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