Rondine senza nido

When adorable Shirley Temple gets dropped off, at her aunt's country farm, by her irresponsible uncle, she gets to know the simple life. Only life in the country isn't so simple. Her aunt, Helen Westley, has a decades-long feud with her old beau and neighbor, Slim Summerville. She refuses to speak to him, relaying messages through Shirley even when they're all in the same frame. Then there's the other neighbor, Randolph Scott, a handsome talent scout who's dating a radio singer, Phyllis Brooks. Jack Haley is in love with Phyllis, but she won't give him the time of day. And Gloria Stuart, Shirley's cousin, is trying to fight her feelings for Scottie.

In case that isn't complicated enough, Helen Westley is anti-show business, and Shirley's already auditioned for a Little Miss America radio contest! This is one of the more complicated Shirley Temple movies, which makes sense since she's growing up. She can handle more plot than Curly Top or Stand Up and Cheer. And supposedly, her audience can, too.

Shirley sings a few songs in this one, notably a medley of other songs she's performed in her older movies. While it is very cute for Shirley to sing a medley of her previous hits, it's also bittersweet. She's growing up, and she has to acknowledge that the days of her being a charming little tot are over. For her to "remind" us of her hits, it's also a reminder that those movies were a long time ago. For those who like a good story and lots of jokes sprinkled in the script, this might be your favorite Shirley Temple flick. Helen and Slim's feud is hilarious, and I always love Jack Haley. Scott and Stuart don't do much, but for no fault of their own; it's Shirley's show. Literally!