Dimples Reviews

This is an emotional roller-coaster starring curly-topped Shirley Temple as a youngster in mid-19th-century New York City. The location is the only thing new in this formula drama, in which Temple, as the penniless granddaughter of petty thief Frank Morgan, earns change singing in the streets while Grandpa empties the pockets of the enthralled onlookers. The pair get a chance to entertain for high-society dame Helen Westley, who, as expected, falls in love with Temple. Westley offers Morgan $5,000 to allow her to adopt Temple, and the little ragamuffin persuades him to take the cash. After later expressing displeasure with her new mom, Shirley is reunited with Morgan, who returns the money. Morgan's performance challenges the top-billing of the little thespian, and Bill Robinson's dance routines are first-rate. Songs include: "Hey, What Did the Bluebird Say?" "He Was a Dandy," "Picture Me without You," "Oh Mister Man up in the Moon," "Dixie-Anna," "Get on Board," and "Swing Low Sweet Chariot."