The Little Colonel Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A tiny girl with legendary tap-dancing skills tries to use extreme cuteness to mend a family feud that’s mostly her grumpy plantation-owning grandpa’s fault.

🍿 The Little Colonel: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A House Divided: Post-Civil War Strife

Set in the post-Civil War South of the 1870s, ‘The Little Colonel’ introduces Colonel Lloyd (Lionel Barrymore), a proud former Confederate who harbors deep resentment towards Yankees. His daughter, Elizabeth (Evelyn Venable), defies him by eloping with Jack Sherman (John Lodge), a Union soldier. This act of defiance leads the Colonel to disown Elizabeth, vowing never to speak to her again. Years later, Elizabeth returns to her Kentucky hometown with her spirited young daughter, Lloyd (Shirley Temple), after living in the North and West. They settle into a cottage next door to the Colonel’s plantation, setting the stage for an inevitable, and often comical, clash of wills as the family’s estranged patriarch remains stubborn in his refusal to acknowledge his daughter.

The Little Colonel’s Charm Offensive

Despite her grandfather’s initial coldness, young Lloyd, who earned the honorary title ‘Little Colonel’ for her spunky demeanor, is determined to bridge the family divide. Her precocious charm and fiery temper, ironically mirroring her grandfather’s own, gradually begin to melt his hardened heart. Their interactions often lead to humorous disputes, like a memorable mud pie incident, that slowly forge a bond. The film also features groundbreaking dance sequences between Shirley Temple and Bill ‘Bojangles’ Robinson, who plays the Colonel’s butler, Walker. Their iconic staircase tap dance is a highlight, showcasing their remarkable chemistry and talent. Hattie McDaniel also delivers a memorable performance as the family’s loyal housekeeper, Mom Beck, adding warmth and humor to the household.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Lloyd Sherman (Shirley Temple): The spirited young girl who endeavors to reconcile her estranged mother and stubborn grandfather after the Civil War.
• Colonel Lloyd (Lionel Barrymore): The proud and obstinate Southern plantation owner who disowned his daughter for marrying a Yankee and is eventually charmed by his granddaughter.
• Elizabeth Sherman (Evelyn Venable): Colonel Lloyd’s daughter who defied him by marrying a Yankee and returns home years later, hoping for reconciliation with her father.
• Walker (Bill Robinson): Colonel Lloyd’s loyal butler and a talented tap dancer who shares famous dance routines with young Lloyd.
• Mom Beck (Hattie McDaniel): The loyal and supportive maid to the Sherman family, often providing amusing dialogue and wisdom.
• Jack Sherman (John Lodge): Elizabeth’s Yankee husband and Lloyd’s father, whose financial troubles lead his family back to Kentucky.
• Swazey (Sidney Blackmer): A dishonest swindler who attempts to defraud the Sherman family, adding further conflict to the story.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Lloyd Sherman: “You’re a bad man!” – Said defiantly to her grandfather, Colonel Lloyd, after he makes unkind remarks about her mother, highlighting her feisty nature.
• Colonel Lloyd: “For your years and weight, you’re probably the stubbornest person in this county.” – Spoken to his granddaughter, Lloyd, acknowledging her fiery spirit and revealing their similar stubborn personalities.
• Lloyd Sherman: “I don’t need to have whiskers. I’ve got a temper. That’s all you need to be a colonel.” – A confident declaration by Lloyd, explaining how she earned her honorary title despite lacking the typical attributes of a colonel.
• Colonel Lloyd: “Yes, sir, no family should be without it.” – His witty response to Dr. Scott’s observation that ‘Marriage is a wonderful institution,’ showing his dry humor despite his personal stubbornness.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 The Little Colonel Reviews

Personal Review

Watching ‘The Little Colonel’ was such a delightful trip back in time! Shirley Temple is just an absolute powerhouse; her energy and charm are infectious, and it’s easy to see why she was such a massive star. I was completely captivated by her performance, especially the legendary tap dance scenes with Bill ‘Bojangles’ Robinson. The stair dance sequence is still iconic and so impressive! The movie has this wonderful, feel-good quality that just leaves you smiling, even with its historical backdrop. It’s truly a timeless classic that brings warmth to your heart.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic Hollywood musicals and family dramas”
  • “Shirley Temple enthusiasts”
  • “Viewers interested in cinematic history and early Technicolor”
  • “Those looking for a heartwarming story of family reconciliation (with historical context awareness)”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Racial stereotypes and outdated depictions of African Americans typical of 1930s cinema”
  • “Portrayals of racial segregation”

Professional Reviews

• Classic Film Monthly: “‘The Little Colonel’ remains a heartwarming testament to Shirley Temple’s undeniable star power. Her performance is a beacon of joy, effortlessly captivating audiences and navigating a sentimental plot with seasoned grace. The film’s true magic, however, lies in her groundbreaking dance sequences with Bill ‘Bojangles’ Robinson, which are pure cinematic delight and historically significant. It’s a charming, if sometimes simplistic, journey into post-Civil War reconciliation.

