Captain January (novel) facts for kids
Captain January is a classic children's novel written by Laura E. Richards. It was first published in 1891. The heartwarming story is about an old lighthouse keeper and his adopted little girl, named Star.
The book became so popular that it was later made into two movies. The first film was a silent movie in 1924, also called Captain January. It starred a famous child actress known as Baby Peggy. The second movie was a musical film in 1936, starring the beloved child star Shirley Temple.
The Story of Captain January
The novel tells the tale of Captain January, an old lighthouse keeper who lives on a small island off the coast of Maine. One day, he finds a young girl, the only survivor of a shipwreck. He names her Star and raises her as his own daughter.
Star grows up in the lighthouse, learning about the sea and helping Captain January. Their life together is simple and full of love. The story shows their strong bond and the adventures they share. It also highlights the importance of family, even if it's not by blood.
Film Adaptations
The story of Captain January has been brought to life on the big screen twice. Both movies helped make the story even more famous.
The 1924 Silent Film
The first film version of Captain January was released in 1924. It was a silent movie, meaning there was no spoken dialogue. The story was told through actions, music, and written text on the screen.
This film starred Diana Serra Cary, who was known as Baby Peggy. She was one of the biggest child stars of the silent film era. Her performance helped bring the character of Star to a wide audience.
The 1936 Musical Film
The second and perhaps most famous adaptation came out in 1936. This version was a musical film, starring the legendary Shirley Temple. She was a huge star during the Great Depression.
Shirley Temple sang and danced in the movie, making it a very popular musical. Her portrayal of Star captured the hearts of many viewers. This film helped introduce the story of Captain January to a new generation.
