Visitors Review

(2012-05-26 19:29)

Lots of Tap Dancing!

I bought several Shirley Temple movies for my kids (2 yrs, 3 yrs, and a blind 15 yr old). I was hoping for lots of music, singing & dancing, and was highly disapointed in several of the movies. Of the 10 Temple movies we currently own, The Little Rebel and Curly Top are the only 2 that are getting worn out from repetitive viewings. The kids love this one and so do Dad and I!! While watching this movie, the kids get up and start dancing all around. I have to re-wind the dance numbers over and over so they can see them again. In-fact, they have become so interested in dancing that I bought them tap shoes for their birthday! Great entertainment for the whole family!

Ben_Cheshire (2012-05-26 10:44)

This film says more about North America in the 1930's than it does about the Deep South in the 1860's.

The thing which is racist about the film is not that it sets out toshow anything evil about the black people - Shirley seems to be quitefond of her slaves, unless of course they do something wrong - but inthe subtle way it suggests there was nothing wrong with the situationthe Deep South was in before the civil war.The black people are not only less intelligent than the whites (noticethe girl so dumb she can't even remember a single line her mother toldher to memorise to impress the young white child star - or perhapsshe's just so nervous in the presence of the superior species that shecan't remember), but they're completely happy being enslaved.They absolutely love being told what to do by the six year oldlandowner's daughter, and the neighbourhood slaves just wait around foryoung Shirley to lavish some attention on them.The thing I most regret about the film was that they forced the blacksto dance and entertain their white hosts like a bunch of chainedelephants or circus freaks.Its always a bad sign when the civil war is portrayed as a distruptionto the desired state of affairs, as it is here and in Gone with theWind.1/5Only youngsters, who don't yet understand that the only differencebetween white folks and black folks is skin pigment, which only evolvedfrom a group of people living in an ultra-sunny climate for years, willbe able to enjoy this film. But perhaps its better for society if youdon't show it to them - the young are so impressionable, after all.UPDATE: Can I point out that I've noticed people don't like thisreview, and I'm not surprised; its intentions were so innocent, itfeels a shame to accuse it of causing offense, but unfortunately, I'dstill suggest this one not be shown to impressionable kids for thereasons I have outlined above.

(2012-05-21 17:41)

Charming but substantive

This review is from: The Littlest Rebel (DVD) This one is full of the famous Shirley Temple charm, and Bill Robinson's unequaled tap routines, against the backdrop of the South at the outbreakof the Civil War. The part played by Mr. Robinson is played with dignity. The story line is well written and the supporting cast is excellent. This one and Heidi are my personal favorites.

Neil Doyle (2012-05-21 13:16)

Fun to watch even if it is politically incorrect...

Shirley Temple's natural way with lines and look of pure enjoyment asshe shares a tap dance routine with Bill Robinson, is reason enough forShirley's fans to want to watch THE LITTLEST REBEL. When these two gointo their dance steps, it's a pure pleasure to watch.Not so pleasurable is treatment of the North and South and the CivilWar, least of all the dim-witted jokes at the expense of the blacks.How far we've come since 1935 is painfully evident throughout much ofthe story and is bound to be something audiences have to overcome ifthey care to enjoy the story.Once again, Shirley's father is handsome John Boles and there areplenty of competent adult performers surrounding her--but make nomistake about it, the film belongs to the little star whose wondrousway with song and dance (and lines) makes her the most precocious andprecious of all the child stars. Her "Polly-Wolly-Doodle" and "TheseEndearing Young Charms" are proof positive of her rare talent.

jootes-garland (2012-05-19 17:55)

Shirley's not just an Orphan...It's great!

This film is absolutely my favorite of all Shirley Temple films I'veever seen.Why? Shirley's not just an Orphan(as in most of her films)that isadored by everybody and is adopted by a happy family at the end. Thisfilm is certainly a family film, that can be watched by kids and byadults with no doubts. It has a heart-warming story, that teaches howwas the relationship between the Yankees and the other ones(sorry can'tremember the name right now), and how the racism at the thirties was,of course it's not directly shown in the movie. And the scene whenVirgie(Temple) meets the President Lincoln is such a sweetie(that sceneis very remembered over here, it's in a very famous book too).And, as in almost all of her movies, Shirley shows her sweet smiles,dances with Bill Robinson and sings one of her cutest songsever!(Polly-Wolly-Doodle).Anyway, Shirley is sweet as always and giving a great performance!

