MartinHafer Lately, I have watched a bunch of Shirley Temple movies. I used to think they were all very schmaltzy, but this isn't always the case. Plus, since she was such a lovable and adorable child, even a bit of schmaltz manages to work. Of the dozen or so Temple films I've seen in the last month, I would place "Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm" among the very best. And, after over 70 years, it's still very enjoyable.This film begins with Rebecca being shuttled about by her no-good uncle (William Demarest) from one audition to another. At the final audition, Rebecca wows the producer (Randolph Scott) and sponsor but the dumb assistant (Jack Haley) tells the girl that she was rejected when she really wasn't. At the end of their ropes, the uncle dumps the child on her aunt--an old grouch living at Sunnybrook Farm. The aunt is happy to take the child and Rebecca soon endears herself to everyone (big surprise). In a coincidence you'll only see in movies, her new neighbor happens to be the producer--who has been frantically searching for the child for his show. But, when he eventually discovers who she is, the aunt is not about to let the girl 'ruin her life by going into show business'! What's next? See the film.While the film has almost nothing to do with the novel "Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm", it manages to work very, very well. Much of it is the writing--the script has a nice sense of humor and is better written than normal. In addition, a wonderful supporting cast helps by not placing all the film on the shoulders of little Shirley. In addition to Haley, Demarest and Scott, Gloria Stuart, Slim Summerville and Bill Robinson round out the cast. Overall, a treat--a Shirley Temple film that manages to make you smile and keeps the saccharine level in check. Well worth your time. Plus, it made my wife laugh and smile throughout--a positive statement indeed as she's even more cynical than me when it comes to films.

mark.waltz When young Shirley Temple believes she's been overlooked by a radio producer, her stepfather (William Demarest) drops her off at the farm of her crotchety aunt (Helen Westley). The producer (Randolph Scott) just happens to live next door right under Aunt Westley's chins, and has been searching for her after a misunderstanding at her audition. Westley hasn't been friendly with the neighbors for years due to a misunderstanding with Scott's basset faced servant (Slim Summerville) when they courted years ago. Scott manages to get Shirley on the radio without Westley knowing and she is an instant hit. But of course, the grouchy aunt finds out leading to a lot more complications, some touching reunions and the big finale with Bill "Bojangles" Robinson. Temple repeats some of her hits and dances with Bojangles while picking berries. The film is cute but ridiculous in spots, and Shirley is obviously a bit more mature than her character's 8 years. Still, worth watching for the charm of country life. Ah, those Green Acres.

Petri Pelkonen Shirley Temple tries the farm life as Rebecca, who wants to be a singer star on the radio.Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm is directed by Allan Dwan.It's loosely based on Kate Douglas Wiggins' book.Shirley Temple is so adorable in the lead as Rebecca.Gloria Stuart plays Gwen, Rebecca's cousin and Kent's romantic interest.Sadly Ms. Stuart passed away on Sunday Sep 26 at the age of 100.She got to do a lot in a hundred years.There's some fun stuff in this movie, like when they get Rebecca out of the house so she can go and sing on the radio.The musical numbers bring you in a good mood.An Old Straw Hat is delightful.Come and Get Your Happiness was really good.Shirley Temple's movies have brought so much happiness and joy to the world.And those are the two things we always need.

sol- A pleasant if not brilliant Shirley Temple vehicle, the young actress shines as the charming Rebecca and she sings quite well too. The film itself is formulaic and very predictable with typical characters, but it nevertheless does the job reasonably well, providing an opportunity for Temple to display her talents as and actress and as a singer. The songs are a delight to listen too as well. The main setback for the film is the amateurish editing - at least three or four times continuity is broken by the presence of jump cuts - however this can easily be ignored in light of the charms of the film. It supposedly is not faithful to the source material, but as a film on its own, it does fine.