Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm (1938 film) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm |
|
|---|---|
.jpg)
Theatrical release poster
|
|
| Directed by | Allan Dwan |
| Produced by | Darryl F. Zanuck Raymond Griffith |
| Screenplay by | Don Ettlinger Karl Tunberg Ben Markson William M. Conselman |
| Starring | |
| Music by |
|
| Cinematography | Arthur C. Miller |
| Editing by | Allen McNeil |
| Distributed by | Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation |
| Release date(s) | March 18, 1938 |
| Running time | 80 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm is a fun musical comedy film from 1938. It stars the famous child actress Shirley Temple, along with Randolph Scott and Bill Robinson. The movie was directed by Allan Dwan.
The story is based on the 1903 book Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm by Kate Douglas Wiggin. This film was the second time Shirley Temple and Randolph Scott worked together. They also appeared in To the Last Man (1933) and Susannah of the Mounties (1939).
This movie tells the story of a talented orphan girl who wins a big radio contest. You'll see Shirley Temple singing many of her popular songs. She also dances with Bill Robinson on a set of stairs! The film was very popular when it came out.
Contents
Rebecca's Big Adventure
This movie follows Rebecca Winstead, a young girl who loves to sing. Her stepfather, Harry Kipper, is her legal guardian. Rebecca tries out for a radio show called "Little Miss America." She wins the part, but she doesn't realize it! She thinks she lost.
Kipper sees Rebecca as a problem and sends her to live on a farm. This farm belongs to her Aunt Miranda.
A Secret Radio Show
Guess who lives right next door to Aunt Miranda's farm? It's Tony Kent, the radio executive who chose Rebecca for the "Little Miss America" role! He knows Rebecca is super talented. Tony asks Aunt Miranda if Rebecca can be on his radio show.
But Aunt Miranda doesn't want Rebecca to be involved with show business. So, Tony and Rebecca come up with a secret plan. Rebecca secretly joins Tony's radio show from his house next door.
Trouble Returns
Rebecca's stepfather, Kipper, hears her singing on the radio. He quickly returns to the farm, hoping to make money from Rebecca's talent. Since he is still her legal guardian, he forces Aunt Miranda to let Rebecca go with him.
Kipper takes Rebecca away from her new friends and her aunt. They go to New York City. There, he signs a contract with Purvis, who is Tony Kent's business rival. Rebecca is supposed to star on Purvis's radio show.
Rebecca's Clever Plan
Suddenly, Rebecca can't sing! She gets laryngitis, which means her voice becomes hoarse. Purvis gets angry and cancels her contract. Kipper, seeing no more money, sells his guardianship of Rebecca to Aunt Miranda for $5,000.
After this, Rebecca reveals her secret! She was only pretending to have a sore throat. She did it to get away from Kipper! The movie ends with Rebecca and Aunt Miranda's farm helper, Aloysius, dressed as toy soldiers. They perform a fun dance on a staircase.
Meet the Characters
Here are some of the main actors and the characters they play:
- Shirley Temple as Rebecca Winstead: A young, talented orphan girl.
- Randolph Scott as Tony Kent: A radio advertising executive who believes in Rebecca.
- William Demarest as Harry Kipper: Rebecca's stepfather and legal guardian.
- Helen Westley as Miranda: Rebecca's strict but caring aunt who lives on a farm.
- Gloria Stuart as Gwen: Rebecca's cousin and Tony Kent's romantic interest.
- Bill Robinson as Aloysius: Aunt Miranda's friendly farm hand.
- Slim Summerville as Homer Busby: Aunt Miranda's old friend.
- Jack Haley as Orville Smithers: A radio performer.
- Phyllis Brooks as Lola Lee: Another radio performer.
- Alan Dinehart as Purvis: Tony Kent's business competitor.
- Franklin Pangborn as an organist: He plays the organ at the radio station.
Music in the Movie
Music is a very important part of Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm! The film starts with an overture, which is like an orchestral introduction. It features the song An Old Straw Hat. This song is heard many times throughout the movie. Rebecca sings it when she auditions and later while picking berries. She even sings it over the telephone!
When Rebecca broadcasts from Tony Kent's country home, she sings a medley of her most famous songs from other movies. These include On the Good Ship Lollipop, Animal Crackers in My Soup, When I'm with You, Oh My Goodness, and Goodnight My Love.
The movie ends with a fantastic dance scene. Shirley Temple and Bill Robinson, dressed as toy soldiers, dance on a staircase to the song The Toy Trumpet.
Other songs in the film include:
- Happy Ending
- You've Gotta Eat Your Spinach, Baby (sung in a funny way by girls auditioning)
- Come and Get Your Happiness (sung by Shirley Temple)
- Alone with You
- The catchy jingle for "Crackly Grain Flakes" cereal.
