Shirley Temple, the dimpled darling of the Great Depression, graced the silver screen in a remarkable 43 films during her prolific career. Beyond the raw number, however, lies a story of talent, resilience, and enduring appeal that continues to captivate audiences generations later.
Counting Shirley Temple’s Filmography: A Comprehensive Overview
Understanding Shirley Temple’s filmography requires careful attention to detail, as her career spanned various formats and roles. We’ve broken it down to provide a clear and accurate picture. While commonly associated with feature films, she also appeared in shorts and made uncredited appearances. The core of her legacy, however, rests on those iconic feature-length productions.
Defining a “Shirley Temple Movie”
For the purpose of this article, we are focusing on feature films where Shirley Temple held a credited and significant role. This excludes very early, often uncredited, appearances as an extra. It also excludes television work later in her career. This provides the most accurate representation of her cinematic stardom.
The 43 Films: A List of Titles
Here’s a comprehensive list of the 43 films that solidify Shirley Temple’s status as a cinematic icon:
- Stand Up and Cheer! (1934)
- Baby Take a Bow (1934)
- Bright Eyes (1934)
- Now and Forever (1934)
- Little Miss Marker (1934)
- The Little Colonel (1935)
- Curly Top (1935)
- The Littlest Rebel (1935)
- Captain January (1936)
- Poor Little Rich Girl (1936)
- Dimples (1936)
- Stowaway (1936)
- Wee Willie Winkie (1937)
- Heidi (1937)
- Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm (1938)
- Little Miss Broadway (1938)
- Just Around the Corner (1938)
- The Little Princess (1939)
- Susannah of the Mounties (1939)
- The Blue Bird (1940)
- Young People (1940)
- Kathleen (1941)
- Miss Annie Rooney (1942)
- Since You Went Away (1944)
- I’ll Be Seeing You (1944)
- Kiss and Tell (1945)
- That Brennan Girl (1946)
- Honeymoon (1947)
- Fort Apache (1948)
- Mr. Belvedere Goes to College (1949)
- Adventure in Baltimore (1949)
- The Story of Seabiscuit (1949)
- A Kiss for Corliss (1949)
- Rhapsody in August (1991)
- War Babies (1932)
- The Pie Covered Wagon (1932)
- Glad Rags (1932)
- Kid’s Last Stand (1932)
- Polly Tix in Washington (1932)
- Merrily Yours (1932)
- New Deal Rhythm (1933)
- To the Last Man (1933)
- Out All Night (1933)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Shirley Temple’s Movies
These FAQs address common queries regarding Shirley Temple’s film career, providing further context and interesting insights.
Q1: What was Shirley Temple’s first credited film role?
Her first credited film role was in Stand Up and Cheer! (1934). This musical comedy marked the beginning of her meteoric rise to stardom. Prior to this, she appeared in several Baby Burlesks shorts, which, while controversial today, were part of the entertainment landscape of the time.
Q2: Which Shirley Temple film is considered her most iconic?
Bright Eyes (1934) is often cited as her most iconic film. It features her signature song, “On the Good Ship Lollipop,” and cemented her image as America’s sweetheart. The film perfectly embodies the optimism and hope she represented during the Great Depression.
Q3: What was Shirley Temple’s highest-grossing film?
While exact figures adjusted for inflation are difficult to pinpoint, Heidi (1937) and The Little Princess (1939) are consistently ranked among her highest-grossing films. Both films offered lavish production values and heartwarming stories, contributing to their box office success.
Q4: When did Shirley Temple retire from acting?
Shirley Temple effectively retired from acting in 1950, at the age of 22. Although she made a few later appearances, her focus shifted to public service and diplomacy. Her decision to retire was largely driven by a desire to pursue other interests and escape the pressures of Hollywood.
Q5: What types of roles did Shirley Temple typically play?
Shirley Temple typically played optimistic, resilient, and endearing children who brought joy and hope to those around them. Her characters often overcame adversity with charm and determination, making her a symbol of hope during challenging times.
Q6: How old was Shirley Temple when she made her first film?
She was only three years old when she appeared in her first film, a short called War Babies (1932), part of the “Baby Burlesks” series. These early appearances, though often uncredited, laid the groundwork for her future stardom.
Q7: Did Shirley Temple sing in her movies?
Yes, Shirley Temple was renowned for her singing and dancing talents. Many of her films featured memorable musical numbers, solidifying her status as a triple-threat performer. Her songs, like “On the Good Ship Lollipop” and “Animal Crackers in My Soup,” became instant classics.
Q8: Did Shirley Temple win any Academy Awards for her film work?
She received a Juvenile Academy Award in 1934, recognizing her outstanding contribution to screen entertainment during that year. This special award acknowledged her exceptional talent and the positive impact she had on audiences.
Q9: Were Shirley Temple’s movies popular internationally?
Yes, Shirley Temple’s films enjoyed immense popularity worldwide. Her universal appeal transcended cultural boundaries, making her a global phenomenon. She was particularly popular in countries like Great Britain and Australia.
Q10: What is Shirley Temple’s legacy in the film industry?
Shirley Temple’s legacy is that of a child prodigy who brought joy and optimism to millions during the Great Depression and beyond. She remains a symbol of innocence, talent, and the enduring power of film to uplift and inspire.
Q11: Are Shirley Temple’s movies available to watch today?
Yes, many of Shirley Temple’s films are readily available on DVD, Blu-ray, and various streaming platforms. Her movies continue to be enjoyed by families and film enthusiasts around the world, ensuring her legacy lives on.
Q12: Besides acting, what other achievements did Shirley Temple have?
Beyond her acting career, Shirley Temple Black (as she was known later) had a distinguished career as a diplomat. She served as the United States Ambassador to Ghana and Czechoslovakia, demonstrating her dedication to public service and international relations. This transition showcased her remarkable ability to excel in diverse fields.