THE WASP WOMAN (1959)

  Buzzing her way into the Mutant Insect / Human subgenre, THE WASP WOMAN (1959) was Roger Corman's answer to THE FLY (1959). Unlike its predecessor, THE WASP WOMAN (1959) was not produced at a major studio. Instead, the film was the maiden film project of an independent film studio called THE FILMGROUP, founded by Roger Corman and his brother Gene. After making several pictures over at American International Pictures, Corman established THE FILMGROUP to make and distribute his own movies.

THE WASP WOMAN (1959) is a prime example, how Corman was able to produce and distribute a film cheaply. The picture was shot in two weeks with a budget of $50,000. Teenagers and drive- in theaters spelled success for Corman, who peddled this exploitive cheap fare which was tailored made for teen / drive-in market. Strangely, some of Corman movies ended up in Public Domain like WASP WOMAN  (1959) which was NEVER copyrighted.

Corman's leading lady Susan Cabot who plays Cosmetic Magnate Janice Starlin makes her final screen appearance in THE WASP WOMAN (1959).  Apparently, in her later years, Cabot had become mentally unbalanced plagued with depression and suicidal thoughts. Tragedy would strike when Cabot was beaten to death by her 25-year-old dwarf son with a weightlifting bar. Cabot's son was sentenced for involuntary manslaughter.

 Our story begins in the boardroom at Janice Starlin Enterprises, with the founder of the company: Janice Starlin (Susan Cabot) going over the sales of last fiscal quarter. It seems that Starlin Beauty products sales are rapidly declining. Janice Starlin demands an ANSWER from her staff.  WHY is Starlin Enterprises losing money? No one dares to come forward with the TRUTH behind why the cosmetic empire is in jeopardy. 

 Suddenly Bill Lane (Anthony Eisley) comes forward, putting the BLAME on Janice Starlin. Bill backs up his contentious argument with statistics and stating that customers feel CHEATED  after sixteen years, they see a different FACE: referring to Miss Starlin's face which is TIRED and SAGGY. Unfortunately, there has only been only one woman's face that ever advertised Starlin Beauty Products, which is Janice Starlin (herself). After Bill finished his argument, the other board members applauded him for his brutal honesty.

Janice Starlin decides to adjourn the meeting, besides a girl can only stand so much FLATTERY. After sixteen years, the Cosmetics Magnate is faced with the reality that she is the cause of her empire crumbling. Miss Starlin made sure to inject these potent words to her staff before they exited the boardroom " Not even Janice Starlin can remain a GLAMOUR GIRL forever."

Next on Miss Starlin's agenda is an appointment with Dr. Zhinthrop (Michael Mark) who may have the ANSWER to solve her problem. Upon his mysterious entrance, carrying a covered cage, Dr. Zinthrop promises to make Miss Starlin 10 to 15 years younger. But Miss Starlin is not easily swayed, she needs to see tangible proof to back up his theory. 

Once at the lab, Dr. Zinthrop undercovers the cage, exposing two ELDERLY guinea pigs. Immediately, he reaches into the cage and scoops out one of the guinea pigs.  Quickly Dr. Zinthrop injects him with his special serum made from WASP ENZYMES that is supposed to reverse the aging process by decades, so he claims. Patiently, outside the cage, Miss Starlin observes the injected guinea. Miraculously, the ELDERLY GUINEA PIG is transformed into a YOUNG RAT. Miss Starlin can't believe her eyes, neither can we !!!

 Dr. Zinthrop reduplicates the same procedure by injecting the other ELDERLY guinea pig and yes, turning it into a YOUNG RAT just like the other one. Hard to believe isn't it !!! But is the best example of young guinea pig.... a young rat ??? Maybe there was a shortage of young guinea pigs at the pet store when Corman was shooting the film.

After seeing these miracles of science, Miss Starlin offers herself to be the next guinea pig. Dr. Zinthrop was reluctant at first because his antiaging discovery has NEVER been tested on humans. But Miss Starlin gave the ultimatum that if Dr. Zinthorp didn't comply with these terms, the deal was no longer be on the table. Of course, Dr. Zinthrop gave in to Miss Starlin's demands.

Later that day,  Miss Starlin informs her staff that Dr. Zinthtrop is working on the final stages of his experiments that will revolutionize the cosmetic industry. Although Miss Starlin cannot divulge the nature of Dr. Zinthrop's experiments, he is too have free reign in the laboratory and is answerable to no one but Miss Starlin. 

