Description

Through no fault of his own, artist and lady's man Richard Nugent finds a love-besotted teenage girl curled on his sofa. Through no fault of his own, the teen's sister is a judge who "sentences" thunderstruck Richard to date the girl until her schoolgirl crush wanes. Circumstances aren't kind to Richard. But they certainly are hilarious when Cary Grant plays Richard, Myrna Loy is the judge and Shirley Temple is the teen. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Funny, 40's Screwball Comedy
The Bachelor & The Bobby Soxer is an amusing, feather-light comedy about a playboy artist (Cary Grant) who to avoid jail is commended by a judge (Myrna Loy) to date her seventeen year old sister (Shirley Temple) who has a major crush on him. The move is made to curb the playboy excesses of Mr. Grant and to help get him out of Ms. Temple's system. Mr. Grant shows off all his comedic skills as he plays up the part by dressing like a teenager, adopts the slang of the day and makes a fool of himself in athletic events. For those use to seeing Ms. Temple as a preteen, will be surprised to see her as almost an adult. Ms. Loy is a bit too icy and stern in her role, but she's such a good actress, you can look past that. The film won an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for Sidney Sheldon who would go on to create I Dream Of Jeannie and become a best-selling novelist.

"The Power of Whoo-doo!"
I rented this movie and watched it last night--hadn't seen it in close to thirty years since I was a little girl--and nearly freaked from the deja-vous experience of hearing the "You remind of a man/what man?/the man with the power/what power?/ the power of whoo-doo". And my older sister knowingly said, "Yes, TutorGal, this is where that comes from." I used to chant and chant that as a kid! So much for memory lane; now down to business about "The Bachelor and the Bobby Soxer." The movie has a bit of a slow start, with pretty static direction, up until the point when high school student Shirley Temple sees ladykiller artist Cary Grant at high school assembly delivering a lecture. Pow! she sees him as a knight in shining armor and is off to corral him. She doesn't know of course that big sis judge Myrna Loy has just had him in her courtroom and has formed a low opinion of his reputed womanizing. Shirley even finds a way to gain access to the unknowing Cary's apartment, where he then unjustly gets slammed with a jailbait charge. Hey, where's this going? Well, Myrna and her assistant DA beau Rudy Vallee decide that the only way for Shirley to get over Cary is for him to date her and probably bore her with his adult ways. And of course, nothing works out like anyone has planned, least of all smug Myrna. As I wrote above, the movie really picks up after about 15-20 minutes and then becomes quite hilarious, with Rudy Vallee particularly good as an eccentric WASP, the sort of thing he does so well . Cary appears to be genuinely enjoying himself, and Shirley has certainly grown to be a real cutie. Myrna's okay, but nothing spectacular this time around. Make a date to watch "The Bachelor and the Bobby Soxer" and see the whoo-doo first hand!

Witty and Fun
I simply adore this movie. It's pure silliness and you'll want to watch it with a friend so that you can occasionally tell them "You remind me of a man..." Pick it up to see a teenage Shirley Temple and to laugh out loud at the wit and ridiculousness of it all. A guaranteed smile. :0) If you like this, you'll want to watch "I was a Male War Bride" as well.

Amiable, Slight
A rather uninspired but harmless enough movie that goes around the world and back again to establish its goofy premise. Cary Grant gets many chances to show off his flair for physical comedy, Shirley Temple is no less grating as a young adult than she was as a child, and Myrna Loy (who I watched this for) is in the movie a lot, but never given very much to do.

Grant fans will probably enjoy this one, but fans of Loy can find vehicles that better display her talents.

Grade: B-

1940's Revealed
Want some insight into what titillated movie-goers in the post-war 1940's? This 1947 RKO production is a good place to start. There's the marquee value of a seductively handsome Cary Grant coupled with that spunky symbol of all-American innocence Shirley Temple, enough at the time to draw in ticket-buying throngs with its naughty innuendo of daring departure and forbidden pleasure. In fact, the underage subtext lingers beneath much of the movie's plot and humorous settings, but in a totally innocent manner, proving that this is not yet the more permissive 1960's. One slip, however, and this light-hearted souffle could easily have become burnt-toast of the most tasteless variety. Fortunately, there are no slips.

Once the pace picks up, this comedy sparkles as brightly as any other Cary Grant madcap, which is to say, about as good as comedy gets. The night club scene is an absolute triumph of timing, staging, and scripting. The laughs build as the party table becomes more and more chaotic, interrupted by one petty annoyance after another, finally reducing the worldly Grant to speechless exasperation. This is the type of soaring comedic architecture that requires real artistry, but has been sadly replaced in contemporary film by a dumbed- down world of bathroom jokes, insult gags, and other cheap forms of humor that appeal mainly to juveniles. The movie itself, directed by an unheralded Irving Reis, is literally brimful of bounce and charm, leaving no one in doubt that the big war is over and America is ready for the future even if its libido is showing. With: a slyly endearing Ray Collins, a bemusedly prim Myrna Loy, a pompously befuddled Rudy Vallee, and a well-deserved Oscar for writer Sidney Sheldon, along with a final scene that could not be more apt. Despite the shift in public mores, audiences now as then should find this a highly entertaining ninety minutes of expert movie-making. ... Read more

Reviews (25)

Selznick's Second Masterpiece!
Gone with the Wind will always be David O. Selznick's supreme masterpiece. But right behind GWTW is this ravishing, tear-jerker concerning a mother and her two daughters during World War II. The gorgeous black and white photography, creating shadows and drama, the fireplaces always crackling cozily, the snow outside, the by-gone lifestyle of the early l940s, these are just one layer of this classic to enjoy. Claudette Colbert is perfect as the heroic mother-wife of the Hilton clan. The last scenes, where she finds a gift from her husband whose off somewhere around the world fighting the enemy, is heart-breaking.And it takes place beneath a Christmas tree! Even the yule-tide wrapping is endearing since it's another relic from a long-gone era. I watch this movie several times a year, but especially during the Christmas holidays, because its scenes of snows and warm hearths really do belong to an era when we once enjoyed something called a White Christmas. This movie should have swept all the Oscars, especially the redoutable Max Steiner for his stunning musical score. An even better way to spend a wintry weekend is to curl up with both Gone With the Wind and Since You Went Away and you'll be one happy viewer!

