Simply Perfect

I am only giving this movie a 1 for the great cast, though I can't imagine what any of them were thinking. This movie was horrible

There's no way I can possibly love it entirely but I just think its ridiculously bad, but enjoyable at the same time.

It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

It's a good thing that both Shirley Temple is so adorable and that John Boles was on a mission of mercy trying to get his sick wife and Shirley's mother through the lines for proper care. Otherwise there ain't no other reasons to look at this ode to the Ante Bellum South that we see in The Littlest Rebel. I also could add Bill Robinson's dancing.Even today I find it unfathomable that people bought into this wonderful stereotype. The film opens with Shirley's birthday party with her peers being served by the happy slaves willing to do all for dear old master. Even the slave children who can't attend the party as equals get up a collection and make little Shirley a doll.The news of the firing on Fort Sumter interrupts the festivities and it's war. During the course of the war because of his knowledge of the terrain Boles becomes a noted Confederate spy. But then Karen Morley gets sick and he has to undertake a personal mission. Unfortunately it's with Jack Holt's Yankee uniform so he and Holt are in a jackpot.Without the entertaining of Shirley and Bojangles this second cousin film of Birth Of A Nation would rate a lot lower than it does.

That's the big question here. In 2011 (or so), can a viewer get past the racism still present in films in 1935 to enjoy an otherwise rather pleasant movie starring 20th Century Fox's financial savior -- Shirley Temple. From the very start of the film, the racism in the way the Negroes (the term primarily used in 1935 American life) were portrayed is deplorable. It reminds me of Bing Crosby's "Abraham" number, which he does in black-face, in "Holiday Inn"...an otherwise delightful film...what were they thinking????? To be honest, in this film, the racism is so pervasive that I can't get past it. Willie Best's character, in particular, is portrayed in the worst possible light.On the other hand, though still a slave in the film, the dance performances of Bill "Bojangles" Robinson here shows what a remarkably talented individual he was. However, his most memorable dance performance with temple -- the tap dancing on the stairs (a routine he only taught to two people, one being Temple) -- is in another Temple film ("The Little Colonel"). Nevertheless, it is Robinson's performances here that are the real treasures of this film.The plot (and the happy ending), though somewhat predictable, is quite good, as are performances by John Boles and Jack Holt as military men on opposite sides. But, once again falling into the racism of the 1930s, Shirley Temple does have to end up in black-face. Shame, shame, shame. The scene with Abraham Lincoln and Shirley Temple is quite memorable.If it weren't for the over-the-top racism in this film, I'd give it a "7", because for a 1935 film, the production standards were quite high. But, due to the racism here, I'll demote it to a "4".

I loved this movie. I think I'm wearing out this video by constantly watching it. I love John Boles. Next to Cary Grant, he has to be the most handsome actor during the thirties. His voice just sends chills up my spine. He played a great father figure then. I think what makes him so sexy and unique is that mustache. Clark Gable had the mustache, but John's is much sexier. Shirley Temple was just absolutely wonderful in this movie. She's great in every movie. But seeing her playing besides John, makes it even better. I also liked "Bogangles" Robinson. His talent should always be recognized. He was a great dancer, and great humanitarian. I also enjoyed the song Polly Wolly Doodle all day. The most compassionate scene is when Captain Curry came home to see his wife before she died. It made me cry. I will always like when Vergie and Uncle Billy sing Polly Wolly doodle, and when they do that dance during the scene to make money to see President Lincoln. Nana Nana Na na na. Na na na na na na na. The dancing was great with Uncle Billy and Vergie. The steps were in sync. Love ya'll

The troubles of the Civil War come home to a little plantation girl when her father is arrested and charged with espionage against the Yankees. Only a plea to Mr. Lincoln can save the day.The Littlest Rebel is also a spirited musical comedy. Co- starring Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, it's packed with throughly delightful musical numbers including Shirley's unforgettable version of "Polly Wolly Doodle". Shirley really is a beautiful little girl.