‘The Little Princess’: A Star in Full Bloom

Shirley Temple, the greatest child star during Hollywood’s Golden Era, offers her fans hope and comfort.

Sara (Shirley Temple), in “The Little Princess.” GJW+

NR | 1h 33m | Drama, Family, Musical | 1939

By 1939, Shirley Temple was practically Hollywood’s mascot; the one 9-year-old who could outshine entire studio backlots. “The Little Princess” arrived right as her fame was beginning to cool, but if Technicolor was the studio’s way of adding sparkle, it worked.