But then Temple's last film she made in 1938, JUST AROUND THE CORNER (1938) was panned by the critics and flopped at the Box Office. The following year, Temple was no longer the Top Box Office draw, probably due to only making two pictures instead of her usual three or four a year. One of the two films was THE LITTLE PRINCESS (1939), Temple's first movie shot in COLOR. The film was also the most expensive Temple film ever made, due to Daryl Zanuck requesting additional scenes to shot that cost over a million dollars. Thankfully, THE LITTLE PRINCESS (1939) was a success at the box office. By 1940, Temple's box office status and popularity WANED after the disastrous reaction to her last two films, YOUNG PEOPLE (1940) and BLUE BIRD (1940). Unfortunately the action prompt 20th Century Fox to drop their GOLDEN CHILD, who was no longer a money maker for them.
Sadly, THE LITTLE PRINCESS (1939) enter the realm of the Public Domain in 1968. Apparently, for some reason, the copyright was not renewed. But yet YOUNG PEOPLE (1940) and BLUE BIRD (1940) both of which failed to perform at the box office, never became the property of the public domain. Unfortunately, there are countless budget versions of THE LITTLE PRINCESS (1940) out there, one WORST than the next.
Immediately, Captain Crewe apologized to Miss Minchin for the inconvenience. After Captain Crewe explains that he and Sara had just arrived from India, where Sara has spent her entire life, until now. Captain Crewe proceeded stating he received orders that he had to go back to duty in South Africa. So he had to react in hast finding a school for his little girl. It's only been he and Sara after his wife died many years ago. Nothing seemed to break the ice with this STONY FACED old maid, who insists that she wrote Captain Crewe that she does not take in young ladies without an interview and most IMPECCABLE REFERENCES. Miss Minchin also injected that she stated in a letter, that at the moment, she had NO VACANT ROOMS.
Sara seemed relieved because she didn't want to stay at OLD STONE FACE's school anyway. But Captain Crewe was in a pinch, he never received Miss. Minchin's letter. Captain Crewe implored Miss. Minchin to change her mind about accepting his little Sara. Then Captain Crewe mentioned his social standing of his father Sir George Crewe and financial standing of being Principal Stockholder of the Eclipse Diamond Mine. Miss Minchin and her brother Hubert, who is the Professor of Elocution and Dramatics, both approved and miraculously a room for Captain Crewe's daughter was available.
After seeing Sara's new living accommodation, Captain Crewe must go off to war. Departing proves to be difficult for Sara and Captain Crewe, so he suggests that they pretend they are in India and he's going away with the troops for a few days. Sara plays along going to the window and reciting " My daddy has to go away, but he'd return most any day." but Sara wasn't able to finish without running back to her father 's arms. Sara notices that her father is crying too. Sara wipes away her tears, telling her father that this time, she will be a brave soldier and not turn back until she has completed her verse. Sara returns to the window, with her back turned to start the verse from the beginning then adding "Any moment I may see, my daddy is coming back to me." When Sara turned back, her father slipped away.
The next morning finds Sara having a difficult time of buttoning up her boots. After a few fruitless attempts, Sara decides to give up. Sara heads over to the window for some fresh air. To her surprise, Sara meets Lord Wickman's Indian servant named Ram Dass (Cesar Romero ) who lives next door. Sara immediately speaks HINDUSTANI to the fellow native from India. Cesar Romero replies back a little in Hindustani, but mostly in ENGLISH, no point overstating his ability to stay in character. This is NOT Romero's first time at Temple's rodeo, he had been a supporting player before in another film with the CHILD STAR in WEE WILLIE WINKIE (1937).
Next, we are introduced to Sara's teacher Miss Rose (Anita Louise), who has gone out of her way to make her new pupil comfortable at Miss Minchin's Seminary. Then there's a knock on the door, it's the servant girl Becky (Sybil Jason), who has come to see if Sara has any boots for her shine. Quickly, Sara goes looking for a few pairs of boots. Becky follows behind but trips to the floor. Sara inquires if Becky was hurt while piling the boots in her arms. Becky answers NO but is somewhat rattled if Miss Minchin saw Sara helping her collect the boots. It looks like Sara has found her new best friend in Becky. Who cares if she 's a little klutzy and scares of her own shadow.
Before being seated for Breakfast, Sara makes waves with Lavinia (Marcia Mae Jones) thanks to Miss Minchin, who has changed the seating arrangement. Miss Minchin told Lavinia that she had to move down for Sara could be seated next to her. This did not sit well with the snotty privilege mean girl. who has always sat next to Miss Minchin?
