The Littlest Rebel (1935)

Shirley Temple's father, a rebel officer, sneaks back to his rundown plantation to see his family and is arrested. A Yankee takes pity and sets up an escape. Everyone is captured and the ... See full summary »

Director:

David Butler

Writers:

Edwin J. Burke (screen play) (as Edwin Burke), Edward Peple (from the play by)

Stars:

Shirley Temple, John Boles, Jack Holt

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Shirley Temple	...	Virgie Cary
John Boles	...	Capt. Herbert Cary
Jack Holt	...	Col. Morrison
Karen Morley	...	Mrs. Cary
Bill Robinson	...	Uncle Billy
Guinn 'Big Boy' Williams	...	Sgt. Dudley (as Guinn Williams)
Willie Best	...	James Henry
Frank McGlynn Sr.	...	Abraham Lincoln
Bessie Lyle	...	Mammy
Hannah Washington	...	Sally Ann

Storyline

Shirley Temple's father, a rebel officer, sneaks back to his rundown plantation to see his family and is arrested. A Yankee takes pity and sets up an escape. Everyone is captured and the officers are to be executed. Shirley and "Bojangles" Robinson beg President Lincoln to intercede.

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Plot Keywords:

remake | black stereotype | father | plantation | tyrant | 

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Taglines:

She's a bundle of charm from Dixie singing new songs- Dancing New Steps and mingling Tears with Laughter. (Print Ad- Gridley Herald, (Gridley, Calif.)) 17 January 1936)

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Family | Musical | War

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Certificate:

Approved

Did You Know?

Trivia

Both John Boles and Bill Robinson nearly drowned while trying to cross a raging, 15-foot river for an escape scene that was cut from the film.

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Goofs

When the Union soldiers are caught looting, the commanding officer orders them to be flogged. The US Army according to the "History of the United States Army" stopped flogging at the beginning of the Civil War in 1861--this scene is obviously later in the war as Union forces are occupying the south.

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Quotes

Uncle Billy: Oh, Master Cary, thank the Lord I found you, sir.
Capt. Herbert Cary, aka 'Master Cary': What is it, Uncle Billy?
Uncle Billy: Mrs. Cary, she's awful sick, sir. I's afraid, sir. She keeps asking for you.
Capt. Herbert Cary, aka 'Master Cary': What happened?
Uncle Billy: They fought right in front of the house, sir. The house burned down. Mrs. Cary, she catch her death of cold.
Capt. Herbert Cary, aka 'Master Cary': How long has this been going on?
Uncle Billy: She sick for three weeks and gettin' worse.

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Alternate Versions

Also available in a computer colorized version.

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Connections

Featured in M*A*S*H: Bulletin Board (1975)

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Soundtracks

Old Folks at Home (Swanee River)
(1851) (uncredited)
Written by Stephen Foster
Played during the opening credits

User Reviews

Talk to your kids afterward...

There are two very good opportunities afforded by this film. One, it's entertaining, fast-paced, and Shirley really shines.

The second is a chance to talk to your children about the way black characters and white characters interact in this film. Some younger children may be confused by the divide between the black characters and the white characters (especially those who attend racially-diverse schools,) but this is a good time to explain to them the racist attitudes of the time period, and ask them how it makes them feel.

The best way to combat racism is not to sweep it under the rug, but to teach children where we were, how far we've come, and how far we still need to go. Give children the credit they deserve, they will understand.

This film is a perfect opportunity to relate to your children and instill guidance.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

27 December 1935 (USA)

Also Known As:

A Pequena Rebelde

Filming Locations:

20th Century Fox Studios - 10201 Pico Blvd., Century City, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Twentieth Century Fox

Technical Specs

Runtime:

73 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Noiseless Recording)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1