Wee Willie Winkie (film) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wee Willie Winkie |
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Theatrical release poster
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| Directed by | John Ford |
| Produced by | Darryl F. Zanuck Gene Markey |
| Written by | Julien Josephson Ernest Pascal Mordaunt Shairp (uncredited) |
| Starring | Shirley Temple Victor McLaglen C. Aubrey Smith Cesar Romero |
| Music by | Alfred Newman |
| Cinematography | Arthur C. Miller |
| Editing by | Walter Thompson |
| Studio | Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation |
| Distributed by | Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation |
| Release date(s) | June 25, 1937 (Los Angeles) |
| Running time | 100 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | over $1 million |
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Wee Willie Winkie is an adventure and drama film from 1937. It was directed by John Ford and stars Shirley Temple. The movie also features Victor McLaglen and Cesar Romero. The story for the film was based on a tale by Rudyard Kipling.
The film takes place in India during the 1800s. This was a time when the British had a strong presence there. Much of the movie was filmed at the Iverson Movie Ranch in Chatsworth, California. Special sets were built there just for the film.
Unlike many of Shirley Temple's other movies, this one does not have big song and dance numbers. The film was also recognized for its art and set design. William S. Darling and David S. Hall were nominated for an Academy Award for Best Art Direction.
Story of the Film
The movie's story begins during the time of the British Raj in India. A soldier named Sergeant Donald MacDuff helps Joyce Williams and her young daughter, Priscilla. Joyce is a widow and does not have much money. They are traveling to a military base in northern India. They will live there with Priscilla's strict grandfather, Colonel Williams. He is Joyce's father-in-law.
On their journey, they see the famous rebel leader Khoda Khan being captured. Soon, Priscilla starts to win over everyone at the base. The soldiers, her grandfather, and especially MacDuff, all grow fond of her. MacDuff even gives her the nickname 'Wee Willie Winkie'. Even Khoda Khan, who is now a prisoner, is touched when Priscilla visits him to cheer him up. Meanwhile, Priscilla's mother, Joyce, is getting to know Lieutenant Brandes.
A Dangerous Rescue
One night, Khoda Khan's men rescue him in a surprise attack. A big fight breaks out. Sergeant MacDuff is badly hurt while he is on patrol. He later passes away in the hospital. Priscilla sings the song "Auld Lang Syne" to him as he dies.
Priscilla then decides she wants to convince Khoda Khan to stop fighting. A soldier named Mohammed-din helps her. He is secretly a spy for Khan. Mohammed-din sneaks Priscilla out of the base and takes her to Khan's mountain fortress. Khan is very happy about this. He thinks that Colonel Williams will bring all his soldiers to try and rescue Priscilla. Khan believes this will be an easy win for his rebels.
Peace is Made
Colonel Williams stops his army far away from the fortress. He then walks alone towards the entrance. Some of Khan's men start shooting at the Colonel. Priscilla quickly runs to her grandfather's side.
Khoda Khan is very impressed by the Colonel's bravery. He also feels a lot of sympathy for the young girl. Khan orders his men to stop shooting. He agrees to talk things over. Because of this, the war finally comes to an end.
Main Actors
- Shirley Temple as Priscilla 'Winkie' Williams
- Victor McLaglen as Sergeant Donald MacDuff
- C. Aubrey Smith as Colonel Williams
- Cesar Romero as Khoda Khan
- June Lang as Joyce Williams
- Michael Whalen as Lieutenant 'Coppy' Brandes
- Constance Collier as Mrs. Allardyce
- Douglas Scott as Mott
- Gavin Muir as Captain Bibberbeigh
- Willie Fung as Mohammed-din
- Brandon Hurst as Bagby
- Lionel Pape as Major Allardyce
- Clyde Cook as Pipe Major Sneath
- Lauri Beatty as Elsie Allardyce
- Lionel Braham as Maj. Gen. Hammond
- Mary Forbes as Mrs. MacMonachie
- Cyril McLaglen as Cpl. Tummel
- Pat Somerset as Officer
- Hector V. Sarno as Driver
- Harry Tenbrook as Soldier (uncredited)
