Movie and Fun Fashion: The Truth About Charlie (2002)

“The Truth About Charlie” (2002) is a movie which starred Mark Wahlberg and Thandie Newton. When the movie was being hyped in the media, I listened to an interview with Mark Wahlberg discussing his character. He played an American agent who was assigned to a post in Paris, France. He said to make his character more believable, he decided to wear a beret. He figured since he was an American agent performing “undercover” activities, wearing the beret might help him blend in and be less noticeable.

Hmmm? Interesting fashion tip! Come to think of it, I don’t often see American men wearing berets. But I guess the men in France wear a beret?

Here's the answer to that question.

It turns out that berets were adopted by the French military. In the 1920s, a beret became a popular fashion accessory for both men and women. However, according to Trip Advisor, it's mostly just tourists you will see wearing the felt berets.

I am American and went to Catholic school. Our school uniform included a yellow beret. I rather like wearing berets. In USA not many men wear berets but women often sport them to accessorize their outfits.

LINKS OF INTEREST:

How to Style a Beret like an American | STYLE REPORT MAGAZINE (archived copy)

Beret Style Inspiration - How to Wear a Beret

The Truth About Charlie Movie Review (2002) | Roger Ebert

 

** Do you like wearing a beret?

I do.  When I was younger, my choice would have been a RED beret. Now that I’m older, my color pick is BLACK. 

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IT'S A REMAKE!

NOTE:  This movie is a modern remake of an old movie classic ~ “Charade” (1963) ~ which starred Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn.  Since I am a loyal Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn fan, in my humble opinion, the remake did not hold a candle to the original.  But it was still fun to watch. Why not watch both of them back-to-back.  Great for Friday night OR Saturday afternoon at the movies.

My Fair Lady (1964): Hollywood Elegance, Iconic Fashion, and the Musical That Defined a Generation

Pure Hollywood Magic

Few films embody the golden age of Hollywood quite like My Fair Lady (1964). Lavish, witty, romantic, and visually breathtaking. It remains one of the most celebrated musicals ever put on screen. Based on the Broadway musical of the same name, which itself is based on George Bernard Shaw’s play Pygmalion. 

This film classic pairs Audrey Hepburn’s luminous charm with Rex Harrison’s razor-sharp sophistication. Their onscreen chemistry created a timeless, magical story about transformation, class, and identity. The movie won eight (8) Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Costume Design.

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STORYLINE:

A phonetics professor transforms a poor flower girl into a “proper lady” as part of a social experiment.

Set in Edwardian London, My Fair Lady follows Eliza Doolittle, a spirited but impoverished flower girl whose thick Cockney accent keeps her firmly rooted in the lower class. When phonetics expert Professor Henry Higgins boasts that he can transform any woman into a refined lady simply by teaching her proper speech, Colonel Pickering challenges him to prove it — and Eliza becomes the unwitting subject of their wager.

What begins as a social experiment soon becomes a battle of wills. Eliza endures grueling lessons, emotional frustration, and Higgins’ infuriating arrogance. Yet her determination pays off when she dazzles high society at the Embassy Ball, passing as royalty with ease. The triumph forces both Eliza and Higgins to confront deeper questions: Who is she now? And what does Higgins truly feel for the woman he has shaped but never fully understood?

The film’s charm lies not only in its music and spectacle but in its exploration of independence, identity, and the complicated bond between two people who change each other in unexpected ways.

⭐ Memorable Cast (and In Memory Of)

• Audrey Hepburn (1929 – 1993) — Eliza Doolittle

• Rex Harrison (1908 – 1990) — Professor Henry Higgins

• Stanley Holloway (1890 – 1982) — Alfred P. Doolittle

• Wilfrid Hyde White (1903 – 1991) — Colonel Pickering

• Gladys Cooper (1888 – 1971) — Mrs. Higgins

Can you believe some of the actors were born in the 1800s?????

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BIO & Career Highlights of Hepburn and Harrison

⭐ Audrey Hepburn (Eliza Doolittle)

Born May 4, 1929, remains one of cinema’s most beloved icons. Known for her grace, expressive eyes, and humanitarian spirit, she starred in classics such as Roman Holiday (for which she won an Oscar), Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Sabrina, Funny Face, and Charade. Beyond acting, Hepburn dedicated much of her later life to UNICEF, becoming a global ambassador for children’s welfare. Her role as Eliza Doolittle showcased her versatility — from comedic grit to regal elegance — and solidified her status as a fashion and film legend.