Bill Lane,( Anthony Eisley) Mary Dennison( Barboura Morris), and Arthur Cooper (William Roerick) are skeptical of Dr. Zinthrop' intentions. Arthur feels that Dr. Zinthrop is a QUACK and his intentions could be FATAL. Hopefully not for Miss Starlin, who is about receiving her FIRST injection. Before Dr. Zinthrop pricks his human guinea pig with a FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH serum.Dr. Zinthrop reminds her of the BIG CAT,  he showed her last week. Miss Starlin is so amazed to see the BIG CAT had turned into a KITTEN.  Now, the time has come, for Janice Starlin to do her part to save her crumbling empire. A bit nervous, but nevertheless she rolls up her sleeve to receive the FIRST INJECTION.

Three weeks later, Miss Starlin becomes impatient with the process that has been made. Even though Miss Starlin looks five years younger than before, she wants to increase the dosage to step up the progress. But Dr. Zinthrop advises against it, stating that it's better to tread lightly. That evening, Miss Starlin goes against Dr. Zinthrop's counsel and sneaks back into the lab to self-administer another dosage.

 The next mourning, finds Miss Starlin looking as she did when she founded her Cosmetic Company so many years ago. Everyone at Janice Starlin Enterprises is astonished at how YOUNG she looks. Miss Starlin 's assistant Mary ( Barboura Morris ) finds herself put on the SPOT when ask to guess her employer's AGE. After stumbling for lost of words, Mary finally blurs out 22 or 23. I would have said more like 30 or 31. It's probably better to take the high road when it comes to your boss.

 That same morning, poor Dr. Zinthrop is greeted by a disgruntle lab specimen, when he arrived at the laboratory. The black cat that was injected with the WASP ENZYMES had become very aggressive. Dr. Zinthrop had fight for his life, wrestling the obviously FAKE stuffed cat. After a few rounds of play wrestling, Dr. Zinthrop manages to strangle the stuffed animal. Then something odd happens, Dr. Zinthorp becomes a ZOMBIE, leaves the laboratory and gets hit by a car.

In the meantime, Arthur Cooper (Willaim Roerick) sneaks into the laboratory to see what Dr. Zinthorp been up to. Apparently, Arthur is either concern for his Lady Boss or jealous of his findings. But Arthur's investigation is interrupted when his Lady Boss comes in the laboratory looking Dr. Zinthrop for another Wasp Enzyme fix. Arthur manages to hide, while the desperate Miss Starlin looks about for her borderline mad scientist. The next day, Miss Starlin hires a private detective to find Dr. Zinthrop at any cost. 

The missing Dr. Zinthorp is found in a hospital with severe head trauma. Roger Corman has an uncredited cameo role as Zinthorp's Doctor. After three days since the accident, Dr. Zinthrop is still in a coma. Arthur Cooper suggests that he takes over Dr. Zinthrop's experiments. Miss Starlin wants to give another 48 hours to see if Dr. Zinthrop will regain consciousness. If he doesn't then Roger can take over the laboratory.

Feeling on edge, Miss Starlin dashes over to the laboratory for a quick fix of WASP ENZYMES. Meanwhile, Arthur breaks into the lab, not able to wait for the 48 hours to see Dr. Zinthrop awakes from his coma. Suddenly you hear a WASP BUZZING  sound, kinda like the dramatic music in JAWS (1975) before the shark closes in on its victim. Miss Starlin quickly enters from the back, but it wasn't Miss Starlin, it was a hideous creature with a WASP HEAD and arms attached to her body. The movie poster paints a different creature with a woman's head attached to a wasp's body. Evidently, because of the overdoses of WASP ENZYMES, Miss Starlin has turned to a QUEEN WASP. Arthur had no time to react the Wasp Queen had overpowered to him the ground. Quickly she bites Arthur's throat ending his struggle instantly. 

The next morning is business as usual for Miss Starlin, determined to go through with her new WASP ENZYME beauty line called RETURN TO YOUTH  with Janice Starlin without the help of Dr. Zinthrop or Arthur Cooper. Despite of the severe side effects of turning her into a wasp woman, Miss Starlin is willing to release her wasp enzyme beauty products to unknowing women turning them into Wasp Queens as well, all for Youth and Beauty.

