TEMPLE, SHIRLEY

Shirley Temple took dance lessons at the age of three at Meglin's Dance School in Los Angeles and was spotted by Charles Lamont, a casting director from Educational Pictures. Although Shirley hid behind a piano whilst in the studio, Lamont took a shine to Shirley, invited her to audition and subsequently signed her to a contract. Educational Pictures were just about to launch their series of Baby Burlesks, a series of short films that satirized recent films and political events, with pre-school children in every role. Since the children were dressed as adults and given mature dialogue the entire series was eventually seen as dated and exploitive, although not before they had made a major star out of Shirley Temple. Shirley would go on to appear in many full length feature films, further enhancing her reputation, but the original shorts, featured here and in a second volume, illustrate perfectly why she was the biggest child star of the 1930s. Polly Tix In Washington - An attempt is made to corrupt an honest Washington politician. Kiddin' Hollywood - Morelegs Sweetrick is an aspiring actress but gets turned down for a major role. She gets a chance when the star doesn't feel like performing. Managed Money - Mary Lou helps her brother raise enough money to attend the military academy. What's To Do - Mary Lou's brother has been elected class president, but a rival has contrived to get the family moved out of the town!