The most popular star of the 1930s was also the most diminutive -- the dimpled, dancing dynamo Shirley Temple, who made more than 40 movies before reaching the ripe old age of 12.Born April 23, 1928, in Santa Monica, Calif., Temple made her first film appearance in the two-reel comedy series Baby Burlesks (1931-1933), in which she performed dead-on impressions of adult screen sirens such as Greta Garbo. A breakout performance in Stand Up and Cheer (1934) led to starring roles in a string of vehicles -- including Bright Eyes (1934), Curly Top (1935), The Little Colonel (1935) and Heidi (1937) -- showcasing Fox Pictures' tiny savior.
Despite her considerable talent and tremendous popularity as a child star, the public failed to embrace a mature Temple, who retired from films in 1950 and turned her attention to politics, serving as a U.S. ambassador during the '70s and '80s.
HeidiWhen 8-year-old Heidi (Shirley Temple) is orphaned, her mean Aunt Dete (Mady Christians) takes her to the mountains to live with her even meaner grandfather, Adolph (Jean Hersholt). Heidi's eternal charm soon warms her grandfather's heart, and the two become great friends. But when Aunt Dete returns... Read More
Bright EyesBright Eyes helped make Shirley Temple a box-office star and features her most famous song: "On the Good Ship Lollipop." The little darling of a group of aviators, Shirley splits her time between her pilot godfather (James Dunn) and her long-suffering mother (Lois Wilson), housemaid for a selfish,... Read More
Baby Take a BowIn her first starring role, curly-topped moppet Shirley Temple plays an ex-con's daughter who sets out to clear her daddy's name in this touching tale. Trying to stay on the straight and narrow, sunny Shirley's father, Eddie (James Dunn), gets a chauffeur job. But when a necklace disappears, Eddie... Read More
Captain JanuaryShirley Temple sparkles in this musical comedy about an orphan who fights to remain with her beloved guardian, a kind old lighthouse keeper, when authorities get wind of the girl's living situation. Star (Temple) lives happily with Capt. January (Guy Kibbee), but her life takes an unexpected turn... Read More
The Little PrincessWhen her father is reported killed in the Boer War, pampered rich girl Sara Crewe (Shirley Temple) is left to the mercies of a mean-spirited headmistress. Forced to work as a servant and live in the attic, Sara learns the value of true generosity and real friendship. This classic family film is... Read More
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AFI's 100 Years, 100 Stars (1999) | NR | |
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Hidden Hollywood (1997) | NR | |
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Hollywood Uncensored (1987) | NR | |
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Pippi Longstocking / Kim (1958) | NR | |
The Story of Seabiscuit (1949) | NR | |
Fort Apache (1948) | NR | |
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I'll Be Seeing You (1945) | NR | |
Since You Went Away (1944) | NR | |
The Blue Bird (1940) | G | |
Young People (1940) | G | |
The Little Princess (1939) | G | |
Susannah of the Mounties (1939) | PG | |
Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm (1938) | G | |
Little Miss Broadway (1938) | NR | |
Just Around the Corner (1938) | G | |
Heidi (1937) | G | |
Wee Willie Winkie (1937) | PG | |
Captain January (1936) | G | |
Dimples (1936) | PG | |
Stowaway (1936) | G | |
Curly Top (1935) | NR | |
The Littlest Rebel (1935) | PG | |
The Little Colonel (1935) | PG | |
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Baby Take a Bow (1934) | PG | |
Bright Eyes (1934) | PG | |
Stand Up and Cheer (1934) | PG | |
Shirley Temple Festival (1932) | NR | |
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