⭐ Rex Harrison (Professor Henry Higgins)

Born March 5, 1908, he was a distinguished British actor known for his sophisticated stage presence and signature “speech singing” style. He originated the role of Henry Higgins on Broadway and won the Academy Award for reprising it in the film. His career included notable roles in Cleopatra, Doctor Dolittle, and numerous stage productions. Harrison’s portrayal of Higgins — equal parts brilliant, exasperating, and vulnerable — remains one of the most defining performances in musical cinema.

🎥🎥🎥🎥🎥

Behind-the-Scenes Trivia:

• Audrey Hepburn’s singing was dubbed by Marni Nixon, though Hepburn recorded full versions of every song.

• Rex Harrison refused to lip-sync, so the production used early wireless microphones — revolutionary for the time.

• Cary Grant turned down the role of Higgins but insisted the studio cast Rex Harrison, saying he wouldn’t watch the film otherwise.

• The film cost around $17 million, making it one of the most expensive productions of the 1960s.

• George Cukor won his first and only Oscar for directing this film, despite decades of acclaimed work.

Image generated using ChatGPT

Fun Facts About Audrey Hepburn’s Iconic Ascot Dress

The black-and-white Ascot dress is one of the most recognizable costumes in film history.

• Designed by Cecil Beaton, who won the Oscar for Best Costume Design.

• The dress weighed over 20 pounds due to its heavy lace and embellishments.

• The enormous hat — nearly two feet wide — became a fashion symbol for decades.

• The monochrome palette was chosen to reflect the real Ascot dress code of the era.

• The look has been recreated in fashion magazines, runway shows, and costume events worldwide.

RELATED LINKS:

• Hollywood Screen Legends and Icons: Audrey Hepburn (May 4, 1929 ~ January 20, 1993)

• My Top 10 List of Iconic Female Celebrities

Classic Movie ~ Vintage Bette Davis : Jezebel (1938)

When I was growing up, Sunday afternoons were special.  My big sister and I loved to watch movies on TV. We both especially loved Bette Davis; whether she was a bad lady or a good girl, she was a SUPER STAR!! 

In this particular movie, she was Julie Morrison, a brazen, sassy, bold, and audacious Southern belle. She dared to be an independent woman with a mind of her own, who challenged society's norms. In the process of being rebellious, arrogant, and contrary, she caused a rift between her and her future husband. What did she do that was so outrageous and shameful? Uumm … she showed up to a party in a red dress!

I was very young at the time, and being that red is my favorite color, I didn't get what all the huffing and puffing was about. My older sister explained to me that refined and cultured women in polite society would never wear a red dress. That's the mark of a whore!! A wicked woman!! A she-devil!!

With that very clear and graphic explanation provided by my big sister, I was able to better understand this scene and this line in the movie, and that also explains the name of the movie.

“𝙄 𝙥𝙪𝙩 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙙𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙥 𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙡 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙝𝙪𝙢𝙗𝙡𝙮 𝙄 𝙖𝙨𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙤 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙜𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙢𝙚.” ~ Bette Davis - JEZEBEL (1938)

(All that groveling, and then the man told her he got married and left her in the dust! Her reaction was a typical Southern Belle response.  "You're funning."😲😢)

♦ Bette Davis - "I'm Kneeling To You" from Jezebel (1938)

♦ Filmsite Movie Review: Jezebel (1938) ~ "The film earned a total of five Academy Award nominations with two major Oscar victories. Bette Davis won her second (and last) Academy Award for her portrayal of the tempestuous, manipulative Southern ante-bellum New Orleans belle for Warner Bros." 

More trivia? Bette Davis’s first Oscar was for Best Actress for the film Dangerous (1935).  She wasn’t even officially nominated that year — but her performance was so powerful that the Academy gave her the award through a special write‑in vote. Classic Bette: too good to ignore.

**

Here are some fascinating, lesser-known facts about Jezebel (1938) with Bette Davis:

1. Bronze vs. Red Dress
   Although Julie Marsden’s iconic gown at the Olympus Ball is widely remembered as red, on film it was actually a bronze colored dress. The reason: bronze showed up better on black and white film than red would. (IMDb)

2. Delayed and Over Budget — Wyler’s Perfectionism
   The production ran 28 days behind schedule, and the film was significantly over its original budget (about $400,000 over). Much of the delay came from director William Wyler demanding many takes and insisting on precision, especially in scenes with Bette Davis. (Watch TCM)

3. Multiple Costume Workers & Expense
   About 75 seamstresses worked for roughly a month on the costumes. The film’s wardrobe budget was large, with some dresses (like the bronze /red dress) costing about $850 each. Overall, several thousand dollars were spent on costumes. (AFI Catalog)

