Heidi
Curly-topped moppet Shirley Temple starred in this 1937 version of Heidi,
Johann Spyri’s oft-filmed novel. 20th Century Fox reworked the original
text to showcase the song and dance talents that made the little star
America’s Sweetheart.
In a tiny Alpine village, orphaned Heidi is sent to live with her
crusty grandfather, Adolph Kramer. The girl’s apple-cheeked innocence
soon warms the old man’s frozen heart, and the two become fast friends.
The pair’s newfound happiness is interrupted when Heidi’s greedy Aunt
Dete kidnaps the girl and sells her to Herr Sesemann as a domestic
servant, but not even Cinderella-like servitude can keep the perky tyke
down.
Heidi befriends Sesemann’s invalid daughter, Klara, helping the
bedridden girl take her first steps in years. Heidi’s infectious
goodness brightens the whole household, and Sesemann agrees to take the
captured cutie back to her grandfather. But Klara’s cruel governess,
Fraulein Rottenmeier, has other designs, a wicked plan that could keep
Heidi and her grandfather apart forever.
Cute, sweet and tear-jerking, Heidi was a perfect vehicle
for Shirley Temple. Doing what she did best, little Miss Temple sang,
danced and melted hearts across the country. After six decades and
several other versions, this Heidi remains a sentimental favorite.
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