Author Description
Shirley Temple Black-- the quintessential child star of the 30s and 40s--tells in her own words the colorful story of her life as an actress. Born in 1928 in southern California, Shirley Temple was extraordinary from the start. At the age of three, she began acting, often in exploitative films directed and produced by some abusive studio executives. But Shirley's talent and perseverance could not be thwarted, and she soon entered a fruitful relationship with Twentieth Century Fox. Before long she was making films with the top stars of the day, including Gary Cooper, Carole Lombard, Lionel Barrymore, Joel McCrea and many others. There was something magical about Shirley Temple that cheered the soul of America during the Depression. She was the number one movie star of the nation for four consecutive years, from 1935 through 1938. In Child Star Shirley Temple Black reveals the whole story, the ups and downs of life as a Hollywood prodigy--including numerous kidnap threats and even a murder attempt against her.
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
This autobiography investigates the personal and professional trajectory of Shirley Temple Black, examining how a child actor navigated the systemic pressures of the Hollywood studio system during the Great Depression. The author provides a firsthand account of her early career, detailing the transition from a child prodigy to a national icon while addressing the exploitation and security threats she encountered. Her narrative serves as a primary source document regarding the realities of the film industry in the 1930s and 1940s.
THE SCOPE MAP
What You Will Find
- Detailed accounts of the Twentieth Century Fox studio environment
- Personal reflections on working with prominent actors of the era
- Firsthand testimony regarding the security risks faced by high-profile child stars
Scope Limits
- The text does not provide an exhaustive history of the entire film industry during the 1930s
- The narrative focuses primarily on the author's early life and career, with less emphasis on her later political or diplomatic work
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
Historians and film scholars frequently cite this work as a vital primary source for understanding the mechanics of the studio system and the experiences of child performers. Readers often note the candid nature of the prose, which balances professional achievements with the personal difficulties inherent in early fame.
Page Count:
0
Publication Date:
1990-01-01
Publisher:
Bantam 1990
ISBN-10:
0070055327
ISBN-13:
9780070055322
Biography
Autobiography
Memoir
Hollywood History
Film History