The train platform farewell is peerless
among sentimental tearjerkers in this classic tale of the brave American women who keep the homefires burning during the dark days of WWII. The title refers to all that is happening to one American family while the father is away at war. Claudette Colbert stars as the mother with Jennifer Jones and Shirley Temple as her daughters. Joseph Cotten is the old family friend who may or may not be in love with Colbert, Monty Wooley the crusty lodger the family takes in to earn some money. Through Wooley enters into the family his grandson Robert Walker, a shy soldier with whom Jennifer Jones eventually falls in love. "Since You Went Away" is second only to "How Green Was My Valley" for annual tearfall in my lowly opinion. Made at the height of the actual war, this movie captured and preserved for our later generations the terrible experience of trying to go on with a normal life as loved ones were facing death at the front. Yet there is joy too for this family as they go about the ordinary things through which our happiness comes. There are other vignettes depicting minor characters, featuring situations familiar to the wartime audience, which now are like so many time capsules for us more than fifty years after the war. A wonderful movie that would move even the most cynical viewer, "Since You Went Away" is tops in my books.

Exceptionally fantastic film
Oh, I am SO thrilled that this finally came out on DVD! I've yet to see it on disc, obviously, but regardless: it is an excellent film. Made me cry several times, and the family life depicted was moving and realistic. I would recommend it to just about anyone! Claudette Colbert is great as the mother, and it is neat seeing an older-at-last Shirley Temple. : ) Buy/see this wonderful movie today; can't go wrong with it on DVD!!! :D

The perfect Sunday afternoon experience.
I saw this yesterday on TCM. Yes it is sentimental and patriotic and a bit syrupy in the dialog. But it was released in 1944- meaning it was filmed right in the middle of World War II, so the sentiment and especially the times are aptly reflected. More than anything else, the film's virtues are from the performances. Claudette Colbert reminds me very much of Norma Shearer's matriarch in 'The Women:' warm, intelligent, and very likable, but surrounded by the constrictions and circumstances of the time. (It's interesting to hear her tell Joseph Cotten two hours into the film that she feels useless and is not contributing to the war effort when in fact she's been contributing all along.) Cotten is wonderful as her surrogate mate (still carrying a torch after all these years) and daughters Temple and the beautiful Jones are quite good. There is magnificent b/w cinematography- rich in shadows and geometric patterns, and fine editing which shows off a Norman Rockwell-like presentation of day-to-day life in rural America. The standout scene, of course is Jennifer Jones and Robert Walker (married in real life but separating at the time of the film) parting at the train station. The Steiner score (echoing the chugging of the train) and especially Jones' tearful run after the departing train are especially heartbreaking. (Does she sense her soldier's fate? Note the tragic, almost psychic expression on her face as she reads the engraving on the watch.) Good performances also from Agnes Moorehead and Selznick veteran Hattie McDaniel. Nominated for a ton of Oscars, and deservedly so.

No Wonder We Won!
I respectfully disagree that this is a film for women only. I've loved this film since I first saw it as a teenager. Claudette Colbert was never better than in her role as Ann Hilton; she manages to balance passion and dignity in her own unique manner. Joseph Cotton is unmatched as the family's best friend, so suave and yet sensitive. I've always been a great admirer of the underrated Agnes Moorhead, and she rivals her part in "Dark Passage" with her role as a flighty and selfish man-chaser here. Monty Wooley was every bit as memorable here as in "The Man Who Came to Dinner". Shirley Temple's part was somewhat limited but she proved herself well.

I found it awkward when the immigrant co-worker of Colbert recited the Lazarus poem off the Statue of Liberty, particularly in view of the segregation of American society and the military. That couldn't be helped in this production, of course.

The entire production is typical of the best of Hollywood then--in other words, yet to be matched by today's filmmakers. The richness of the black-and-white, the basic camera work, the perfect sets. It's why I love these old films.

True, this film is a tearjerker. Nothing wrong with that. True, it might be viewed as a form of propoganda. Nothing wrong with that, either. It remains an eloquent testament to a nation and a time when the 'bad guys' were easy to identify. At the least, I hope viewing this will remind all of us to contribute to the WW II Memorial in Washington!

BTW when is this coming out on DVD? ... Read more

Reviews (39)

Not Particularly Good - But Entertaining...
I was about to write a review that so many people on this site have repeated: "Shirley Temple is SO cute in this film! She is beleivable and makes you think as a child might about the world. The film was made in lush technicolor and the sets and costumes are lavish!" Then, I thought that I should write a review, honestly stating what I felt about this film. This movie is a popular one, and a very good Shirley Temple vehicle, but it is not a particularly good movie.

I grew up with the Francis Hodgeson Burnett(The Secret Garden) book. I loved it's charm and message. The characters were priceless and the tale was brilliant, melancholy, but beautiful. The tale was about a young girl of seven named Sara Crewe, who has always had a wonderful relationship with her young and wealthy papa, Captain Crewe. When she is seven, she is left with a dissagreeable caretaker named Ms. Minchin in her seminary for 'distinguished young ladies.' As the years pass she makes friendships with the dumpy, comic, and sweet Ermangarde, and the cockny maid, Becky. She is pampered, and treated quite royaly, and is given the nickname of the 'little princess.' On her birthday, it is found out that her papa has passed away, and she is left to work as a scullery maid with nothing but a black frock, and a doll named Emily. Throughout her left as a miserable maid, she keeps her dignity, and the theme of the novel becomes not to let the hate around you make you bitter, and hateful. Sara is eventualy saved, in the end.

The plot of this movie is not at all faithful to the novel. Shirley Temple is only Shirley Temple throughout the film. Her dimples and teary eyes are, in comparison to the Sara of the novel, a baby. Sara of the novel was one 'who never cried' and was 'always dreaming and making up stories.' Temple's Sara cries often throughout the film, and it never dreams as the Sara of the book does. She is just a regular seven year old girl. The characters of Ermengarde, and Ms. Minchin's sister, Miss Amelia, have been either removed completly, or replaced with new characters. This leaves for a very miscast and confused film, that does not offer any of the beautiful lessons of the novel.

