In 1935, Shirley Temple was only six years old, and just one year removed from her star-making role in "Stand Up and Cheer". But audiences loved her, and "The Littlest Rebel" was already the third film in which she received top billing. She would soon become Hollywood's biggest box office draw, supposedly rescuing Fox Studios from bankruptcy.
Shirley Temple was probably the greatest child actor of all time; in terms of box office impact, quality of films, and quality of performance. She radiates energy and star presence; never looking at the camera, or seeming to parrot a line given to her. You'd think that the 'cute little girl' act would grow thin over the course of a movie, but her charm, a clever script, and an active story keep things fresh.
The plot was based on a play by Edward Peple. A silent version, now lost, was filmed in 1914. The story places Shirley Temple on a Southern plantation during the Civil War. Shirley's noble, perfect parents are Confederate spy Captain Cary (John Boles) and Mrs. Cary (Karen Morley). Shirley's best friends are the house servants, wise Uncle Billy (Bill Robinson) and comic relief (and racist caricature) Henry (Willie Best).
Cary is arrested by an occupying Union Army, but is freed by Yankee Colonel Morrison (Jack Holt). Morrison has sympathy for the plight of Shirley, who is to be taken by Cary to safety in Richmond. Both Cary and Morrison are captured and sentenced to death, but hope for a happy ending rests on a personal appeal to President Lincoln (Frank McGlynn Sr.)
The history and characters are suspect throughout. Clearly, the film is a Shirley Temple vehicle, and not a credible drama set during the Civil War. But while Temple and Robinson make a highly unlikely audience for the assumedly very busy Lincoln, it takes nothing away from the scene's charm. Lincoln idly carves pieces from an apple with a pocket knife, gracefully sharing them with Shirley. If it isn't how it was, surely it is how we would like for it to have been. Cary and Morrison's over-riding concern for Shirley's welfare during the nation's most destructive war may seem dubious, but not from the point of view of the film's star, Shirley Temple.
The role of Bill Robinson is the most interesting in the film. A noted, respected entertainer, he has several 'song and dance' routines with Temple. He would appear in four Temple vehicles, for which he is most remembered today. In effect, Robinson is the second lead, although he receives only fifth billing. He is a father figure to Shirley, and his character shows loyalty, courage and resourcefulness throughout the film. The quality of Robinson's role makes up for the embarrassing character of Henry, whose cowardice, stupidity, and clumsiness is milked relentlessly (and admittedly sometimes effectively) for laughs. (75/100)
Musical DVD - The old Edward Peble play The Littlest Rebel was gussied up in 1935 as a Shirley Temple vehicle. The curly-topped child star plays Virgi...More at Barnes and Noble
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