Based on a 1905 novel written by Frances Hodgson Burnett, A Little Princess was first released in the United States in 1995 (Barnes & Noble). Richard LaGravenese and Elizabeth Chandler created this classic screenplay. Alfonso Cuarón, winner of The New Generation award at the Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards, directed this film (IMDb). Family drama and fantasy are the genre. The main character is Sarah Crewe, followed by subcharacters Captain Crewe, Miss Minchin, Ermengarde, Lavinia and Becky (IMDb). Sarah is an intelligent, refined, motherless, wealthy child who lives in India with her father, Captain Crewe. Captain Crewe took Sarah to a Victorian-style boarding school in New York while he was at war. Miss Minchin, the principal, immediately takes a dislike to Sarah, as does the school bully, Lavinia. Sarah immediately bonds with her classmate Ermengarde, an awkward, fat, rather dim girl, and with Becky, an obedient, black, articulate servant. More importantly, the main theme of A Little Princess is perseverance through changes in social class. A Little Princess effectively represents the theme because Sarah's spirit is not broken when she experiences jealousy, isolation, the death of a loved one, and poverty (Shmoop editorial team). The plot developed when a messenger arrived at the seminary to warn Miss Minchin that Captain Crewe had died and his assets were seized. Miss Minchin would receive no compensation for Sarah's care. Miss Minchin, extremely upset by the news, immediately crashes Sarah's elaborate birthday party and very obnoxiously reveals to Sarah that her father died several weeks ago. Sarah was held responsible for reimbursement of expenses incurred... middle of paper... moral lessons. Being Cuarón's first film, it is artistically a success. Works Cited "Awards". IMDb. IMDb.com. February 26, 2014. "Full Cast and Crew." IMDb. IMDb.com. February 26, 2014 .A Little Princess (Barnes & Noble Collector's Editions). Barnes&Nobile. February 26, 2014. Shmoop editorial team. A little princess transformation theme. Shmoop.com.Shmoop University, Inc., November 11, 2008. Web. February 16, 2014. .Patrick Doyle - The Little Princess Soundtrack CD. CD album of the Little Princess soundtrack. February 26. 2014 .