Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm (1938) User Reviews

Shirley Temple At Her Peak

[ccthemovieman-1 · 8/10 · 7 February 2006]

It's almost strange to look at these "Shirley Temple films" at various stages of your own life. You view them differently as you grow older. It also depends, I suppose, on how familiar you are with 1930s films. Many of them are dated, especially with the language, songs and comedy of the period, so you have to acclimate yourself.

After a decade away from her films, I viewed this one recently and found both good and bad things about watching it. The positives, however, far outweighed the negatives and I believe this is one of Shirley's more entertaining efforts.

After starring now for about five years, it's obvious how comfortable she had become in her roles. She looked extremely confident in here and why not? She had her act down pat. She even performed one song that was medley of her hits from previous movies. Yup, she was a veteran at the ripe old age of 10 and at the peak of her career in the 1930s.

In this movie was the normal mixture of characters, meaning a crabby old woman, a nice young couple that you wanted to see get married, a couple of wacky cronies, good 'ole Bill Robinson nearby....and the regular happy ending. The wholesome and pretty woman in here was Gloria Stuart. She was the same lady who appeared in 1997's "Titantic.""

The leading man was western star Randolph Scott and the old biddy was Helen Westley. The goofballs were Slim Summerville, Jack Haley and William Demarest. This was one of the better casts in the Temple movies.

The only drawback, really, was the total lack of credibility, scene after scene of things that made no sense...such as an entire orchestra and chorus setting up inside a quiet farmhouse and the occupant (Westley) unaware of it??!!! There are a number of scenes that just leave you shaking your head in amazement. So....you just have to suspend all belief and just enjoy the comedy, Shirley's tremendous talent and appeal, and all the pleasing songs and dances in here. That done, you've spent an enjoyable 80 minutes.

Made during the Depression years when Americans desperately needed to feel good, Shirley Temple was perhaps the best at filling that need. Some 70 years later, she still ranks as the greatest child entertaining in United States history and her films still put a smile on one's face. She still makes us feel good.

"I'm Very Self Reliant"

[bkoganbing · 8/10 · 24 June 2006]

Although the film has absolutely nothing to do with the plot of Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm as written, the film is a really enjoyable one with the self reliant Shirley at her best.

She has to be because Darryl Zanuck really went out of his way to give her a bunch of scene stealing character players as support for his golden little moppet. Jack Haley, Helen Westley, William Demarest, Slim Summerville all have their moments. Even Franklin Pangborn has a brief scene with Temple as a flustered organ player who is hired by a radio station to provide substitute music in case a live performer can't go on. He muffs his big chance in a hilarious scene.

Randolph Scott is a frustrated radio programmer who's looking for a child radio star to be Little Miss America. He hears all kinds of Shirley Temple wannabes and then hears the genuine article. But his dumb cluck of an assistant, Jack Haley, forgets to keep her in the studio.

Frustrated Scott goes back to his farm which just happens to be next to where Temple's deadbeat stepdad parks the prodigy. Shirley is now with her Aunt Helen Westley and another cousin Gloria Stuart. When Randy discovers her, his problems seem over.

Of course when the deadbeat stepdad William Demarest discovers Shirley is a budding radio star he schemes to get custody of her. But our little heroine being very self reliant is up to the challenge as she is in every one of her films.

I'm not writing any give aways but this is a Shirley Temple movie and there's only one way they turn out.

My brief review of the film

[sol- · 7/10 · 16 December 2005]

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.

An adorable film...

[SpookyPie88 · 7/10 · 6 February 2005]

Shirley Temple definitely deserved some of her popularity after this tailor-made vehicle. The film is as adorable as the young star. It follows Rebecca (Temple) as she tries to fulfill her dream of singing on a popular radio show. She does this with the help of a few adult friends who compliment Temple perfectly. Temple herself, shines in this film. Singing, dancing and acting she shows a natural talent for performing and clearly enjoys herself with this film. All in all I would recommend this film to anyone. It might not be the best Shirley Temple film but it will keep you entertained all the way through and the enchanting lead will captivate you.

Shirley lights up the screen....again!

[dimples0 · 8 December 2001]

Shirley temple at her peak as a girl singer who is sought by two rival cereal companies to promote their radio commercials.Randolph Scott and Gloria Stuart provide the romance. Helen Westley, Slim Summerville and William Demarest head the supporting cast but it is 9 year old Shirley's movie from first to last, full of charm and innocence and loosely adapted from the childrens classic by Kate Douglas Wiggan. Shirley's numbers include "Come and get your happiness" and she also sings a medley of hits from her previous movies (among them On the good ship lollipop, When Im with you, Animal crackers in my soup and more)and dances with Bill "Bojangles" Robinson. running time 71 mins b&w

Her charm was still there but the stories were wearing thin...