4. Rushed into Production in Response to Gone With the Wind
   Warner Bros. moved Jezebel forward in part because they saw the success and impending cultural presence of Gone With the Wind. They wanted a Southern set, antebellum romance starring Bette Davis to hit screens beforehand. (Watch TCM)

5. Broadway Origins & Flop
   The movie was adapted from a Broadway play by Owen Davis Sr., which had opened and closed in 1933 after only 32 performances. Miriam Hopkins originally played Julie in the play. (Classic Movie Hub - CMH)

6. Casting Last Minute Changes
   Henry Fonda was not originally cast as Pres Dillard. He replaced another actor (Jeffrey Lynn) who could not be released from another commitment. (Classic Movie Hub - CMH)

7. Personal and Romantic Tensions Behind The Scenes
   On set, there were personal entanglements: Bette Davis and William Wyler developed a romantic relationship during filming. Also, there was tension with Henry Fonda early on about the many takes and schedule delays. (IMDb)

8. Wyler’s Directorial Insight vs. Davis’s Artistry
   One famous anecdote: Wyler made Davis watch dailies (the raw uncut takes) with him and showed her a take of Julie coming down a staircase — she’d been irritated by how many takes it took. But in the dailies, she saw a single take with a fleeting expression that captured the essence of Julie, and it changed how she trusted Wyler’s process. (IMDb)

9. Role of Close-ups Without Leading Man
   Because Fonda had a contractual commitment and had to leave before all of Davis’s close-ups were shot, some close-ups of Davis were done without Fonda opposite her. That meant she often had to emote and react off-screen, relying on direction rather than partner chemistry in certain scenes. (AFI Catalog)

10. Costume Continuity Goof (Sleeves Disappear)
    A small but interesting “goof”: In some shots of the gown, the red/bronze dress has sleeves, and in others (including the ball scene) it appears sleeveless. Continuity in costume wasn’t perfect. (IMDb)

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REFERENCES:

“Jezebel (1938) – Trivia & Fun Facts.” Turner Classic Movies (TCM). Includes info on the 28-day delay, costume budget, red/bronze dress, etc. (WatchTCM)

“Jezebel – Catalog Entry.” AFI Catalog (American Film Institute). Provides production details including costuming, shooting schedule, completion date, etc. (AFICatalog)

“Facts about ‘Jezebel’ – Classic Movie Hub.” ClassicMovieHub. Various trivia tidbits: delays, stage play origin, etc. (ClassicMovie Hub - CMH)

“Happy Birthday, Bette Davis—You ‘Jezebel’!” Library of Congress – Now See Hear! Blog. Background on the Broadway play origins, Wyler’s interest in the play, etc. (The Library of Congress)

“Exploring JEZEBEL (1938)” – Kellee Pratt (blog). On Wyler’s directorial style, takes, costume details, and anecdotes about the film’s production. (Outspoken & Freckled)

Bette Davis Movies on Amazon Prime Video

War Movie Classics: The Dirty Dozen

If you are making a list of greatest war movies, The Dirty Dozen (1967) has to go on that list.  All-star cast. All-star action!  “The Dirty Dozen” is a war movie classic. 

Image credit.

This is my movie review.

Traditionally, in the United States, around Independence Day (4th of July), Memorial Day (celebrated the last Monday in May), Veterans Day (November 11), etc. television stations air military movies that are supposed to foster American patriotism. At one time FoxNews.com published a list of “The 30 Greatest War Movies of All Time”. Some of the movies I picked were on their list. Some were not. But they're still on my list for great war movies.

The Dirty Dozen (1967) is one of them. 

This is a great movie about 12 convicts being given a second chance to start life over if they serve their country on a military mission and of course if they survive. I still enjoy it every time I watch it. These two lines are the ones I still remember. 

*** (Background for the scene: There was an obvious commotion coming from the room; the definite sound of men fighting, or rather … settling their differences in the only way men know how.)

- Sergeant Clyde Bowren: [as Major Reisman exits the room ] : Whats going on, sir?

- Major John Reisman: Oh, the gentleman from the South had a question about the dining arrangements. He and his comrades are discussing place settings now.

***
Cracked up (laughed) when the major said that. Some say the movie Inglorious Basterds was inspired by this movie. Well it may have been inspired but it was nowhere near as good as this classic starring some of my favorite actors: Lee Marvin, Charles Bronson, Telly Savalas and Jim Brown, to name a few. They tried to do sequels but they are not as good as the original. 