After Sara had finished all her studies, Miss Rose brought her down to the stable for her riding lessons. Instead of riding her own pony, Sara's Instructor Geoffrey Hamilton (Richard Greene) suggest that she ride something a little tamer. While Sara goes to explain to her pony why she not riding him today. We became aware that Geoffrey and Miss Rose are more just friends and that Miss Minchin is trying to keep them apart.
After seeing Sara's new living accommodation, Captain Crewe must go off to war. Departing proves to be difficult for Sara and Captain Crewe, so he suggests that they pretend they are in India and he's going away with the troops for a few days. Sara plays along going to the window and reciting " My daddy has to go away, but he'd return most any day." but Sara wasn't able to finish without running back to her father 's arms. Sara notices that her father is crying too. Sara wipes away her tears, telling her father that this time, she will be a brave soldier and not turn back until she has completed her verse. Sara returns to the window, with her back turned to start the verse from the beginning then adding "Any moment I may see, my daddy is coming back to me." When Sara turned back, her father slipped away.
Next, we are introduced to Sara's teacher Miss Rose (Anita Louise), who has gone out of her way to make her new pupil comfortable at Miss Minchin's Seminary. Then there's a knock on the door, it's the servant girl Becky (Sybil Jason), who has come to see if Sara has any boots for her shine. Quickly, Sara goes looking for a few pairs of boots. Becky follows behind but trips to the floor. Sara inquires if Becky was hurt while piling the boots in her arms. Becky answers NO but is somewhat rattled if Miss Minchin saw Sara helping her collect the boots. It looks like Sara has found her new best friend in Becky. Who cares if she 's a little klutzy and scares of her own shadow.
Before being seated for Breakfast, Sara makes waves with Lavinia (Marcia Mae Jones) thanks to Miss Minchin, who has changed the seating arrangement. Miss Minchin told Lavinia that she had to move down for Sara could be seated next to her. This did not sit well with the snotty privilege mean girl. who has always sat next to Miss Minchin?
After Sara had finished all her studies, Miss Rose brought her down to the stable for her riding lessons. Instead of riding her own pony, Sara's Instructor Geoffrey Hamilton (Richard Greene) suggest that she ride something a little tamer. While Sara goes to explain to her pony why she not riding him today. We became aware that Geoffrey and Miss Rose are more just friends and that Miss Minchin is trying to keep them apart.
Later, Sara receives a letter from her father, which has her dancing in the hallway with Miss Minchin's Brother Hubert (Arthur Treacher). But when Sara opens the letter, she finds out that father is not able to make it for her birthday, which makes her very sad. Sara continues to read that her father wants her pause at exactly 2:00 pm on her birthday, to close her eyes and send him a kiss. Her father states in the letter, that he will be doing the same. On the brighter side, her father will be writing to Miss Minchin to throw her elaborate party and that Sara could have whatever her heart desires.
The news comes on the day of Sara's birthday, that the war has ended with a victory. Miss Minchin certainly did throw Sara an elaborate party with all the bells and whistles that one would expect, including presents for the birthday girl and everyone else (including Miss Minchin). But suddenly Miss Minchin was called back to the office for an urgent matter. Miss Minchin is given some disturbing news that Sara's father was killed in battle.
Reality sets in that Miss Minchin will be saddled with the bill for this elaborate party. To make matters worse, Captain Crewe died BANKRUPT, because his property and mines were confiscated by the enemy. Poor Sara is left penniless and no relatives to care for her. Miss Minchin's first reaction is turned Sara out into the street, but worries about the reputation of the school if she did so. Instead, Miss Minchin is advised to keep Sara on as a servant girl to work off the expense of the party.
When Miss Minchin returns to the party, she instructs everyone to leave their presents behind. Sara questioned Miss Minchin, but instead of an answer, was told to go to her room. Instead of telling Sara about her father's demise, Miss Minchin instructed Miss Rose to do it for her. Miss Rose reluctantly breaks the sad news to Sara. Temple gives her courageous front, just short of breaking into tears as she does in her all her films. And like all her other films, Temple's character will remain optimistic, even though her world is crashing down around her.