As a movie, it might seem entertaining. Throughout the film, a dance sequence with Sara and Miss Minchin's brother, Bertrand, appears. It is commonplace for Temple, also, to have a dance sequence of some sort. This has a 'fairy tale' dance sequence. The script has small bits of humor, but not anything quite so nice.

This is a nice movie, but not a good one to offer the lessons of the original book. All the same, it is best to watch it, as it will offer family entertainment. But, those who read the book will be disapointed.

A candidate for a restoration
The Little Princess remains one of my favorite childhood movie memories. Finding the DVD version was simple enough. I was unaware of how widely the quality varied between the different versions available. The first version I purchased from a Canadian group was horrible. This DVD presentation was reasonable but not striking. The image was grainy and lacked that "Technicolor" brilliance I had hoped for. All of the DVD and VHS versions seem to be made from one film transfer made from an old print. The color rendering is poor. Some scenes appear almost Black and White. Unlike "The WIzard of Oz" or "The Secret Garden" I don't think this was intentional. This version is not transfered from Technicolor stock. I wonder if it was even made from 35 millimeter film. The quality if any in this DVD is from some digital processing available to old video. It does not appear a flying spot scanner or any film restoration equipment was used to create this DVD. The only really nice color image was the cover of the DVD package. I wish someone could find the real Technicolor masters, either the negative or positive film. If you were going to restore one Shirley Temple work, this film would be the one. It is a classic of the time with a glimpse at that time. And Shirley Temple was good in this film. You wipe tears away from your eyes at least twice. And Temple sings a great little song. Did I mention she dances a little too.

watch the remake, please?
This is one of those few times when I like a remake better than the original of a motion picture. I'll confess that, based on this movie, I'm not a Shirley Temple fan (her voice alone is annoying, not to mention her acting ability). She is utterly unconvincing as Sara Crew, and that American accent! Please, can we stop making movies of British literature where all the characters except the main one are truly British? I know this is done so as to appease and appeal to the idiots on our side of the pond, but really, are we so uncultured and stupid, not to mension spoiled, that we won't watch a movie unless it has at least one American actor playing a prominent role? If I had to choose between these two movies, I'd definitely see the 1990's version of this one; at least there, all the characters are Americanized, so one doesn't stick out like a sore thumb. Lisel Matthews' performance is enchanting, and the movie all around is delightful.

Dreadful Audio
This review is of the Madacy DVD of "The Little Princess." The picture quality of this DVD is acceptable, more or less, but the audio portion is another thing. The sound is limited to a very narrow band in the midrange. Shirley's voice, for example, is quite tinny throughout the film. At times the sound volume changes abruptly or even disappears completely. One has the impression that the DVD audio engineer tried to regulate the sound volume at a single sitting by turning the knob in real time as he listened to the film. This movie has always sounded quite good on broadcast TV, which obviously wasn't playing back this Madacy disaster.

Unfortunately, it would seem that this writer's experience with "The Little Princess" is not unlike others' experiences with Madacy products. Read Doug Pratt's review of "Two Women" in his Video and DVD Guide (available from amazon.com but also readable on DVDLaser.com) and be forewarned. I now avoid Madacy DVDs.

This is one of my favorite Shirley Temple movies
Unlike some of the other reviewers, I absolutely adore this Shirley Temple movie. It is one that brings back many memories of watching Shirley Temple movies with my sister when we were little. My favorite parts are when Shirley and her little friend wake up and see all the beautiful gifts that were given to her by the Indian guy, and when she throws the bucket of soot on the snotty Clarissa, but most of all, when she finds her "Daddy" at the end,as he keeps calling "Sara, Sara."
This one is excellent, and I highly recommend it! ... Read more

Reviews (17)

OUR FAVOURITE WAIF
This was the first movie actually crafted just for Shirley and the kids should find it a fun diversion, even today. It's in this movie in which Temple sings her famed version of ON THE GOOD SHIP LOLLIPOP - while on an airplane! The supporting cast includes the little seen silent screen actress Lois Wilson who plays Shirley's mother (employed as a maid) and the talented Irishman, James Dunn - he won an Oscar for the happy alcoholic singing waiter in A TREE GROWS IN BROOKLYN - does well as Shirley's kind uncle. Cheeky Jane Withers (Remember Josephine, the plumber who endorsed Comet cleanser in the sixties?) plays Joy, and she's fun in contrast to Shirley's goody-goody personna- she's wild, mischievous, noisy, jealous, messy, angry and not particularly cute; she was eventually ranked second in popularity to Temple as a thirties female child star. Recommended for the little ones because these Temple films are inoffensive (with very few exceptions) and are expertly computer colourized!

Jane and Shirley light up the screen!
Shirley Temple and Jane Withers are a dynamic duo together as Shirley plays a orphaned child that everybody wishes to adopt and Jane plays a selfish brat who has no compassion for Shirley or anybody else. This movie is simply hysterical with the rude Joy (Jane Withers)and the funny and political Uncle Ned. I have never laughed as much as I did in any other Shirley Temple film! Shirley sings her trade mark song "On the Good Ship Lollipop" and will dazzle you with her charm. The plot of the story is easy for young children to follow and consists of tear jerkers, hysterical moments, and dramatic scenes. I have to say this movie wouldn't receive 5 stars without Jane Withers!

"Sweet Landings"....
This review refers to the 20th Century Fox DVD edition of "Bright Eyes".....

I've always been a sucker for little Shirley Temple singing "On The Good Ship Lollipop" and couldn't resist picking up this DVD.From 1934, this story takes you back to a time of innocence that just can't be done again in today's world. Shirley will tug at your heartstrings and you're happy to let her do it!

This story was tailor made for Temple's charms. Already having lost her father, "the best aviator there ever was", she is now the apple of they eyes of all the flyers at the airport.Espcially one,'Loop' Merritt(James Dunn), her father's best friend who loves her dearly.Shirley lives in the home of a wealthy but nasty couple where her mother is a maid. When tragedy strikes again, and Shirley's mom meets with an unfortunate accident, the fight begins over who will adopt this adorable orphan.

In the short span of 83 minutes, it's a story that has laughter, tears, adventure and lots of love. If you love Shirley..this is a must have. But it's not just the Shirley show...the rest of the cast is terrific. James Dunn, Jane Darwell,and Lois Smith will all touch you, but the two that nearly steal the show are Charles Sellon as Uncle Ned, an old curmudgeon who becomes a real softy around Shirley, and little Jane Withers...the brattiest brat there ever was. All this little tyke wants for Christmas is a machine gun!