No argument that it's a classic.  But some say the movie “Inglourious Basterds ” was inspired by this movie. Inspired?  Perhaps.  Better than?  Not even close!!  Have no doubt Quentin Tarantino, the Director of "Inglorious Basterds", would say "Amen!" to my comparison.  This classic film starred some of my favorite actors: Lee Marvin, Charles Bronson, Telly Savalas and Jim Brown, to name a few.

Original source

 * * * * * * * * IN MEMORY OF * * * * * * * * 

Remembering the stars who are no longer with us. 

* Lee Marvin (February 19, 1924 – August 29, 1987) 

* Charles Bronson (November 3, 1921 – August 30, 2003) 

* Aristotelis “Telly” Savalas (January 21, 1922 – January 22, 1994) 

* Jim Brown  (February 17, 1936 – May 18, 2023)

***

Vintage Classic Movie vs Modern Remake: “The Manchurian Candidate”

“The Manchurian Candidate,” which was released in 1962 and starred Frank Sinatra and Laurence Harvey, along with Angela Lansbury, is now a vintage classic movie.

♦ Lifting a description from Wikipedia, this movie is a "Cold War neo-noir suspense thriller".

In 2004, "The Manchurian Candidate” was given an extreme makeover. It was updated - from Cold War to Gulf War - and the remake, which starred Denzel Washington and Meryl Streep, actually had the blessings of Tina Sinatra, daughter of the late Frank Sinatra.

♦ By contrast, the description supplied by Wikipedia for the remake is "science fiction political-thriller film".

The movies were film adaptations based on a 1959 novel written by Richard Condon.

Both films are worth watching. But only one of them is the best!

In my opinion, the 1962 version is the best! I love Frank Sinatra.

Actually I was impressed with the 3 leade characters in the 1962 film. You might be interested in these pieces of trivia about Frank Sinatra, Laurence Harvey, and Angela Lansbury from the 1962 production of The Manchurian Candidate. These details highlight behind-the-scenes drama, casting surprises, and even on-set injuries.

Frank Sinatra — injuries, rumors, and long-buried rights issues

• Sinatra injured his hand during the famous fight scene with Henry Silva. Accounts differ on whether it was a broken finger or a broken wrist, but all sources agree he kept filming, and the injury never healed properly.  

• No stunt doubles were used in the fight scene between Sinatra and Henry Silva — every punch was real. 

• Rumors long circulated that Sinatra pulled the film from distribution after JFK’s assassination, but the real story is more tangled: the film initially bombed, United Artists reneged on royalty agreements, and when the rights reverted to Sinatra in 1972, his lawyers suppressed the film out of anger at how he’d been treated. It only resurfaced when Sinatra hired new lawyers.

The film was rarely available between 1962 and its 1988 reissue, contributing to its cult mystique and fueling decades of speculation about its disappearance. 

• Sinatra’s commitment to the project was unusually personal; he championed the film creatively and professionally, and his performance as Major Bennett Marco is often cited as one of his strongest dramatic roles. (Supported by general critical acclaim.)

Angela Lansbury — a shocking role and a casting fight

• John Frankenheimer personally insisted on casting Angela Lansbury, having worked with her previously on All Fall Down. This was not a studio choice but a director-driven decision.

• Lansbury’s performance was so powerful that she earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress and won a Golden Globe.

• Modern audiences often know Lansbury as the warm, grandmotherly figure from Murder, She Wrote or Disney films, but in 1962, she was already known for playing schemers and antagonists, so the role wasn’t as against type at the time as it seems today.

• Fun international trivia: the French title of the film was Un Crime dans la Tête (“A Crime in the Head”), and the Italian title was Và E Uccidi (“Go and Kill”).

Laurence Harvey — nationality surprises and character intensity

• Harvey was British, despite playing the all-American war hero Raymond Shaw. Angela Lansbury was also British, making both mother and son in the film “Fake Americans.”

• His performance as the brainwashed assassin is widely regarded as one of the film’s most chilling elements, contributing significantly to the movie’s lasting impact. (Supported by general critical acclaim.)

REFERENCES:

Contributors to TV Tropes (aka Tropers). “The Manchurian Candidate Trivia.” TV Tropes, 6 May 2012, https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Trivia/TheManchurianCandidate.

Angus, Elinore. “Is The Manchurian Candidate Based on a True Story?” Facts.Net, 27 Jun. 2023, https://facts.net/movie/46-facts-about-the-movie-the-manchurian-candidate/.

