Starring Shirley Temple, Bill Robinson, John Boles, and Karen Morley
Directed by David Butler
Music and Lyrics by various
We remain in 1861, but move to the south for our next Civil War musical. This is Shirley Temple's second Civil War-set vehicle that year after The Little Colonel, but this one hews a lot closer to the conventions of her films. It does have a lot in common with Colonel, including her dancing with Bill Robinson again, but it may be even harder for many audiences to swallow today. Let's begin with Virginia "Virgie" Cary (Temple) for a glimpse of her privileged world at her lavish birthday party and find out...
The Story: Virgie and her parents are shocked when Fort Sumter is attacked and the Civil War begins. Her father Herbert (Boles) joins the Confederate Army as a spy and captain. Her mother (Morley) tries to keep things going on their plantation, but it's hard when the Union Army pretty much moves in. Spunky Virgie manages to gain the respect of the officers, especially Colonel Morrison (Jack Holt), who has a little girl of his own.
Unfortunately, it's not enough to keep their plantation from being burned to the ground during a torrential thunderstorm. Mrs. Cary becomes deathly ill shortly afterwards. Her husband sneaks in to see her, and while he does talk to her one more time before her death, he and Colonel Morrison are arrested when the Union officer tries to help him escape. Virgie and her family's last remaining servant, Uncle Billy (Robinson), earn the money for a train to Washington DC in order to plea for Captain Carey's release from the ultimate authority himself, President Lincoln (Frank McGlynn Sr.).
The Song and Dance: Shirley and Bill Robinson are really the thing here, along with a relatively lavish production with tiny hoopskirts for Shirley and authentic Civil War uniforms for the gentlemen. Shirley's hilarious defying the Union soldiers - especially when showing off her real-life skills with a slingshot! - and handles the dramatic sequences almost as well. Robinson's character is treated with at least a little more respect than most of the black servants in the movie. Mrs. Carey relies heavily on him, and Virgie sees her as her actual uncle (which Temple apparently did as well). He and Temple have most of the best moments, including two terrific tap numbers.
Favorite Number: We begin after Virgie's birthday lunch with her and the children at the party dancing together. This is quickly ended by the announcement of the war as the fathers announce their intention to join the Confederate Army. Temple cheekily sings "I Wish I Was In Dixie" to the Union officers when they first arrive at the plantation. Shirley plays and sings "Believe Me If All Those Endearing Young Charms" to her father when he's visiting the first time. Robinson gets his own solo to "Turkey In the Straw" and joins Temple later for their delightful "Polly Wolly Doodle" with updated lyrics by B.G DeSylva. No wonder they made enough money to travel just with this dance. They're both having a marvelous time tapping together.
Trivia: The scene with Virgie shooting the Union Army with a slingshot was written into the film because Shirley actually was an excellent shot.
This was based on a Broadway play from 1911.
What I Don't Like: Between the treatment of its black characters and the ridiculous melodrama, especially in the second half, this is one of Shirley's most dated vehicles. Shirley even turns up in blackface at one point to evade the Union Army. It's no more convincing for them than it is for us. The black characters are actually happy they're in slavery. Willie Best and his annoying slow drawl is the worst offender here, making him an unpleasant contrast to dignified Robinson.
While it is amusing to see Virgie defy the Union army in the first half, I really wish her mother didn't have to die mid-way through. It's an unnecessary burst of melodrama in a movie already bogged down with it. The entire thing with her convincing Lincoln to release her father is utterly ridiculous and just plain silly.
The Big Finale: Not Temple's best by a long-shot, but still worth seeing for her dances with Robison. Put it on with your older kids, but be prepared to have some long discussions about the treatment of blacks in the Civil War era and the 1930's.
Home Media: Easily found on DVD and streaming.
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