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.
Review of Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm
Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm
(1938)
How you gonna keep her down on the farm?
20 June 2012
Warning: Spoilers