I was very pleased with this DVD by 20th Cent Fox. Yes it was a bit on the grainey side, but the film, now 70 years old, showed no scratches, lines or cracks.I hope I look that good at 70! I nearly had a panic attack though when I read the back of the box and it said that this version was colorized, but don't worry, when you pop it in the player, the first thing that comes up is a choice of the original B/W or the colorized version..so you can watch both and see which you prefer. You also get the choice of viewing it in the newly enhanced stereo or mono.There are also subtitles in English(captions), and Spanish.

It's a nice one to watch during the holidays as a good part of the story takes place during Christmas.If you are a fan..introduce a new generation to Shirley. This a great one to start with.

Sweet Landings.....Laurie

One of her better movies.
The movie has the seen that the TV networks always have qued up with her singing: On the good ship lollypop.

One of the cutest films!!!
Shirley is VERY cute in this film. She plays a very unselfish and cute little girl who likes to help out and visit the airport. She basicially does not have to act in this film because the way her chartacter acts is how Shirley acts herself . (Notice that her name is Shirley in this film.)
It deserves a three star though because I didn't see much dancing in this film except for The Good Ship Lollipop, and when you watch Jane Withers and Shirley together you can feel guilty when you act selfish. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Two Great Movies
Having read two of the reviews where this DVD was panned I felt after watching it that the reviews were unfair and misleading. The box actually says Heidi is the Maximillian Schell version and not the Shirley Temple version... on the front and the back!

As to the films, the story of a little girl's search for her father and her struggle aginst poverty is a lovely story. Arthur Treacher is a treat to watch as he dances with Shirley Temple in this fantastic story.

Heidi is much the same, a treat for any child, especially young girls.

The prints from this studio are first rate, the sound is perfect. I have to wonder about the motivation of the person who panned this disk. For the price this is a great value and I am very pleased and I am sure you will be too.

where's shirley? quality poor
I was surprised to see that Shirley Temple is not the star in Heidi. I feel that I was mislead. Also, the quality is not up to par. I would spend the extra money and buy the studio release of these films.

Shirley Never Looked So Good!
This is the best print I have ever seen of this film! Hats off to Dallas, TX based film buffs Marengo Films, they really take the time and effort to do it right.

Best Version of This Film Ever!
The Little Princess is one of my all time favorite movies, I have seen it on AMC and other TV stations over the years. I was so impressed by the quality of this film released by Marengo Films!

Heidi is not Shirley Temple
I was extremely disappointed to find that even though this DVD is billed as Shirley Temple that she is only in The Little Princess and not Heidi on the same DVD. Clearly mislabeling and maybe even worse. The Heidi version is from the 1960's and is an unknown Heidi. ... Read more

Description

3 Great Movies on 1 DVD.Star Power, Exciting Genre with Extras on each DVD. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

adorable
Of coarse these films are in black and white, they are filmed in 1930's! They are absolute adorable short films Shirley did when she was about 3. But, I absolutely adore Shirley Temple and have since when I was about 5 (I am 30 now). I don't know if kids these days will watch it, but then again, look at what kids do and watch today. Get it for yourself or if you know you have a sophisticated young one who can appreciate "old movies" get it for them.

Early Shirley is not classic Shirley
Don't get this for kids - they'll hate it! As for me, I'm glad I bought it.
There are eleven short black-&-white films on this DVD, plus a nine-minute compilation of Movietone News items from the 1930's. Only six of the shorts are the controversial "Baby Burlesk" titles, the others are later films, with Shirley used as a supporting player, not the star. The "Baby Burlesks" were send-ups of movies and stars, so the jokes will be lost on most people, and the odd costumes were a bad idea(however,Shirley's were made by her Mom). On top of that, microphones in 1932 were terrible at recording high-pitched voices, so following the dialogue is a real chore. This is only a problem in the "Baby Burlesks"- the later shorts are fine for sound. One of the "Baby Burlesks" has atrocious picture quality(Pie Covered Wagon), all the others are watchable, but not great.
Is this worth getting? 30's film buffs (I'm one) should enjoy the satire in the "Baby Burlesks", and die-hard Shirley fans should enjoy the occasional Shirley moment in the others. No-one else should bother.

shirley temple early years collection
all in black and white. not reccomended for children. which is why i purchased it and was not told it was black and white. i would not reccomend it to anybody. very boring storyline

Expect the WORST
Sure, the price and the fact that the DVD contains 12 movies may appeal to you. But this product is AWFUL! The picture and sound quality are terrible, it isn't even in colour! The skits are SO NOT funny. You only see shirley once or twice in each film. Each skit is only five minutes long, and the DVD doesn't have any good bonuses. i should have listened to the first three reviews. Don't buy this, even if you're a big Shirley fan, you'll be extremely disappointed and feel guilty about the big waste of money.

On the plus side, it IS a good way to easily collect every Baby Burlesk movie, and I must admit, they're adorable. Although you might feel like skipping "Pie-Covered Wagon" because the picture quality is so awful, the bodies of each child blends with the background and sometimes you can't even see their eyes! There's a short, but good documentary at the end that lasts a couple of minutes, containing original clips of Shirley at her 7th birthday, accepting her oscar, etc. And it's a lot better to buy this movie...than pay...for each Baby Burlesk tape.

So, in conclusion, this is probably the best deal ever for serious fans and collectors of Shirley. But children who adore the tap-dancing cutie won't be pleased. I know I wasn't. The only thing to be glad about was the fact that I'm now able to say I own the complete Baby Burlesk collection:( but that's about it.

Worthless
You would really have to love Shirley Temple to endure this. My grandchildren did not enjoy it and neither did I. Don't waste your money. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Shirley Temple's superstardom in the 1930s was associated with Twentieth Century Fox, but before Fox locked her down she made the two films for Paramount bundled here. It was 1934, her breakthrough year, and these pictures are not quite yet the showcase vehicles Fox would assemble for their pint-sized meal ticket. In Little Miss Marker, Shirley comes under the wing of Sorrowful Jones (Adolphe Menjou in good form), as Damon Runyon's world of bookies and gamblers and soft-hearted gangsters comes to life around her. It's a heartstring-tugger of an expert kind; Shirley's final line, delivered in an operating room, should have grown men weeping on their knees.

