Remembering Shirley Temple

Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
What a charming kid you are.
Across the silver screen you prance,
Though you can't act, or sing, or dance,
But for six whole years
Your precious cuteness had no par.
You were tons of fun with curly hair,
And miles and miles of sunny smiles,
But I surmise, Miss Shirley Temple,
That movie history critics say
Your most conspicuous talent lay,
Not in real abilities, per se,
But in twinkling eyes and lots of dimples.

Author's note: I wrote this piece, dear reader, after watching "The Bluebird" last Christmas. Some of you may not be aware that Shirley Temple was MGM's first choice for the role of Dorothy in "The Wizard of Oz", but her studio would not "lend" her to them for the project. And they have my eternal gratitude.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

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Ashley Avatar
February 23, 2024 at 5:59 PM
Dear Jim, I enjoyed your wonderful verse! Shirley Temple did indeed beam "miles and miles of sunny smiles"! Great imagery captures Shirley Temple's effervescent essence. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan
Slaughter Avatar
February 24, 2024 at 10:13 AM
Susan, thank you. Too bad her 'effervescence" didn't last into puberty.
Fisher Avatar
February 23, 2024 at 5:11 PM
I think you found the original subject for the classic Twinkle song. This is interesting and fun through and through.
Slaughter Avatar
February 24, 2024 at 10:11 AM
Thanks, David. Yes, she could certainly "twinkle" with the best.
Bauer Avatar
February 23, 2024 at 1:36 PM
okay, she's no judy garland, but i think shirley temple did okay in her movies, especially when she got to tap dance. i'm sure you're right, though - her dimples and smile were the main things people remember about her. i enjoyed your take on her talent (or lack of it), though, jim...
Slaughter Avatar
February 24, 2024 at 10:09 AM
Thanks, Ilene. Can you imagine Shirley Temple singing...or trying to sing..."Somewhere Over the Rainbow"?
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