weezeralfalfa
The only Shirley Temple(S.T.) film I can think of where Shirley has a sister(Rochelle Hudson as Mary) interacting with her. However, clearly, Mary is an adult, maybe a dozen years older than Shirley. In fact, she's the romantic interest of the lead male(John Boles),and we wonder what she is doing still being treated as an orphan?! Most of the personal conflicts are relatively mild compared to many S.T. films. The exceptions are Shirley vs. the orphanage superintendent: Mrs. Higgins and orphanage trustee Wyckoff: a no nonsense elderly gentleman. Unfortunately, he came visiting on the wrong day for Shirley. Some of Shirley's antics understandably angered the power elite of the orphanage. John Boles, an easy-going trustee, who held the purse strings of the orphanage, had to bail Shirley out of trouble by offering to adopt her and her sister Mary. When these two left the orphanage, the superintendent and matron(Jane Darnell) broke down in tears, which they told each other was occasioned by happiness. But, it's obvious this isn't the explanation.The second half of the film, which takes place in Boles' aunt's home, where Boles lives, is almost free of significant conflicts. There is the question who is going to marry Mary. The obvious choice is Boles. However, he inexplicably doesn't let on that he's interested in her until the end, although it's obvious he likes her. This leaves Mary open to other suitors, and Boles almost looses her. Such conflicts are mostly kept under wraps. There are 5 main songs. Shirley's lengthy rendition of "Animal Crackers in my Soup", sung during supper at the orphanage, is much the best remembered. However, I think all are catchy. Shirley's other big song "When I Grow up" is actually composed of several distinct segments, making it quite long, with changes of wardrobe. Later, Arthur Treacher, as the very tall, thin, amusing butler, and Billy Gilbert, the chubby cook, sing their version of this song. Shirley also briefly sings "On the Beach at Waikiki", while doing the hula. Rochelle Hudson(Mary)sings "The Simple Things in Life". Near the end, John Boles sings "Curly Top" to Shirley, primarily. He had a great singing voice.All in all, a pleasant viewing experience, and one of the most tuneful of S.T. films... I lost count of the number of times Shirley exclaimed "Oh, my goodness". But in the closing frames, she changes it to "Oh, my word", which was Treacher's standard exclamation.John Boles was also the lead male in the S.T. film "The Littlest Rebel". He obviously had great rapport with Shirley. This is the first of 4 S.T. films that Arthur Treacher played the eccentric, if proficient, butler. Jane Darwell played a minor character in quite a few S.T. films.
bkoganbing
Shirley Temple is at the top of her adorable moppet game in Curly Top as she becomes the catalyst that gets her and her older sister Rochelle Hudson out of an orphanage and married to a rich man. Cinderella never had it better.Shirley and Rochelle's parents were killed in an accident and Rochelle promised them as they were dying that she and Shirley would not be separated. She even stayed on at the orphanage to cook and clean after she became an adult.Prince Charming who looks a lot like John Boles is captivated by Shirley when she sings one of the songs most identified with her Animal Crackers In My Soup. He's inherited a ton of money and is the newest member of the orphanage's board of directors. Boles brings them to his dream house with aunt Esther Dale, butler Arthur Treacher, and cook Billy Gilbert. Sounds like a dream house to me.All that's missing in this Cinderella story is a coach that turns back into a pumpkin.Even at my age I have to admit to being charmed by Shirley and her singing and dancing and all around sunny disposition. Curly Top ranks as one of her best films and holds up well for today's audience.
sratkiew03
you know all the bad things they say about Shirley temple?.... they're true. in curly top, she plays the part of a poor little orphan who charms all who meet her, (of course, isn't that what she does in all her movies?) including "handsome" edward morgan. all the people who are present during the LONG songs seem to think that singing the same thing over and over makes for a good song. (come to think of it, they pretty much SAY the same over and over too) all in all, this movie seems to display Shirley temple's cuteness other than really HAVE a plot.
smaniaci
I have watched Curly Top so many times. It is a classic. Shirley Temple makes it very much so. The title alone lets you know that it is a charming film, albeit from the 1930s.Little Shirley sings one of her signature songs in the film. It is "Animal Crackers in my Soup." She sings it near a table at the orphanage. Everyone else tries to stop her. However, Shirley's teen sister, in the movie, sticks up for her as always. Her screen name is Mary (played by Rochelle Hudson).I'm so glad that's what happens.
