SYNOPSIS: "The Little Princess" (1939) is a family drama film starring the iconic Shirley Temple as Sara Crewe, a young girl left at a boarding school in London when her father, played by Ian Hunter, goes off to fight in the Second Boer War. Directed by Walter Lang and produced by Darryl F. Zanuck, the film showcases Temple's remarkable talent and charm. When Sara's father is reported missing and presumed dead, Sara faces hardships and mistreatment from the school's headmistress, portrayed by Mary Nash. Despite the challenges, Sara remains hopeful and resilient, believing in her father's return. The film is based on the classic novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, with a screenplay adapted by Ethel Hill and Walter Ferris. "The Little Princess" is notable for its emotional depth and the compelling performance by Shirley Temple, solidifying her status as a beloved child star of her time.

PLOT Spoiler Alert: The Little Princess (1939) begins with Captain Crewe (Ian Hunter) and his beloved daughter Sara (Shirley Temple) arriving in London. Captain Crewe is about to leave for the Second Boer War, and he enrolls Sara at Miss Minchin's Select Seminary for Girls, an exclusive boarding school. Despite the sadness of parting from her father, Sara is comforted by his promise to return and the lavish gifts he bestows upon her, including a beautiful doll named Emily.

At the school, Sara quickly becomes the favorite among the girls and even the staff, charming everyone with her kindness and imagination. Miss Minchin (Mary Nash), the stern headmistress, sees Sara as a profitable student due to her father's wealth. Sara’s life at the seminary is comfortable and filled with friends and activities, and she is especially kind to Becky (Sybil Jason), a scullery maid who faces Miss Minchin's harshest treatment.

Sara’s world is turned upside down when news arrives that Captain Crewe is missing in action and presumed dead. Miss Minchin, realizing that Sara's tuition will no longer be paid, transforms her from a favored student to a servant, forcing her to work alongside Becky in the kitchen and live in the cold attic. Despite her sudden fall from grace, Sara remains optimistic and continues to hold onto the belief that her father will return.

Sara’s imagination and resilience help her endure her new hardships. She tells Becky and the other girls enchanting stories, which keeps their spirits high. Meanwhile, Miss Minchin’s cruelty intensifies, especially when Sara’s optimism and spirit remain unbroken.

While living in the attic, Sara befriends Mr. Bertie (Arthur Treacher), a kind neighbor who is a former soldier and entertainer. He, along with his friend Ram Dass (Cesar Romero), who works for Mr. Carrisford (Richard Greene), a wealthy and ill man living next door, help to bring some joy and comfort to Sara’s difficult life. Ram Dass is particularly touched by Sara’s kindness and perseverance.

In a twist of fate, Mr. Carrisford turns out to be an old friend of Captain Crewe who has been searching for Sara, hoping to fulfill his promise to take care of her if anything happened to her father. Carrisford’s failing health has made the search difficult, but Ram Dass's descriptions of the poor girl next door lead Carrisford to realize Sara’s identity.

As Sara’s situation becomes increasingly desperate, with Miss Minchin growing more vindictive, Carrisford finally discovers the truth. He brings Sara into his home, providing her with the care and comfort she has been denied. At the same time, a miraculous discovery is made: Captain Crewe is alive, suffering from amnesia in a military hospital.

The film culminates in a dramatic and emotional reunion between Sara and her father at the hospital, facilitated by Mr. Carrisford. Sara’s unwavering belief in her father’s return is vindicated, and her fortunes are restored. Miss Minchin, faced with the return of Captain Crewe and the revelation of her cruelty, is left to confront the consequences of her actions.

The Little Princess ends on a joyous note, with Sara reunited with her father, surrounded by her new family of friends who helped her through her darkest times. Her kindness and resilience have triumphed over adversity, making her a true "little princess" in spirit.

PRODUCTION: "The Little Princess" (1939) was produced by 20th Century Fox, with Darryl F. Zanuck serving as the producer. Zanuck was a key figure in the Golden Age of Hollywood, known for his ability to produce successful and influential films. This project was no exception, as it was designed to be a showcase for Shirley Temple, the studio’s biggest star at the time.

The film was directed by Walter Lang, a director known for his versatility and skill in handling different genres, from musicals to dramas. Lang’s direction brought out the emotional depth and charm of the story, making it accessible and engaging for audiences of all ages. His collaboration with Temple was particularly effective, as he was able to draw out a nuanced performance from the young actress.

The screenplay was written by Ethel Hill and Walter Ferris, based on the beloved novel "A Little Princess" by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Hill and Ferris faced the challenge of adapting a well-known and cherished book into a screenplay that would do justice to its themes and characters. They succeeded in creating a script that retained the heart and soul of Burnett’s story while making it suitable for the screen. Their adaptation focused on the resilience and optimism of Sara Crewe, a young girl who faces adversity with grace and courage.

One of the most notable aspects of "The Little Princess" is that it was Shirley Temple’s first Technicolor film. This marked a significant point in her career, as Technicolor films were relatively new and considered a major innovation in the film industry. The use of Technicolor added a new dimension to Temple’s already vibrant performances, enhancing her appeal and helping to further cement her status as a major star. The vibrant colors of the film brought the story to life in a way that black-and-white could not, making it visually stunning and appealing to audiences.

