Hindsight

Classic kids, or 100 films that the kids in your life have to see by 13 or else!

                             Day 27:  The Little Princess

This was Shirley Temples 28th film!

Based on the book by Frances Hodgson Burnett, there are several film adaptations  of the Little Princess (1993 version is very good)  but the girls (Joelle and Jacqueline) and I recommend you see the 1939 rendition with Shirley Temple.  The actress was such a huge child star and speaks volumes about depression era audiences taste.   

The plot follows a little girl, Sara played by Shirley Temple.  It is the late 1800s in England.  Sara has lived in India with her father, but now Her father is heading off to be with the army in Africa. He leaves Sara behind  at an exclusive seminary for girls.   Although Sara has never wanted for anything, and comes from wealth, she if very polite and kinds to others.  She also is very smart and has a vivid imagination.  When her father goes missing, and his payments to the headmistress, at the school, stop, He is believed dead.   Sara's life becomes hard and she eventually has to work, at the same school, as a servant so she can have room and board.  Her imagination comes to the rescue and she not only survives but thrives!  

A review from Joelle (my 13 year old daughter) on why you should see this film:  "because it is a classic and Shirley temple is wonderful in it.  I love the character she plays, how she uses her imagination to work through problems.  I also like how she believes things for herself, she trusts herself first.  It is also fun to see a film from the 1930s, an early color film. " 

Trivia:  Look for Caesar Romero, the future Joker on the TV version of Batman.  He plays one of Shirley's friends.  

Themes:  Imagination, Loneliness, Friendship, and Kindness & Fairness

Media Literacy questions for kids:  Why was Shirley Temple such a beloved and popular star during the depression?  How is the 1939 version different than other versions?  What is different about the film versus the book?  How did the Hollywood filmmakers give the illusion of a film made in England?  What time period does the plot of this film take place?