(2012-05-19 12:48)

Cute Shirley Temple Charms North and South

Critics and analysts have used reams of paper to describe the Shirley Temple phenomenon. To summarize that analysis: Shirley Temple appealed to a nation going through economic upheavals because of her cheery disposition and general cuteness. This movie may have its flaws, but Shirley's sunny disposition and a wonderful tap dance performance by Bill "Bojangles" Robinson with Shirley make this movie one to watch for fans of Shirley and Bojangles.The plot is relatively thin. Virginia "Virgie" Cary's (Temple) father is Confederate Captain Herbert Cary (played by John Boles). Captain Boles is a daring scout who successfully penetrates federal lines to gain valuable information.Virgie and her mother Mrs. Cary (Karen Morley) live on the Cary plantation with their slaves. The plantation appears to be near the edge of the Confederacy as Yankees make regular appearances. Virgie, her mother and the plantation slaves lead a relatively good life until a battle destroys the plantation house and exposure to the elements causes Mrs. Cary to become ill. Uncle Billy (Bojangles Robinson) heads off to retrieve Captain Cary, traveling with him through federal pickets.Captain Cary attempts to take Virgie to his sister in Richmond with the aid of Yankee Colonel Morrison (Jack Holt), but Captain Cary is caught and both Cary and Morrison are tried for spying and treason. After a trial and appeal, both are scheduled to be executed in days. Only one chance remains, and that is an appeal to a court in Washington, D.C. Will Virgie and Uncle Billy be able to raise enough money to get to Washington? Once they get there, will they be able to convince the court that both men are innocent? Will they be able to do all this in time? Will any of this stop Shirley Temple and Bojangles from dancing and singing? Will any of this stop Shirley Temple from being cute? A viewer will need to watch and discover these answers for themselves!This movie was intended as light entertainment. It succeeds. Shirley is cute, regardless of the circumstances. Shirley and Bojangles put on incredible dance performances. Even more incredible considering that Shirley was about six or seven years old at the time. Bojangles put tap dance into public view and gained his own fame by starring with Shirley Temple.Some critics point to the inaccurate portrayal of slaves. The criticism is valid. The movie was stereotypical. We know that slavery was an institution that continues to be an embarrassment to our country. However, the movie was a product of its time. Accept the movie for what it is rather than an endorsement of slavery. Note that Uncle Billy is intelligent and incredibly brave. He is also the most talented person in the movie.Shirley Temple movies remain enjoyable, light entertainment. The plots are simple and rely mostly on Shirley and her cuteness and in the case of this movie, the talent of Bill Robinson. They succeed in their goal of entertaining us. Shirley Temple fans and fans of Bill "Bojangles" Robinson need this movie for their collection.Enjoy!

Leahcurry (2012-05-17 19:39)

Wonderful but maybe inaccurate

The portrayal of the Civil War is quite good, but the issue of thetreatment of slaves isn't bad here. John Boles and Karen Morley (as Mr.and Mrs. Cary) apparently have about as good a rapport with theirslaves as one would expect. Both do an excellent job, but ShirleyTemple always steals the show. Willie Best is silly as usual (I've seenhim be that in several films, so the "dumb slave" stereotype he seemsto get is merely comic relief--and I'm not being racist, I think he'swonderful!). Billy "Bojangles" Robinson gets the most spotlight besidesShirley, with John Boles close behind. Boles plays a well-knownConfederate spy, but is fascinating when he's quick-thinking andauthoritative, and so tender with Shirley--a bit similar to those that"Uncle Billy" has with her. Jack Holt is also noteworthy as aprincipled Yankee out to capture Cary (as are many more Yanks), but istender-hearted when he meets Shirley that when her Dad is discovered inhis own Yankee uniform, takes a big risk and gives Cary a pass forShirley to get to Richmond. Cary says he'll never let her out of herarms again, and Colonel Morrison (Jack Holt) said, "I don't think mycountry expects me to make war on babies." The value placed on humanlife here is plain in those two lines.

heidi sammon (2012-05-17 04:33)

Good film

The troubles of the Civil War come home to a little plantation girl whenherfather is arrested and charged with espionage against the Yankees. Only aplea to Mr. Lincoln can save the day.The Littlest Rebel is also a spiritedmusical comedy. Co- starring Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, it's packed withthroughly delightful musical numbers including Shirley's unforgettableversion of "Polly Wolly Doodle".Shirley really is a beautiful little girl.

vincentlynch-moonoi (2012-05-16 22:45)

Can you get past the racism of the era?