[Doylenf · 6/10 · 26 December 2005]

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.

Shirley's older, but still cute as a button

[HotToastyRag · 7/10 · 25 July 2021]

When adorable Shirley Temple gets dropped off, at her aunt's country farm, by her irresponsible uncle, she gets to know the simple life. Only life in the country isn't so simple. Her aunt, Helen Westley, has a decades-long feud with her old beau and neighbor, Slim Summerville. She refuses to speak to him, relaying messages through Shirley even when they're all in the same frame. Then there's the other neighbor, Randolph Scott, a handsome talent scout who's dating a radio singer, Phyllis Brooks. Jack Haley is in love with Phyllis, but she won't give him the time of day. And Gloria Stuart, Shirley's cousin, is trying to fight her feelings for Scottie.

In case that isn't complicated enough, Helen Westley is anti-show business, and Shirley's already auditioned for a Little Miss America radio contest! This is one of the more complicated Shirley Temple movies, which makes sense since she's growing up. She can handle more plot than Curly Top or Stand Up and Cheer. And supposedly, her audience can, too.

Shirley sings a few songs in this one, notably a medley of other songs she's performed in her older movies. While it is very cute for Shirley to sing a medley of her previous hits, it's also bittersweet. She's growing up, and she has to acknowledge that the days of her being a charming little tot are over. For her to "remind" us of her hits, it's also a reminder that those movies were a long time ago. For those who like a good story and lots of jokes sprinkled in the script, this might be your favorite Shirley Temple flick. Helen and Slim's feud is hilarious, and I always love Jack Haley. Scott and Stuart don't do much, but for no fault of their own; it's Shirley's show. Literally!

Another Shirley Temple Crowd Pleaser

[Ron Oliver · 10/10 · 24 July 2000]

A frantic radio producer must find the perfect Little Miss America for an advertiser's national program. He discovers her in his country neighbor, REBECCA OF SUNNYBROOK FARM, an incredibly talented & precocious moppet, who proceeds to charm all around her & bring happiness into the lives of those who love her.

Little Shirley Temple turns in another crowd-pleasing performance in this pleasant family film - which bears almost no resemblance to the Kate Douglas Wiggin classic. It's easy to see why the little tyke was Hollywood's top star for years. Her smile & vivacity are still stunning decades later.

This time Shirley is surrounded by a plethora of male talent: rugged Randolph Scott, giving a slightly wooden performance no doubt caused by the chagrin of playing second fiddle to a ten-year-old; peppy Jack Haley, always eager to please; veteran William Demerest, displaying some of his best pratfalls; laconic comic Slim Summerville, the unlikeliest lover; flustered Franklin Pangborn, as a very nervous organist; and the great Bill `Bojangles' Robinson, given distressingly little to do in his role as a farmhand - until the film's final moments when he gets to shine in a tap routine with Shirley.

Helen Westley is great fun as grumpy Aunt Miranda; lovely Gloria Stuart is given little to do except look, well, lovely.

That's champion character actress Eily Malyon as the Reverend's cake-eating wife. Movie mavens will recognize old Clarence Wilson as a shyster attorney.

Shirley sings `An Old Straw Hat' & `Come And Get Your Happiness', as well as a medley of her past hits.

Query: Why do film makers think radio audiences are thrilled by listening to tap dancing? In films like this you don't ask questions like that.

superstar of her day

[SnoopyStyle · 6/10 · 5 August 2019]

Rebecca Winstead (Shirley Temple) is under the guardianship of her greedy stepfather Harry Kipper (William Demarest) after the death of her mother. She is brought to a radio audition with many other little girls. Studio head Tony Kent (Randolph Scott) loathes to listen to all the bad auditions. He is excited to hear Rebecca but she is mistakenly sent away. Harry is unwilling to care for her further and leaves her with her rigid Aunt Miranda who despised her mother falling in with the performing crowd.

This is another adaptation of the classic novel over 20 years after the silent era star Mary Pickford. Shirley Temple would see this as a failure to get the Dorothy role in the Wizard of Oz. She is performing again with her negro partner Bill "Bojangles" Robinson and does many of her hits. It is yet another hit from the child star of the era. For me, I'd rather have more of the farm. There are a lot of contrivances and conveniences. The various relationships are crashing into each other. I'm sure this was the bee's knees of American families back in the day.

Surprisingly good!

[planktonrules · 8/10 · 4 April 2013]

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.

Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm review

[JoeytheBrit · 6/10 · 22 April 2020]

Shirley Temple and Randy Scott reside in a world of mustard-yellow in the colourised version of Kate Douglas Wiggins famous tale. There's not much of the old girl's story in the plot of radio executive Randy's attempts to locate singing tyke Rebecca after Jack Haley's hapless secretary let's her slip through his fingers. Temple is sweet and engaging in the title role, but was already beginning to lose that plump- cheeked cuteness that made her a star.

Rebecca of Radio Land

[lugonian · 8/10 · 27 December 2005]

REBECCA OF SUNNYBROOK FARM (20th Century-Fox, 1938), directed by Allan Dwan, stars Shirley Temple as the title character in a screenplay suggested on but not entirely from the story written by Kate Douglas Wiggin. Returning to the formula best suited for Temple's musical talents following her performances in the more faithful adaptations to the literary works of 1937's WEE WILLIE WINKIE and HEIDI, REBECCA is actually a rehash of Temple's earlier effort, THE POOR LITTLE RICH GIRL (1936), which not only has her singing some songs composed for that production, reuniting her with co-stars Jack Haley and Gloria Stuart, with much of the setting taking place in a radio station, but another well staged military dance number finish.

The story revolves around Anthony Kent (Randolph Scott), a radio station manager, assisted by Orville Smithers (Jack Haley), on a promotional talent search auditioning hundreds of little girls for their upcoming "Little Miss America" campaign sponsored by Cyrus Bartlett (Paul Harvey), an important client for Crackling Grain Flakes. Enduring through the intercom of listening of one bad singer after another vocalizing the same song of "You Got to Eat Your Spinach, Baby" over and over again, plus having to deal with overbearing parents, Kent finally gets to hear Rebecca Winstead's (Shirley Temple) singing and is very much impressed by her. However, due to a misunderstanding by Orville, Rebecca, accompanied by her stepfather/manager Harry Kipper (William Demarest), leave the studio thinking the audition a failure. Now that he has found himself evicted from their 950 10th Avenue apartment, and flat broke, Harry, who is unable to support his stepdaughter, decides to have Rebecca live upstate with her Aunt Miranda (Helen Westley) at Sunnybrook Farm. Realizing Orville's mistake, and now at this point of a nervous breakdown, Kent decides to get away from it all by taking a rest on his farm in the country, which also happens to be at Sunnybrook. Eventually the paths of Kent and Rebecca meet, thanks to a little piggy, and discovering that Rebecca is the talented child he's been searching for, he sets out to star her on the "Crackling Grain Flakes Hour," but there's only one problem, Aunt Miranda, who detests show people, especially since her late daughter had married an actor, refuses to give Rebecca permission to perform on the radio. Gwen (Gloria Stuart), Rebecca's first cousin, also living under Miranda's roof, and in love with Kent, schemes in having Rebecca sneak out at night on a hook to book broadcast set in Kent's home. All goes well, even after Miranda hears her on the radio, until Uncle Harry, now remarried to a tough babe (Ruth Gillette), returns to Sunnybrook Farm with an attorney (Clarence Wilson) to reclaim his talented stepchild.

Amusing moments consist of Haley's love for Scott's temperamental fiancée (played by Phyllis Brooks), who performs with him but refuses to give him the satisfaction; William Demarest's frequent pratfalls on Aunt Miranda's loose board in front of her home; and Helen Westley as the strong-willed Miranda, who continues to hold a grudge on Scott's servant, Homer Busby (wonderfully played by Slim Summerville), her former fiancé, due to some misunderstanding 25 years ago. One thing about Wesley's character, every time she speaks, one expects her to lay an egg. Also in the cast are Alan Dinehart as Mr. Purvis, Kent's radio station rival; J. Edward Bromberg as Doctor Hill; and best of all, Franklin Pangborn as Hamilton Montgomery, a substitute organ player waiting for his big chance to go on the air; and Bill Robinson as Miranda's dancing farm hand.

The motion picture soundtrack includes: "Happy Ending" (sung by Phyllis Brooks); "You've Got to Eat Your Spinach, Baby" (sung by individual auditioning girls); ""An Old Straw Hat" (sung by Shirley Temple); "Crackling Grain Flakes" (sung by quartet); "Alone With You" (sung by Phyllis Brooks and Jack Haley); "Come and Get Your Happiness" (sung by Temple/by Jack Yellen and Sam Polgrass); a medley of Temple oldies: "On the Good Ship Lollipop" (by Richard Whiting and Sidney Clare); "Animal Crackers in My Soup" (by Ted Koehler, Irving Caesar and Ray Henderson); "When I'm With You," "Oh, My Goodness," and "Goodnight, My Friends (formerly "Goodnight, My Love" (all sung by Temple); and "The Parade of the Wooden Soldiers" (performed by Temple and Bill Robinson/by Sidney Mitchell, Lew Pollack and Raymond Scott).

