Movie Reviews for Bright Eyes

Bright Eyes

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Movie Reviews of Bright Eyes

Movie Review: charming Temple vehicle
Summary: 5 Stars

Shirley Temple shines in her starring role as Shirley Blake in Bright Eyes. Only six years old when the film was made, Temple stole the hearts of millions of Americans and provided them with great entertainment to get people through the hard times of the depression.

The action begins when Shirley is hitchhiking to the local airport so she can spend time with her godfather James 'Loop' Merritt (James Dunn). Once Shirley arrives at the airport it becomes clear that she's the little darling of all the aviators there. They even plan a Christmas party especially just for Shirley! Unfortunately, things aren't going well for Shirley's widowed mother, Mary Blake (Lois Wilson). She works as a maid for the snobby and snotty well off Anita and J. Wellington Smythe (Dorothy Christy and Theodore von Eltz, respectively). Even their spoiled brat daughter Joy (Jane Withers) treats Shirley like dirt. Through it all, however, Shirley stays focused on the good things in her life like "Loop" and her mother.

Things change fast when Shirley's mother dies unexpectedly. A custody battle quickly ensues. The crusty, rich old uncle of the Smythe's, Ned Smith (Charles Sellon) shows his softie inner self when he becomes determined to adopt Shirley Blake for himself. He knows Shirley is the only person who loves him; the Smythe's just humor Ned Smith to stay in Ned Smith's will. On the other hand, "Loop," Shirley's godfather, wants Shirley so badly that even in a bad storm he takes off in his plane for New York to earn money for the court battle.

Of course, the plot has a few twists and turns--although nothing terribly radical ensues. Who will win the custody battle at the end of the court scene? What about Joy Smythe--will she succeed at hurting Shirley's feelings--and pushing Shirley down during their game of "train wreck?" Will the Smythe's be able to talk Ned Smith into letting Shirley go to a home for orphaned children? What about "Loop" in his plane during that fantastic storm--will he make it to New York safely? Watch the movie and find out!

The choreography works well in crowded scenes including the courtroom scene and the scene in which Shirley sings "On The Good Ship Lollipop." The cinematography shines in scenes during the storm when "Loop" flies in plane in bad weather.

The DVD offers you a choice between watching this film in black or white or a colorized version. There are three trailers for other Shirley Temple movies but that's about it.

Overall, Bright Eyes truly made Shirley Temple the star that she remains today. I highly recommend this film for Shirley Temple fans; it is a good, solid family film. James Dunn turns in a stunning performance as "Loop," Shirley's godfather; and look for some great acting by a very young Jane Withers as Joy Smythe, too.

Enjoy!

Movie Review: Wonderful trip back in time.
Summary: 5 Stars

Shirly Temple started early in films and at age six was a box office sensation where even Santa Claus wanted her autograph. My wife's great grandmother stated that Shirley got her through the depression. I can believe it. Shirley is an idealistic child that finds her way through unbelievable odds without ever shedding a tear or even a pout. The plots are all the same. Shirley starts off with either being an orphan or will be one when her parents (or parent) inevidably dies in the film giving Shirley that sad crying scene. The death sequence is always after a peppy musical number where everything just seems great at the time. The rest of the film finds Shirley trapped with vial caretakers who find her worthless and a burden (sort of an Oliver Twist scenario). Naturally there is always someone there to rescue her from the cruelty that she endures and finds herself off into the sunset with a new father or mother who is as idealistic as one can be. Throughout Shirley endures and provides us with whimsical and lively facial expressions that will break your heart. You feel manipulated and don't care because Shirley is a master with the camera. Bright Eyes is one of her best and of course includes "The Good Ship" song that's in many ways her signature piece.

Movie Review: ONE OF MY FAVORITE TEMPLE FILMS
Summary: 5 Stars

This is an early Shirley that is hard to resist. The movies features Shirley singing "On the Good Ship Lolli Pop" and shows off her talents as a very young actress. There are only a hand full of her films that I will always remember and this is one of them. Heidi,Curly Top and The Little Colonel were the others. The DVD has both Black and White and Colorized version. I am not a fan of colorizing anything,but since they kept the original intact, I did enjoy watching both.

Movie Review: A Nice Change for the New Generation
Summary: 5 Stars

My three grandchildren thoroughly enjoyed "meeting" Shirley Temple via the film, "Bright Eyes". They're all singing the song "On the Good Ship Lollipop" Jackie Jackowitz, Andover, New Jersey