If you like Shirley Temple films, this is one that will satisfy. The talented moppet is the daughter of a soldier who leaves to fight in the Boer War. In true fairy tale fashion, her life is beset by misfortune, but she remains true to her nature, an optimistic child.
The film pulls on all the heartstrings-love, family, faith and patriotism. The story and its components have parallels in another film of the day, "The Wizard of Oz", especially in its dream sequence, though this film is by Twentieth Century Fox, not MGM.
The story depends upon remarkable coincidences to build emotion and to create drama. But this is perfectly acceptable in a fairy tale.
Miss Temple, nearly age 11 in this film, plays slightly younger to cater to fans, but her budding maturity proves to be an asset, and she gets to show a slightly wider range of acting ability.
Worth noting is Arthur Treacher as the light-footed footman, Bertie Minchin. His teaming with Temple is one of the film's highlights.
The film pulls on all the heartstrings-love, family, faith and patriotism. The story and its components have parallels in another film of the day, "The Wizard of Oz", especially in its dream sequence, though this film is by Twentieth Century Fox, not MGM.
The story depends upon remarkable coincidences to build emotion and to create drama. But this is perfectly acceptable in a fairy tale.
Miss Temple, nearly age 11 in this film, plays slightly younger to cater to fans, but her budding maturity proves to be an asset, and she gets to show a slightly wider range of acting ability.
Worth noting is Arthur Treacher as the light-footed footman, Bertie Minchin. His teaming with Temple is one of the film's highlights.