One of the better radio musicals of the period, Temple shines as the little girl who is very self-reliant. This is also the initial film in which she loses her legendary curls, which comes after living under Aunt Miranda's roof on Sunnybrook Farm. And speaking of legendary, her tap dancing opposite Bill Robinson ranks one of their better team efforts, even if the tapping takes place on the radio for listeners to hear and not see, except for the movie viewing audience. REBECCA OF SUNNYBROOK FARM is not the sort of movie for grammar school students to base a book report on, for that this is the least faithful of the earlier screen treatments, 1917 with Mary Pickford, and 1932 with Marian Nixon. It seems interesting that the writers didn't come upon a musical version to the book from which it is based, as MGM later did with THE WIZARD OF OZ (1939), and not stray away from its original concept, but overlooking these major changes, with no harm done, it does make fine family viewing.

Distributed on video cassette and later DVD, REBECCA OF SUNNYBROOK FARM is currently available in both colorized and black and white versions. Formerly shown on American Movie Classics from 1997 to 2001, other cable broadcasts include the Fox Movie Channel and Turner Classic Movies (TCM premiere: November 22, 2012). See youz in church.(***1/2)

Nice Shirley Temple film; great cast

[vincentlynch-moonoi · 7/10 · 22 November 2012]

This is one of the better and more entertaining Shirley Temple pics, although it has virtually nothing to do with the children's book on which it was supposedly based.

For starters, there's a dandy cast here. Temple is not a baby anymore, and her wide ranging talents really were quite impressive for a child of 10. Randolph Scott is good here as a radio advertising executive who discovers Rebecca; Scott had made quite a few films before this, but his best years were still in the future. William Demarest is usually an asset to almost any film, as he was here. He provides some comic relief, even as the "bad guy" stepfather. Helen Westley is fine as the owner of the farm and the aunt of Rebecca, although it would have been good if they had developed her character a bit more in the first half of the film so we would know that she loved Rebecca. Gloria Stuart is the primary love interest here, although most movie-goers will remember her better as the old lady in "Titanic". Bill (Bojangles) Robinson plays a farm hand. His role in the first half of the film is negligible, but that is more than made up for with the memorable dancing on the stairs number in the second half of the film. Slim Summerville is cool -- as always -- as the aunt's old sweetheart who jilted her, and adds more comic relief to the film. Jack Haley is pleasant as a radio performer, and while underrated for most of his career is well remembered as the Tin Man in "The Wizard Of Oz".

I mentioned above that there is a part 1 and part 2 of this film. What I mean is that the first half of the film is about getting Rebecca into show business. And, it's quite a satisfying tale in and of itself. But then the stepfather returns, takes her away, and the second half of the film is about getting her back to her aunt and Sunnybrook Farm.

All things considered, this is a nice little film. Look, however, for the goof -- how can a girl on her first radio show sing her greatest hits???

How you gonna keep her down on the farm?

[mark.waltz · 5/10 · 20 June 2012]

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.

One of the funniest Shirley Temple movies

[minerals · 10/10 · 9 June 2006]

This is one of the good movies that Shirley Temple made because I just love how you get so much laughter out of it. I just laughed like crazy when that one neighbor helped get little Shirley out of the upstairs bedroom and down the ladder to the other house then he got trapped up there because the ladder fell off the side of the house. I just cracked up and laughed because of how many funny scenes there are in this movie. I really laughed when the Aunt came upstairs and found that man in the bed instead of little Shirley. I also got a huge amount of laughs out of one of the final scenes in the movie when Shirley is taken away from her Aunt and how she fakes loosing her voice just to get back around the people she loves.

A delightful movie! A treat for Temple fans!

[JohnHowardReid · 9/10 · 20 September 2017]

Copyright 18 March 1938 by 20th Century-Fox Film Corp. New York opening at the Roxy: 25 March 1938. U.S. release: 18 March 1938. Australian release: 1 September 1938. 7,289 feet. 81 minutes.

SYNOPSIS: Shirley wows the producer and sponsor at a radio station in an audition for "Little Miss America". Unfortunately, due to a series of bungles, the producer loses contact with her. In the midst of a frantic search, he retires to his farm for a rest. Next door, would you believe, is Shirley herself! And this all happens just in the first two reels!

