REBECCA OF SUNNYBROOK FARM owes whatever charm it has to its leading lady (SHIRLEY TEMPLE was still the number one box-office attraction in America) and a modest but pleasing supporting cast. However, it's obvious that nobody paid much attention to the original story and what we're left with is a rather threadbare story mixing Shirley with her show biz talent background. And along the way, Bill Robinson gets lost in the shuffle of background characters, with only William Demarest enlivening the proceedings with his pratfalls and Helen Westley with her grumpy old maid. Edna May Oliver must have been busy.
Aside from the star, GLORIA STUART does nicely as a leading lady for RANDOLPH SCOTT--the two make a handsome pair. Stuart never got her big break in these sort of films but was certainly a stunning blonde in her day with very fine features. Scott seems a little standoffish, not cast in his regular western mode, perhaps even a little uncomfortable in his scenes with Shirley.
Shirley has a change of hairdo (away with all those curls) but just to make sure her audience won't pine for the good old days, she delivers some of her old song numbers with customary ease. It has to be noted, though, that her singing voice (although on key) was always very slight indeed. She fares much better in the few tap routines she does, always with that big smile and cheery presence.
Not one of the best Temple films, but OK. Franklin Pangborn is fun as a nervous stand-in who gets his big chance and blows it.
Aside from the star, GLORIA STUART does nicely as a leading lady for RANDOLPH SCOTT--the two make a handsome pair. Stuart never got her big break in these sort of films but was certainly a stunning blonde in her day with very fine features. Scott seems a little standoffish, not cast in his regular western mode, perhaps even a little uncomfortable in his scenes with Shirley.
Shirley has a change of hairdo (away with all those curls) but just to make sure her audience won't pine for the good old days, she delivers some of her old song numbers with customary ease. It has to be noted, though, that her singing voice (although on key) was always very slight indeed. She fares much better in the few tap routines she does, always with that big smile and cheery presence.
Not one of the best Temple films, but OK. Franklin Pangborn is fun as a nervous stand-in who gets his big chance and blows it.