Henry Hathaway's Now and Forever casts Gary Cooper and Carole Lombard as world-traveling con artists, suddenly forced to grow up when Coop decides to take charge of his daughter. The lure of diamonds and the easy life is never far away, but rely on Shirley to keep her Daddy on his toes. The dimpled Ms. Temple plays a distinctly supporting role in this one, and her singing and dancing is limited compared to the vehicles she would command within the year. Cooper is all charm, although Lombard is stuck in something of a nag role. Still, a solid enough studio picture of the era, and a logical launching pad for the greatest child star in film history. --Robert Horton ... Read more

Reviews (1)

SUPER COLLECTIONOF HER 2 PARAMOUNT FILMS!
This set iswonderfulbut, a few things have changed since this set was first announced. it was to be a 2 disc set andthe 2 films were to be the colorized versions. Whatthis set has is just1DVD and so bothmovies are on1 disc and inblackand white. The backof the DVD case shows the colorized photos which makes you think the films are the color versions. The menus also show colorized photos.The VHS versions which are in color looked very good but for some reasonUniversaldecided tonot include them.

The real prize of this DVD is the extra, which is Shirley's very firstmovie and which has NEVER before been available onVHS or DVD or16MM or any other format. "THE RUNT PAGE".Shirley is not shown muchatall during the 10 minutes this film runs. She is shownrightafter the opening credits and then again during thelast3 minutes.She is veryadorable here and, for this firstfilmshort, she is wearing onlyshorts, she would be covered upmore in her next7 berleskfilm shorts.
Inthis film short, she is aware of the camera and theres a few times where she is lookingat it.She is so very adorable in her scenes and its amazingthatatthis time she was 3 years old!

Youwill reallyenjoythis film short as well as the 2 movies which are insuper quality!

ENJOY! ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Still cute, but mediocre movie.
I couldn't watch this one all the way through, and we returned the rental.

Research Needed on Cover Material
While this is not one of the best of Temple's efforts, the film held your interest and had excellent acting by Frank Morgan and Helen Westley. However, the material on the dvd cover indicated "See the Famous Staircase Dance with Bill Robinson". Unfortunately, that is not in this film. Bill Robinson is not in this film, although he directed some of the dance sequences. I think the people producing these products need to check their research BEFORE they develop the cover materials. While I knew Bojangles was not in this film, there could be others misled by this material.

Disappointing
Shirley Temple, arguably the most famous child star ever, deserves much better treatment than this! 20th Century Fox has released 3 of her movies to DVD (Bright Eyes, Heidi, and Dimples). With no extra features (other than a trailer for Heidi), Fox certainly didn't hurt themselves in packaging these films. In addition, the print used for Dimples is terrible; very grainy and dark. Hopefully for future releases, Fox will dish up some extra features. Heidi is the only one of the three that includes a theatrical trailer. Don't bother with the colorized versions that are on the disks; the colors are garish and bleed badly.

Dimples didn't Help
Shirley is the most precious little girl I've ever seen and this movie did nothing for her ! I am like a huge Temple fan but I think this movie was a waste . I think this was one of her worst films.It hasn't even a good story line. Shirley was cute in it,but the movie was playing boring

Dimples,a lovely and charming film
Hello,I'm from Germany and an absolute Shirley Temple-worshipper. This movie is vintage -shirley, although I have to admit more on the sentimental side. If you love a good cry and lots of musicalnumbers,you will take this one. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Curly top is absolutely perfect
Not only is Shirley Temple an amazing actress but she is so adorable I love this heartwarming movie, of a young girl who plays cupid and brings her older sister and friend together. Her sweet and cute songs bring instant happiness to everyone who watches. The movie is a mix of comedy, romance and can be enjoyed by the whole family. This would definetly have to be one of my favourite Shirley Temple movies. If you want real entertainment then please watch and enjoy CURLY TOP!

excellent early Temple vehicle
CURLY TOP is a musical version of Jean Webster's "Daddy Long Legs", about a young orphan who is mysteriously sponsored by a never-named benefactor.

Shirley Temple and Rochelle Hudson play Elizabeth and Mary Blair, two orphans who are sponsored by Edward Morgan (John Boles) who uses the alias of 'Hireman Jones'.Complications arise when Edward falls in love with Mary but of course he cannot reveal his true identity.It's up to little Elizabeth to play matchmaker!

Jane Darwell, Esther Dale, Arthur Treacher and Rafaela Ottiano round out the supporting cast.Temple sings the classic "Animal Crackers in My Soup".A real charmer.

Shirley - Your Such A Bundle Of Joy
One of Shirley's earlier films it's also one of her best-- Shirley's curly hair isn't the only thing that is showcased in this film-- this one features more of her favorite songs including that famous"Animal Crackers In My Soup."

In this Shirley plays an orphan who is the troublemaker and joker of the orphanage. When Bole("Littlest Rebel") comes to visit the orphanage as one of the benifactors of the orphanage-- he becomes entranced by "Curly Top" who decides to adopt-- he learns that Shirley has an older sister as well so he decides to adopt both of them-- but, under the condition they never know who the rich benefactor is who adopted them making up "Hireman Jones." Well, the family slows blends together... Bole and Elizabeth's sister begin to fall in love-- when Elizabeth's sis becomes engaged to someone else it looks like the family will soon be split until a sudden moment of revalation.

Bole does a wonderful job in this Shirley film and you see all that charisma by Bole and Shirley again.There is not a ton of singing done by Shirley in this flick mainly by her on-screen sister and Bole but, it is still a good movie and features the famous "Animal Crackers in my Soup." Keep this Temple treasure-- it's more than the hair it's the whole personality!

Wonderful!!!!
Shirley stars as loveable Elizabeth in this movie. She and her older sister Mary live in an orphanage where the girls are not allowed to sing which is hard for Elizabeth.But one day a man named Mr. Jones comes and visits the orphanage and falls in love with Mary, who is much younger than him. He and Elizabeth take to each other right away and her golden curls earn her the nickname, Curly Top.But Mary recieves a marrige proposal from a boy her age, and Mr. Jones is jealous and upset.Will Mary realize that she and Curly Top belong with Mr. Jones? Find out in Curly Top!

