The Little Princess (1939) — Shirley Temple in Her First Technicolor Triumph

Описание: Shirley Temple shines in vibrant color in this heartwarming adaptation of Frances Hodgson Burnett's classic novel. When a young girl's privileged world is shattered by war, her unwavering hope and kindness lead to a royal reunion in a story filled with music, dance, and timeless charm.

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📖 STORY

In 1899 England, young Sara Crewe (Shirley Temple) is left at Miss Minchin's prestigious boarding school when her beloved father, Captain Crewe, is called to fight in the Second Boer War. Sara lives a life of luxury, thanks to her father's wealth. However, her world collapses when news arrives that her father is missing, presumed dead, and his fortune is lost.

The merciless Miss Minchin demotes Sara from prized pupil to a servant in the school's attic, forcing her to work for her keep. Despite the hardship, cold, and hunger, Sara refuses to believe her father is dead. She secretly visits a nearby military hospital, searching for him among the wounded. With help from kind friends—including the school's jovial music hall performer Bertie and the mysterious servant Ram Dass—Sara maintains her spirit. Her steadfast hope leads to a dramatic search through the hospital, aided by none other than Queen Victoria, culminating in a miraculous and emotional reunion.

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⭐ HIGHLIGHTS

· Shirley Temple in Technicolor: This was Temple's first feature film to be entirely shot in vibrant Technicolor, marking a special milestone in her career.
· A Showcase of Talents: The film features memorable song-and-dance numbers, including the performance of "Knocked 'Em in the Old Kent Road" with Arthur Treacher, and an extended ballet sequence.
· A Tale of Resilience: The story masterfully blends joy and hardship, showcasing Temple's ability to portray innocence, determination, and emotional depth.
· Star-Studded Support: Features a fantastic cast including Richard Greene, Anita Louise, Ian Hunter, and Cesar Romero as the kind-hearted Ram Dass.

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🎬 PRODUCTION DETAILS

· Original Title: The Little Princess
· Release Year: 1939
· Director: Walter Lang
· Runtime: 93 minutes
· Studio: 20th Century-Fox
· Notable Cast:
· Shirley Temple as Sara Crewe
· Richard Greene as Geoffrey Hamilton
· Anita Louise as Miss Rose
· Ian Hunter as Captain Crewe
· Arthur Treacher as Bertie Minchin
· Cesar Romero as Ram Dass
· Mary Nash as Miss Minchin

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💎 BEHIND THE SCENES

· A Costly Production: The film was a major investment, with a budget exceeding one million dollars, making it Temple's most expensive movie at the time.
· Historical Liberty: While set in Victorian London like the novel, the film's plot introduces new characters and storylines and uses the Second Boer War as a backdrop, creating a different ending from the original book.
· Career Significance: This film is noted as Shirley Temple's last major box-office success as a child star.
· Public Domain Status: The film entered the public domain in the United States in 1968 due to a copyright renewal omission.

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🏛️ CULTURAL LEGACY

The Little Princess stands as a vibrant highlight of Shirley Temple's legendary career. Released in 1939, its themes of hope and familial love resonated with pre-war audiences. While it takes creative liberties with the source material, it is remembered for its lush color, charming performances, and as the film that successfully presented America's darling in a new, spectacular light. It remains a beloved classic for introducing new generations to the magic of Shirley Temple.

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💬 DISCUSSION

Does the film's happier, more dramatic ending improve the story or stray too far from the novel's spirit? How does Shirley Temple's performance here compare to her earlier, black-and-white roles? What makes Sara Crewe such an enduring and relatable character?

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