Lime

25 May 2012

Horribly racist--ShirleyBojangles brilliant--difficult to watch

Where to start...?Made in 1935, this bizarre story of the Civil War is told upside down.It's difficult to imagine what the studio was thinking when it madethis film. I wonder what the movie-going public thought at the time. Ican't imagine people north of the Mason-Dixon line would haveappreciated it very much. Perhaps the studio was pandering to aSouthern audience who was still smarting from the reality that theirway of life was forever altered by the Civil War--and this filmrecreates (or perpetuates) a fantasy of the South's lovely, gentile wayof life, in which everyone knew his place, and it all worked just fine. In any case, in this movie, confederates and white Southerners aredepicted as noble, intelligent, kind, good, and very much entitled toowning slaves. They are presented as quick-witted, distinguished, andmorally superior to the Northerners. Not one of them has a Southernaccent. Northerners/Yankees, on the other hand, are made out to be dumb,vulgar, cruel, and inhumane--inexplicably oppressing the kindlyConfederates. As viewers we're astonished when one of the bedeviledNorthern Aggressors (some Southerners *still* in 2005 refer to theCivil War as the War of Northern Aggression) cuts Shirley's father abreak and helps him out.The slave characters are drawn 2 ways. The first is being sonumb-skulled, mush-mouthed, and knuckle-dragging as to appear mentallyretarded--and it's clear that this grotesque caricature is supposed tobe screamingly funny. It's not. It's stomach-churn-caliber material.The second way slaves are depicted is just brimming with love for theirmassahs, beside themselves with delight in their obedience to them--andeven worse, trying to subvert the bad Yankees, since the slaves don'twant to be freed.Shirely Temple's black face disguise, her masquerading as a"pickinniny" (a small black slave child) is one of the more repugnantthings I've ever seen in a movie.Almost as bad is her character's regard for the slaves as idiotchildren--scolding them when she sees them stepping out of line(shaking her adorable little finger at them) and alternately treatingthem like her cute little pets.A very uncomfortable film to watch. And aside from the dreadful racisthistorical context--oddly enough--Shirley Temple is quite glorious andthe musical numbers are lively and fun.

Neil Doyle

24 May 2012

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.

Karl Ericsson

24 May 2012

gruesomely effective propaganda

One could say that the essential thing about all ruling, all exploitingand all humiliation is to make most of those that you rule over,unaware of their slavery, even if, as in this film, they are calledslaves. Right after the civil war, there was a general understandingamongst winners of that war to go easy on the conquered South. EvenLincoln is said to have the orchestra playing "Dixie" as he stood thereon the balcony receiving the praise of the people for the victory. Why, one might ask, was this so? The South's kind of slavery was a very lazy one, in which the slavesknew that they were slaves and in which there were only black slaves.Less lazy rulers want all to be slaves, except themselves, of course.The South's kind of slavery was a provocation and to let it go on couldeasily have resulted in another, for the men in power much moredangerous war, the war of all slaves (not just those being calledslaves) of all colors against the rich and powerful. That was notallowed to happen. This film glorifies ruling and cleverly even managesto glorify the kind of slavery in which people are called slaves andopenly are bought and sold. By taking a stand for the South in thetimes of the civil war, Hollywood did with this film sanction"fatherly" leadership, which we are supposed to believe being "good",even if we are sold and bought. Using a lovely motherless child and anynumber of "Uncle Tom's" for this purpose, as in the story of this film,does, as it seems, give rise to no blushing whatsoever. The liar liesso much that, in the end, he believes his own lies. A gruesome "cute"little film selling slavery to the slaves!

Futura-2

23 May 2012

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.

23 May 2012

The Littlest Rebel

Shirley Temple's, "The Littlest Rebel" is fast becoming my favorite dvd in my entire Shirley Temple collection. It not only has Bill "Bojangles" Robinson in it, but also Hattie McDaniel and Steppin'fetchit! The story line is amazing!

kenjha

23 May 2012

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.

21 May 2012

The Best Classic Around

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

Leahcurry

20 May 2012

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.

vincentlynch-moonoi

20 May 2012

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".

19 May 2012

Excellent!

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

18 May 2012

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?

18 May 2012

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)

heidi sammon

17 May 2012

Good film

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

16 May 2012

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.

13 May 2012

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.

abcj-2

13 May 2012

This films value in history is how not to treat people who are different

This is the only Shirley Temple movie that I haven't enjoyed. BillRobinson was a mighty fine dancer. It was fun to see him dance with thevery talented Shirley. Otherwise, the focus was on Shirley as Virgierudely bossing around her slaves for quite a bit of the film. The story had some cute elements and Shirley had some cute moments, butit was some Hollywood dream of the South during the Civil War. Comingfrom Scarlet O'Hara who was known for being spoiled and mean is onething, but using a little girl to glorify bossing slaves as if theywere lower than children, putting her in black face, having the slavechildren march to her orders, having her treat the younger male slaveas if he were a moron for laughs was all sad and not funny to me.Virgie was even rude to her elders that weren't slaves. Sadly, I'm sure all of this was quite funny in the 30's. Shirley, atage 6, was doing what she was told to do to sell movie tickets, butthis was one movie that bothered me although no blame lies with Templeherself but rather with the producers. The South was still very muchsegregated in the 30's,I'm a Southern girl born and bred and was taught to be polite at alltimes to all people of all races unless safety is a concern. Most of myfriends and relatives are more like Melanie Hamilton than ScarletO'Hara, and had Virgie been more like Melanie, then this film wouldhave been more enjoyable. I can't abide anyone of any age being mean toothers for the sake of being cute and especially from the star. Thisfilm's value in history would only be to demonstrate how not to treatpeople who are different and how bad it was for those who were. Thefilm does have a sweet plot, but I couldn't get past the aforementionedelements enough to really care.

Ben_Cheshire

12 May 2012

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

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.

11 May 2012

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!

ccthemovieman-1

10 May 2012

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?

Randy Rodman

09 May 2012

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.