♦

In Memory Of:
Laurence Harvey (1928 – 1973)
Frank Sinatra (1915–1998)

Angela Lansbury (1925-1922)

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BOOKS ADAPTED TO FILM: The Hunchback of Notre Dame (with Apologies)

You know what they say about classic novels?  They are the books that everybody has on their bookshelf at home, but nobody reads them.☺ This post has a couple of apologies.

FIRST APOLOGY:  I apologize to Victor Hugo.  I have never read any of his novels (only excerpts).  But I do know that they must have been really, really good, because a few of Hugo's novels were adapted to film.  As an adult, I've watched a few of those movies.  But as a child, I only remember one film based on Victor Hugo's iconic 1831 novel:  "The Hunchback of Notre Dame", released in 1939. 

WOW!  What a movie!  Loved that scene where Quasimodo, the hunchback (Charles Laughton), lifts the gypsy girl Esmeralda (Maureen O’Hara) into the air and shouts “Sanctuary! Sanctuary!!”  Made quite an impression on my young mind. ☺

“The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1939) | | Ffilms.org.” N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Jan. 2017.

SECOND APOLOGY:  I have to apologize to those who decided on a remake of this classic, which was released in 1997. When this movie was first released, I did not watch it because I thought it would not measure up to the 1939 movie I had watched as a child. But one night, I was looking for something to watch on YouTube and found it.  I was so wrong! This remake is actually quite good.  Salma Hayek stars as Esmeralda, the gypsy woman. Mandy Patinkin is Quasimodo, and Richard Harris is Dom Claude Frollo. The supporting actors were excellent, and the scenery was awesome!

Fun Fact:
The filming locations were Budapest, Hungary; Prague, Czech Republic; and Rouen, France.

I give this 1997 film 4.5 our of 5 stars. Watch it on YouTube.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1997)

🌟 Three Fascinating Facts about Hugo's novel "The Hunchback of Notre-Dame"

• Victor Hugo wrote the novel partly to save Notre-Dame Cathedral, which at the time was neglected and even considered for demolition. The book’s popularity helped spark a restoration movement. (Wikipedia)
• The original French title wasn’t about Quasimodo at all—it was Notre-Dame de Paris, emphasizing that the cathedral itself is the true central “character” of the story. (Britannica)

• The novel is set very precisely in the year 1482, and Hugo meticulously researched medieval Paris to recreate its architecture, streets, and social life in vivid detail. (Mental Floss)

Cathedral de Notre Dame de Paris ~ The Past and the Future 

Vintage Romantic-Comedy: Three Coins in a Fountain (1954)

If you are physically unable to travel, you can always watch a movie that will take you to your dream destination. Italy has always been on my travel bucket list. And who wouldn't want to go to Rome, Italy?

When I was a kid, I watched a romantic movie called “Three Coins in a Fountain” (1954). There were numerous wonderful scenes of various sites in Italy. But I will never forget the scene where they were throwing coins in the Trevi Fountain.

The movie is about 3 American secretaries who are visiting Rome and their love affairs. The movie's memorable theme song was sung by none other than Old Blue-Eyes, Frank Sinatra.

Rotten Tomatoes gave this movie a rating of 3 out of 5 stars. That's probably because the reviewers don't know how to appreciate a vintage classic film. In my humble opinion, this movie earned 3 stars just for filming on location in Rome, Venice, and Merano, and the other 2 stars for the acting. That's 5 out of 5 stars. LOL. ☺

Anyway! Ted Turner certainly appreciated it, and that's why he preserved it in his TCM collection (Turner Classic Movies).

Image credit:  IMDb

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MOVIE TRIVIA:

1. This movie is known by alternate titles “There's No Place Like Rome” and “We Believe in Love”.

2. The film is based on the novel by the same name, written by John H. Secondari (Philadelphia, 1952).

3. It was nominated in 3 different categories for the 1955 Oscar Awards: Best Picture, Best Cinematography, and Best Song.

4. Even though the film title mentions 3 coins in the title, in that Trevi Fountain scene, only 2 coins were thrown into the fountain.

 

Disney Animated Classic: The Aristocats (1970)

Growing up during the 50s and the 60s was the best of times! We did not have cable TV or online streaming back then, but most of the local stations always showed cartoons on Saturday from early morning until around noon. My siblings and I would watch them together. My youngest daughter is an adult now, but when she was little, we often watched animated movies on Saturday mornings. It was “our time”. I would go to the local library and check out videos. They had a great collection of animated videos for kids.

