Curly Top

Just an all-round charming musical film that shows little Shirley at her best. She sparkles, sings and dances, and has some amusing moments no one can resist, as in "Oh my goodness!" when she gives us a quizzical look.

The story opens at the orphanage with Elizabeth Blair (Shirley Temple) as an orphan along with her older sister Mary (Rochelle Hudson). The cute youngster comes to the attention of a visiting wealthy beneficiary of the orphanage, Edward Morgan (John Boles), who can't seem to put her out of his mind after meeting her and eventually he arranges to adopt her but she's not to be parted from her older sister, Mary, so both are accepted.

Lovely Mary is so appreciative of their good fortune that Edward becomes captivated by her charms also, and soon love grows between them but unspoken. Enter young Jimmie (Maurice Murphy) who's intent on getting engaged to Mary and succeeds, but how will it end?

Arthur Treacher is amusing with his formal butler ways and adds to the fun, particularly the kitchen scene.

I think that after "The Little Princess" this one is my next favorite of all Shirley's movies. Very enjoyable, uplifting and heartwarming.