 After waking from his coma, Dr. Zinthrop had released from the hospital in Miss Starlin's care. Miss Starlin had one of the offices made over, equipped with a hospital bed. She also hired a Private Nurse for he could have around the clock care. Dr. Zinthrop tries to tell Miss Starlin something very urgent, but the problem is he can't remember what it is.

Bill Lane becomes suspicious about Arthur Cooper missing the morning meeting and that no one has been able to reach him all day. Miss Starlin covers her tracks stating that Arthur probably took the day, which he is entitled is the company so long. Miss Starlin seems to have taken the traits of the Queen Wasp, showing no empathy for her victim. Not even for her next victim, the Night Watchman.

The following night, Miss Starlin goes to Dr. Zinthrop desperately seeking the formula. Unfortunately for Miss Starlin, there is only enough left for one injection. After that, she will have to return to her former self with tired and saggy skin.  Dr. Zinthrop mumbles back, that he needs to tell her something but can't remember.

 Suddenly, Miss Starlin begins to have another one of those migraines, she's been having since the injections. At once the infamous BUZZING  sound could be heard. Miss Starlin transformed into the WASP WOMAN in front of Dr. Zinthorp. Nurse Warren rushes in after hearing Dr. Zinthrop 's cries for help. The Wasp Woman immediately knocks Nurse Warren onto the sofa for she can be comfortable. Then The Wasp Woman paralyzes her victim, then strikes biting her in the throat like a vampire. Dr. Zinthrop passes out from the horrible sight.

The uncanny truth about the special effects (or lack of) is when the WASP WOMAN bites the neck of her victims and the gruesome flow of blood oozing out is not BLOOD. Instead, it is CHOCOLATE SAUCE ( never saw that coming) which Susan Cabot squirts in her mouth for her Creature scenes. Wearing the Wasp head, Cabot would spit out the chocolate sauce, which resembled blood on her movie victim's neck, which is filmed in glorious black and white.

Meanwhile, Bill and Mary decide to stay after hours, to get to bottom of the disappearance of Arthur Cooper and the Night Watchman. They decide to ask Dr. Zinthrop some questions. Dr. Zinthrop finally remembers about the cat and that he needs to WARN Miss Starlin not to take any more injections. But before he could say any more, Dr. Zinthrop passes out once again. Mary immediately calls Miss Starlin who is still in the building, in her office. When Miss Starlin answered she wonder why her employees are still in the building at ten at night. But before Mary could tell Miss Starlin anything, Dr. Zinthrop becomes agitated. Bill tells Mary to go to Miss Starlin to tell her not to take any more injections.

When Mary arrives in Miss Starlin's office, she finds her boss not willing to call the police. In fact, Miss Starlin wrestles the phone from Mary and slaps her. Mary tells Miss Starlin all that Bill had learned from probing in Arthur Cooper's office.  Suddenly Mary is in shocked, that her boss has transformed into a hideous wasp-like creature before her eyes. Mary tries to escape, but there is no escape from the WASP WOMAN. Mary 's screams could be heard throughout the building.

Immediately Bill goes to Mary's rescue, with Dr. Zinthrop wobbling behind. Bill decides to take the stairs, instead of waiting for the elevator to the laboratory. When Bill arrives on the floor, he sees Mary's legs while she is dragged into the laboratory. Bill smashes the glass of the door with his foot for he can gain access inside the lab. Promptly WASP WOMAN faces her enemy but is quickly knocked off guard, when Bill tosses a stool at her. Unfortunately, Dr. Zinthrop just enters the lab, when WASP WOMAN regained herself. Dr. Zinthrop is no match for this Wasp Creature he created from his WASP ENZYMES. Just before the WASP WOMAN  was to bite Dr. Zinthorp, Bill intervenes pushing a stool up against her. Wild BUZZING sounds can be heard as Bill and the WASP WOMAN go toe to toe. Dr. Zhinthrop rises to feet to save Bill by throwing a bottle of carbolic acid at the WASP WOMANs head. Swiftly, Bill moves in on the disoriented WASP WOMAN and pushed her out the window.

 Poor Dr. Zinthorp died of a heart attack from this dreadful ordeal. Bill found Mary alive and unharmed. As for Miss Starlin, she was a victim of vanity in a youth-obsessed world that shuns the natural aging process. Starlin was desperate to hold on to her accomplishments no matter what it costed to stay YOUNG.