That's the big question here. In 2011 (or so), can a viewer get pastthe racism still present in films in 1935 to enjoy an otherwise ratherpleasant movie starring 20th Century Fox's financial savior -- ShirleyTemple. From the very start of the film, the racism in the way theNegroes (the term primarily used in 1935 American life) were portrayedis deplorable. It reminds me of Bing Crosby's "Abraham" number, whichhe does in black-face, in "Holiday Inn"...an otherwise delightfulfilm...what were they thinking????? To be honest, in this film, theracism is so pervasive that I can't get past it. Willie Best'scharacter, in particular, is portrayed in the worst possible light.On the other hand, though still a slave in the film, the danceperformances of Bill "Bojangles" Robinson here shows what a remarkablytalented individual he was. However, his most memorable danceperformance with temple -- the tap dancing on the stairs (a routine heonly taught to two people, one being Temple) -- is in another Templefilm ("The Little Colonel"). Nevertheless, it is Robinson'sperformances here that are the real treasures of this film.The plot (and the happy ending), though somewhat predictable, is quitegood, as are performances by John Boles and Jack Holt as military menon opposite sides. But, once again falling into the racism of the1930s, Shirley Temple does have to end up in black-face. Shame, shame,shame. The scene with Abraham Lincoln and Shirley Temple is quitememorable.If it weren't for the over-the-top racism in this film, I'd give it a"7", because for a 1935 film, the production standards were quite high.But, due to the racism here, I'll demote it to a "4".

spnmike (2012-05-16 11:49)

This movie is really racist!

Awesome tap dancing but really racist. Shirley Temple in blackface? Allthe little slave girls stammering with affection wanting so badly togive the white master's daughter a birthday present? This moviecompletely propagates the myth of the benevolent slave-holder. Also theJames Henry character is portrayed with such a low IQ its surprisingthat he can breathe, every scene he is in seems to be prompting theaudience to chuckle along at the "ignorant negro". Also, Shirley Templeis weirdly sexualized in this movie. There are scenes where at leastthree different adult males are nestling so closely face to face withthe little girl that it is CREEPY. This movie was recently shown on TCM(Turner Classic Movies),which also just showed "Birth of a Nation"which I think they should change their name to RCM: Racist CrackerMovies, because they show films like these on their network (ergoimplying that they are "classic", whatever that means) withoutpreluding them with any critical discussion on the representation ofracial dynamics in the films.

(2012-05-15 09:35)

love it!

This review is from: The Littlest Rebel (DVD) when i was little i always watched the shirley temple movies and i still do

(2012-05-14 18:22)

5 Stars for Shirley Temple!

She is just cute beyond cute, and the movie works in spite of the historical inaccuracies...such as: less than 15% of Southerners owned slaves, Most did allow the children to hold parties together, with the children working side by side on the farms...slaves running away? most were paid/profit sharing and did not run away because their standard of living was higher than the rural working class white...(two floor houses versus shacks, ect) (some blacks owned black/Indian slaves themselves!)the dance scenes were great..."Bo Jangles" was terrific, and the classic scene where "Virgie" sings Dixie to the Yankee officer is priceless!She had, what the Southerners would call, "plunk"!The greatest inaccuracy of them all? Abraham Lincoln, who ordered his generals to begin total warfare on women and children, portrayed as a friend of blacks and children is about as far from the truth as one can get.Besides these, enjoy little Miss Temple!

