POPULAR CHILD ACTRESS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23107, 5 February 1937, Page 13

POPULAR CHILD ACTRESS

SHIRLEY TEMPLE AT STATE The popular little screen star, Shirley Temple, is said to give her best performance to date .in her latest film, “ Poor Little Rich Girl,” to be commenced at the State Theatre to-day. Shirley, of course, plays the title role. She is seen as the daughter of Michael Whalen, a wealthy young business man, who is far too occupied making money to devote much time to his daughter. Shirley persuades her daddy, that she should be sent to boarding school where she can associate and play with other little children. Whalen agrees, but, instead of attending to the task himself, delegates Sara Haden to accompany her to the school. Waiting for the train, Shirley wanders off. The busy sidewalks of New York lure here on to adventure. She is entranced by Tony, the organ grinder, and follows him to his home. Tony already has a large familv, but the new “ bam - bina ” so wins him that he lets her stay with his other children. In the meantime, Miss Haden has been run over by an automobile, and during the following days Shirley’s absence goes unreported. Jack Haley and Alice Faye, an out-of-work vaudeville team, notice Shirley singing and dancing. Haley is inspired with the thought that she is just what the act needs, and, despite Miss Faye’s protestations, she is taken into the act. The trio are successful in a radio audition and are hired by Claude Gillingwater. Whalen has met Gloria Stuart, and the two have fallen in love. She persuades Whalen to listen to Gillingwater’s new radio programme, and he is astounded to recognise Shirley’s voice coming over the air. Whalen does not just dash down to the broadcasting studio and bring Shirley home, for several other complications enter the plot, and there’s a whirlwind of exciting events before the thrilling climax is reached. Shirley is said to perform astonishing dances that top everything she has ever done before, and she sings five new songs, including “ When I’m with You,” “ But Definitely.” “You Gotta Eat Your Spinach, Baby,” “ Oh, My Goodness,” and “Military Man.”