She defined a generation. The greatest generation. A symbol of hope, of determination, of all that was best in America.
As the world's economic system collapsed, and as we slid perilously towards a global war, Shirley Temple came and put a smile on every one's face.
She was the number one box office draw for three years in the 1930s. And her films lived on for decades after. For my generation, the first one to grow up with television, her movies were as fresh and interesting to us as they were then. Many stations showed movies in the afternoon, right after school, and we saw many of the gems from yesteryear. So our generation was as much in love with her as the previous ones.
Girls would often try to emulate Shirley, in style and particularly curls. Talent shows often had many Shirley Temple imitators. The girl I had the biggest crush on in elementary school was almost a ringer for Shirley Temple. She was a great dancer too, and could dance up a storm like Shirley could.
Her mother was a large presence in her early career, but in a mostly positive sense. She helped keep Shirley's head on straight during the massive maelstrom of attention. When the mother wasn't there on set, a director tried to frighten Shirley in order to get a scared reaction from her. The mother was never off set after that.
As Shirley became an adult, her movie career took a nosedive. Not through any lack of talent, but through the public's lack of ability to see her in any other role. Rather than turn to despair, she instead turned to family, and eventually had a great career in politics, where she was an effective ambassador, including at a crucial time in Czechoslovakia.
It is easy to condemn certain child stars that remain in the limelight, for turning their earlier innocence on its head. Some descend into self-destructive behavior, some become the opposite of what they were, and some do both.
The entertainment industry is so diverse and fast-paced now, I wonder if any will endure now the way Shirley Temple did. Would we know of Miley Cyrus if she had not defied the stereotypes of her youth? There are other young adults far more "adult" and sexual in their performances, but we stand most confused by her because she is so different than her earlier image. But those who have not done what Miley Cyrus did have faded into obscurity.
If you have a little girl, do find a Shirley Temple movie and play it for her. Show her what grit and determination, optimism and positivity, kindness and caring, talent and practice, can bring about.
Curls optional.
God bless you, Shirley Temple. And what you brought to this nation in its darkest hour. Bless you and the loving family you came from, and the loving family you raised.
No comments:
Post a Comment