eponymous movies. For a few years he was the most celebrated male child actor, just as Shirley Temple was among little girls. He was especially good in "Captains Courageous" of 1937, opposite Spencer Tracy. (Edwin Jahiel)