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Shirley Temple, Jean Hersholt, Arthur Treacher, Helen Westley, Pauline Moore ... see more see more... , Thomas Beck , Mary Nash , Sidney Blackmer , Mady Christians , Sig Rumann , Marcia Mae Jones , Delmar Watson , Egon Brecher , Christian Rub , George Humbert , Greta Meyer

Johanna Spyri's perennial children's favorite Heidi was retailored to the talents of Shirley Temple, resulting in one of her best vehicles. Orphaned early in the proceeding, Heidi is left in the care ... read more read more...of her bitter, misanthropic grandfather Adolph Kramer (Jean Hersholt). It doesn't take long before the sweet little child has melted grandpa's hardened heart, and the two "outcasts" become inseparable. But things take a sinister turn when Heidi's cruel and avaricious aunt (Mady Christians) kidnaps the girl and sells her into servitude in the home of wealthy Segemann (Sidney Blackmer). Making the best of the situation, Heidi befriends Segemann's invalid daughter Klara (Marcia Mae Jones), encouraging the girl to walk unassisted for the first time in years. The grateful Segeman promises to reunite Heidi with her grandfather, but Jones's wicked governess Fraulein Rottenmeier (Mary Nash) contrives to keep the girl and her grandpa separated once more -- until the very, very last moment! Perhaps feeling that the Alpine setting of Heidi did not allow Shirley Temple full scope for her musical talents, the screenwriters contrived to include a dream sequence, wherein Heidi imagines herself to be in Holland and clogs to the tune of "In My Little Wooden Shoes." ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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69% liked it

17,732 ratings

Critics

100% liked it

14 critics

G, 1 hr. 28 min.

Directed by: Allan Dwan

Release Date: January 1, 1937

Keywords: shirley temple

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DVD Release Date: January 29, 2002

Stats: 438 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (438)

  • webalina
    November 26, 2010
    webalina
    My first Shirley Temple film, and very likely my last. I cannot for the life of me figure out the appeal of Shirley Temple. I find her cloying and irritating, and unlike many, I don't think she sings or dances very well. But since "Heidi" was one of my favorite books as a child, ... read moreI thought I'd give it a chance . I loved the book because of the imagery it put in my head -- of the old grandfather, the mountains, the cabin, and Heidi's friendship with Peter the Goatherd. This film only barely touched on those things, and only concentrated on Shirley/Heidi's sickenly-perky, curly-headed form. Watched about 1/2 of it and couldn't take anymore. Maybe this isn't one of her better vehicles, but I remain unimpressed with Miss Temple and her "talents."
  • ScoopOnline
    December 2, 2009
    ScoopOnline
    Heidi is The Pride of Switzerland.
  • dreamfaeries
    November 9, 2006
    dreamfaeries
    It was okay.
  • SunilJawahir
    March 25, 2009
    SunilJawahir
    When Shirley Temple cries, it makes me want to cry. How gay is that?
  • trisarahtops22
    November 17, 2007
    trisarahtops22
    Absolutely my favorite Shirley Temple movie. It's funny and touching.
  • threefolddado
    May 4, 2007
    threefolddado
    Grandfather, where are you!!!
  • blizzpirate
    January 8, 2012
    blizzpirate
    Very good little movie.. the acting was great and the storyline was interesting... Shirley temple is a great actress in this. However.the overall ending was predictable and highly unlikely in a real life situation
  • MovieManiac415
    May 18, 2008
    MovieManiac415
    this is the bestest old movie ever!! Shirley Temple is like the CUTEST star in the universe!! Well, the cutest little actress, cuz Johnny has #1 cutest star. XD
  • quoththeravennevermore
    February 9, 2008
    quoththeravennevermore
    Okay, if you like Shirley Temple. The film follows the book pretty well, with a few exceptions (as there always are).
  • climbupward
    November 23, 2007
    climbupward
    and older, funnier version of the classic story of Heidi. The movie isn't all true to story but it's nice anyways. One of my favorite actresses, Sheri Temple.

View All Heidi Reviews

Critic Reviews

December 5, 2008
TIME Magazine

Like all Shirley Temple stories, Heidi traces the reaction of human wickedness to the Temple dimples; unlike many of them, it has a craftsmanlike dramatic structure. Full Review

Dave Kehr
January 1, 2000
Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader

It's far from being a personal work, but as always with Dwan, it's the best movie imaginable from the limited material at hand. Full Review

Brian Costello
March 20, 2012
Brian Costello, Common Sense Media

Classic Shirley Temple film promotes positivity. Full Review

Michael E. Grost
July 7, 2010
Michael E. Grost, Classic Film and Television

Decent film with some inventive scenes, and values that still echo today. Full Review

Dennis Schwartz
April 10, 2008
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews

Under Dwan's capable hands, this so-so children's story classic by Johanna Spyri comes out much better than expected. Full Review

December 19, 2006
TV Guide's Movie Guide

This classic children's film, expertly directed by Allan Dwan, is wonderfully entertaining, with moppet Temple at her adorable best. Full Review

Jeffrey M. Anderson
October 3, 2005
Jeffrey M. Anderson, Combustible Celluloid

It's depressing material, but Temple's universal warmth and appeal -- as well as Dwan's skill -- make it work. Full Review

Ian Waldron-Mantgani
March 16, 2004
Ian Waldron-Mantgani, Apollo Guide

Call me a sap, but Temple gets to me. Full Review

Jeffrey M. Anderson
March 26, 2003
Jeffrey M. Anderson, San Francisco Examiner

One of Temple's best, thanks to Dwan's lucid direction.

James Sanford
July 29, 2002
James Sanford, Kalamazoo Gazette

not bad, as Temple fare goes

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Heidi Trivia

  • Name the actor\Actress who played Heidi in the movie caled Heidi  Answer »
  • Heidi, Kate Fuller, Flora Flick, Ruby, Cassie, Danielle Bowden and Faith Justin...I've used ALL of these names but I'm really actress:  Answer »
  • Which Movie Is Filled With Cameos Such As; -Christian Slater -Donald Trump -Cuba Gooding Jr. -Tommy Hilfiger -Natalie Portman -Lenny Kravitz -Gwen Stefani -Heidi Klum -Paris Hilton -David Bowie -Fred Durst -Lil' Kim -Claudia Schiffer   Answer »
  • What movie has these actors? Alan Rickman Natasha Richardson Rachel Griffiths Josh Hartnett Rachel Leigh Cook Bill Nighy Heidi Klum Rosemary Harris  Answer »
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