Darryl Hickman, Jane Withers, Margaret O'Brien, and Dick Moore gathered together at the TCM set to discuss with Robert Osbourne their lives as children in film and the way their careers affected their later lives. Each are very different people with immensely diverse experiences and outlooks on their pasts. Hickman was a self-proclaimed character actor who never got to experience the secluded inner workings of the star system. Withers was a sweet and somewhat naive actress whose boisterous personality landed her bratty roles opposite Shirley Temple and other innocents. O'Brien was a dedicated actress whose enthusiasm and sweetness made her a poster-child of the second world war. Moore was an adorable little boy with large dark eyes who captured the hearts of a Depression weary audience.
There are so many subjects touched upon here and the information is so interesting that one wishes this program could go on forever. The four talk about the studio system, actors like Wallace Beery, Gene Tierney, Shirley Temple and each other, stage mothers, schooling, working after stardom, personal memories, current Hollywood, and their opinions on their own careers. Each have distinct personalities. Hickman is boisterous and a bit bitter about his past. Withers is child-like and grateful of her life and career. O'Brien is intelligent and sweet. Moore is precise and thoughtful, often taking breaks to listen to the others speak. Although one might be a bit disappointed that child stars like Mickey Rooney and Shirley Temple were not included, this group makes for an entertaining night with plenty of anecdotes that aren't already in print.
There are so many subjects touched upon here and the information is so interesting that one wishes this program could go on forever. The four talk about the studio system, actors like Wallace Beery, Gene Tierney, Shirley Temple and each other, stage mothers, schooling, working after stardom, personal memories, current Hollywood, and their opinions on their own careers. Each have distinct personalities. Hickman is boisterous and a bit bitter about his past. Withers is child-like and grateful of her life and career. O'Brien is intelligent and sweet. Moore is precise and thoughtful, often taking breaks to listen to the others speak. Although one might be a bit disappointed that child stars like Mickey Rooney and Shirley Temple were not included, this group makes for an entertaining night with plenty of anecdotes that aren't already in print.