The Little Princess (1939) (2025)

The Little Princess (1939) is an enchanting adaptation of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s classic novel, A Little Princess. Directed by Walter Lang and starring the iconic Shirley Temple in the lead role, the film is a heartwarming tale of resilience, kindness, and the power of hope. While not entirely faithful to the book, the movie is a visually captivating and emotionally stirring production that has resonated with audiences for decades.

The story is set in late 19th-century London and centers around Sara Crewe (Shirley Temple), a young girl from a wealthy background. When her father, Captain Crewe (Ian Hunter), goes off to fight in the Second Boer War, Sara is enrolled in an elite boarding school run by the stern and cold Miss Minchin (Mary Nash). Initially treated as the star pupil due to her father’s wealth, Sara’s life takes a dramatic turn when she receives news that her father has been killed in action, leaving her penniless. Miss Minchin, unsympathetic to her plight, forces Sara to work as a servant in the school.

Despite her hardships, Sara remains optimistic, maintaining her belief that her father is still alive and will return for her. Her kindness and imagination shine through as she helps other less fortunate children, befriends the scullery maid Becky (Sybil Jason), and remains ever hopeful, using her vivid storytelling to lift the spirits of those around her. Sara’s faith in a happy ending, her courage, and her unwavering belief that “all girls are princesses” serve as the emotional core of the film.

Shirley Temple’s performance as Sara Crewe is nothing short of captivating. By 1939, Temple was already a well-established star, and The Little Princess provided her with a platform to showcase her range. Temple’s Sara is lively, spirited, and full of imagination, yet she handles the more emotionally charged scenes with impressive maturity for her age. Her ability to switch from joyous to vulnerable gives depth to the character and endears her to the audience. Temple’s charm and innocence make Sara’s journey all the more poignant, and her natural screen presence elevates the film.

The film includes musical interludes that are tailor-made for Temple’s talents, including the song “Knocked ’Em in the Old Kent Road.” These moments add a layer of joy and entertainment, balancing the more serious themes of loss and hardship with lighter, more whimsical scenes.

One of the standout aspects of The Little Princess is its stunning use of color. It was Shirley Temple’s first Technicolor feature, and the vibrant palette significantly enhances the film’s fairy-tale quality. The contrast between the luxurious, colorful world Sara inhabits at the beginning of the story and the grim, muted tones of her life as a servant in the attic provides a powerful visual representation of her fall from grace. The film’s rich cinematography complements the fantasy elements of the story, particularly in scenes where Sara’s imagination brings fairy-tale characters and lavish settings to life.

The production design is equally impressive, with careful attention given to the period detail of Victorian London. From the grand boarding school to the grimy streets that Sara traverses in search of her father, the sets effectively transport viewers into Sara’s world.

While the film deviates significantly from Burnett’s original novel, particularly in its third act, where the film takes a more overtly happy direction, it retains the core themes of the story. Sara’s imagination, resilience, and belief in inherent goodness are central to the plot. In the film, Sara’s perseverance is rewarded in a more immediate and conventional way than in the novel, with a grand reunion with her father, who is discovered to be alive after all. This change gives the film a more overtly Hollywood-style happy ending, which, while satisfying, may feel overly saccharine to fans of the original story.

Despite these deviations, The Little Princess remains faithful to the emotional essence of the book. It emphasizes themes of class disparity, compassion, and the power of hope in the face of adversity. The contrast between Sara’s privileged background and her later struggles as a servant provides commentary on the fleeting nature of wealth and status, while Sara’s friendships with Becky and other lower-class characters underscore the importance of kindness and solidarity.

The supporting cast adds depth to the film. Mary Nash as Miss Minchin delivers a delightfully cold performance as the antagonistic headmistress, while Ian Hunter portrays Captain Crewe with warmth and affection in his brief appearances. Sybil Jason, playing Becky, brings an earnest vulnerability to her role as Sara’s fellow servant and confidante. Cesar Romero also stands out in his small but memorable role as Ram Dass, the kindly servant who helps reunite Sara with her father.

The Little Princess (1939) is a delightful classic that continues to enchant audiences with its blend of heartwarming drama and whimsical fantasy. While it may not be a faithful adaptation of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s novel in every respect, the film’s lush visuals, Shirley Temple’s magnetic performance, and its ultimately uplifting message ensure its enduring appeal.

For fans of Shirley Temple, The Little Princess is a must-watch, offering a perfect showcase of her talent and charm. It is a film that celebrates hope, kindness, and the belief that even in the darkest of times, fairy tales can come true.