The Little Princess
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Movie Reviews of The Little Princess
Movie Review: Toothless adaptation of the beloved novel
Summary: 3 Stars
The Bottom Line:
Though Burnett's source novel isn't exactly great (it pretty much defines "poor little rich girl") it's a very appealing and simple story, so it's depressing to see how badly the filmmakers of this version botched it; unless you're a diehard Shirley Temple fan (and even if you are, be aware she's at her most annoying here) watch the 1995 version before wasting time on this.
2/4
Movie Review: ONE OF SHIRLEY'S WORST FILMS
Summary: 2 Stars
I have not read the book by F.H. Burnett, on which this film was based, or seen the 1995 remake, but I agree with the majority of reviewers who feel that Shirley Temple did not give one of her best performances in THE LITTLE PRINCESS as Sara Crewe, the poor little rich girl who goes from "riches to rags". This film, in my opinion, suffers from an excess of overacting, not only from Shirley but also from her supporting cast. Shirley is unconvincing in her attempts to display emotion, whether it is grief over her father's reported death, or joy when she is finally re-united with him at the end of the film. Though I never considered her a remarkable child actress, still she seemed unable here to re-create the irresistible charm of her earlier films, which so endeared her to the public of the 1930s. Not helping her in any way are the British actors and actresses who fill the supporting roles. They overplay their "Englishness" to the point of irritation (especially Arthur Treacher), which detracts from the enjoyment of the film. Shirley, too, overplays the English bit in her song-and-dance routines with Treacher, and has as much trouble with the Cockney accent as the poor American actress who was stuck playing the part of the Cockney servant girl who befriends Shirley at the school. In THE LITTLE PRINCESS her talent for dance never has the opportunity to shine as it did in previous films. It was obvious in the ballet sequence that she didn't possess the strength to dance in point shoes, and her duets with Treacher cannot compare with the memorable scenes of her dancing with Bill "Bojangles" Robinson in THE LITTLE COLONEL, or with Buddy "Jed Clampett" Ebsen in CAPTAIN JANUARY. For children and adults who want to see examples of her dancing prowess, these two films are strongly recommended. And for those wishing to see Shirly performing at her best, take a look at WEE WILLIE WINKIE or POOR LITTLE RICH GIRL. (A note to fans of Marcia Mae Jones: My favorite scene in THE LITTLE PRINCESS, and possibly the highlight of the film, occurs near the end when Marcia, playing the haughty schoolgirl Lavinia, gets a pail of ashes dumped on her head. Touche', Shirley.Movie Review: Overrated Shirley Temple vehicle.
Summary: 2 Stars
I've only seen two film versions of "Little Princess": this one and the 1995 Warner Bros. version. I can say that the latest film is miles better than this one. As Sara Crewe, Shirley Temple is WAY miscast. But since 20th Century Fox had her as their studio prodigy, it's pretty understandable. However, I never though she could really ACT, and this film didn't change my perception of her. When she tries to display emotions, she simply overacts during her numerous crying scenes in the film. Thank God this was one of her last films as a child star. In the 1995 remake, Liesel Matthews gave a more realistic child performance, didn't overact during her crying scenes, and she made me believe that her character was in danger and somehow suffering. That's something Shirley Temple could only DREAM of doing [making the viewer believe her]. This film version can't hold a candle to the 1995 remake.Movie Review: Glazed over ending ruins the story
Summary: 2 Stars
Don't get me wrong, I adore Shirley Temple, and have since I was a little girl. This is one of the movies I will refuse to watch though. The magic of the original story of The Little Princess, by Frances Hodgson Burnett, is desimated with this Disney-ized version. The original story has Sara Crew's father die in war, which entirely turns around the little girl's fortune. But this film gives it a happily ever after Disney ending in which the father ends up not being dead at all. It ruins the plot entirely, and is a disgrace to the original. If you want a movie that lives up to everything the book was and more, check out the 1995 version "A Little Princess"; beautifully done. If you want a good Shirley Temple Movie, check out Heidi, or Bright Eyes, or Poor Little Rich Girl instead.Movie Review: A candidate for a restoration
Summary: 1 Stars
The Little Princess remains one of my favorite childhood movie memories. Finding the DVD version was simple enough. I was unaware of how widely the quality varied between the different versions available. The first version I purchased from a Canadian group was horrible. This DVD presentation was reasonable but not striking. The image was grainy and lacked that "Technicolor" brilliance I had hoped for. All of the DVD and VHS versions seem to be made from one film transfer made from an old print. The color rendering is poor. Some scenes appear almost Black and White. Unlike "The WIzard of Oz" or "The Secret Garden" I don't think this was intentional. This version is not transfered from Technicolor stock. I wonder if it was even made from 35 millimeter film. The quality if any in this DVD is from some digital processing available to old video. It does not appear a flying spot scanner or any film restoration equipment was used to create this DVD. The only really nice color image was the cover of the DVD package. I wish someone could find the real Technicolor masters, either the negative or positive film. If you were going to restore one Shirley Temple work, this film would be the one. It is a classic of the time with a glimpse at that time. And Shirley Temple was good in this film. You wipe tears away from your eyes at least twice. And Temple sings a great little song. Did I mention she dances a little too.