NOTES: Third re-make of the Kate Douglas Wiggin novel, a 1903 million-copy bestseller. In the novel, the play and the previous films, Rebecca is a young lady, not a little girl, who comes from a rustic Sunnybrook farm to stay with a couple of rich relatives in the big city, where she gets into a number of genteel romantic scrapes. She does not sing, nor of course does she audition for the radio (which did not even commence in the United States until 1919).

In the movie, Miss Temple is supposedly playing an eight-year-old. She was actually ten at the time — and her comparative maturity is showing. Although Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm earned big money, it was not enough to position the movie amongst the top twenty of the nation's money-makers. In fact her career as the world's top movie star was now over. True, she did hold her place as the number one money-making star of 1938, but in 1939 she slipped to fifth position; from there on, she disappears from the list forever. Not until 1944 did she make a movie that placed among America's champion box-office attractions, namely "Since You Went Away".

Still it was a phenomenal career while it lasted and she did have no less than four adolescent triumphs, including Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer (1947), Fort Apache (1948), and Mr Belvedere Goes To College (1949), which brought her almost back to the pinnacle of her previous successes.

COMMENT: Plenty of merriment and song in this one which is — despite its poor reputation — amongst Miss Temple's most entertaining. In fact, it's not at all the sentimental tosh the Wiggin novel promises to be — the result of ditching the original story-line almost completely. What we actually get is a mild satire on radio, with plenty of amusing lines delivered by gifted character actors with a talent for tomfoolery, such as Jack Haley, Slim Summerville, William Demarest and the wonderfully acidic Helen Westley.

Little Miss Shirley herself can banter quips with the best of them. She's in fine voice too, singing some originals and reprising some of her catchiest from Poor Little Rich Girl including an imitation "Military Man" climactic number with Bill Robinson. (Her original partner, Jack Haley doesn't dance so much as a single step in this one, though he does get to join the lovely Phyllis Brooks in a song). Nice to see Randy Scott in such good form too (love him falling into the well). Miss Stuart makes an attractive heroine.

Some of our favorite character players shine brightly in this one too, including Franklin Pangborn, Paul Hurst and Dixie Dunbar. Dwan's direction is pacily slick. Other credits are equally smooth. Sound recording as usual with Fox, is a delight.

ANOTHER VIEW: Suggested by the book, read the credits. In my view, contemporary critics were unkind to attack the film because it was unfaithful to the book. True, the script does have an odd habit of introducing plot elements which it fails to milk for suspense by resolving them too quickly, but I think the film delightful entertainment. Shirley gets a chance to sing a large bracket of catchy songs, including a reprise of all her favorites such as "The Good Ship Lollipop" and "Animal Crackers In My Soup". There is a fine support cast, — including Helen Westley at her most delightfully daffy, — stylish direction and first-class production values. What more do you want? - JHR writing as George Addison.

Shirley Cuts the Curls and Enters Adolescence

[springfieldrental · 8/10 · 22 December 2023]

Shirley Temple was growing up. The nine-year-older was surrendering her 56 curls in her hair in favor of a more Mary Pickford-style hairdo in March 1938's "Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm." Even Temple's repeated catchphrase, "I'm self reliant," reflected a more adult behavior by her perseverance, a trait she inspired many still reeling from the effects of the lingering economic Depression.

"Shirley looks adorable in pigtails," observed film reviewer Andrew Pragasam. When the studio released photos of Temple right before "Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm" premiered, her new hair style made national headlines. The 20th Century Fox film didn't quite rank with her normal top ten movies in ticket sales, but it still drew enough for Shirley to make her Hollywood's top box office star for the third year in a row. The famous 'poison box office' open letter by the independent theatre owners credited her as a prime example of an actress drawing customers into their movie houses while high-salaried performers such as Katherine Hepburn and Joan Crawford failed.

"Rebecca of Sunnybook Farm," based on 1903 Kate Wiggins' book of the same name, was a subject for both Pickford's 1917 film and the first talkie version in 1932 with Marian Nixon and Ralph Bellamy. The Temple picture, updated from its turn of the century time period, differed from its predecessors, sharing only the protagonist's first name and residency at her aunt's farm. Unbeknownst to Rebecca (Temple) and her stepdad, Harry (William Demarest), they won the contest to be the voice of a cereal product because they slinked out of the radio station's building thinking she had no chance of being selected. In one of the biggest coincidences in cinematic history, Harry drops off Rebecca at her aunt Miranda's (Helen Westley) farm, who happens to be next door to Tony Kent (Randolph Scott), the advertising executive of the cereal company. Tony had been in another room during the audition and has been searching for her ever since. The two eventually connect, with the help of Rebecca's cousin Gwen (Gloria Stuart).