One of the cutest movies ever
... enough said about that, but why did FOX Video spend all their money for colorizing a charming silver screen movie -instead of actually RESTORING it? This was a hit movie in the 30s, there must be dozens of copies still available from which they could have made a mint-condition B&W video release, knitting together the good pieces. Bigger scratches could have been re-touched, the audio digitally remastered and sent carefully through a noise reduction filter. But no! They splashed all sorts of unnatural colors onto the poor film; esp. in scenes with moving camera the color layer shakes visibly. No use switching your TV to B&W - contrast and fine details are all gone. Bad job, FOX. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Little Miss Broadway - very poor quality
I gave two of my older granddaugther "Curley Top".They are now both Shirley Temple fans. I was told the picture quality was OK and they (parents and children) love the movie.I have not viewed it myself.I hope it is all they report it to be.

I did have an opportunity to view one of my recent purchases "Little Miss Broadway". I was very disappointed in the quality of this movie.At some points in the movie faces were not distinguishable (facial features appeared to melt), some actors and scenery are colorized and someone next to them may not be.Overall, it was a disappointment.In my opinion it would have been better in black and white than with the feeble attempt to colorize.I am surprised that it was released in such poor quality.I have purchased several of Shirley's movies as gifts for my granddaughters as Christmas gifts this year. My hope was to create a Shirley video/dvd library for all three. I grew up with Shirley and adored her movies (black and white of course and my husband reminds me that the quality of the movies was not all that great then so why would I expect a colorized version to be all that great..good question). I will hold off on my decision to continue with the libaries until after Christmas when I have an opportunity to view my recent purchases.If I had had an opportunity to view this one, I never would have made the purchase.

Shirley Shines in a Temple Classic!!!!
This movie is a wonderful movie.Probably one of Shirley's best!It features George Murphy and Jimmy Durante.It's about an orphan named Betsy who is taken into the Hotel Variety by her parent's friends Pop and his young about 20 year old daughter Barbara.You should see this film, it's really a great film.It has the songs Be Optimistic, We Should Be Together,Little Miss Broadway, and Swing Me An Old-Fashioned Tune.

One of Temple's Best
Shirley Temple shines in this delightful tale of an orphan who saves a hotel,along with a group of aspiring entertainers, from financial ruin.The songs are adorable and the rest of the cast is wonderful including Jimmy Durante.This is one of my personal favorites.

Little Miss Broadway
My daughter loves this video - the only drawback to it is that she wantsto watch it all the time! She sings and dances along with "Betsy"(Shirley Temple) through the whole movie.It's great for little girls wholove to dance and sing. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

One thing Shirley Temple did extremely well (besides sing, dance, and act) was turn the cranky cuddly. She'd done it effectively, two years prior, in 1935's The Little Colonel with grandfather Lionel Barrymore. Now in Heidi she turns her reclusive grumpy grandfather, Adolf (Jean Hersholt), into the loving sort she knows he really is. Heidi is an orphan, dumped into the Swiss Alps by self-centered Aunt Dete (Mady Christians) onto a grandfather she's never known, but they soon learn to love each other. Heidi's mercenary aunt returns and sells (!) Heidi to a cruel woman, appropriately named Fraulein Rottenmeier (Mary Nash). Adolf sets out on a quest to find his granddaughter. Meanwhile, Heidi charms Klara Sesemann (Marcia Mae Jones), the wealthy handicapped girl in Fraulein Rottenmeier's care. Look for a delightful Arthur Treacher as the Sesemann butler. There's a cute fantasy production number, "In Our Little Wooden Shoes," featuring Temple in various period costumes. Throughout Heidi, Temple is, as always, wonderfully joyful. This is perhaps the best-known rendering of the popular children's story by Johanna Spyri (it's been filmed some 10 times). --N.F. Mendoza ... Read more

Reviews (30)

Shirley ***Sparkles***
I have numberous complaints from various fans and friends about the quality of the DVD and I am in an uproar with FOX who really owe Shirley's fans better since, Shirley Temple is still a money maker and her movies are enjoyed worldwide-- I see it's no longer avaible so I'm only hoping that they plan to re-release it not poor quality this time. But, if you still want to see Shirley in Heidi which you should I recommend the VHS version I own it and find no problem with the quality of the tape and the picture is perfect.

Shirley sparkles in this movie taken as her age and value depreciated. The story will always remain a classic and in this version of Heidi it does not stick entirely to the story but, enough still to make it interesting. Jean Hearsholt does a wonderful job as the Grandfather who becomes charmed and beloved by Heidi. Shirley also does wonderful as the spunky cheerful natured girl who melts Hearsholt's heart. Stunning scenry and decent dialogue make this movie worth owning! My cousins love it and we watch it over and over again we get a little frightened when Shirley is almost sold to the gypsies... but, we love the scene in which Heidi begs the police not to take her away from her grandfather you see all that talent and acting shine through! And I hate to admit it but, I almost cry each time!

This is the movie I watch again and again... one of Shirley's better movies despite the fact it only has one song really "In Our Little Wooden Shoes." This has all the charm and wonderful beauty of a Shirley film, it also manages to be a good holiday film as well. A classic for all fans of the book and a keeper for all old movie and Shirley fans!

It's Okay....
I didn't see anything totally special or touching about this movie.The Alps don't even look that pretty.If you want to see the best Heidi I suggest watching the 1993 version of it.

Fox owes Shirley Temple and her fans better
I've always loved this movie and was thrilled to get it on DVD but the picture quality is horrendous.This is the worst DVD I've ever seen from a major studio.The colorized version was done back in the 80's before the process was refined and it looks awful.The black and white version is even worse.It looks like someone dragged the film down the street and then transfered it to DVD.Shame on Fox for leaving this version the only one available.

Shirley Temple delivers again!
I thought this was a great make movie of Joanna Spyri's timeless classic Heidi. They got all the characters right, and they at least got the plot right this time. I hope they come out with more books made into movies like this!