One Saturday morning, I was really tired. I went into her bedroom, popped the tape into the VCR, lay down on her bed, and fell back to sleep! When I woke back up, my daughter was singing “Everybody … everybody … everybody wants to be a cat!” LOL. 😀That movie had her full attention. She did not even notice that I had fallen asleep. Later on, I watched the movie by myself. I was curious because my baby girl clearly enjoyed it. After I watched it, I knew why.

A one-word description for this Walt Disney film? Adorable!

Also, it's a great movie for jazz music lovers!

• "Scat Cat: Everybody wants to be a cat / Because a cat's the only cat who knows where it's at. 

Image credit:  * Happy 50th Anniversary, The Aristocats! by RichTheVoiceTrumpet: deviantart.com

The voice actors were well-known entertainers from my generation that I have always loved, such as Eva Gabor (“Duchess”), Scatman Crothers (“Scat Cat”), and especially Sterling Holloway (“Roquefort the Mouse”). I would recognize his voice anywhere! His voice was used in the “Wizard of Oz”, “Winnie the Pooh,” and so many other animated films I watched as a child. His voice is memorable!

PLOT: The butler did it! A wealthy retired opera singer leaves her money to her cats. But the woman's butler drugs the cats and abandons them in the countryside so that he can inherit the fortune himself. The pampered cats meet up with a street-smart, easygoing alley cat who decides, with the help of his other cat friends, to help them return to their rightful home in Paris.

If you want to watch a delightful animated film with your child or children, I highly recommend The Aristocats (1970).

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Related Links:

The Aristocats (1970) - IMDb

'The Aristocats' Live-Action Remake in the Works at Disney

The Aristocats | Disney Wiki | Fandom

Everybody Wants To Be A Cat (from The Aristocats) – YouTube

Original source

Great family classic movies to watch on @disneyplus
The Aristocats (1970) ~ https://t.co/JemdKC7gqB #familyfun #animatedfilms #classic #entertainment #forkids and for #jazzlovers @goshoppingbees pic.twitter.com/Ktj4jn04V1

— Treathyl Fox (aka cmoneyspinner) ~ #Freelancer (@cmoneyspinner) January 22, 2022

Classic Books to Classic Films: 6 Shirley Temple Movies Based on Books

5 Facts About Shirley Temple: The Making of a Child Star

Shirley Temple is without a doubt one of America's most beloved child actresses. Here are five little-known bio facts about her life and career before her teen years.

1. She was professionally trained. She underwent formal dance training starting at age three at the Meglin Kiddies Dance School in Los Angeles. By age four, she could execute complex tap routines on cue.

2. Her breakout role came from a short-film series called Baby Burlesks (1932–1933).

3. Her famous curls were not natural. They were painstakingly engineered by her mother, Gertrude Temple, using rag curlers nightly. Studio contracts explicitly forbade cutting or brushing them out.

4. Between 1935 and 1938, she was Fox’s top box-office draw at age 6, making her the biggest child star in history at the time.

5. She worked under conditions no longer legal: 15-hour days, six days a week.

Several Shirley Temple films were adapted from books.

Here are six (6) Shirley Temple movies that are book adaptations, which are marvelous examples.

1. Heidi(1937)

Adapted from: Heidi (1881) by Johanna Spyri

Heidi tells the story of a young orphan girl sent to live with her reclusive grandfather in the Swiss Alps. Despite his gruff exterior, Heidi’s warmth and innocence slowly soften him. Living close to nature, she befriends Peter the goatherd and thrives in the mountain environment. Her happiness is interrupted when she is taken to Frankfurt to serve as a companion to Clara, a wealthy but disabled girl. In the city, Heidi becomes desperately homesick, her health and spirit declining. Eventually, she is allowed to return to the Alps, where her joy is restored. Clara later visits Heidi and, inspired by the mountain air and Heidi’s encouragement, learns to walk. The novel emphasizes the healing power of nature, kindness, and emotional resilience.

Movie vs. Book:

The film is very close to the novel’s themes, characters, and emotional arc. Changes are mostly simplifications.

• Movie Quote: “I don’t want a lot of things. I just want to be happy.”

• Book Quote: “Wherever there is sunshine, one can find happiness.”

2. Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm (1938)

Adapted from: Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm (1903) by Kate Douglas Wiggin

Rebecca Randall is a lively, imaginative orphan sent to live with her stern aunts in the village of Riverboro, Maine. Though her Aunt Miranda disapproves of Rebecca’s enthusiasm and creativity, Rebecca’s optimism gradually wins over the community. She excels in school, forms close friendships, and develops a love for poetry and performance. Rebecca’s kindness and perseverance help bridge the gap between tradition and individuality. Over time, even her strict aunt grows to admire her spirit. The novel is a coming-of-age story focused on self-expression, emotional intelligence, and the importance of nurturing young talent rather than suppressing it.