Actress Stuart initially turned down the offer to play Gwen, thinking the part was too fluffy for her normal serious acting. Studio head Darryl F. Zanuck informed her that an appearance in a Shirley Temple movie was a guarantee millions would see her. Stuart, 28, who later earned an Academy Award nomination for playing the elder Rose in 1997's "Titanic," admitted in a 1998 interview that being in the Temple film certainly elevated her career in Hollywood. Shirley's older brother, Jack Temple, was hired as third assistant director, where his sole responsibility was to watch over his younger sister. Shirley later said Jack "spent time thinking up things to take care of, one of which was me," a task that became irksome for her and the film crew. In one scene, Shirley is sitting at the dinner table of Tony Kent's farmhouse in front of a cooked turkey. To keep the flies off, the turkey was sprayed with insecticide. Jack ordered Shirley in a loud, forceful voice, not to eat the turkey. She knew better, and was embarrassed by her brother in front of the film crew. Rebellious as ever, Shirley took a large chunk of the bird and put it into her mouth. Jack sprang forward and shoved his hand down to extract the meat. The fuss was so disruptive director Alan Dwan ordered Jack to leave the set.

"Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm" capped off with one of Shirley Temple's most famous dance number, the 'Toy Trumpet,' with her good friend tap dancer Bill 'Bojangles' Robinson. The military dance number, largely filmed in one unedited sequence, is included in many Temple retrospective documentaries. But it sure was tough on the little dancer. "Our practice routine was long, incorporating jazz and blues with complicated nerve taps, all in an unbroken sequence," recalled Shirley years later. "Even when we did the film I got a charley horse." The American Film Institute nominated Temple's picture as one of the Greatest Movie Musicals.

Best Non-Hog Movie Ever.

[RandyRodman · 11 February 2002]

I thought this was a dandy picture until little Shirley nearly ruined that fine Swedish Landrace piglet by picking him up and darn near rubbing the hide off him. Don't those Hollywood people know anything? You rub up on a baby Landrace too long and you spoil him for his mama, and everyone knows a spoiled pig ain't no good to nobody, especially a Swedish Landrace. After a Chester White their the most delicate hogs there is! Now, you take one of your hardier breeds, like a Berkshire or a Saddleback, you can pick them up all you want. It won't hurt them at all; matter of fact, they like it. But you handle your Landraces too much when their young and you'll never get them back on their mama's teat. They are fussy ones, those Landraces.

Otherwise, a dandy picture.

Okay if you never read the book

[lpnarnialover09 · 5/10 · 2 February 2012]

If you have never read or even know the original story of " Rebecca of Sunnybrook farm" then you will enjoy this movie if however you read the book, you might want to avoid this movie if you are expecting a faithful adaptation this is not it .While I don't particularly hate this particular Shirley Temple movie based on a classic children's book I would only recommend it to die hard Shirley fans . I would not recommend it to anyone who wants to see a faithful adaptation of a wonderful book I would recommend the Mary Pickford version first and I also just found out they made a 1932 version except I don't know if it's even available on DVD or VHS

Shirley Temple is, possibly, the greatest child star that ever was or ever will be.

[robfollower · 10/10 · 5 August 2019]

Shirley Temple is, possibly, the greatest child star that ever was or ever will be. At the very least, she will certainly go down in history as the most universally popular. Between the ages of 7 and 10, she was the top box-office draw for 4 years in a row, beating out other popular actors like Clark Gable and Jean Harlow. Appearing in her breakout role in the film Stand Up and Cheer at the age of 5, she was a little girl with a near-prodigy level talent for dance, singing, and acting (she even has a tap combination named after her).

A frantic radio producer must find the perfect Little Miss America for an advertiser's national program and discovers her in his country neighbor.

I'm so glad TCM is showing this one. It's one of Shirley's best films! Good story, great songs, comedy and wonderful pairing of Shirley w/Bill Robinson. This one has it all!

Shirley becomes a pig-tailed child radio singing sensation, with Randolph Scott's help.

[weezeralfalfa · 10/10 · 8 March 2015]

This was the third film adaptation of the popular 1902 book of the same title, with Mary Pickford starring in the early silent version. True, the plot retains few accurate details from the book, in which Rebecca came from a destitute farm family, rather than being transferred to one.

