THE LITTLE PRINCESS

Cinemavixion Review

Walter Lang's "The Little Princess" stands as a vibrant testament to the golden age of Hollywood, particularly notable as Shirley Temple's first full Technicolor production. This 1939 drama, loosely adapted from Frances Hodgson Burnett's classic novel, showcases Temple's prodigious talent at its peak. While retaining the Victorian London setting, the film boldly diverges from the source material, introducing new narrative threads and a backdrop of the Second Boer War. Temple's performance is captivating, imbuing young Sara Crewe with a resilience and charm that transcends the melodrama. The film's visual splendor, amplified by Technicolor, and its blend of heartfelt drama with moments of lighthearted musicality, including a memorable number with Arthur Treacher, make it a distinguished entry in Temple's filmography. Despite its deviations from the book, "The Little Princess" remains a captivating cinematic experience, a delightful display of childhood innocence against a world of hardship.