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.