After the bad news was broken, Miss Rose was dismissed for Miss Minchin could speak alone with Sara. Miss Minchin tells Sara that she has to vacate her room at once. Miss Minchin orders Sara to come with her. Sara follows Miss Minchin up to the dingy attic, which will now be her room. Miss Minchin informs Sara that she will be selling her clothes and furnishings to pay part of the debt her father owed. Sara is instructed to take off her PARTY FROCK and put on an old tattered black dress that Miss Minchin had provided for her. You could almost hear Lesley Gore singing in the background "IT'S MY PARTY..and I will CRY if I want to."
The next morning, when Sara tries to eat in the dining room, Miss Minchin instructs Sara that she is no longer permitted to dine with them and to SMOOTH down her curls. Imagine, telling Shirley Temple to smooth down her curls. Now, Sara has to eat her meals in the kitchen with the rest of the servants. Lavinia is happy to have an old place at the table beside Miss Minchin.
Life couldn't get much worse for Sara, no longer treated like a LITTLE PRINCESS, instead regarded that of a COMMON SERVANT GIRL. Poor Sara doesn't even get any RESPECT from the nasty cook in the kitchen, who tells her to eat her breakfast in the corner, because they don't associate with royalty. Sad to say, Sara, ends up giving her breakfast to Becky, who was supposed to go without hers for BURNING the toast.
If things couldn't get any worse, Miss Rose was discharged from Miss Minchin's Seminary for receiving a letter from Geoffrey. Becky tells Sara, without Miss Rose, it's just them alone in the world. Sara reassures Becky that they are NOT alone, there's her FATHER. Becky seems baffled with Sara's outlandish answer to their problem, knowing that Captain Crewe was reported dead. Sara tries to convince Becky (and maybe herself) that her father is NOT dead only WOUNDED and that she hears him at night calling out to her. Poor Becky shifted her eyes back and forth, left even more confused than usual, muttering "Oh Lord, Miss ."
After his sister mistreated Sara and Miss Rose, Hubert leaves the seminary to work at the Veterans Hospital. Donned with a black shawl over her head, Sara in incognito awaits in front of the Veterans Hospital in search of her father. Hubert is once again, reunited with Sara Crewe, who have been recruited in the search for Captain Crewe. Hubert brings Sara into the hospital, up to the wards to look among the wounded.
The search continues for Captain Crewe, Sara starts the interview process with the soldiers to see if anyone knew him. Then there was a ray of light, a soldier says he remembers Sara 's father. Sara became excited that someone remembers her father, but he refuses to say more. Instead, he wants to show off his chain of paper soldiers he made. Sara becomes angry that the soldier refuses to tell her more about her father. Hubert tries to explain to Sara that the soldier lives in a dream world and doesn't know what he is saying. Before things get too intense, it time break out into a song and dance number... "Old Kent Road".
Before Sara heads back to seminary, she asked Hubert if she could come back tomorrow to resume her search. Hubert tried to persuade Sara NOT to come, in fear that his sister would punish her. Instead, Hubert offered to keep a close lookout for Captain Crewe. But Sara felt that Hubert may not recognize her father, only meeting him once. Sara knew that she had to be one to see for herself, no matter the cost.
It's definitely a HARD KNOCK LIFE for Sara now, and Ram Dass sees how BAD it is for the little Miss, following after his master 's parrot that flew into Sara's room in the attic. Sara tries to make light of her grim situation, which makes Ram Dass want to something to make things better for the little Miss. Abruptly, Becky comes charging into the room, looking for Sara. Becky tells Sara that The Cook is up in arms that she hasn't gone to the Butcher Shop. Sara dashes out with Becky, fearing that The Cook will box her ears if she doesn't get to the Butcher Shop.
An unknown soldier is admitted to the Veterans Hospital. The patient suffers from the delirium from Malarial Fever. As the camera pans closer to the patient, we see that it is Captain Crewe repeatedly muttering "Sara."
Meanwhile back Miss Minchin's seminary, Sara is slaving away in the kitchen, trying to complete all her chores for she can get to the Veterans Hospital before closing. Just before Sara was about to sneak out, she's told that she had one more task to complete. Sara quickly made her way up to Lavinia's room with some coal for her fireplace. Once there, Lavinia was in full MEAN GIRL mode, ordering Sara about. Sara took her needling in stride knowing that she had to get to the hospital before it closes. Unfortunately, by the time Sara arrives at the Veterans Hospital is closed for the night.
