Little Miss Broadway

Little Miss Broadway is a 1938 musical comedy directed by Irving Cumming, staring the legendary child star Shirley Temple, along with accomplished actors such as George Murphy and the unique character performer, Jimmy Durante.

The movie opens up with a story set amidst the bustling, dazzling scene of New York, featuring the juxtaposition of hardship and amusement, struggle, and celebration. The film orbits around the wonderful and ever-ebullient Betsy Brown, portrayed by Shirley Temple.

After becoming an orphan, Betsy has been moving from one foster home to another. Then, she is adopted by Pop Shea, played by Edward Ellis, and his daughter "Aunt" Gene, played by Jane Darwell. They run a hotel which is completely populated with vaudeville performers. The "Hotel Variety," as it's called, allows the artists to stay and practice their craft despite being unable to pay their rent. Predictably, this leads to tensions and conflicts with the wealthy owner of the building, the indomitable Sarah Wendling, evidence of the clash between art and business.

George Murphy manifests his acting skills in the role of Roger Wendling, the compassionate nephew of Sarah who sympathizes with the variety artists' plight. Meanwhile, the celebrated comedian, Jimmy Durante, dons the persona of Jimmy Clayton, a penniless comic living at the hotel with his wife and partner, Fannie, played by Phyllis Brooks.

As the drama continues, Temple's character Betsy becomes the beacon of hope and the driving force behind the ambitions of the aging and struggling vaudeville troupers living in the hotel. Her optimism and vivacity never fail to lift their spirits and keep the home alive.

Throughout the movie, Shirley Temple’s enchanting singing and dancing abilities were kept at the forefront. Performances including, "We Should be Together" and "When you were a Baby and I was your Tootsie Wootsie" alongside Durante, are particularly memorable, showcasing her bright talent and her ability to captivate a scene.

George Murphy, an acknowledged dancer in his own right, shares a riveting tap-dance duet with Temple in the number "How Can I Thank You", creating one of the highlights of the film. Equally compelling is Murphy's rendition of "Be Optimistic" which served as an uplifting anthem for the hotel's residents.

The theme of the film not only presents musical entertainment but also delves into a deeper exploration of financial troubles and class disparities. It delineates the world of struggling artists, and their trials and tribulations, while boldly asserting the importance of perseverance and optimism in the face of adversity.

This film also showcases the admirable camaraderie shared between the vaudeville artists. The mutual respect, love, and support the community offers to each other is beautifully heartwarming. Despite their battles with harsh realities, they still manage to find joy and comfort in their shared experiences.

The tensions reach a climax in a court hearing, where the residents of ‘Hotel Variety’ battle it out with the stringent hotel owner Sarah Wendling, leading to an unforgettable court scene featuring an exceptional ensemble performance by the cast.

With a runtime of approximately 88 minutes, Little Miss Broadway is filled with laughter, singing, dancing, and not to forget, the trials of life, all coming together into a tempting cavalcade that was both a commercial and critical success. The film was a significant part of Shirley Temple's outstanding career and a major forte in Twentieth Century Fox's repertoire.

In conclusion, Little Miss Broadway is a delightful musical comedy treat, suffused with captivating performances, enchanting music, and a heart-rending underdog story. It’s a classic tale of hope and perseverance that transcends the time it was made, leaving an eternal imprint on the viewers' hearts. Despite the hurdles and challenges, as the characters triumphantly sing in the film - "Let's keep dancing!"