Heidi is a little orphan girl left under the care of her isolated Grandfather Adolf Kramer by her neglectful Aunt Didi. Heidi makes the best of staying with her Grandfather and learns to like it. Without knowing, she is bringing the life back into her Grandfather all by just being herself. When both soon learn to love each other, and Heidi gets the town to like her Grandfather again, Didi comes back and sells Heidi to a rich family in Frankfurt, Germany. There, she meets Clara, the invalid daughter of Heir Sessman. Heidi tries to teach her to walk, but she's too afraid, for both of them know that Frauline Rottenmeir the housekeeper doesn't want Clara to get better. The old woman makes Hiedi's stay there even worse by threatening her, and even smashing both Clara's, and Heidi's breakable Christmas presents. Heidi must get back to the Alps of Switzerland fast or else she'll sold to the Gispsies by evil Rottenmier.

Shirley Temple was a great actress for Heidi. If they tried, they couldn't get a better Heidi. She delivers all the time. The noly movie I don't recommend with her in it is the Blue Bird. That was boring as heck. I do recommend Curly Top though, and Wee Willy Winky. Those are both classics along with Heidi. Instant 5 stars!

Good!
There are many filmed versions based on the Johanna Spyri book Heidi but so far this Shirley Temple one is the only one I have seen and I really liked it and I think Shirley was really good as Heidi and I recommend this movie! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Although it blithely rewrites the history of a legendary race horse, The Story of Seabiscuit is still an appealing example of Technicolor entertainment from Hollywood's studio system. It wasn't unusual for contract players (in this case Shirley Temple, Barry Fitzgerald, and Lon McAllister) to play fictional characters in fact-based stories, since factual fidelity was often considered a secondary priority. That's why this blandly charming drama makes no mention of the legendary Seabiscuit's actual trainer Tom Smith or jockey Red Pollard, who were duly recognized in 2003's Seabiscuit, based on Laura Hillenbrand's historically accurate 2001 bestseller. McAllister plays a loose rendition of Pollard (including his accidental chest injury), wooing a race-phobic nurse (Temple) while "the Biscuit" is trained for championship by luck-of-the-Irish Fitzgerald. A bit quaint by modern standards, but ironically, this is the only movie that features the real Seabiscuit in action, since vintage race footage is included in the black-and-white newsreel interludes. Plus, a bonus featurette from 1946 offers a still-valid primer on the backstage details of horseracing. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Fitzgerald and Footage make the movie...
"The Story of Seabiscuit" is a perfect example of the ridiculously historically inaccurate Hollywood studio film. Next to the Errol Flynn pre-Civil War movie "Santa Fe Trail", "The Story of Seabiscuit" is probably the most fanciful version of history ever put on film. If that weren't enough, Shirley Temple's Irish brogue is reminicent of the Kevin Costner School of Foreign Accents, going back and forth from perfect to painful.

That being said, the movie does have a few bright spots that carry it through the mush of melodrama. The Technicolor photography is absolutely stunning, for one thing. The story moves along at a pretty good pace, and there's a good amount of humor sprinkled into the script. Cast members Lon McCallister and Barry Fitzgerald ("The Quiet Man") are tops as jockey and wise old horse handler, respectively. Even Seabiscuit's son, Sea Sovereign, was used for close-ups. Best of all is the shockingly innovative technique used by the filmmakers to work in the black and white footage of the actual racehorse, Seabiscuit, in action. Opting for pure black and white segments, the newsreel of Seabiscuit is cleverly added to make a seamless segment into the Technicolor film. Strange, but oddly effective.

The nine minute primer on the intricacies of a horse race, included in the bonus material, is still pretty accurate and informative.

Worth watching at least once to see Fitzgerald's performance and the Seabiscuit footage, plus the Technicolor splendor. Temple fans or Seabiscuit completists may want to own the disc. Harmless fun for family viewing, and suitable for kids who like horsies.

Actually, I was surprised at how much they got right
Books have been written about what Hollywood does to history when it makes a movie, so it is not surprising that "The Story of Seabiscuit" takes great liberties with the story of the famous thoroughbred. But I was actually surprised that so much of the true story made it into the movie. Screenwriter John Taintor Foote must have done some research, because some key details, such as training Seabiscuit to respond to the sound of the bell for the celebrated match race with War Admiral, are worked into the story. But you do get a sense for the film's priorities when you take the fact that Seabiscuit's jockey, Red Pollard, married the nurse who took care of him in the hospital when he was recuperating from this leg injury, and it turns into the big romantic plotline of the film with jockey Ted Knowles (Lon McCallister) falling for Margaret O'Hara (Shirley Temple), the neice of Shawn O'Hara (Barry Fitzgerald), who has come from Ireland to train Seabiscuit for glory. Margaret is studying to become a nurse and likes Ted, but since her brother was killed at the Grand National (a flashback using film from "National Velvet"), she cannot stand to be in love with a jockey. When he is injured (chest and arm rather than leg) they become closer and he agrees to stop racing, but then comes the big race and--well, you can just imagine.

Another way that you can tell where the focus of this film is would be that Shirley Temple gets top billing over Barry Fitzgerald, even though the strength of this film is Fitzgerald working his peculiar brand of magic on this horse and the actual footage of Seabiscuit's big races (at which point the movie suddenly goes from color to black & white so that the actual footage fits). This 1949 film was Temple's last movie, made 14 years after she received a special juvenile Academy Award, and besides the familiar smile why she shouts for "Biscuit!" from the box at the races, she adds little to the film. However, she is still better than the caricature of Wong the O'Hara's Cook.

It is a safe assumption that most people are going to come to "The Story of Seabiscuit" out of curiosity, having read Laura Hillenbrand's best selling novel or seen the critically acclaimed 2003 film, so all of the changes in the historical record are going to really stick out. Charles S. Howard (Pierre Watking), the owner of Seabiscuit gets to keep his name, but that is just about it. Besides, even the interest in seeing actual footage of Seabiscuit racing is less impressive when you can see it in the excellent "PBS American Experience" documentary. But if you have read the book, seen the movie and the documentary, and still have not satisfied your longing for all things Seabiscuit, then this film is certainly worth a look.

Talk About Streching the Facts!
This movie bothered me. None of the historiacal facts and names are correct. Though some were, I think "you can't see the forest because the trees are in the way"." The bad stuff blocked the accurrate information. Also, the film doesn't even focus on Seabiscuit, but on the romance that develops between Shirley Temple and the jockey. In spite of the enormous amount of faults, it is a cute movie.