Movie vs. Book:

The core character remains intact, but the film adds romance, music, and a more sentimental ending.

• Movie Quote: “Things don’t happen the way you expect them to, but they happen the way they should.”

• Book Quote: “Children are different, you know. There’s no standard pattern.”

3. Captain January (1936)

Adapted from: Captain January (1890) by Laura E. Richards

Little Star is an orphan girl raised by Captain January, a retired sea captain who works as a lighthouse keeper. The two live happily by the sea until officials discover that Star has wealthy relatives searching for her. She is taken away to be raised in comfort, but without the love and freedom she once knew. Meanwhile, Captain January falls ill and loses his sight. Eventually, Star’s relatives recognize the depth of her bond with the captain and reunite them, ensuring his care and her happiness. The novel highlights emotional bonds over material wealth and explores themes of loyalty, love, and belonging.

Movie vs. Book:

The movie is largely faithful in story and tone, though softened and musicalized for Shirley Temple.

• Movie Quote: “I don’t care where I live, as long as I’m loved.”

• Book Quote: “She had been rich before, rich in love and sunshine.”

4. Curly Top (1935)

Adapted from: Daddy-Long-Legs (1912) by Jean Webster

The novel follows Jerusha Abbott, an orphan whose education is secretly funded by a mysterious benefactor she calls “Daddy-Long-Legs.” Through letters, Jerusha describes her growth, struggles, and dreams while attending college. Over time, she becomes more confident and self-aware, questioning her place in society and her relationship with her unseen patron. Eventually, she learns his identity and confronts her feelings of gratitude, independence, and love. The book is notable for its humor, social commentary, and focus on a young woman’s intellectual development.

Movie vs. Book:

Only loosely inspired by the novel; characters, age, and story structure are almost entirely changed.

• Movie Quote: “I don’t need money if I’ve got people who care.”

• Book Quote: “The only way to be happy is to make somebody else so.”

5. Wee Willie Winkie (1937)

Adapted from: Wee Willie Winkie (1888, short story/poem) by Rudyard Kipling

Kipling’s original work is a short poem and related stories set in British colonial India, focusing on duty, bravery, and imperial life. The “Wee Willie Winkie” poem describes a child enforcing bedtime rules in military barracks, symbolizing order and innocence. Kipling’s broader themes often explore courage, loyalty, and the complexities of empire, though the original material is brief and symbolic rather than narrative-driven.

Movie vs. Book:

The film expands a short poem into a full narrative—essentially an original story using only the title and theme.

• Movie Quote: “I’m not afraid. I just don’t like being brave alone.”

• Book Quote: “He went through the dark with a lantern and a song.”

6. The Little Princess (1939)

Adapted from: A Little Princess (1905) by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Sara Crewe is a bright, imaginative girl sent to Miss Minchin’s boarding school in London while her wealthy father serves in India. Treated as a model pupil, Sara lives comfortably until her father dies suddenly, leaving her penniless. Miss Minchin strips Sara of her privileges and forces her to work as a servant. Despite hunger and hardship, Sara clings to her belief that “princesses” behave with kindness and dignity no matter their circumstances. Her imagination helps her survive cruelty and loneliness. Eventually, it is discovered that Sara’s father left behind a fortune administered by a friend who has been searching for her. Sara is restored to her rightful place and rewards those who showed her compassion. The novel emphasizes resilience, inner nobility, and moral strength.

Movie vs. Book:

Keeps the emotional core but significantly alters major plot points for dramatic effect.

• Movie Quote: “Even if I’m dressed in rags, I’ll still be a princess.”

• Book Quote: “Whatever comes cannot alter one thing. If I am a princess in rags, I can be a princess inside.”

My personal favorites are “Heidi” and “The Little Princess. The Shirley Temple films and/or books would make delightful additions to anyone's personal library. Paperback books are inexpensive, but the stories are priceless. 

• Click here to discover some entertainment trivia about "Heidi".

glitter-graphics.com

My First Classics for Children
Introduce your little ones to timeless stories with My First #Classics for #Children!

