Randy Rodman

(2012-04-22 16:42:38)

"Give peace a chance, Mister!"

I almost believe Shirley could end a war single-handed. Not the entirewar,of course, but a few regiments from each side, camped across a creek fromeach other, going over their plans for tomorrow's battle... but wait!What'sthat noise? Why, it sounds like singing! And tap dancing! Then from out ofnowhere, floating down the creek on a raft is little Shirley herself,singing 'Those Endearing Young Charms' in her prettiest dress, a pink bowinher hair. Hooray! shout the rebs, Hooray! shout the yanks! The generalsfromeach side wade out to meet her and carry little Shirley off on theirshoulders to the White House where an oddly blond-bearded Abe Lincoln asksher help in ending the war, reconstructing the south, appeasing theslaves,preventing his own assasination, working things out with Mary, andsoberingup Grant. Accomplishing this in less time than it takes to curl her hair,our three-foot heroine bids a tearful farewell to America and sails toGermany, where she charms the baby Kaiser out of starting World WarI.

(2012-04-22 08:50:54)

"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)

Futura-2

(2012-04-16 08:34:25)

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.

Neil Doyle

(2012-04-15 21:05:29)

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.

(2012-04-15 09:24:26)

Leaves You Feeling Good

This was the first Shirley Temple movie I ever watched and I still consider it one of her best.That's because it has a great mixture of drama, comedy, song/dance and suspense. Almost all the characters are likable. The two dances scenes with Temple and Bill Robinson are excellent....a joy to watch. I don't know if Shirley ever looked cuter than in this film. She runs the gamut of emotions in here quite frequently.The 74-minute story never has a lull. John Boles and Karen Moreley are people you root for, Willie Best provides good comedy and there is a surprising amount of suspense.Overall, this is simply a sweet, sentimental film that leaves you feeling good after watching it.....and what's wrong with that?

ccthemovieman-1

(2012-04-15 04:39:53)

Leaves You Feeling Good

This was the first Shirley Temple movie I ever watched (on VSH....hey,I'm not THAT old) and I still consider it one of her best.That's because it has a great mixture of drama, comedy, song/dance andsuspense. Almost all the characters are likable. The two dances sceneswith Temple and Bill Robinson are excellent....a joy to watch. I don'tknow if Shirley ever looked cuter than in this film. She runs the gamutof emotions in here quite frequently.The 74-minute story never has a lull. John Boles and Karen Moreley arepeople you root for, Willie Best provides good comedy and there is asurprising amount of suspense.Overall, however, this is simply a sweet, sentimental film that leavesyou feeling good after watching it.....and what's wrong with that?

ladygirll1960

(2012-04-14 05:58:49)

Go get em Captain Curry and Virgie.

I loved this movie. I think I'm wearing out this video by constantlywatching it. I love John Boles. Next to Cary Grant, he has to be themost handsome actor during the thirties. His voice just sends chills upmy spine. He played a great father figure then. I think what makes himso sexy and unique is that mustache. Clark Gable had the mustache,but John's is much sexier. Shirley Temple was just absolutely wonderfulin this movie. She's great in every movie. But seeing her playingbesides John, makes it even better. I also liked "Bogangles" Robinson.His talent should always be recognized. He was a great dancer, andgreat humanitarian. I also enjoyed the song Polly Wolly Doodle all day.The most compassionate scene is when Captain Curry came home to see hiswife before she died. It made me cry. I will always like when Vergieand Uncle Billy sing Polly Wolly doodle, and when they do that danceduring the scene to make money to see President Lincoln. Nana Nana Nana na. Na na na na na na na. The dancing was great with Uncle Billy andVergie. The steps were in sync. Love ya'll

Ron Oliver

(2012-04-13 17:29:09)

