Heidi (1937)

I like the storyline of this show,it attract me so much

Too much of everything

best movie i've ever seen.

The movie's neither hopeful in contrived ways, nor hopeless in different contrived ways. Somehow it manages to be wonderful

The news came out today that Shirley Temple has died. And so, as is my custom when an actor I admire dies, I try to watch one of their films. And, for my money, "Heidi" is the best of the Temple childhood films. I loved it when I was a kid, and I still love...and I'm 64 years old now! And, despite the "unrealness" of it, I actually prefer the colorized version.This film is a treat for so many reasons. In the early scenes, much is seen, but not spoken...and it works very well. And then there are the classic scenes -- the breaking of the snow globe by the rotten Fraulein Rottenmeier (what a delicious name for her), the monkey, the sled chase...and so many more.Another treat, aside from Shirley Temple at her best, is the fine old actor Jean Hersholt as the grandfather; the Academy Award's Humanitarian Award is dedicated to him. Marcia Mae Jones was fine as the invalid rich girl, and this film was where I first noticed the fine character actor Sidney Blackmer as Herr Sesemann, Clara's doting father. Arthur Treacher is fun -- again here -- as (who else) the butler. And Mary Nash has her most memorable role as Fräulein Rottenmeier. Worth mentioning is Helen Westley as the old blind woman. Now to those who complain that the film doesn't follow the original story. So what? That was a book. This is a film. Two different mediums, each with its own talent of telling a story. Get over it.The film is a gem.

I am no expert on "Heidi". I know it's a super-famous book and I've seen a few of the movies. But what I do know is that this Twentieth Century-Fox version was FAR from the original tale. It's still entertaining, but it's not "Heidi".The story begins in the German mountains. This is odd, as it was actually supposed to be Switzerland and I wonder why the studio changed this--especially in light of the rising oppression in Nazi Germany. It begins with Heidi's aunt bringing the girl to live with her Grandfather. He has no interest in the child or anyone else, as he long ago disowned his child and became a hermit. But, VERY quickly (much more quickly than it should), Heidi brings out the man's love and humanity and all is well. However, the aunt returns to kidnap the child (not in the original story) and the rest of the tale is set in Frankfurt--where Heidi becomes the companion of a disabled girl. This portion of the story is somewhat like the original, though there was no kidnapping and the housekeeper was NOTHING like the original--and instead of just being stuffy, she's evil and a criminal who eventually tries to sell Heidi to gypsies!!! Again, certainly NOT in the original story. But, in the end, all is finally well and Heidi is returned to her loving grandfather.If you have never read or seen a film based on the original story, the 1937 version is wonderful. As usual, Shirley Temple is great and I can even forgive the totally unnecessary song and dance number inexplicably inserted into the movie. Having watched the 1993 Noley Thornton version which closely follows the story, however, I know that the story can be a lot better. Decent but see the 1993 version instead...or in addition.

Some people have said this is Shirley Temple's best film. It's not my favorite but I admit it is very, very good....and it has some of the most touching, wonderful moments of any of her films. In fact, there were several times in the first part of this film that produced tears in my eyes. Of course, I am an old sentimentalist. Nonetheless, this is wonderful stuff.The only reason I don't rank this among my favorite Temple films is the mean old lady, "Fraulein Rottenmeier," played by Mary Nash, has too big a role in the second half of the movie making for a number of unpleasant scenes. I had gotten so involved with the story that I couldn't stand to see this mean woman so nasty to "Heidi" (Temple). Also, there was only one song-and-dance number and that's not enough for Shirley Temple movie.The other characters were fine. Arthur Treacher provides good humor; Jean Hersholt is great as the gruff-then-loving grandfather and Marcia Mae Jones is nice as the young invalid.This is a true classic story and ends with perhaps the most gorgeous and sweetest smile I've ever seen on Shirley's face.

(possible spoilers)Shirley Temple is perfectly cast in this touching version of the oft-told tale. As the uplifting Heidi, she is bounced around from relative to relative before her cruel aunt winds up giving her off to live in a shack in the Swiss mountains with her grumpy old grandfather (Jean Hersholt). Through Heidi's lovable nature, the grandfather eventually learns to abandon his bitterness and becomes a much more pleasant person who is liked by his fellow villagers who once shunned him. But just when things are looking up, the aunt returns to steal Heidi and sell her off to a wealthy family whose wheelchair-bound daughter needs a friend. A good film with a great deal of heart. *** out of ****