The Littlest Rebel

1935
PG
1h 13m

IMDb RATING

6.7/10

1.7K

YOUR RATING

Shirley Temple in The Littlest Rebel (1935)

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44 Photos

Comedy Drama Family Musical War

Shirley Temple's father, a rebel officer, sneaks back to his rundown plantation to see his family and is arrested. A Yankee takes pity and sets up an escape. Everyone is captured and the off... Read allShirley Temple's father, a rebel officer, sneaks back to his rundown plantation to see his family and is arrested. A Yankee takes pity and sets up an escape. Everyone is captured and the officers are to be executed. Shirley and "Bojangles" Robinson beg President Lincoln to interc... Read allShirley Temple's father, a rebel officer, sneaks back to his rundown plantation to see his family and is arrested. A Yankee takes pity and sets up an escape. Everyone is captured and the officers are to be executed. Shirley and "Bojangles" Robinson beg President Lincoln to intercede.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

6.7/10

1.7K

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Videos1

Clip 1:36

The Littlest Rebel

Photos44

+ 37

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Storyline

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Did you know

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Trivia
Both John Boles and Bill Robinson nearly drowned while trying to cross a raging, 15-foot river for an escape scene that was cut from the film.

Goofs
When the Union soldiers are caught looting, the commanding officer orders them to be flogged. The US Army according to the "History of the United States Army" stopped flogging at the beginning of the Civil War in 1861--this scene is obviously later in the war as Union forces are occupying the south.

Quotes
Virginia 'Virgie' Cary: [singing] Oh, I eat watermelon and I have for years. Sing Polly-Wolly-Doodle all the day! I like watermelon but it wets my ears. Sing Polly-Wolly-Doodle all the day!

Alternate versions
Also available in a computer colorized version.

Connections
Featured in Of Black America: Black History: Lost, Stolen or Strayed (1968)

Soundtracks
Polly Wolly Doodle
(1880) (uncredited)
Traditional
Modified Music by Sidney Clare (1935)
Modified Lyrics by Buddy G. DeSylva (1935)
Sung by Shirley Temple with Bill Robinson
Reprised at the end by Shirley Temple

User reviews34

Review

Featured review

6/10

Talk to your kids afterward...

There are two very good opportunities afforded by this film. One, it's entertaining, fast-paced, and Shirley really shines.

The second is a chance to talk to your children about the way black characters and white characters interact in this film. Some younger children may be confused by the divide between the black characters and the white characters (especially those who attend racially-diverse schools,) but this is a good time to explain to them the racist attitudes of the time period, and ask them how it makes them feel.

The best way to combat racism is not to sweep it under the rug, but to teach children where we were, how far we've come, and how far we still need to go. Give children the credit they deserve, they will understand.

This film is a perfect opportunity to relate to your children and instill guidance.