When Sara returns back to seminary, she is discovered by Miss Minchin. Sara answers Miss Minchin's inquiry, stating that she had gone to the Veterans Hospital to search for her father. Miss Minchin is not happy with Sara for disobeying her orders. Sara stands up to the OLD STONE FACE, telling her that she cannot forbid not look for her father. Miss Minchin was about to STRIKE Sara down but thought the better of it. Maybe Miss Minchin was Intimidated by Temple's cupie doll stare and puffed out cheeks. After the confrontation with Miss Minchin, Sara has a meltdown on her favorite and only doll, blaming it on being cold and hungry.
During the night, Sara has a wonderful dream, which I will NOT go into in the synopsis. But when Sara awakes, she can't believe her eyes that her dingy attic room has been transformed into a lovely bedroom complete with furnishings. Sara is no longer cold because there a warm fire going in the fireplace, which is usually not used. There is also a cart set with food. Sara is so excited that she bangs on Becky's door which adjoins her room. When Becky enters Sara's room, she even more confused than ever, asking Sara if she sees what she sees. Sara and Becky are so excited about putting on the plush robes that left on the bed and sit down to a hearty breakfast courtesy from Lord Wickman and Ram Dass.
Later that morning, Sara goes to Lavinia 's room to fill her fireplace with coal. which leads to the " Infamous Coal Scene". Evidently, Sybil Jason who plays Becky has been getting a lot of attention on the set, which apparently made Shirley Temple quite jealous. Shirley wanted to do a RETAKE of the dumping coal on Marica Mae Jones. I guess Shirley wanted to take her frustrations out on poor Marcia. But Director Lang didn't think that another ash dumping was necessary. In reality, Sybil Jason had never been a rival of Shirley Temple that Warner Brothers wanted her to be. Sybil had a doll made in her likeness, which came with accessories, which included. a traveling trunk and different outfits like Shirley's famous doll. The following year, Sybil would make her final movie, THE BLUE BIRD (1940) with Shirley Temple, retiring from Hollywood at age thirteen. Shirley and Sybil would later become lifelong friends.
Getting back to the synopsis, Lavinia gives Sara such a tough time of it, that Sara decides that she had enough. Sara dumps ash all over Lavinia, then dashes out of the room. Of course, Lavinia reports the incident to Miss Minchin. When Miss Minchin goes to confront Sara in the attic. She discovers that the room has been transformed into a lovely bedroom with nice furnishings. Miss Minchin could not believe her eyes, she would never have allowed Sara and Becky have accommodations like this, good food and a nice warm fire. After inspecting the furnishing and the robes, Miss Minchin accusing them of stealing and doesn't believe that everything just appear overnight. Miss Minchin locks them in their room and goes to get the police.
Becky goes through her secret panel to join Sara in her room. Becky starts to whine, that now, they are prisoners waiting for the police to come. Sara tells Becky that she can't be ARRESTED because she has seen the new WOUNDED men at the Veterans Hospital. Sara and Becky make a break for it on to the adjoining rooftop of Lord Wickman's house.
Sara knocks on the window, getting the attention of Ram Dass. Sara asks if they could come in because they are running away from the police. Ram Dass lets them in, thinking they are playing some sort of game. Ram Dass offers the girls tea, but these little fugitives are on the run and have no time for a tea party. Once Sara and Becky exited out Lord Wickman's front door. They were discovered by Miss Minchin and a Police Officer. Quickly the girls ran down the street with Miss Minchin and Police Office running after them. Of course, klutzy Becky had to fall down and was quickly apprehended. As for Sara. she made her escape and was off to the Veterans Hospital. Unfortunately, that's where Miss Minchin and the Policeman are headed as well.
When Sara arrives at the Veterans Hospital, she told that she could not enter for least an hour. But that didn't stop Sara, she waited until the guard was distracted and made her way inside. But once inside, Sara met another guard who tried to stop her from going upstairs but doesn't listen. Sara manages to get inside one of the room until the guard came behind her to escort her out. Sara created such a fuss, that managed to get the attention of Queen Victoria ( Beryl Mercer) who happened to be in the room. After hearing Sara's sad tale of her missing father, Queen Victoria orders that Sara is escorted personally through the wards. Sara thanks the Queen for her help.
