Just Around the Corner

Just Around the Corner is a delightful family-friendly comedy-musical released in 1938. The movie features the one and only Shirley Temple, the little "Miss Miracle" of Hollywood who rose to prominence with her exceptional acting and dancing during the '30s. Marked by her characteristic charm, the film also showcases talent in the form of Joan Davis and Charles Farrell.

This charmingly enacted story revolves around Shirley Temple's character, Penny Hale, a young vivacious girl born with a silver spoon. Contrary to the usual rags-to-riches story, Just Around the Corner takes us through an opposite trajectory where Penny adapts herself to her father's sudden financial crisis after his business goes through a troublesome phase. The movie explores themes of resilience, determination, and optimism in the face of adversity, all told through the innocent eyes of a child.

Penny's father, Jeff Hale, played by Charles Farrell, once a successful architect, lands up working as a janitor in the same building that he designed. The turn of events is unfortunate, but the little Penny adapts really quickly to the changes. From the luxurious apartment, they move to taking up a residence in the basement of the same building where her father now works.

Shirley Temple shines brightly as ever with her vibrant, infectious optimism, and despite her surroundings, she convinces herself that they are "living in style." Her sunny disposition brings warmth into her father's melancholic situation, and she quickly transitions from her upscale lifestyle to the life of a commoner.

The most striking aspect of Just Around the Corner is how the issues of financial difficulty and social status are dealt with. The concept of money is explained softly yet profoundly through the film. We see this in the way Penny interacts with her newly found friends, from the fellow building tenants to her schoolmates. She doesn’t shy away from talking about her father’s misfortune which is a standout aspect of her persona; she is open, assertive, and certainly far from embarrassed.

Joan Davis brings a vibrant comic overtone to the story playing the role of Kitty, the maid who continues to work for the Hales even without pay. She brings much-needed optimism and fun elements to the otherwise gloomy condition, that the Hale family is going through.

Charles Farrell as Jeff Hale, the struggling father is equally impressive. He presents to us a man dealing with economic downturns and shattered self-esteem quite convincingly. The relationship between Penny and Jeff is heartwarming to watch, with both supporting each other during the difficult times.

Just Around the Corner presents an ebullient mix of comedy, song, and dance flowing in total harmony with the storyline. The choreography is captivating, perfectly-suited to Shirley Temple's adorable dance routines, adding a magical pull to the narrative. Temple's splendid performances of songs like "This is a Happy Little Ditty" and "I Love to Walk in the Rain" are sure to leave a tune in your heart and a spring in your step.

The direction by Irving Cummings is memorable as he weaves a captivating narrative filled with emotion, humour, and music, all in perfect balance. The movie embraces a lively musical undertone that works brilliantly with Temple's vibrant persona. The music by Harold Spina and Walter Bullock contributes wonderfully to the narrative, adding the right rhythm to every scene and situation.

In sum, Just Around the Corner is a heartwarming tale of optimism and resilience in the face of adversity. Tune into this charming narrative for a generous dose of laughter, warm sentiments, and unforgettable musical performances. Whether a Shirley Temple fan or not, the film's light-hearted approach tastefully tackling the Great Depression's themes with relatable characters and mellifluous melodies is sure to leave you in high spirits.