Stowaway

Stowaway is a delightful 1936 melodrama that boasts a dynamic and engaging storyline filled with adventure, comedy, sentimentality, and enchanting musical scenes. Its captivating narrative spotlights varying aspects of Eastern and Western cultures, examining those enthralling themes through the lens of memorable characters played by an exceptional cast ensemble.

At the forefront of Stowaway is the ever-charming Shirley Temple, who cements her status as one of the top child stars of her era through her noteworthy portrayal of the character Ching-Ching. Having lost her missionary parents, Ching-Ching is an orphaned American child living in China. She is seen navigating the difficulties of life with an admirable degree of resilience and brightness, blending maturity beyond her years with the endearing innocence of childhood.

The film springs into its main plot during an unexpected series of events that find Ching-Ching stowing away on an oceanliner bound for the United States. Upon the ship, she crosses paths with the charming Tommy Randall, portrayed by the handsome and suave Robert Young, who quickly becomes captivated by her wit and spirit.

The charismatic womanizer, Tommy Randall, is an affluent and carefree playboy traveling back to America after a year-long world tour. Tommy meets Ching-Ching after she sneaks onto the ship following the loss of her beloved dog. Upon discovering the charming stowaway, Tommy is intrigued and touched by her story. Amid constant bickering and the undeniable chemistry, their relationship deepens, with Tommy assuming pseudo-paternal responsibility for the sweet-natured child.

Another force to reckon with on the ship is the beautiful Susan Parker, portrayed by the exceedingly talented Alice Faye. Susan is an elegant brunette who is disillusioned with her current love life and, just like Ching-Ching, is also heading home to America. She bonds with the little orphan and, along with Tommy, creates a makeshift family on the cruise ship.

The talented Alice Faye shines in her role as Susan Parker, a woman struggling with her feelings for her fiance back home and the emerging affection for the endearing Tommy. Her sensitive and candid portrayal of Susan adds depth to the narrative, further enhancing its human aspect. With the young orphan caught between them, Susan and Tommy's relationship evolves, developing from an initial attraction to a deeper emotional connection.

One of the standout aspects of the film is the musical numbers threaded throughout the narrative. From romantic duets featuring Alice Faye and Robert Young to Shirley Temple's solo performances that showcase her immense talent at such a young age, the movie effortlessly weaves together various genres of music, producing moments of happiness, sadness, and everything in between. Stowaway's upbeat music and lighthearted scenes are sure to leave audiences tapping their feet and humming along.

Stowaway's scenic transition from the exotic clamor of Shanghai to the spacious elegance of a grand ocean liner and then to New York's glamorous landscape makes for captivating viewing. The distinctive settings effectively echo the shifting tones across the film's plot, contributing to the evocative, immersive experience that Stowaway succeeds in creating for its audiences.

Final thoughts: Stowaway is a classic piece of 1930s cinema that doesn't shy away from darker themes. Still, it maintains an overall light-hearted tone that is easy to appreciate. With a poignant and compassionate narrative told against the backdrop of a shifting global landscape, the film delivers a compelling exploration of love, loss, identity, and the notion of family. Stowaway is sure to resonate with fans of Shirley Temple's previous work and newcomers alike, making it a must-watch film for all.