Shirley Temple's Civil War Family Film

During the War for Southern Independence, THE LITTLESTREBEL, all of 6 years old, defies the Yankee soldiers withspunk& courage.20th Century Fox gave this film a rather lavish production,knowing they would recoup all their costs because they hadabox-office bonanza in Shirley Temple. The Diminutive Dynamodoes not disappoint. Oozing charm from every pore, sheestablishes her complete dominance of the movie early onandnever relinquishes it. Either defiant or disarming, she isequallydelightful.John Boles & Karen Morley play Shirley's parents and doquitewell, especially considering that they're really only theretohelp showcase the Mighty Tyke's talents. Jack Holt givesasympathetic performance as a ‘good' Yankee, while GuinnWilliams is properly villainous as a rotten one.Willie Best steals a scene or two as a timid slave, andFrankMcGlynn Sr. scores in his few minutes as Abraham Lincoln(yes,the Great Emancipator is not immune to Shirley's tears).The legendary Bill Robinson has a sizable role as a faithfulslave of Shirley's family. He plays the part with grace &dignity,flashing a smile that is every bit as engaging as hers.Hisdancing is beyond praise - as always - and in little MissTemplehe has a partner who can match him step for step.It should be noted that there is quite a bit of racism in thefilm,showing that Hollywood of the 1930's had much in commonwith the America of the 1860's.Shirley sings ‘Believe Me If All Those Endearing YoungCharms'& ‘Polly Wolly Doodle.'

abrafocus

(2012-04-09 18:48:15)

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.

(2012-04-09 07:47:25)

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!

vincentlynch-moonoi

(2012-04-08 07:20:57)

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".

(2012-04-07 17:41:56)

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!

(2012-04-06 22:27:48)

Spun Sugar

This review is from: Shirley Temple: Littlest Rebel [VHS] (VHS Tape) A sweet, heart-warming film about a brave little girl who remains cheerful and optimistic despite her tragic circumstances. It's like watching a children's version of Gone With The Wind, and possibly one of Shirley's best performances. An interesting footnote: the movie does not openly proclaim in which region of the Confederacy it takes place, but there are plenty of hints for the observant:1) Shirely's character name is "Virgie," short for Virginia.2) An opening scene depicts tobacco fields.3) Virgie's father crosses back and forth between enemy lines throughout the movie, hinting at a hotly contested region.4) There are several references to Gen. Lee--who served mostly in Virginia.5) Mr. Cary states that he wishes to take Virgie to stay with her aunt in nearby Richmond.

(2012-04-06 09:17:33)

Excellent!

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

jootes-garland

(2012-04-04 21:38:57)

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!

shirley-girly

(2012-04-04 06:11:21)

Shirley shines...

Shirley Temple is wonderful as usual in this cute movie. It is a about a little girl, Virgie(Temple)living through the civilwar. Her Father has to go to and fight in the war and is caught as aspy in a Yankee uniform. Virgie and her beloved slave Uncle Billy go topresident Lincon to ask him to let her father out.Shirley shines in this movie, and is especially charming singing thesong 'Those endearing young charms' with a pink bow in her hair. Sheand Uncle Billy do a great tap dance and Shirley shows her amazingtalent. The song 'Polly Wolly Doodle' was really good also.I think that Shirley Temple fans would really enjoy this movie, but ifyou don't really like Shirley this movie could be a little boring.

(2012-03-31 07:02:14)

Very good!!!!

I thought it was a very good movie. Shirley's tap dancing and singing made the movie more exciting!!!! Irecommend this movie to anyone!!!!!!

lugonian

(2012-03-30 12:49:08)