I don't remember the particulars of many of Shirley's films. However, this has to be one of the most entertaining, with a great cast of supporting actors, as was usually the case in her best films, and with the occasional slapstick incident. As usual, she's cast as an orphan, who has to grudgingly put up with some troublesome people, but balanced by some people who treat her with a measure of respect and love. As usual, Shirley seems like a hybrid between a cute little lost girl and a pint-sized adult, who mostly(exclusively here) interacts with adults, rather than children, often helping them solve some personal crisis. She insists on being treated as an adult, as highlighted in a scene with Scott, who agrees to treat her as such, in contrast to her quarreling relatives to treat her as a child, to be molded as they wish. In consequence, Rebecca proposes marriage to Scott(Tony) in the future, but then suggests her new friend Gwen as a more realistic choice in the near future.

The most troublesome people Shirley has to deal with include bossy, contrary, old Aunt Miranda, who owns the farm where Shirley is 'dumped' by her stepparents(played by Bill Demarest and Ruth Gillette), who find her a financial burden after she mistakenly is labeled a poor singer in a radio contest. But, after Shirley suddenly becomes an overnight radio sensation, they suddenly demand that she be returned to them. Ruth plays her role as an obnoxious brassy gold digger very well. Being as how Aunt Miranda melts a bit toward the end, toning down her disapproval of Rebecca taking part in radio contests and refusing to speak to long time acquaintance Homer(Slim Summerville), Melba is the only thoroughly evil character in the film. Demarest was quite a good light comedian, actually outshining Summerville, who was also a noted comedian. We also have Jack Haley, with both comedic and musical talent. He sings a back and forth memorable duet to the catchy "Alone with You" with his romantic interest: sexy blond Phyllis Brooks, as Lola, who preferred leading man Scott, as clearly evidenced during this song(the film highlight?). Phyllis also sang a solo early in the film, though not as catchy a tune. Although not billed as a singer, she had a fine singing voice and sexy mode of delivery. Her character(as suggested by her name) comes across as not as wholesome as Gwen: presumably why Scott tries to drop her as soon as he meets Gwen. ....Of course, a few years later, Haley would gain a measure of fame, playing The Tin Man, in "The Wizard of Oz". Given his good looks and talents, it's a wonder he didn't have a more prominent Hollywood career....Bo Jangles Bill Robinson is also on hand as Miranda's gardener, primarily. He and Shirley end the film starring in a costumed dance production, rather resembling the one that ended the prior "Poor Little Rich Girl"

This was Scott's first Shirley Temple film. He would return with her, again as the leading man, in the lackluster '39 "Suzanna of the Mounties": one of the series of mostly box-office flops during the last few years of Shirley's association with Fox studios. Actually, Shirley had played a small role, way back in the 1933 Scott-starring western "To the Last Man". During the '30s, before he was mostly typecast as a stone-faced cowboy, Scott divided his time between westerns or other frontier-type films, and parlor films, where he was sometimes allowed to exhibit some comedic talent, as in the present film. For example, he was also a significant non-musical costar in two Astaire & Ginger musicals.

Helen Westley returned for her 4th and final appearance in a Shirley Temple film, in her typecast domineering contrary family matron role. Actually, in the Astaire & Ginger film "Roberta", she was quite pleasant to Scott, in contrast to this film. She had quite a prominent stage and film career.

Shirley gets to sing several new songs, as well as a medley of some of her best remembered songs from previous films. Her most memorable new song is "An Old Straw Hat", which she sings initially outside at the farm, then again in the house, where she is heard by visiting Scott and Haley, who then recognize her as the girl they are seeking, who was mistakenly dismissed on their radio show as a poor singer(quite a contrived coincidence!). On the radio program she sings "Come and Get Your Happiness", initially alone, then with a sizable backup chorus. This is followed by her medley, including "On the Good Ship Lollipop" and "Animal Crackers in My Soup".

One of the many reasons I especially like this film is that, in contrast to her other films, where she has curly hair, here, once she gets to the farm, her hair-style is changed by Aunt Matilda to pigtails. She definitely looks more 'sexy' with pigtails! Notice that, in the last portion of the film, after she is forced to temporarily move back with Uncle Henry and Melba, her pigtails are replaced by curls.

Shirley dancing with Bill Robinson PLUS Randolph Scott?

[morrisonhimself · 9/10 · 1 May 2015]

Million-dollar cast in a charming story makes this unforgettable.

More: The chance to see Shirley dance with Bill Robinson? That is worth more than the price of a ticket.

Shirley Temple was, first, a charmer, a talented and likable little girl (who turned into a really beautiful young woman, with even more acting ability).

She really didn't have to do much besides be cute, but in fact she was an excellent dancer. I think she was a better dancer than singer and maybe better dancer than actress.

Stories abound of how she picked up Mr. Robinson's steps and routines so quickly, and her on-screen dancing bear them out.