Historically inacurate but cute none-the-less
I thought this was a cute movie. It had the old movie charm about it. Though it had nothing to do with the REAL Seabiscuit except the racing footage. If you like good ol' happy horse movies and don't care about history then I recomend this movie.

Not based on facts!
Very average movie- I quickly got bored with it.

This movie is not based on facts.

The real racing footage is the only highlight of the movie.

It is really about the romance between Shirley Temple's character and the jockey. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Early shorts and it shows
These 4 shorts together total under 1 hour. These are earlier shorts with poor video and sound quality, but may be interesting to watch for die-hard fans. Also note that there is VERY little in the way of singing or dancing in these videos. ... Read more

Reviews (39)

Not Particularly Good - But Entertaining...
I was about to write a review that so many people on this site have repeated: "Shirley Temple is SO cute in this film! She is beleivable and makes you think as a child might about the world. The film was made in lush technicolor and the sets and costumes are lavish!" Then, I thought that I should write a review, honestly stating what I felt about this film. This movie is a popular one, and a very good Shirley Temple vehicle, but it is not a particularly good movie.

I grew up with the Francis Hodgeson Burnett(The Secret Garden) book. I loved it's charm and message. The characters were priceless and the tale was brilliant, melancholy, but beautiful. The tale was about a young girl of seven named Sara Crewe, who has always had a wonderful relationship with her young and wealthy papa, Captain Crewe. When she is seven, she is left with a dissagreeable caretaker named Ms. Minchin in her seminary for 'distinguished young ladies.' As the years pass she makes friendships with the dumpy, comic, and sweet Ermangarde, and the cockny maid, Becky. She is pampered, and treated quite royaly, and is given the nickname of the 'little princess.' On her birthday, it is found out that her papa has passed away, and she is left to work as a scullery maid with nothing but a black frock, and a doll named Emily. Throughout her left as a miserable maid, she keeps her dignity, and the theme of the novel becomes not to let the hate around you make you bitter, and hateful. Sara is eventualy saved, in the end.

The plot of this movie is not at all faithful to the novel. Shirley Temple is only Shirley Temple throughout the film. Her dimples and teary eyes are, in comparison to the Sara of the novel, a baby. Sara of the novel was one 'who never cried' and was 'always dreaming and making up stories.' Temple's Sara cries often throughout the film, and it never dreams as the Sara of the book does. She is just a regular seven year old girl. The characters of Ermengarde, and Ms. Minchin's sister, Miss Amelia, have been either removed completly, or replaced with new characters. This leaves for a very miscast and confused film, that does not offer any of the beautiful lessons of the novel.

As a movie, it might seem entertaining. Throughout the film, a dance sequence with Sara and Miss Minchin's brother, Bertrand, appears. It is commonplace for Temple, also, to have a dance sequence of some sort. This has a 'fairy tale' dance sequence. The script has small bits of humor, but not anything quite so nice.

This is a nice movie, but not a good one to offer the lessons of the original book. All the same, it is best to watch it, as it will offer family entertainment. But, those who read the book will be disapointed.

A candidate for a restoration
The Little Princess remains one of my favorite childhood movie memories. Finding the DVD version was simple enough. I was unaware of how widely the quality varied between the different versions available. The first version I purchased from a Canadian group was horrible. This DVD presentation was reasonable but not striking. The image was grainy and lacked that "Technicolor" brilliance I had hoped for. All of the DVD and VHS versions seem to be made from one film transfer made from an old print. The color rendering is poor. Some scenes appear almost Black and White. Unlike "The WIzard of Oz" or "The Secret Garden" I don't think this was intentional. This version is not transfered from Technicolor stock. I wonder if it was even made from 35 millimeter film. The quality if any in this DVD is from some digital processing available to old video. It does not appear a flying spot scanner or any film restoration equipment was used to create this DVD. The only really nice color image was the cover of the DVD package. I wish someone could find the real Technicolor masters, either the negative or positive film. If you were going to restore one Shirley Temple work, this film would be the one. It is a classic of the time with a glimpse at that time. And Shirley Temple was good in this film. You wipe tears away from your eyes at least twice. And Temple sings a great little song. Did I mention she dances a little too.

watch the remake, please?
This is one of those few times when I like a remake better than the original of a motion picture. I'll confess that, based on this movie, I'm not a Shirley Temple fan (her voice alone is annoying, not to mention her acting ability). She is utterly unconvincing as Sara Crew, and that American accent! Please, can we stop making movies of British literature where all the characters except the main one are truly British? I know this is done so as to appease and appeal to the idiots on our side of the pond, but really, are we so uncultured and stupid, not to mension spoiled, that we won't watch a movie unless it has at least one American actor playing a prominent role? If I had to choose between these two movies, I'd definitely see the 1990's version of this one; at least there, all the characters are Americanized, so one doesn't stick out like a sore thumb. Lisel Matthews' performance is enchanting, and the movie all around is delightful.

Dreadful Audio
This review is of the Madacy DVD of "The Little Princess." The picture quality of this DVD is acceptable, more or less, but the audio portion is another thing. The sound is limited to a very narrow band in the midrange. Shirley's voice, for example, is quite tinny throughout the film. At times the sound volume changes abruptly or even disappears completely. One has the impression that the DVD audio engineer tried to regulate the sound volume at a single sitting by turning the knob in real time as he listened to the film. This movie has always sounded quite good on broadcast TV, which obviously wasn't playing back this Madacy disaster.

Unfortunately, it would seem that this writer's experience with "The Little Princess" is not unlike others' experiences with Madacy products. Read Doug Pratt's review of "Two Women" in his Video and DVD Guide (available from amazon.com but also readable on DVDLaser.com) and be forewarned. I now avoid Madacy DVDs.

This is one of my favorite Shirley Temple movies
Unlike some of the other reviewers, I absolutely adore this Shirley Temple movie. It is one that brings back many memories of watching Shirley Temple movies with my sister when we were little. My favorite parts are when Shirley and her little friend wake up and see all the beautiful gifts that were given to her by the Indian guy, and when she throws the bucket of soot on the snotty Clarissa, but most of all, when she finds her "Daddy" at the end,as he keeps calling "Sara, Sara."
This one is excellent, and I highly recommend it! ... Read more