Stowaway [DVD] [1936]

This is a typical vehicle for Shirley Temple who plays Ching-Ching whose missionary guardians are killed. She is taken to Shanghai by faithful Sun-Lu (Philip Ahn). She hides in the car of socialite Tony Randall (Robert Young) that is loaded onto a luxury liner. Shirley is the stowaway on her way to America. Also on board is Susan (Alice Faye) on her way to meet her fiance with her prospective mother-in-law (Helen Westley). Robert Young befriends and eventually marries Alice in order that Shirley should have proper parents, even if the arrangement is temporary. This is the likely eventuality when Shirley works her charm to try and save them from the divorce court. This is a delightful film with a stronger than usual script and cast. It was Alice's last film with Shirley. To make it authentic, producer Zanuck insisted on Chinese actors and that Shirley should be tutored in Chinese phrases. (Unfortunately it was Mandarin when most of the actors spoke a different dialect).Shirley dances and does impersonations of Edie Cantor, Ginger Rogers and Al Jolson (singing 'Mammy'). Other songs by Shirley included 'You gotta S-M-I-L-E If You want to be H-A-P-P-Y', 'I Wanna Go To The Zoo' and 'Goodnight My Love' later reprised by the gorgeous Alice Faye with adult lyrics. She also sings another Mack Gordon and Harry Revel song, 'Goodnight My Love', one of her biggest hits. Released on Christmas Day it was a box-office smash and one of the best productions of the year, (1936). Both Alice and Shirley were ill at various times during the filming much to the annoyance of Zanuck. 'That's What I Want For Christmas' seasonally tagged on and sung by Shirley adds little to the film.An enjoyable film. Colourised. The transfer could have been better on my copy. Aspect ratio 1.33:1. Still, it has Alice Faye in it!

First off, this is a cracking little feel-good film, with a nice romance, some good songs, and some charming acting. The problem is not with the film but with this particular edition of it, which is what I'm rating it on.Be aware that this film has been COLOURISED. It does list this in the "product details" on this site, but one doesn't always read all of the "small print" (I don't, anyway!), and it is not mentioned *at all* on the actual box (in fact, the illustrations on the box are all from the original black and white print).Worst of all, about half way through the horribly coloured film, the soundtrack and picture cease to be in sync, making the whole thing completely unwatchable. This is a TERRIBLE copy of a great film.The film is definitely worth watching - just not this version of it!

NOT very good quality but of course it is SHIRLEY TEMPLE and ALICE FAYE, so how could I NOT LIKE IT!Paul Douglas.

Really enjoyed theDVD. It arrived promptly and played really well. Would not have known it was a used copoy

This was one of her best I loved it and am sure it will be a favorite it's one of the best of her films.

fast efficient service and if you enjoy Shirley Temple films will enjoy this.

A really good film with 3 of her songs in it what more can I say

Very quick delivery, I love the film.ty