Stowaway (1936 movie) facts for kids

Stowaway is a fun American musical movie from 1936. It stars the famous child actress Shirley Temple. The movie was directed by William A. Seiter and released by 20th Century Fox. It's a heartwarming story about adventure and friendship.

All About "Stowaway"

Stowaway is a classic film that brings together music, laughter, and a bit of drama. It was made during a time when movies were becoming very popular. This film is known for its catchy songs and Shirley Temple's amazing talent.

What's the Story?

The movie tells the tale of a young orphan girl named Ching-Ching, played by Shirley Temple. She is living in China when she accidentally gets separated from her guardians. To escape danger, she hides on a large ship heading to America. This makes her a "stowaway" – someone who travels secretly on a ship, plane, or train without a ticket.

Onboard the ship, Ching-Ching meets Tommy Randall, played by Robert Young. He is a wealthy American playboy who is traveling the world. He discovers Ching-Ching and takes her under his wing. Another passenger, Susan Parker, played by Alice Faye, also becomes involved in helping the young girl.

The story follows their adventures as they try to keep Ching-Ching's presence a secret. They also try to find a new home for her. The film is filled with funny moments, exciting escapes, and lovely musical numbers. It shows how unexpected friendships can form in unusual situations.

Meet the Stars

• Shirley Temple: At the time Stowaway was made, Shirley Temple was one of the biggest child stars in the world. She was known for her curly hair, cheerful personality, and incredible singing and dancing skills. She made many popular movies in the 1930s.
• Robert Young: He played Tommy Randall, the kind-hearted man who helps Ching-Ching. Robert Young was a well-known actor who appeared in many films and later became famous for his roles in TV shows like Father Knows Best.
• Alice Faye: She played Susan Parker, a singer who also helps Ching-Ching. Alice Faye was a popular actress and singer during the Golden Age of Hollywood. She was known for her beautiful voice and glamorous style.

Behind the Scenes

Stowaway was directed by William A. Seiter. He was a busy director who made many different types of movies. The film was produced by 20th Century Fox, one of the major movie studios in Hollywood. Making a movie like Stowaway involved many people. This included writers, musicians, costume designers, and set builders. They all worked together to create the magical world on screen.

The movie's songs were a big part of its appeal. Shirley Temple performed several musical numbers. These songs helped to tell the story and show off her talents. The film was a success at the box office. It proved that audiences loved Shirley Temple's movies.

Why It's Special

Stowaway is more than just a fun movie. It shows themes of kindness, family, and finding your place in the world. Even though it was made a long time ago, its message of friendship and hope still connects with viewers today. It's a great example of the classic Hollywood musical. It also highlights the amazing talent of Shirley Temple.