Shirley Temple (Nell La Belle Diaperina) is one of the most well known and highly regarded child stars in history. In addition to being well known, she is one of the few immensely successful child stars not to go off the rails and lose her way. Temple is back at it again in Glad Rags to Riches, the story of a young entertainer forced to choose between two suitors, a wealthy nightclub owner (Eugene Butler) and lower-class country boy, Eugene (Georgie Smith). Who will she choose, and how will the other respond?
The acting is about as good as viewers would expect from a few five year olds. Their talents are acceptable, and the acting as a whole is adequate, enough to drive home a ten-minute film at least. Glad Rags to Riches doesn’t require exceptional acting, though. Each of the young actors are adorable, appealing to just about anyone willing to watch the film. As they interact with one another and are meant to portray adults, it’s hard not to chuckle at least a little bit.
What, in many ways, goes hand in hand with the acting is the fact that the three leads have such large personalities. They fill the screen and deliver their lines as if they had been in the game for decades. As Glad Rags to Riches plays out, it’s clear why each of these individuals were chosen, because their personalities dictated it. This isn’t to say that they demanded their respective roles, but rather that they were sought after because they appear so strong-willed and confident.
Glad Rags to Riches is an incredibly short film, giving director Charles Lamont little time to develop and deliver a compelling story. As a result of that, Glad Rags to Riches never fully develops into something interesting. Even though viewers quickly become attached to the young actors, the story is lacking, and viewers struggle to find a connection to what is occurring. Viewers fall further and further away from appreciating the film as they come to realize that there is little substance to the film.
There’s no question that Glad Rags to Riches is cute and entertaining as a result of the young actors, but there’s something missing. The lack of material makes it difficult for the film to resonate with viewers, and ultimately Glad Rags to Riches fails to entertain as expected. Understand that the young actors are enough to keep the film afloat, but not enough to save it entirely.
Directed by Charles Lamont.
Starring Shirley Temple, Eugene Butler, Lawrence Harris, Georgie Smith, & Marilyn Granes.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/10
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