                              FILM FACTS

Susan Cabot appeared in many Roger Corman's films in the late fifties , which included VIKING WOMEN AND THE SEA SERPENT (1957), CARNIVAL ROCK (1957),  SORORITY GIRL (1957), MACHINE GUN KELLY (1958), WAR OF THE SATELLITES (1958), and THE WASP WOMAN (1959).

THE WASP WOMAN 's star Susan Cabot was murdered at age 59 by her 25-year-old son, who was sentenced of involuntary manslaughter.

New Yorker cartoon satire of THE WASP WOMAN (1959).

Roger Corman made a remake of the Cult film  THE WASP WOMAN (1959) for Showtime Movie Channel with Jennifer Rubin as THE WASP WOMAN (1994).

THE WASP WOMAN (1959) was released through The Filmgroup as a DOUBLE BILL with the BEAST FROM THE HAUNTED CAVE (1959).

According to Mark Thomas McGee's biography ROGER CORMAN: THE BEST OF THE CHEAP ACTS, Composer Fred Katz sold Roger Corman the same score seven times as if it was new material each time. THE WASP WOMAN'S musical score was also used in six other of Corman's films, which includes A BUCKET OF BLOOD (1959), THE LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (1960) and THE CREATURE FROM THE HAUNTED SEA (1960).

 

Roger Corman has an UNCREDITED role as The Doctor in the Hospital in THE WASP WOMAN (1959).

Following THE WASP WOMAN (1959), Roger Corman produced HOUSE OF USHER (1960), which was so successful, that it leads to other projects adapting Edgar Allen Poe's short stories to the Big Screen. Corman chose the Master of the Macabre, Vincent Price to star in the films.

Barboura Morris who played Ms. Starlin 's assistant Mary Dennison in THE WASP WOMAN (1959) was a staple player in many of Roger Corman's films in the late fifties to mid-sixties. Morris appeared in TEENAGE DOLL (1957) , ROCK ALL NIGHT (1957), SORORITY GIRL (1957),  MACHINE GUN KELLY (1958), A BUCKET OF BLOOD (1959), THE HAUNTED PALACE (1963) and THE TRIP (1967).

In 1961, 20 mins were added to THE WASP WOMAN (1959) to pad out the running time for its television syndication release.

Lynn Whitfield who played the obnoxious receptionist at Janice Starlin Enterprises in WASP WOMAN (1959), many years later played Geena Davis 's character in A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN (1992) as an old woman.

                  IMMORTAL DIALOGUE

"Now, after 16 years, they see a different face. They don't trust it. They feel cheated. The simple facts is Starlin Cosmetics should have Janice Starlin's pictures advertising them. Well, that's all I got to say."

                    " And a darn good job of saying it too."

" Not even Janice Starlin can remain a GLAMOUR GIRL forever."

" It is I  that will give you the TIME, Miss Starlin. Oh, yes, a plenty time I give you. Ten, maybe fifteen years I give you."

 " So I say to him... Listen, Irving, I'm getting sick of this TV every night …."

"Good morning Janice Starlin Enterprises.  I got TWO words for ya DROP DEAD...TWICE. "

" My formula may NOT be good for HUMAN BEINGS. I have NOT tested it yet,"

            " Janice Sterling will be your NEXT guinea pig."

" You're YOUNG again. Do you realize what that means? You're a KITTEN again. Your whole life to live over. How does it feel ?"




             " Was there something else, Mr. Zinthrop ???"

" What a CHARACTER... a regular TWO EYED DR. CYCLOPS."

" Thirty years ago, a bunch of QUAKS was treating people with MONKEY GLANDS. It seemed to work for awhile until the deterioration set in."

                                THE CAST

                   Janice Starlin …. Susan Cabot
                   Bill Lane …. Anthony Eisley
                   Dr. Zinthrop …. Michael Mark
                   Mary Dennison …. Barboura Morris
                   Arthur Cooper …. William Roerick
                   Les Hellman …. Frank Gerstle
                   Maureen Reardon …. Lynn Cartwright
                   Paul Thompson …. Roy Gordon                       
                   Night Watchman …. Bruno Vesota
                  Jean Carson …. Carolyn Hughes
                  Doctor in the Hospital …. Roger Corman (uncredited)
                  Mr. Barker ….. Gene Corman (uncredited)

MY BOTTOM LINE IS ….

