The Shirley Temple Scrapbook - Updated 2017 Edition

by Loraine Burdick

They called her "Little Miss Miracle." With the wink of an eye and a dimpled grin, Shirley Jane Temple brightened smiles, melted hearts, and set toes a-tappin. Born the year before the Great Depression, indescribably adorable Shirley was just what the world needed to lift itself out of the doldrums. She was, said Irvin S. Cobb in presenting Shirley a special Oscar in l935, "the worlds greatest gift of joy and happiness." Lifelong fan and renowned collector Loraine Burdick has compiled this treasure chest of memories of the irresistible youngster with the fifty-two perfect curls. Featuring never-before-published photos, glorious portraits, and rare publicity pieces, The Shirley Temple Scrapbook takes us into Loraines very own magical place dubbed "Shirleyland." The Scrapbook chronicles Shirleys stellar career, from her start in the Baby Burlesks to her standout performances in such films as Bright Eyes and Captain January. We become privy to how Shirley became the first toddler to promote the film industry; why her hand-holding song-and-dance routine with Bill "Bojangles" Robinson in The Little Colonel was considered so controversial; and what made her shine among Hollywood legends Ginger Rogers, Claudette Colbert, Cary Grant, Rudy Vallee, Gary Cooper, and Carole Lombard--to name just a few! Loraine Burdicks valentine to Shirley Temple invites us to relive, or perhaps discover for the first time, some of the most glorious films of the twentieth century, sneak a peak at the styles of the day, and get a realistic view of Shirleys personal and professional thrills and disappointments on the road to fame. Complete with plot summaries, cast lists, and hard-to-find tidbits, The Shirley Temple Scrapbook is a must-have book of love that captures the magnanimous spirit of a celebrated personality who enraptured us all.

324 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1975

Reviews

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. As a shirley temple fan it was lovely to see some more of the press photos and public reaction to her when she was around. The pictures are beautiful. The book is in two parts, the first revolving around her life in chronological order and the second giving an in depth filmography with stills from the film. I would highly recommend this book.

[Phil Syphe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Irvin Cobb didn't give a false compliment when he told Shirley Temple in 1934 that she was "The world’s greatest gift of joy and happiness."

Having been enchanted by the adorable Shirley Temple in all her 1930s’ films, I thought I'd enjoy this simple biography with its classic photos. Yes, I enjoyed it immensely.

Divided into unequal halves, the first part is the biography, focusing mainly on Shirley’s early years, before carrying on up till 2000.

While I’m not interested in politics, it was still interesting to read about Shirley’s work as an ambassador and such like, though it’s her early film career that interested me most.

It’s her film career (1932–49) that occupies the smaller half of the book. Including the “Baby Burlesks” and bit parts, one or more pages are devoted to (almost) everything that Shirley has starred in. This includes cast lists, notes on critical reception, promotional photos, etc.

The photos throughout the book cover Shirley’s life up to the 1990s, with the emphasis naturally on her glory years.

It’s incredible how big an impact this little girl had on America and later on the world. All these years on, her 1930s’ films are still a treat.

“Scrapbook” is what its title suggests: full of photos accompanied by informative text. If, like me, you’re a newish fan of this remarkable little star, get yourself a copy.