jimdrum1 (2012-05-10 12:06)

good story, suspense, heartwarming. Shirley is a wow

I just finished watching this film with my 7 year old daughter and I amutterly astonished at this young girls gifts. Being a "Mr. Mom", I havecome to know what a little girl is capable of, mine as well asneighborhood children, and I can say that young Shirley was far morethan just exceptional in many ways. This film certainly puts her to thetest and she comes through with flying colors. Her beauty iscaptivating and her natural charm is startling. Her line delivery isperfect. When faced with bad news, watch as she slowly girds herself toreceive it. It's as though she truly believes it herself and cannotcontain her emotions. When tears finally fly, it's hard to not want toreach through the screen and comfort her, especially when she ispleading her case to President Lincoln. As a professional musician I am astonished at her near perfectexecution of complex syncopated dance routines with Bill Robinson. Itis evident that she is really having fun during these numbers andsurely was an attentive student. When she sings, her voice, althoughnot a trained voice (thank goodness) is right on pitch. It is anatural, pleasant voice, free of any coaching. She really sings thelyric, (something that most "pro" singers could stand a lesson in) andnot just the song. I never really stopped to listen to "Believe me ifall these endearing young charms" but her non-treatment forced me tohear it. It's a very touching song. How I would enjoy a chat with her to pick her brain. She really was a"perfect storm" as child stars go and I will certainly be screeningmore of her films....for my...AHEM...daughter, of course.

(2012-05-10 20:20)

Excellent!

Shirley Temple singing Dixie? Worth the price of the video alone!

(2012-05-07 11:22)

"The Littlest Rebel (1935) ... Shirley Temple ... 20th Century Fox (2006)"

20th Century Fox presents "THE LITTLEST REBEL" (released: 22 November 1935) (73mins) (B&W/Color Versions) - Under David Butler (Director), Buddy G. DeSylva (Producer), Edwin H. Burke (Screenwriter), Edward H. Peple (Play Author), Harry Tugend (Screenwriter), John F. Seitz -(Cinematographer), Cyril Mockridge (Musical Direction/Supervision), Irene Morra (Editor), William S. Darling (Art Director), Thomas K. Little (Set Designer), Gwen Wakeling (Costume Designer) - - - - our plot line takes place during the Civil War. Shirley Temple plays Virginia Cary, a young girl who lives in the south with her parents --- Her father is called to the Confederate Army, and tries to sneak back to visit his family --- He's arrested, and a Yankee arranges an escape, but it doesn't work, and they are both arrested and sentenced to death --- But Virginia and Uncle Billy (Bill 'Bojangles' Robinson) a friend of Virginia's, goes to visit President Lincoln and begs him to intervene --- gotta love it when Shirley and Robinson sing "Polly Wolly Doodle" --- take all of in when they do that dance during the scene to make money to see President Lincoln, steps were in sync --- as always another happy ending with Shirley leading the way.the cast includes:Shirley Temple ... Ms. Virginia 'Virgie' CaryJohn Boles ... Capt. Herbert CaryJack Holt ... Col. MorrisonKaren Morley ... Mrs. CaryBill Robinson ... Uncle BillyGuinn 'Big Boy' Williams ... Sgt. DudleyWillie Best ... James HenryFrank McGlynn Sr. ... President Abraham LincolnBessie Lyle ... Mammy RosabelleHannah Washington ... Sally AnnBIOS:1. Shirley TempleDate of Birth: 23 April 1928 - Santa Monica, CaliforniaDate of Death: Still LivingIf you enjoyed this film, check out 20th Century Fox present "The Shirley Temple - America's Sweetheart Collection, Vol. 1" (Heidi/Curly Top/Little Miss Broadway) (Fully Restored/Dolby Digitally Remastered) --- now in COLOR and Glorious Black and White --- In 2004, Shirley Temple teamed with Legend Films to restore, colorize and release her earliest black and white films, as well as episodes of her 1960 television series, The Shirley Temple Storybook Collection --- a patented coloring and remastering process makes her picture perfect charm more vivd than ever --- no one can resist Shirley's charm in all her heart warming films.Hats off and thanks to Barry B. Sandrew Ph.D. (Founder, COO & CTO) and his Legend Films Staff --- looking forward to more high quality releases from the vintage era of the '20s, '30s & '40s --- order your copy now from Amazon where there are plenty of copies available on DVD --- if you enjoyed this title, why not check out Legend Films where they are experts in releasing long forgotten films and treasures to the collector --- all my heroes have been cowboys!Total Time: 73 mins on DVD ~ 20th Century Fox. ~ (3/21/2006)

abrafocus (2012-05-07 05:01)