There is that word again: Charm. Shirley and Bojangles were the ultimate in charm, as well as talent. (No less than Fred Astaire said Bill Robinson was the greatest of them all.)

Shirley is always fun to watch as an actress, fun to listen to as a singer, but really entrancing to watch as a dancer.

The story has the usual ups and downs, with various conflicts from a mostly good and good-hearted bunch of people, with only one or two who could be considered at all rascally.

There is the usual Hollywood nonsense of a big dance scene for a ... radio program! But I guess we've all learned to ignore that bit of non-reality.

Randolph Scott, one of my personal heroes, gets a chance to do something different -- different, especially, from his later strong silent types - - and he is simply great.

Especially when he has to fuss with his assistant so beautifully played by the great Jack Haley, another actor with so much talent and versatility. Mr. Haley could do anything, sing, dance, act, cover himself with aluminum paint ...

Gloria Stuart had a career that ran on for several more decades after this and watching her here, we know why: beauty, charm, ability.

Since there are only so many electrons available, I better stop, though I could mention all the other excellent players, some of whom get no screen credit, but all of whom give superb performances, including very young Mary McCarty, who was about 15 at the time.

She was a real actress and if you get a chance to watch her scenes at, for example, YouTube, you might want to re-play them to see her facial expressions. She continued acting for several more decades too, though without achieving the fame I think she deserved. But she apparently stayed busy, and maybe she was happy. I hope so.

And you will be happy, too, if you make a point to watch "Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm," for the excellent cast and cute story, all ably directed by my friend Allan Dwan, one of the most important pioneer directors in motion picture history.

Pleasant Outing with More Music than Farming

[JLRMovieReviews · 8/10 · 15 January 2014]

Here Shirley Temple is Rebecca Winstead who is looking for fame and fortune. Well, maybe. But mainly she wants to sing. Her stepfather, played by William Demarest, who she calls Uncle, and who takes care of her now that her mother is dead, is the one who wants the fortune. He tries to get her on the radio and she would have been picked, but there was a miscommunication between Randolph Scott and one of his staff. When Randy tells him to find her, while he's going for a country vacation, the guy can't, because Uncle, fed up with taking care of her, drops her off at his sister-in-law, played by Helen Westley, in the country! Everyone in these Shirley Temple films is cranky, until they meet Miss Shirley. Helen Westley is no exception. She's held a grudge for 25 years against Slim Summerville for not showing up on their wedding day, because he got too drunk the night before the wedding. Slim lives next door and tries to nudge his way back into her life. Meanwhile, guess what, Randy is the next-door neighbor, who eventually finds the little girl. Will Helen let her niece sing on the radio? Will they have to go behind her back to do it? Will she ever forgive Slim? Will Randy get married to his fiancée or get smitten with another young lady he meets in the country, costar Gloria Stuart? Does Uncle show up again to take advantage of his now-profitable stepdaughter, since he does have legal custody in the eyes of the law? With the locale switching from New York to the country several times, it didn't turn out to be like what I expected at first, but it was very good, and, as an added bonus, it has Shirley and costar Bill "Bojangles" Robinson dancing. Franklin Pangborn has a very brief but memorable bit as a radio substitute who never gets to go on, until.... If you love Shirley Temple (you wouldn't be reading this if you didn't,) you'll enjoy spending time with Rebecca and company.

Come and get your happiness with Shirley Temple

[Petey-10 · 9/10 · 1 October 2010]

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.

Shirley Temple, Randolph Scott and Gloria Stewart make a delightfully lovely family!

[cgvsluis · 8/10 · 2 June 2022]

In my opinion this is one of the better Shirley Temple films, great cast and decent music. My one and only question is why did they always feel the need to dress her as a boy? See toy soldier outfit.

This is the story of Rebecca who is orphaned and in the guardianship of her step-father who is determined to earn a living through putting Rebecca into show business. When the are evicted and out of money he seeks out Rebecca's Aunt Miranda to take Rebecca in on her Sunnybroke Farm. The deal is that he can't come back and there will be no more show business. Then the radio man next door discovers that she is his missing little Miss usa and so in conjunction with Rebecca's first cousin, the lovely Gwen (played by future titanic star Gloria Stewart) they conspire to get her on the radio.

The music was delightfully understated, Randolph Scott and the rest of the cast were fantastic...and the clothes were to die for! There is some witty repartee between Randolph Scott and Lola Lee (Phyllis Scott), that is reminiscent of Nick and Nora in the Thin Man.

I highly recommend this Shirley Temple's film for old movie buffs like me.