As Sara was escorted down to the ward, she had just missed her father who is being transported to in a wheelchair, waiting to be transferred to another hospital. Thankfully Captain Crewe had to wait for the next ambulance, so he was wheeled into the waiting room behind closed doors. As we know that Sara wouldn't find her father up in the wards, because he was in the waiting room. Just when Sara was about to leave, she hears OLD STONE FACE approaching, so she decides to duck into the waiting room. It was, in fact, Miss Minchin who intends to find Sara and turn her over to the police for being a thief. Sara keeps watch for OLD STONEFACE is out of sight for she can my her break.
Suddenly Sara hears her name being said repeatedly when she was about to leave. Sara looks ahead to see a patient in a wheelchair facing in the other direction. She immediately goes over to the wounded man in the wheelchair, only to discover that he is her DADDY. Sara's determination in believing against all the facts that she was dead, gave her the reunion with her father who was very much a life. But Sara would soon discover that her Daddy is not the same.
Captain Crewe kept repeating his daughter 's name over and over and asking where she was. Sara begins to believe that there is something terribly wrong with her father. Temple pulls out all the stops for this dramatic scene, which does tug at the heartstrings. After fruitless attempts of shaking her father to remember her, Sara cries on his shoulder. Finally, in over dramatic fashion, Captain Crewe does remember his little Sara.
Meanwhile, Miss Minchin is trying desperately to find Sara to have her arrested. But soon word gets out that The Little Princess has found her father. The news of Captain Crewe being alive seems to make Miss Minchin uneasy, to say the least. Next, we see Captain and his daughter coming up the hallway. As the finale draws near, everyone stands in attention, including Captain Crewe as Queen Victoria passes through. Sara waves to the Queen and whispers "My Daddy".
FILM FACTS
The news comes on the day of Sara's birthday, that the war has ended with a victory. Miss Minchin certainly did throw Sara an elaborate party with all the bells and whistles that one would expect, including presents for the birthday girl and everyone else (including Miss Minchin). But suddenly Miss Minchin was called back to the office for an urgent matter. Miss Minchin is given some disturbing news that Sara's father was killed in battle.
Reality sets in that Miss Minchin will be saddled with the bill for this elaborate party. To make matters worse, Captain Crewe died BANKRUPT, because his property and mines were confiscated by the enemy. Poor Sara is left penniless and no relatives to care for her. Miss Minchin's first reaction is turned Sara out into the street, but worries about the reputation of the school if she did so. Instead, Miss Minchin is advised to keep Sara on as a servant girl to work off the expense of the party.
The next morning, when Sara tries to eat in the dining room, Miss Minchin instructs Sara that she is no longer permitted to dine with them and to SMOOTH down her curls. Imagine, telling Shirley Temple to smooth down her curls. Now, Sara has to eat her meals in the kitchen with the rest of the servants. Lavinia is happy to have an old place at the table beside Miss Minchin.
Life couldn't get much worse for Sara, no longer treated like a LITTLE PRINCESS, instead regarded that of a COMMON SERVANT GIRL. Poor Sara doesn't even get any RESPECT from the nasty cook in the kitchen, who tells her to eat her breakfast in the corner, because they don't associate with royalty. Sad to say, Sara, ends up giving her breakfast to Becky, who was supposed to go without hers for BURNING the toast.
If things couldn't get any worse, Miss Rose was discharged from Miss Minchin's Seminary for receiving a letter from Geoffrey. Becky tells Sara, without Miss Rose, it's just them alone in the world. Sara reassures Becky that they are NOT alone, there's her FATHER. Becky seems baffled with Sara's outlandish answer to their problem, knowing that Captain Crewe was reported dead. Sara tries to convince Becky (and maybe herself) that her father is NOT dead only WOUNDED and that she hears him at night calling out to her. Poor Becky shifted her eyes back and forth, left even more confused than usual, muttering "Oh Lord, Miss ."
Before Sara heads back to seminary, she asked Hubert if she could come back tomorrow to resume her search. Hubert tried to persuade Sara NOT to come, in fear that his sister would punish her. Instead, Hubert offered to keep a close lookout for Captain Crewe. But Sara felt that Hubert may not recognize her father, only meeting him once. Sara knew that she had to be one to see for herself, no matter the cost.
It's definitely a HARD KNOCK LIFE for Sara now, and Ram Dass sees how BAD it is for the little Miss, following after his master 's parrot that flew into Sara's room in the attic. Sara tries to make light of her grim situation, which makes Ram Dass want to something to make things better for the little Miss. Abruptly, Becky comes charging into the room, looking for Sara. Becky tells Sara that The Cook is up in arms that she hasn't gone to the Butcher Shop. Sara dashes out with Becky, fearing that The Cook will box her ears if she doesn't get to the Butcher Shop.
