Hitchcoc
People sometimes make fun of Shirley Temple. The fact of the matter is that not only was she precocious, she was incredibly talented. She could sing, dance, and, especially, act. This is the famous story of the little orphan girl who is not wanted and is sent off to live with her reclusive uncle (played beautifully by Jean Hersholt) who initially resents her but recognizes she needs a place. Just when they have bonded and she begins to love him, she is uprooted from this life, place in a family where she is to be the caretaker of a little disabled girl. She is immediately despised by Fraulein Rottenmeier who sees her as a threat, especially when Heidi gets the little girl, Klara, to walk. This is really a good movie with some very memorable characters. It also has the beauty of the Alps as a kind of character. Shirley Temple was one of the most popular actresses of her time and this showed how engaging she could be.
PamelaShort
Shirley Temple's version of Heidi, is another film I enjoy watching every Christmas season, and little children will find it delightful too. This is really one of Temple's best film's, added with her special charming touches. The underrated child actress, Marcia Mae Jones is also very lovely with her performance as Klara, the invalid girl who Heidi helps to walk. Jean Hersholt is marvellous as the grandfather, who is surly towards Heidi at first, but soon turns to love the precious child. The comical Arthur Treacher adds some humorous touches to this story. Mary Nash, Sidney Blackmer, and child actor Delmar Watson, all portray their characters perfectly, making this a very entertaining and heart-warming adaption of the classic child's story.Well worth a look during the Christmas holidays.
gavin6942
I did not know the story of Heidi and thought it would be boring. This movie proved me wrong. Although the descriptions of her grandfather as "mean", "grouchy" or "crotchety" seem more than a bit exaggerated.I have some problems with the film -- first and foremost that the goal seems to be presenting Shirley Temple as adorable. Did the character of Heidi need to be so precious? What if she was a plain, average child? The point should be about the relationship between the grandfather and Heidi. Taking the focus off of them and putting it on her is a serious mistake.All in all, I was greatly entertained and for 1937 the film is of great quality. Whether or not it should be called a classic depends on your definition.
ccthemovieman-1
Some people have said this is Shirley Temple's best film. It's not my favorite but I admit it is very, very good....and it has some of the most touching, wonderful moments of any of her films. In fact, there were several times in the first part of this film that produced tears in my eyes. Of course, I am an old sentimentalist. Nonetheless, this is wonderful stuff.The only reason I don't rank this among my favorite Temple films is the mean old lady, "Fraulein Rottenmeier," played by Mary Nash, has too big a role in the second half of the movie making for a number of unpleasant scenes. I had gotten so involved with the story that I couldn't stand to see this mean woman so nasty to "Heidi" (Temple). Also, there was only one song-and-dance number and that's not enough for Shirley Temple movie.The other characters were fine. Arthur Treacher provides good humor; Jean Hersholt is great as the gruff-then-loving grandfather and Marcia Mae Jones is nice as the young invalid.This is a true classic story and ends with perhaps the most gorgeous and sweetest smile I've ever seen on Shirley's face.
AD