The production design and costumes were also significant in creating the world of "The Little Princess." The boarding school and the various settings were meticulously designed to reflect the period and the social status of the characters. The costumes, in particular, were designed to highlight the contrast between Sara’s initial life of luxury and her later hardships. This attention to detail helped to create a believable and immersive world for the story to unfold.

Shirley Temple’s performance as Sara Crewe is often cited as one of her best. She brought a depth and maturity to the role that belied her young age, capturing the character’s inner strength and unwavering hope. Temple’s natural charm and talent were on full display, making her portrayal of Sara both moving and memorable. Her performance was complemented by strong supporting roles, including Ian Hunter as her father and Mary Nash as the stern headmistress.

The film’s music, composed by Cyril J. Mockridge, also played an important role in setting the tone and enhancing the emotional impact of the story. The score was carefully crafted to underscore the dramatic and poignant moments, adding to the overall atmosphere of the film.

Despite the behind-the-scenes challenges, including the pressure to adapt a beloved novel and the technical demands of shooting in Technicolor, "The Little Princess" was a critical and commercial success. It showcased Shirley Temple’s talents in a new light and demonstrated the potential of Technicolor in enhancing the cinematic experience.

In summary, "The Little Princess" was a landmark film in Shirley Temple’s career and a significant achievement for 20th Century Fox. The combination of strong direction by Walter Lang, a well-crafted screenplay by Ethel Hill and Walter Ferris, and the innovative use of Technicolor, along with Temple’s unforgettable performance, made it a standout film of its time. The production of "The Little Princess" is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the cast and crew, and it remains a beloved classic in the history of cinema.

RELEASE: "The Little Princess" was released on March 17, 1939, and immediately captured the hearts of audiences with its heartwarming story and marked a significant moment in Shirley Temple's career, showcasing her at the peak of her popularity and talent.

Critics and audiences alike responded positively to "The Little Princess." Variety, a leading entertainment magazine, praised the film for its charming narrative and highlighted Shirley Temple's captivating performance. The review noted, "Shirley Temple’s first Technicolor film is a visual treat and an emotional journey. Her portrayal of Sara Crewe is both endearing and inspiring, making this film a standout in her illustrious career." Temple's ability to convey Sara's resilience and optimism in the face of adversity resonated deeply with viewers, adding to the film's emotional impact.

The film's success was also bolstered by strong supporting performances, including Ian Hunter as Sara's father and Mary Nash as the formidable headmistress Miss Minchin. Their performances added depth to the narrative, complementing Temple's portrayal and enriching the overall viewing experience.

Beyond its critical acclaim, "The Little Princess" was a commercial success, further solidifying Shirley Temple's status as a box office sensation. Audiences flocked to theaters to be swept away by the poignant tale of Sara Crewe's journey from riches to rags and back again.

The release of "The Little Princess" in 1939 positioned it as a memorable entry in Shirley Temple's filmography and a classic example of Hollywood's ability to blend storytelling with technological innovation. Its enduring appeal lies in its timeless themes of resilience, hope, and the power of optimism, encapsulated in Shirley Temple's unforgettable performance and the film's visually stunning presentation.

CAST:

• Shirley Temple as Sara Crewe

• Richard Greene as Geoffrey Hamilton

• Anita Louise as Rose

• Ian Hunter as Captain Crewe

• Cesar Romero as Ram Dass

• Mary Nash as Miss Minchin

• Sybil Jason as Becky

• Arthur Treacher as Bertie Minchin

• Marcia Mae Jones as Lavinia

• Miles Mander as Lord Wickham

• Beryl Mercer as Queen Victoria

• Deidre Gale as Jessie

• Ira Stevens as Ermengarde

• E.E. Clive as Mr. Barrows

• Eily Malyon as Cook

• Clyde Cook as Attendant

• Keith Hitchcock as Bobbie

• Will Stanton as Groom

• Harry Allen as Groom

• Holmes Herbert as Doctor

• Evan Thomas as Doctor

• Guy Bellis as Doctor

• Kenneth Hunter as General

• Lionel Braham as Colonel
  

CREW:

• Director: Walter Lang

• Producers: Darryl F. Zanuck

• Screenwriters: Ethel Hill, Walter Ferris (screenplay), Frances Hodgson Burnett (novel)

• Cinematographer: Arthur C. Miller, William V. Skall

• Editor: Louis R. Loeffler

• Music: Cyril J. Mockridge

• Art Director: Bernard Herzbrun, Hans Peters
  

Production Company: 20th Century Fox
Distributor: 20th Century Fox

Release Date: March 17, 1939
Country of Origin: United States
Running Time: 93 minutes
Budget: $1 million
Box Office Return: N/A

IMDB Rating =  7.1 / 10

TRIVIA:

• In the scene where a parrot flies into Sara's room off of Ram Dass' (Cesar Romero) shoulder, originally a small monkey was to be used. However, the monkey did not seem to like Shirley Temple and kept trying to bite her, so it was replaced by a parrot.