THE WASP WOMAN (1959) is certainly one of the better of Roger Corman's low budget movies he made from his independent production company. Corman puts his spin on 1958's THE FLY, having a human turn into an INSECT. In Corman's low rent feature, he uses a woman as a protagonist instead of a man to become the INSECT. Besides the laughable script and very bad special effects, the film somehow entertains us. 

This creature feature definitely possesses all the earmarks of a Cult Film, putting it in the realm with ATTACK OF THE 50 FT. WOMAN and CATWOMEN OF THE MOON. Before enjoying a film that has a kitschy title such as THE WASP WOMAN,  remember it's not meant to be MILDRED PIERCE. Roger Corman did not set out to make films that would win Academy Awards. He set out to make films that would make a quick profit on a shoestring budget.  He certainly succeeded in doing so with this Cult Classic.

               Susan Cabot in a publicity photo taken in 1959.

              

THE LITTLE PRINCESS (1939)

THE LITTLE PRINCESS (1939) was Shirley Temple's Last successful film as a child star. Before Temple was certainly on the Goodship Lollipop during her reign in Hollywood, as the top-grossing Movie Star. Temple held that honor from 1935 to 1938, even beating out Hollywood's Biggest Actresses like Joan Crawford and Katherine Hepburn. This child star was at peak of her career, starring in many commercial successes like CURLY TOP (1935), THE LITTLEST REBEL (1935), CAPTAIN JANUARY (1936) and HEIDI (1937). During the height of Temple's popularity, dolls were made in her likeness and a non-alcoholic beverage was named after her.

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.

Shirley Temple plays Little Moppet Sara Crewe, who is on her way to Miss Minchin's School for Girls. Sara's father has been called to fight in the Second Boer War.  Captain Crewe (Ian Hunter) loves his little Sara so much, that he also arrange to have her little pony brought to the school.  Unfortunately, Miss Minchin (Mary Nash) was not amused, when the pony was brought in through the front door of her private school. When Captain Crew and Sara arrived at Miss Minchin's Seminary, Sara's little pony was being escorted out.

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.

   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

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.

Two Years before THE LITTLE PRINCESS (1939) Shirley Temple starred in  John Ford's WEE WILLIE WINKIE (1937), alongside Cesar Romero as Khoda Khan.

  Sybil Jason (Becky) was supposed to be Warner Brother's answer to Shirley Temple and her rival. But Jason never gained the star status that Temple obtained, which disappointed Warner Brothers. After THE LITTLE PRINCESS (1939), Jason would make her final picture called THE BLUE BIRD (1940)  with Shirley Temple.

Shirley Temple at the premiere of THE LITTLE PRINCESS (1939) at The Roxy Theater in New York City on March 11, 1939.

Shirley Temple was so JEALOUS  over the attention Sybil Jason was receiving, that she wanted to do a RETAKE  of the "Dumping the Ashes " scene.  Apparently, Temple wanted to LET OFF STEAM at Marcia Mae Jones's expense. But Director Lang didn't think another ash dumping was required.


               IMMORTAL DIALOGUE

Sara Crewe: Why are they sending so many soldiers, Daddy, if it's going to be a LITTLE war ?"
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."

      " Well, in that case, Daddy, we might as well move on. "  

Sara Crewe: " I thought you said that you DIDN'T have any rooms."
Mrs. Minchin: " I didn't KNOW then what a dear little girl was coming ."
Sara Crewe: "WHY does that make more rooms, Daddy? "

Sara Crewe: " I can't do it this time. I can't do it.  You're crying  too." 
Captain Crewe: " Afraid that we are not quite as good soldiers as we thought ."   

   

         " Good Morning. Missy Sab speaks HINDUSTANI? "

                            " I've lived in India all my life."

     " Tell me, Miss Rose. Do you think Miss Minchin as cross as she looks."

           " Why, Miss Minchin, This always been my place."

Sara: " It's BEAUTIFUL Becky, I shall LOVE IT."
Becky: " Oh, will you, Miss ?"

" Ooh, Sara, You look so TIRED and HUNGRY. Are you actually HUNGRY Sara? "
" Yes, I am HUNGRY.  I'm so HUNGRY.  I could EAT you. "

  " Captain Crewe is DEAD. He was so reported on the list this morning. However, he died BANKRUPT."

" These articles are rare and costly. You STOLE them, didn't 
 you ?"

 

               " Can you make them let me look ?"    
   

                          THE CAST
                              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.