How sad is this?

Good , But It Is Overrated By Some

The biggest problem with this movie is it’s a little better than you think it might be, which somehow makes it worse. As in, it takes itself a bit too seriously, which makes most of the movie feel kind of dull.

The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

At her Richmond birthday party, six-year-old Shirley Temple (as Virginia "Virgie" Cary) is delighted when dutiful dancing slave Bill "Bojangles" Robinson (as "Uncle Billy") entertains on cue. The towering tap-dancer doesn't understand slavery. And yet, Mr. Robinson is one of the smarter servants in the cast. The others, led by Willie Best (as James Henry), can most politely be described as mentally challenged. The outbreak of the US Civil War disrupts Ms. Temple's happy life. Handsome father John Boles (as Herbert Cary) is called to duty, and "The Littlest Rebel" must see President Lincoln himself, to set things right...Unless some subversive statement is being made by having the confederate "Curly Top" leading a group of Black children in white-coned caps, the motive is strictly to entertain. However, the story features abhorrently rampant racism. Here, the slaves are happy to serve the obviously superior white folks - and why shouldn't they? They wouldn't know how to say, "Emancipation Proclamation," let alone understand slavery. Other racially problematic films have some depth to the characters, attempt to honestly reflect the times, or advance film as an art. You have little of that, here. Temple and Robinson dance appealingly together, however.*** The Littlest Rebel (12/19/35) David Butler ~ Shirley Temple, Bill Robinson, John Boles, Willie Best

This was the first Shirley Temple movie I ever watched (on VSH....hey, I'm not THAT old) and I still consider it one of her best.That's because it has a great mixture of drama, comedy, song/dance and suspense. Almost all the characters are likable. The two dances scenes with Temple and Bill Robinson are excellent....a joy to watch. I don't know if Shirley ever looked cuter than in this film. She runs the gamut of emotions in here quite frequently.The 74-minute story never has a lull. John Boles and Karen Moreley are people you root for, Willie Best provides good comedy and there is a surprising amount of suspense.Overall, however, this is simply a sweet, sentimental film that leaves you feeling good after watching it.....and what's wrong with that?

I just finished watching this film with my 7 year old daughter and I am utterly astonished at this young girls gifts. Being a "Mr. Mom", I have come to know what a little girl is capable of, mine as well as neighborhood children, and I can say that young Shirley was far more than just exceptional in many ways. This film certainly puts her to the test and she comes through with flying colors. Her beauty is captivating and her natural charm is startling. Her line delivery is perfect. When faced with bad news, watch as she slowly girds herself to receive it. It's as though she truly believes it herself and cannot contain her emotions. When tears finally fly, it's hard to not want to reach through the screen and comfort her, especially when she is pleading her case to President Lincoln. As a professional musician I am astonished at her near perfect execution of complex syncopated dance routines with Bill Robinson. It is evident that she is really having fun during these numbers and surely was an attentive student. When she sings, her voice, although not a trained voice (thank goodness) is right on pitch. It is a natural, pleasant voice, free of any coaching. She really sings the lyric, (something that most "pro" singers could stand a lesson in) and not just the song. I never really stopped to listen to "Believe me if all these endearing young charms" but her non-treatment forced me to hear it. It's a very touching song. How I would enjoy a chat with her to pick her brain. She really was a "perfect storm" as child stars go and I will certainly be screening more of her films....for my...AHEM...daughter, of course.

I loved this movie. I think I'm wearing out this video by constantly watching it. I love John Boles. Next to Cary Grant, he has to be the most handsome actor during the thirties. His voice just sends chills up my spine. He played a great father figure then. I think what makes him so sexy and unique is that mustache. Clark Gable had the mustache, but John's is much sexier. Shirley Temple was just absolutely wonderful in this movie. She's great in every movie. But seeing her playing besides John, makes it even better. I also liked "Bogangles" Robinson. His talent should always be recognized. He was a great dancer, and great humanitarian. I also enjoyed the song Polly Wolly Doodle all day. The most compassionate scene is when Captain Curry came home to see his wife before she died. It made me cry. I will always like when Vergie and Uncle Billy sing Polly Wolly doodle, and when they do that dance during the scene to make money to see President Lincoln. Nana Nana Na na na. Na na na na na na na. The dancing was great with Uncle Billy and Vergie. The steps were in sync. Love ya'll