• Shirley Temple's first Technicolor film, delayed until this one, was that the Technicolor company insisted that 1,000 foot-candle lights be used to get proper exposure on its film. These incredibly bright lights produced so much heat that the studio thought a child Temple's age would be hurt working under such conditions. So, with the cooperation of the Technicolor company, cinematographer Arthur C. Miller worked on a series of tests using lower levels of light, and finally discovered that 400 to 500 foot-candle lights would produce a satisfactory Technicolor image without generating the kind of heat that could injure Temple and the other children in the cast. Technicolor used a new high-speed film for this picture's trailer. This new film went on to be used for Gone with the Wind (1939).

• The failure of the original copyright holder to renew the film's copyright resulted in it falling into public domain.

• In wanting to fit in with the film's crew, Shirley Temple requested her own time card to punch in and out of work. Director Walter Lang gave in and she was issued her own card and used the studio's time recorder. When IBM heard of this they sent her a custom-made machine embossed with her name and special cards with her picture. Temple ignored these and continued to use her studio-issued cards.

• Marcia Mae Jones, who played Lavinia, received hate mail from Shirley Temple fans over the way Lavinia treated Temple's Sara Crewe, in contrast to the way Temple's Heidi treated Jones' Klara in Heidi (1937).

• Sara's black dress was bought new and aged for the film.

• The original source of the movie was a novel called "Sara Crewe; or, What Happened at Miss Minchin's" by Frances Hodgson Burnett, and it was published in 1888. She later adapted her book for the stage, calling it "A Little Princess" (in London, 1902) and "The Little Princess" (in New York, 1903). It was successful enough that her publisher, C. Scribner's Sons, requested that she expand her original novel to include scenes from the play. The result was the final novel, "A Little Princess; Being the Whole Story of Sara Crewe," which was published in 1905, and is the secondary source for the movie.

• Great lengths were taken to make sure everything on film was period-correct for England in 1899. Production was halted when it was discovered that of the costumes Shirley Temple wore had fasteners which were not invented until 1908.

• Mary Nash's costumes from Heidi (1937) were recycled for this film.

• One of many films starring Shirley Temple which were remakes of Silent Era motion pictures starring Mary Pickford. Known as "America's Sweetheart" and the "Girl with the Curls," Pickford's earlier box-office hits included The Poor Little Rich Girl (1917), Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm (1917), and A Little Princess (1917). In addition to re-purposing Pickford's films as vehicles for Temple, studio publicists re-used Pickford's persona and nicknames as a model for crafting Temple's own image as a Hollywood starlet.

• Shirley Temple initially brought her own pony to use in this film. However, the pony became restless and disruptive and was replaced - causing Temple to lose the animal's fee for appearing in the picture.

• Jack Lindquist, who later became the first president of Disneyland, appears beside Shirley Temple as one of the two page boys in the film's dream sequence.

• After filming was completed, studio head Darryl F. Zanuck insisted that additional scenes be shot at a cost of $300,000. This upped the production cost to over $1M, making this the most expensive Shirley Temple film up to that time.

• At the time this was made, Shirley Temple's reign as America's #1 Box Office Star was coming to an end, so 20th Century-Fox spared no expense in terms of production costs. This was Shirley's first all Technicolor film, was based on a popular children's book and had an unprecedented budget of $1 million. This lavish production paid off when this became Temple's final box office money-maker as a child star.

• In the scene where Sara dumps ashes on Lavinia, Shirley Temple asked to do the scene again, as she was upset with Marcia Mae Jones. Director Walter Lang declined her request.

• The complete (seven piece) riding outfit that Shirley Temple wears in this film has survived. It sold at Heritage Auctions on November 4, 2021, for $6,875.

• Twentieth Century-Fox bought the film rights to the novel from Paramount in 1934 as a vehicle for Shirley Temple.

• The original play of the same title opened in New York City at the Criterion Theatre, 1514-16 Broadway, on January 14, 1903 and ran for 49 performances across a total of three theaters during January, February and December 1903.

• The film is often criticized today due to its support for Britain in the Second Boer War.

• Eily Malyon (Cook) also appeared in the Shirley Temple movie Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm (1938) as Mrs. Turner.

• The film deviates from the original novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, particularly in its happy ending where Captain Crewe is found alive.

• Cesar Romero, who played Ram Dass, later became famous for his role as the Joker in the 1960s "Batman" television series.

• Arthur Treacher, who played Mr. Bertie, was a well-known character actor and later lent his name to the Arthur Treacher's Fish & Chips chain of restaurants.

• The lavish sets and costumes in the film were designed to showcase the new Technicolor process, adding to the film’s visual appeal.

• Shirley Temple was 11 years old when she starred in "The Little Princess," and it marked a transition in her career from child star to young actress.
  

"The Little Princess" remains a beloved classic of family entertainment, cherished for its heartwarming tale of resilience and kindness amidst adversity, continuing to captivate audiences with its enduring charm and memorable performances.