An unknown soldier is admitted to the Veterans Hospital. The patient suffers from the delirium from Malarial Fever. As the camera pans closer to the patient, we see that it is Captain Crewe repeatedly muttering "Sara."
Meanwhile back Miss Minchin's seminary, Sara is slaving away in the kitchen, trying to complete all her chores for she can get to the Veterans Hospital before closing. Just before Sara was about to sneak out, she's told that she had one more task to complete. Sara quickly made her way up to Lavinia's room with some coal for her fireplace. Once there, Lavinia was in full MEAN GIRL mode, ordering Sara about. Sara took her needling in stride knowing that she had to get to the hospital before it closes. Unfortunately, by the time Sara arrives at the Veterans Hospital is closed for the night.
During the night, Sara has a wonderful dream, which I will NOT go into in the synopsis. But when Sara awakes, she can't believe her eyes that her dingy attic room has been transformed into a lovely bedroom complete with furnishings. Sara is no longer cold because there a warm fire going in the fireplace, which is usually not used. There is also a cart set with food. Sara is so excited that she bangs on Becky's door which adjoins her room. When Becky enters Sara's room, she even more confused than ever, asking Sara if she sees what she sees. Sara and Becky are so excited about putting on the plush robes that left on the bed and sit down to a hearty breakfast courtesy from Lord Wickman and Ram Dass.
Later that morning, Sara goes to Lavinia 's room to fill her fireplace with coal. which leads to the " Infamous Coal Scene". Evidently, Sybil Jason who plays Becky has been getting a lot of attention on the set, which apparently made Shirley Temple quite jealous. Shirley wanted to do a RETAKE of the dumping coal on Marica Mae Jones. I guess Shirley wanted to take her frustrations out on poor Marcia. But Director Lang didn't think that another ash dumping was necessary. In reality, Sybil Jason had never been a rival of Shirley Temple that Warner Brothers wanted her to be. Sybil had a doll made in her likeness, which came with accessories, which included. a traveling trunk and different outfits like Shirley's famous doll. The following year, Sybil would make her final movie, THE BLUE BIRD (1940) with Shirley Temple, retiring from Hollywood at age thirteen. Shirley and Sybil would later become lifelong friends.
Getting back to the synopsis, Lavinia gives Sara such a tough time of it, that Sara decides that she had enough. Sara dumps ash all over Lavinia, then dashes out of the room. Of course, Lavinia reports the incident to Miss Minchin. When Miss Minchin goes to confront Sara in the attic. She discovers that the room has been transformed into a lovely bedroom with nice furnishings. Miss Minchin could not believe her eyes, she would never have allowed Sara and Becky have accommodations like this, good food and a nice warm fire. After inspecting the furnishing and the robes, Miss Minchin accusing them of stealing and doesn't believe that everything just appear overnight. Miss Minchin locks them in their room and goes to get the police.
Sara knocks on the window, getting the attention of Ram Dass. Sara asks if they could come in because they are running away from the police. Ram Dass lets them in, thinking they are playing some sort of game. Ram Dass offers the girls tea, but these little fugitives are on the run and have no time for a tea party. Once Sara and Becky exited out Lord Wickman's front door. They were discovered by Miss Minchin and a Police Officer. Quickly the girls ran down the street with Miss Minchin and Police Office running after them. Of course, klutzy Becky had to fall down and was quickly apprehended. As for Sara. she made her escape and was off to the Veterans Hospital. Unfortunately, that's where Miss Minchin and the Policeman are headed as well.
As Sara was escorted down to the ward, she had just missed her father who is being transported to in a wheelchair, waiting to be transferred to another hospital. Thankfully Captain Crewe had to wait for the next ambulance, so he was wheeled into the waiting room behind closed doors. As we know that Sara wouldn't find her father up in the wards, because he was in the waiting room. Just when Sara was about to leave, she hears OLD STONE FACE approaching, so she decides to duck into the waiting room. It was, in fact, Miss Minchin who intends to find Sara and turn her over to the police for being a thief. Sara keeps watch for OLD STONEFACE is out of sight for she can my her break.
Suddenly Sara hears her name being said repeatedly when she was about to leave. Sara looks ahead to see a patient in a wheelchair facing in the other direction. She immediately goes over to the wounded man in the wheelchair, only to discover that he is her DADDY. Sara's determination in believing against all the facts that she was dead, gave her the reunion with her father who was very much a life. But Sara would soon discover that her Daddy is not the same.