One of Shirley Temple's best

I am not a super-duper humongous fan of Shiley Temple, but boy, was shea good child actress. My favorite S.T. movie is "Heidi.", but I thinkthis one is a close second.It takes place during the Civil War. Shiley Temple plays Viginia Cary,a young girl who lives in the south with her parents. Her father iscalled to the Confederate Army, and tries to sneak back to visit hisfamily. He's arrested, and a Yankee arranges an escape. But it doesn'twork, and they are both arrested and sentenced to death. But Virginiaand Uncle Billy, a friend of Virginia's, goes to visit PresidentLincoln and begs him to intervene.This is a classic movie about war, and one that actually has a goodending.My score: 7/10.

Futura-2 (2012-05-05 00:03)

Talk to your kids afterward...

There are two very good opportunities afforded by this film. One, it'sentertaining, fast-paced, and Shirley really shines.The second is a chance to talk to your children about the way blackcharacters and white characters interact in this film. Some youngerchildren may be confused by the divide between the black characters andthe white characters (especially those who attend racially-diverseschools,) but this is a good time to explain to them the racistattitudes of the time period, and ask them how it makes them feel.The best way to combat racism is not to sweep it under the rug, but toteach children where we were, how far we've come, and how far we stillneed to go. Give children the credit they deserve, they willunderstand.This film is a perfect opportunity to relate to your children andinstill guidance.

(2012-05-04 06:01)

Temple at the top of her game

One of Shirley Temple's first movies for the newly-amalgamated Twentieth Century-Fox Pictures in 1935 was THE LITTLEST REBEL (based on an earlier play by Edward Peple).Set in the South during the Civil War, THE LITTLEST REBEL gave audiences another chance to enjoy Temple in a similarly-themed story to "The Little Colonel" (released earlier in 1935 to great acclaim).In THE LITTLEST REBEL, Shirley Temple plays spunky little Virginia Carey--known as Virgie to her friends. Dearly loved by everybody, Virgie accidentally causes untold tragedy for her father (John Boles), a Confederate soldier, when he's caught sneaking through enemy territory in a bid to see his ill wife (Karen Morley). It looks like curtains for Virgie's Pa, until the enterprising moppet decides to take matters into her own hands...Temple is reunited with her "Curly Top" co-star John Boles, plus Bill "Bojangles" Robinson. Karen Morley and Jack Holt also turn in fine support. The score includes "Polly-Wolly Doodle", "Believe Me", and "Dixie".The DVD includes both B&W and computer-colourised versions of the film.

(2012-05-02 21:34)

The Best Classic Around

This review is from: The Littlest Rebel (DVD) This is a classic film that will stay with you. With a terrific actress that does a wonderful job and at the same time puts a piece of our history into it. I recommend this movie to anyone.

(2012-05-02 06:13)

Littlest Sweetheart

This beautiful Shirley Temple story is simply wonderful-- with lots of songs, dramatic scenes, and dances with Bojangles this VHS is well worth it's pricetag. If your a fan of Shirley or "The Little Colonel" then you'll love this movie! With the wonderful Bojangles(from the The Little Colonel) and James Bole(Curly Top) you'll love this movie.In this film Shirley plays Virgie a very determined, strong-willed girl who lives in the South when the war breaks-- suddenly Virgie is struggling with her mom to survive as her father serves as a spy for the Confederettes-- while have there house pillared by Yankees who routinely visit looking for Shirley's dad. When Shirley's mom tragically dies-- Shirley's dad makes the vow never to have his child "leave his arms again" with the help of a friendly yankee Shirley and her dad make an attempt to go to Richmond to stay with an aunt in her home- only problem getting through yankee lines. When Shirley and her father are captured. Shirley's father and the kind yankee are sentanced to execution. The only way to save them is up to Shirley as she goes to ask Abe Lincoln "You won't let them kill my daddy will you." A heartful and one of my favorite Shirley and Civil War movies of all time. This movie shows off all that talent with her dramatic acting ability, lovable songs, and wonderful dance scenes with one of the greatest dancers of all time. This movie is a keeper to own in your family movie collection. This is a great Civil War story since it dosn't really chose either side of the war and it gives a view that makes you feel in the end no one wins. With great acting and all that talent you can't loose when you buy this treasure! Watch this movie and see America's "Littlest Charmer."