Better than average Hollywood autobiography of the biggest movie star of the Thirties. Although she made more money at times from endorsements, for dolls and dresses, than she did from her movie studio salary, as with many child stars, her funds dwindled to very little by the time she was an adult. Invested by her father, in her parents' names - supposedly for tax reasons, the majority of her funds were spent on homes, living expenses, and security during her childhood. This was to be one of two volumes and covers her life until her second marriage and birth of her children. Her later career as a diplomat was to be in a next book, which evidently never materialized.
The author mentions that she kept a diary and that she has always had an extraordinary memory (obvious with all the dialogue she had to memorize as a very young actress). Add in her access to letters belonging to her mother, and the result is an autobiography with amazing memory details going back to toddlerhood.
Shirley's book is an interesting glimpse not only into her life but also into the movie industry under the contract system. Many actors and actresses and studio heads are discussed as seen through the eyes of a little girl and later as a teenager and adult. Shirley Temple fans should find her autobiography pretty entertaining.
Shirley's book is an interesting glimpse not only into her life but also into the movie industry under the contract system. Many actors and actresses and studio heads are discussed as seen through the eyes of a little girl and later as a teenager and adult. Shirley Temple fans should find her autobiography pretty entertaining.
Surprisingly honest account from America's most famous child actor.