Captain Crewe kept repeating his daughter 's name over and over and asking where she was. Sara begins to believe that there is something terribly wrong with her father. Temple pulls out all the stops for this dramatic scene, which does tug at the heartstrings. After fruitless attempts of shaking her father to remember her, Sara cries on his shoulder. Finally, in over dramatic fashion, Captain Crewe does remember his little Sara.
FILM FACTS
Many of Shirley Temple's films were remakes of Mary Pickford's silent features like REBECCA OF SUNNYBROOK (1917), POOR LITTLE RICH GIRL (1917) and THE LITTLE PRINCESS (1917).
Originally a MONKEY was used instead of a PARROT as Ram Daz's Pet. The MONKEY was replaced because he didn't like Shirley Temple and tried to bite her.
Marcia Mae Jones received HATE MAIL from Shirley Temple fans, because of the way her character Lavinia treated their idol in THE LITTLE PRINCESS (1939). But this was NOT the first time Jones receive HATE MAIL due Temple, it happened before when Jones starred opposite Temple in HEIDI (1937).
Shirley Temple's FIRST technicolor Film.
Marcia Mae Jones's costumes were RECYCLED from HEIDI (1937) for THE LITTLE PRINCESS (1939).
Richard Greene who played Geoffrey Hamilton in THE LITTLE PRINCESS (1939), would go on 16 years later, to become Robin Hood in the British TV Series THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD (1955-1959).
Arthur Treacher who plays Hubert Minchin lent his name to the fast seafood chain ARTHUR TREACHER'S FISH & CHIPS.
IMMORTAL DIALOGUE
Captain Crewe: To make those stubborn Boers, take us seriously this time, my darling, When they realize Her Majesty intends to put a stop to their nonsense, they'll quite it down."
Sara Crewe: They'd better. Anyhow when you get there. You'll stop them. Won't you daddy ?"
Captain Crewe: " I'll do my best, dear."
Mrs. Minchin: " I didn't KNOW then what a dear little girl was coming ."
Sara Crewe: "WHY does that make more rooms, Daddy? "
Captain Crewe: " Afraid that we are not quite as good soldiers as we thought ."
Sara: " It's BEAUTIFUL Becky, I shall LOVE IT."
Becky: " Oh, will you, Miss ?"
Becky: " Oh, will you, Miss ?"
" Yes, I am HUNGRY. I'm so HUNGRY. I could EAT you. "
" These articles are rare and costly. You STOLE them, didn't
you ?"
Sara Crewe ....SHIRLEY TEMPLE
Geoffrey Hamilton... Richard Greene
Rose ... Anita Louise
Captain Crewe ...Ian Hunter
Ram Dass ... Cesar Romero
Hubert Minchin ... Arthur Treacher
Amanda Minchin ... Mary Nash
Becky .. Sybil Jason
Lavinia ...Marcia Mae Jones
Lord Wickham... Miles Mander
Jessie ... Deidre Gale
Ermengarde ... Ira Stevens
Mr. Barrows ... E.E. Clive
Queen Victoria ... Beryl Mercer
Cook ... Eily Malyon
MY BOTTOM LINE IS ...
THE LITTLE PRINCESS (1939) is undifferentiated from the treadmill of family fare that Shirley Temple had done over and over again for years. Temple excelled in playing the ORPHANED moppet, who refuses to give in to her HOPELESS situation. Here, in THE LITTLE PRINCESS (1939), Temple's character repudiates the fact that her father is dead. Needless to say, I did enjoy this film , regardless if it is a retread of the same formula that Temple has done throughout her career. But again, that's what made her a STAR appearing in these vehicles designed to showcase her as a one of kind CHILD STAR. Shirley Temple provided the RAY OF SUNSHINE and the BEACON OF HOPE for the moviegoers during the depression era like no one else could.
THE LITTLE PRINCESS (1939) has suffered through the years for being a PUBLIC DOMAIN title. Horrendous copies of the film have been mass produced on BUDGET formats for decades. The outcome is usually the same, the PICTURE and SOUND quality so difficult for the viewer to comprehend. Unfortunately, it is extremely difficult to find a decent copy of this film to add to your DVD collection. Hopefully, The Criterion Collection will get around to restoring THE LITTLE PRINCESS (1939) to its original splendor, one can only hope.
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