Let's see...Shirley Temple's best film? Probably not. I would give that kudo to "Heidi". But this is darned good, and one of the few that I actually remember watching as a child...over 50 years ago. In fact, whenever I see Guy Kibbee in an old movie, I think also of this film. And, this is the only film I think of when Buddy Ebsen comes to mind. And then there's that spritely tune "At The Codfish Ball", and the memorable dancing with Ebsen.
Temple really was quite remarkable for her age, and while it is easy to criticize the sentimentality of the 1930s, why not just sit back and enjoy the flick. No, it isn't in the same league as films today...but thank goodness.
Sometimes supporting casts simply do their jobs. Here they shine. Guy Kibbee is delightfully gruff as Captain January, the lighthouse keeper who adopted Starr (Temple). Slim Summerville is just right as the slightly goofy but lovable Captain Nazro, January's friend (and their mock arguments are a hoot). Sara Haden is the stern truant officer (whom you may recognize as Andy Hardy's aunt). And the wonderful Jane Darwell is on hand as a widow smitten with Captain January.
It's been about 50 years since I saw this flick, and I still remembered the ending. That's good film-making!
Temple really was quite remarkable for her age, and while it is easy to criticize the sentimentality of the 1930s, why not just sit back and enjoy the flick. No, it isn't in the same league as films today...but thank goodness.
Sometimes supporting casts simply do their jobs. Here they shine. Guy Kibbee is delightfully gruff as Captain January, the lighthouse keeper who adopted Starr (Temple). Slim Summerville is just right as the slightly goofy but lovable Captain Nazro, January's friend (and their mock arguments are a hoot). Sara Haden is the stern truant officer (whom you may recognize as Andy Hardy's aunt). And the wonderful Jane Darwell is on hand as a widow smitten with Captain January.
It's been about 50 years since I saw this flick, and I still remembered the ending. That's good film-making!