STATE THEATRE

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 133, 29 February 1936, Page 13

STATE THEATRE

“The Littlest Rebel” So amazing is the talent and the persuasiveness of Shirley Temple in her latest and best picture, “The Littlest Rebel,” screening at the State Theatre, that nobody could fail to leave the theatre without feelings of the greatest admiration. It is her first big dramatic role, and it definitely proves her a premier entertainer. The locale of the picture is in old Virginia. at the height of the Civil War, with Shirley and her parents loyal supporters of the losing Confederency. Much of the pathos and tenderness of the picture centres about Shirley and her mother, Karen Morley. In one moving scene Shirley, as Virgie Temple, perched on a desk in Lincoln’s office in the White House, eats an apple while pleading for her father’s life. Three songs are also worthy of particular attention. Shirley sings “Dixie,” “Polly Wolly Doodle,” and “Those Endearing Young Charms.” She also does several new tap-dances. There are adventures aplenty to thrill those who like a bit of excitement when Shirley has scrapes with the “Yankees,” and a thrilling flight as her father, John Boles, attempts to smuggle her through the “Yankee” lines, only to be caught and held as a spy. In another scene there is a night raid, and loyal servants prevail on Shirley and: her mother to leave the house and take shelter in a slave cabin. The mother becomes dangerously ill, and Robinson risks his life in coming across the lines to inform Boles, the father. Both make the perilous return journey, but as Boles reaches his wife she dies. There are some very charming parts when Shirley sets out to save her father and to reach the capitol. As they have little money she makes it possible, by street-singing and dancing. Shirley is a delightful imp, and no one can help but love her. Among the supports is a xgbst hilarious and entertaining Buster Keaton comedy, the always-popular travel-talk, and an informative yet extremely interesting Hollywood “Walk-about.”