Beautifully illustrated & written in simple language, these #books make the perfect first step into the world of #literature. ✨https://t.co/GQiXHLC4Gy #Books… pic.twitter.com/QaqR1Esn8R

— My Shopping Channel (@goshoppingbees) December 14, 2025

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Best of Children’s #Classics (Set of 5 #Books)
A treasure trove of beloved tales awaits!
Unforgettable stories that spark imagination and nurture a love for #reading.
Perfect for a #gift or building your child’s #library.https://t.co/cuiQOz53Y9 pic.twitter.com/GIcaZjM9ev

— My Shopping Channel (@goshoppingbees) December 14, 2025

📚📚📚

Children's Book Day is celebrated annually on April 2nd.

For Fans of Marlon Brando: "The Ugly American" (1963)

If you told fans of Marlon Brando to summarize his acting career of 6 decades with one word, they would probably say: Stella!

If you told fans of Marlon Brando to summarize his career with one line, it depends on the generation of fans you're asking. 

• One group might say: "I could have been a contender". 
• Another group might say: "I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse."

If you were to ask any Brando fan to name their favorite Brando movies, I seriously doubt that "The Ugly American" would be on anybody's list. Nevertheless, I'm recommending this movie. Why? Because ...

The novel “The Ugly American” was published in 1958 and in 1963, the book was adapted to film by Universal Pictures. Marlon Brando (1924 – 2004) played the part of Ambassador Harrison Carter MacWhite. Many critics gave Brando great reviews for his acting; however other critics did not have praise for either the movie or Brando. If you're a fan, you can watch this movie on YouTube, in English, with Spanish subtitles and decide for yourself.

The Ugly American 1963 Marlon Brando ...

My Pick for a Classic Warren Beatty Film: "Splendor in the Grass" (1961)

Thought the Clutter is an entertainment blog that published a List of 28 Warren Beatty Movies, Ranked Best to Worst.  I have never been a huge fan of Warren Beatty.  There is no denying he was tall, dark, and handsome.  But frankly, I really admired his sister; the enormously talented actress Shirley MacLane.  However, giving credit where credit is due:

"Warren Beatty is an American actor and filmmaker who is the second person to be nominated for 'Academy Awards' for acting in, directing, writing, and producing the same film – which he achieved twice for the fantasy-comedy film 'Heaven Can Wait' (1978) and for the historical epic 'Reds' (1981). Of his total 14 'Oscar' nominations, he won the award for 'Best Director' for 'Reds' (1981)."

Posterazzi Splendor In The Grass Warren Beatty 1961 Photo Poster Print, (16 x 20)

That quote/fact was lifted from the TTC article list mentioned above.  Kudos to Mr. Beatty for his achievements.  Even so ... his movies never made it to my 'Oh I'm dying to watch or re-watch this list!"  However, if I were going to pick a classic film starring Warren Beatty, it would have to be “Splendor in the Grass” (1961).   Yes, the fact that Natalie Wood was the leading lady had a lot to do with it.

♦♦♦♦♦♦

Five Facts About This 1961 Classic:

🎬 Warren Beatty’s Big Break
This film marked Warren Beatty’s acting debut, launching him into Hollywood stardom. His performance as Bud Stamper was so compelling that it set the tone for a long and successful career.

🛁 A Censored Bathtub Scene
Director Elia Kazan originally filmed a scene where Natalie Wood’s character runs nude down a hallway after a heated argument. However, both the Hollywood censors and the Catholic Legion of Decency objected, leading Kazan to cut the scene entirely.

🌊 Not Filmed in Kansas
Although the story is set in Kansas, a severe drought forced the production to relocate filming to New York state, including the waterfall scenes shot in High Falls, in the Catskills.

💋 Hollywood’s First French Kiss
Believe it or not, Splendor in the Grass is credited with depicting the first French kiss in a Hollywood film, pushing boundaries for its time.

📖 Poetic Origins
The film’s title comes from William Wordsworth’s poem “Ode: Intimations of Immortality”. The line “Though nothing can bring back the hour of splendour in the grass…” beautifully reflects the film’s themes of lost innocence and emotional resilience.

REFERENCES:

• 39 Facts about the movie Splendor in the Grass - Facts.net
• Facts about "Splendor in the Grass" : Classic Movie Hub (CMH)

Warren Beatty | Biography, Movies, Sister, Wife, & Facts | Britannica ~ https://t.co/xGejmb6Toa
*Img: #WarrenBeatty & #NatalieWood in a promotional photograph for Splendor in the Grass (1961), directed by Elia Kazan. © 1961 Warner Brothers, Inc. #classicmovies #Entertainment pic.twitter.com/iajOol40BC

— Treathyl Fox (aka cmoneyspinner) ~ #Freelancer (@cmoneyspinner) May 5, 2022