Red-Haired Alibi

A few months after her roles in the 'Baby Burlesks' series ended, small film studio Tower Productions, signed Shirley Temple for her feature film debut, September 1932's "The Red-Haired Alibi," marking the first time her name was listed in the credits. Shirley just turned four when she appears as the daughter of Bob Shelton (Grant Withers), a wealthy single-parent who meets Lynn Montih (Merna Kennedy). Bob hires Lynn to be a governess for his daughter, Shirley, who receives an abundant of screen time showcasing her adorable face. Bob and Lynn fall in love and marry. Little does Bob know Lynn had been working for a gangster, Trent Travers (Theodore von Eltz), as a 'companion.' Things get sticky when Trent makes his appearanc, asking Lynn for big bucks, or he'll squawk like a canary.

When the Marx Brothers were filming "Horse Feathers," Shirley and her mother were walking nearby where the four were taking a break. Harpo immediately saw the cuteness oozing all over Shirley and approached her mom. He offered $50,000 for the chance to adopt the young girl. The mother naturally refused his offer. Maybe she instinctively knew a bright future awaited her young daughter.