We cover a lot of ground on this site. We got dance, we got trance, we got Broadway and hardcore. We did a bit on musicals but I noticed one musical icon who deserves a shout out.
Shirley Temple, that curly haired moppet was killer in the1930's. Her act couldn't survive today and as I researched her a bit I was stunned at how many politically incorrect scenarios this adorable kid ended up in. Its proof that times have certainly changed.
She really had star quality with grown men falling over themselves as she was frantically independent. Noticeably missing is the mother figure in Shirleys film, shes usually an orphan with a dad or an uncle.. I don't suppose any other dame could handle the competition.
She did intricate dance routines with none other than Bojangles- lets talk politically incorrect shall we? But the fact of the matter is their dance up the stairs of that mansion is not only precision its a point blank entertainment masterpiece.
I asked the kid to watch some of these clips, readily available on Youtube and she was stunned when i told her Temple was about three years old. Take a peek at your average day care schooled three year old today and if you can pull them away from a television long enough and then keep their fingers out of their noses long enough to ask them to sing, lets see how far they get.
Child stars have some pretty tough lives. We read the books on their mistreatment the pressure they're put under the self doubt and insecurities they develop. We scoff at 'stage moms' and modern day Toddlers In Tiaras, but there is a slight difference with Temple.
The kid has talent far beyond her years. If it was beaten in to her or exploited out of her none of us will ever know the truth, but what was produced was pure Hollywood magic. Willow Smith may whip her hair back and forth but Shirley will kick your ass on the dance floor with her chubby legs and socks in full busta- move.
Unlike the likes of Judy Garland scandal never really took Temple in. She grew in to a respected Ambassador and has maintained her poise to this day. What made the Shirley Temple magic? In the middle of the great depression, she gave the US and the world hope, she sang like a bird, danced like a pro, her movies were the lightest of entertainment but filled with joy. She what was needed then and maybe now. Search out some old film clips and kick back and watch. The simplicity of the plot the way she lights up the film is jaw dropping.
We will never have another one like her, nor should we. We do need to pause and remember that curly cutie now and then. Sorta makes you long for a simpler time, doesn't it?