Genres

Visitors Review

kenjha 2012-05-25 07:41:38

Southern Corn

Shirley's comfy confederate life is disrupted by Yankees invading herhome and breaking up her family. It is perhaps unfair to criticize theperformance of a seven-year-old, but her mugging can become tiresomefor those who are not fans of the diminutive star. The acting of theadults is pretty bad, not helped by the corny script, awful dialog, andcharacters that don't resemble real people. McGlynn makes a laughablygoofy Lincoln. The depiction of blacks is embarrassing, particularlyBest as a mentally challenged slave, a character meant to be funny. Thebest thing about this mercifully short film is the dancing of Templeand "Bojangles" Robinson.

2012-05-24 14:16:57

The Littlest Rebel

One of the best movies Temple made. I have enjoyed it over and over. Quick delivery. Thanks so much.

Ben_Cheshire 2012-05-21 21:27:38

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 13:51:41

"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)

shirley-girly 2012-05-20 16:34:46

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.

Leahcurry 2012-05-20 05:03:29

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.

2012-05-19 13:29:03

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

abrafocus 2012-05-18 22:17:33

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.

2012-05-17 04:56:03

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.

2012-05-16 12:32:24

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!

2012-05-16 15:58:34

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?

Neil Doyle 2012-05-15 20:36:17

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.

2012-05-13 04:06:51

ok

Although the plot was not very reasonable, the movie was rescued by temple's ability to sing and dance, and her cute-ness.

lugonian 2012-05-12 17:29:25

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.(***)

Futura-2 2012-05-11 21:23:06

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.

spnmike 2012-05-11 11:09:50

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.

2012-05-10 12:38:27

Excellent!

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

2012-05-10 02:46:29

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!

2012-05-05 16:48:26

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.

Randy Rodman 2012-05-04 21:51:42

"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.