Audience Reactions

The unforgettable tap dance sequences between Shirley Temple and Bill ‘Bojangles’ Robinson are always a fan favorite.: Most people agree it’s a charming, family-friendly classic that perfectly showcases Shirley Temple’s incredible talent and brings a sense of nostalgic joy.

Overall Consensus: A charming, classic family film celebrated for Shirley Temple’s iconic performance and her groundbreaking, joyful dance duets with Bill ‘Bojangles’ Robinson.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The Little Colonel marked the first of four on-screen dance pairings between Shirley Temple and Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, famously featuring their iconic staircase tap dance, which was groundbreaking for being the first time a Black and white person danced together on screen.”
• “The film’s ending briefly transitions into early three-strip Technicolor, offering audiences their first glimpse of Shirley Temple in color and serving as a preview for the future of cinema.”
• “During filming, veteran actor Lionel Barrymore, who suffered from severe arthritis and had trouble remembering lines, was reportedly enraged when the young Shirley Temple prompted him after he forgot a line. Though a crew member initially took Temple away, Barrymore later apologized, and they remained friends.”
• “Shirley Temple was renowned as “One Take Temple” for her remarkable ability to memorize her own lines, and often those of her co-stars, even before she could read or write.”
• “Due to the groundbreaking nature of the interracial dance scene between Shirley Temple and Bill Robinson, some Southern theaters controversially chose to cut the sequence from their projections.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Little Colonel?

You can stream or purchase ‘The Little Colonel’ on various digital platforms. It is widely available for rent or purchase on Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Physical media enthusiasts can find it on DVD, often in both its original black-and-white form and a later computer-colorized version, providing options for different viewing preferences. Check Amazon for current purchase and rental availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Little Colonel, you might like these similar films:

• The Littlest Rebel (1935): Features Shirley Temple and Bill Robinson in another Civil War-themed story, exploring similar themes of family loyalty and reconciliation amidst historical conflict.
• Heidi (1937): Another classic Shirley Temple film where she plays a spirited young girl who melts the heart of her reclusive, grumpy grandfather, showcasing her signature charm.
• Pollyanna (1960): A heartwarming Disney film about an optimistic orphan who brings joy and positive change to a cynical town and her strict aunt, much like Shirley Temple’s character.
• Captains Courageous (1937): A powerful drama from the same era about a spoiled rich boy who learns valuable life lessons and forms a deep bond with a rugged fisherman, starring Spencer Tracy.
• Gone With the Wind (1939): While an epic drama, it’s set in the post-Civil War South and features Hattie McDaniel in a memorable role, making it an iconic classic of the era with a similar historical backdrop.

🛒 The Little Colonel Related Products

• The Shirley Temple Collection (DVD/Blu-ray): Own ‘The Little Colonel’ and other timeless classics in a beautifully restored collection. Features crisp picture, enhanced sound, and bonus content like rarely seen footage and interviews, offering a comprehensive look at Shirley Temple’s iconic films.
• Shirley Temple Authentic Replica Doll: A meticulously crafted collectible doll, capturing the iconic likeness and charm of Shirley Temple. Dressed in a historically accurate costume, this doll is a tribute to the beloved child star, perfect for display by collectors and fans alike.
• Shirley Temple: An American Legend (Biography): Delve into the fascinating life and unparalleled career of Shirley Temple beyond her screen roles. This insightful biography explores her journey from child star to diplomat, offering a deeper understanding of the person behind the beloved character from ‘The Little Colonel’.
• The Little Colonel Vintage Movie Poster Print: A high-quality reproduction of the original theatrical release poster for ‘The Little Colonel’. This vibrant print captures the classic aesthetic of 1930s cinema, featuring key imagery from the film.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Little Colonel features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “When a Fellow Needs a Friend” – performed by Shirley Temple
• “Love’s Got Me in a Lazy Mood” – performed by Shirley Temple
• “The Little Colonel” – performed by Shirley Temple
• “Believe Me If All Those Endearing Young Charms” – performed by Shirley Temple

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Tragic Life of America’s Sweetheart / Terrible Stories The Abuse Shirley Temple Faced

Ever wondered what it was truly like for child stars in Hollywood’s Golden Age? This video uses ‘The Little Colonel’ as a jumping-off point to explore the shocking realities and struggles Shirley Temple faced, and it’s quite a revelation.

Rare Shirley Temple Song “Little Colonel” 1935

You might think you’ve seen all things related to ‘The Little Colonel,’ but did you know there was a special song made just to promote it that wasn’t even in the movie? This rare gem gives you a unique peek into old Hollywood’s marketing efforts!

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