Watch The Little Colonel

As a classic Hollywood movie from the 1930s, The Little Colonel is a heartwarming and entertaining film that captures the essence of childhood innocence and family bonds. Starring America's sweetheart Shirley Temple in one of her most iconic roles, the movie tells the story of a little girl who brings laughter and love to her estranged grandfather and helps heal old wounds.

Set in the post-Civil War South, the movie begins with a prologue that establishes the backstory of the characters. Colonel Lloyd (Lionel Barrymore), a former plantation owner who fought for the Confederacy, has disowned his daughter Elizabeth (Evelyn Venable) for marrying a Yankee officer. Elizabeth and her husband have a daughter named Lloyd Sherman (Shirley Temple), whom the colonel has never met.

Years later, Elizabeth and her husband die in a tragic accident, leaving Lloyd an orphan. She is sent to live with her Aunt Lou (Bill Robinson), a former slave who now runs a hotel in a nearby town. When the colonel finds out that his granddaughter is living with a black woman, he is outraged and forbids any contact with her.

Meanwhile, Lloyd befriends a young girl named Mary (Dorothy Dandridge), who also lives at the hotel. They explore the countryside and play pranks on the townspeople, including the colonel's obnoxious neighbor Jack (John Lodge). One day, while out riding, they come across the colonel's estate and Lloyd is determined to meet her grandfather.

Despite Aunt Lou's protests, Lloyd sneaks onto the colonel's property and is caught by his estate manager. The colonel, seeing his granddaughter for the first time, is immediately taken aback but can't help but be charmed by her. Lloyd's innocent remarks and sunny disposition slowly break down the colonel's hardened exterior and he begins to soften towards her.

As their relationship develops, the colonel comes to realize that his daughter's marriage was not the end of the world and that he has been living in the past. With the help of Aunt Lou and some unexpected visitors, the family reconciles and the colonel welcomes Lloyd into his home.

The Little Colonel is a delightful movie that showcases Shirley Temple's talents as an actress, singer, and dancer. Her infectious energy and adorable demeanor steal the show, and her chemistry with Lionel Barrymore is heartwarming. The movie also features some impressive dance numbers, including a show-stopping tap routine between Shirley Temple and Bill Robinson.

On a deeper level, the movie explores themes of prejudice, forgiveness, and family. The colonel's initial hostility towards his granddaughter reflects the racism and division that plagued the South after the Civil War, but through Lloyd's influence, he learns to let go of his bitterness and embrace his family. The movie's message of love and acceptance resonates to this day and serves as a testament to Shirley Temple's enduring legacy as a symbol of optimism and hope.

Overall, The Little Colonel is a classic Hollywood movie that captures the magic of childhood and the power of family bonds. With its captivating performances, charming story, and timeless message, it remains a beloved entertainment for audiences of all ages.

The Little Colonel is a 1935 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 21 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.