Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Safe Travels Curley Top! A Tribute to Shirley Temple Black

Likes millions of others little girls, I loved Shirley Temple. It was always so exciting when we realized a Shirley Temple movie would be on TV. We even named one of our puppies "Curley Top" (She became "Curley" for short) and at 8 years old, I was so excited to be doing "Animal Crackers in My Soup" in my tap recital. 

With "Curley Top" Christmas 1981


Billy Clower Dance Studio recital 1977


That's me, on the far right, and below. Always a poser.
This was just after our rendition of "Animal Crackers" and "Yes Sir, That's My Baby."
And, believe it not, I am still in touch with Michelle and Courtney, above, on Facebook!


There were so many Youtube videos of Shirley, but most were colorized, which makes me crazy. So here are a some of the few I found, in the original black and white.

One of her very young moments on screen ...


I love her reaction, in the little Colonel, when she giggles after Bill Bojangles pauses after dancing on the stairs. (around 2 minutes in.)


I class myself with Rin Tin Tin.
People in the Depression wanted something 
to cheer them up,
and they fell in love with a dog and a little girl.
~Shirley Temple

Here is a film short from 1932. It was her second film, with a bunch of tiny kids ... that would never be made today!



When I was 14, 
I was the oldest I ever was.
I've been getting younger ever since.
~Shirley Temple


One more … 
On the Sunny Side …




Thanks for all the joy and for your service.


Rest in Peace

Shirley Temple Black
1928-2014



7 comments:

donna baker said...

Loved her too Lucinda. Would loved to have seen you in your tap recital.

Cobalt Violet said...

Done, Donna!!! I love that costume, back then. You know, little girls in tulle and everything. :)

donna baker said...

Lucinda, you still look like that little girl of long ago. I mean that in the best sense.

Unknown said...

A lovely tribute! And you look darling in your dance costume!

Loree said...

I remember watching her movies when she was little. She was so cute. I even had a Shirley Temple doll which my mum's uncle sent me all the way from America.

rjerdee said...

What a lovely tribute, Lucinda. May you rest in peace, dear Shirley :)

rjerdee said...

What a lovely tribute, Lucinda. May you rest in peace, dear Shirley :)