A Child of War

THE LITTLEST REBEL (20th Century-Fox, 1935), directed by David Butler,another agreeable and rewarding motion picture featuring child star,Shirley Temple, teams her once again opposite 1935 co-stars John Boles(CURLY TOP) and Bill "Bojangles" Robinson (THE LITTLE COLONEL).Capitalizing on the success of THE LITTLE COLONEL, set after the CivilWar, THE LITTLEST REBEL, taking place during the war between thestates, finds Temple as a little girl winning the hearts of thosearound her, especially a tough Yankee soldier (Jack Holt) and U.S.President Abraham Lincoln (Frank McGlynn Sr.), with whom she shares hisapple. An old chestnut by Edward Peple that was first staged and  laterfilmed during the silent era in 1914, this edition, Temple's last for1935, further demonstrates her as a fine child actress who equallyhandles her lighter and dramatic scenes with conviction and sincerity.The story is set on a Southern plantation where Herbert Cary (JohnBoles) and his wife, Helen (Karen Morley) honor their child, Virginia,better known as Virgie (Shirley Temple), with a birthday party whereshe and her little guests are gathered together with ice cream and cakealong with tap dancing entertainment by Cary's slave/ butler, UncleWillie (Bill Robinson). Shortly afterwards, the party is disrupted bystartling news that war has been declared between the states. Enlistingin the Army, Cary leaves his wife and child under the care of UncleWillie. With Yankee scouts invading their property, Virgie, whileplaying soldier, sling shots Colonel Morrison (Jack Holt), addressingherself as a "confederate." In spite of their differences, Morrison, afather himself, takes an immediate liking to Virgie, later rescuing herfrom the threat of the villainous Sergeant Dudley (Guinn Williams) fornot revealing the whereabouts of her "daddy." After the Cary estate isburned to the ground, causing Mrs. Carey to fall ill and die withinthree weeks time, Cary leaves his post to take Virgie over to Richmondwhere she's to be placed in the care of her Aunt Caroline.Complications arise when Carey is recognized and captured, separatedfrom his daughter, imprisoned along with Morrison for helping him, eachcharged with treason and sentences to be executed.    With 20th-Fox specializing in Southern stories set during, before orafter the Civil War, THE LITTLEST REBEL is a fine example capturingSouthern hospitality and flavor with the reconstruction of plantationsand notable songs from that era including "Swanee River" (by StephenFoster) sung during opening credits; "Turkey in the Straw" (tap danceby Bill Robinson); "Those Endearing Young Charms" (sung by ShirleyTemple); "Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child" (by Thomas Mooreand Matthew Locke); "Polly-Wolly Doodle" and "Polly-Wolly-Doodle" (sungby Temple and reprized during closing titles).Of its cast members, Bill Robinson and Willie Best provide lightermoments to their traditional servant roles. Best's performance as ashiftless and comical slave gives the impression that his role as JamesHenry was actually intended for Stepin Fetchit. While Best doesn'timitate Fetchit's comical methods to the extreme, he works wellalongside Robinson as his comic foil doing a brief takeoff in thepopular "Amos and Andy" radio show tradition in the question and answersession where Best asks Robinson: "Why is a shoe called a shoe?" Although portraying their roles through stereotypes, Robinson comesthrough as an intelligent, caring and sensible slave with a talent fordancing. He's very convincing and sincere through his interacting withTemple, which is why they work so well together. John Boles satisfiesas the easy-going father turned soldier and accused spy while KarenMorley, despite of her screen limitations, makes due with her role.Due to controversy in how the black performers are portrayed, cabletelevision revivals of THE LITTLEST REBEL in recent years have beenlimited, though shown frequently at some point on American MovieClassics (1996-1999), the Fox Movie Channel, and availability since the1980s on home video and afterwards DVD either in black and white orcolorized formats. In May 2006, THE LITTLEST REBEL was one of the filmschosen as part of its subject matter of "Black Images on Film" themeco-hosted by author Donald Bogle, where he and host Bob Osbornediscussed the film, performances of Robinson and Best, as well as ascene where Temple gets herself corked up to avoid Yankee soldiers. THE LITTLEST REBEL, along with THE LITTLE COLONEL, were intended asscreen entertainment with no intention to offend, yet something toconsider as a reflection of the times, and how a Civil War story suchas this is seen through the eyes of Virgie Carey, the littlest rebel.(***)

(2012-03-27 16:32:05)

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.

Ben_Cheshire

(2012-03-27 02:39:14)

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.