Susannah of the Mounties

Susannah of the Mounties is an iconic family adventure film that captures the spirit of the old Canadian West. Filled with scenic beauty, the film serves as a nostalgic backdrop for a warm and lively tale. Released in 1939, the movie stars Shirley Temple, one of the most beloved child-actresses of her time, along with co-stars Randolph Scott and Margaret Lockwood. The film reflects the simplistic charm and innocence associated with the Shirley Temple films of the era, with a splendid mix of engaging storytelling, melodrama, humor and the integral music and dance numbers.

Set in the late 19th century during the North-West Resistance, the movie unfolds amidst the picturesque panoramas of Canada's wilderness. Randolph Scott plays the role of Inspector "Monty" Montague, a dutiful officer of the Royal Northwest Mounted Police. He and his comrades are given the onerous responsibility of maintaining peace and order in the face of increasing tensions between their government and indigenous communities.

The plot thickens with the unexpected arrival of the vivacious Susannah Sheldon, played by the delightful Shirley Temple. She is the lone survivor of a wagon train raided by a band of Blackfoot natives. Monty rescues little Susannah and takes her back to their outpost, pulling the Mounties into her fascinating world filled with endearing innocence, boundless curiosity, and contagious cheerfulness.

Susannah of the Mounties presents Shirley Temple in a compelling role as a peacemaker and bridge-builder. Undaunted by the sternness and formality of the police officers, she manages to soften the hardened hearts of these men of duty with her charm and politeness. Susannah's vivaciousness breathes life into the gloomy outpost as she befriends everyone around her. From singing songs to telling stories – her infectious joy touches all. Combining her traditional drama and get-up, Temple puts forth a delightful display of her iconic tap dances in the film.

Randolph Scott gives a robust performance as the stern, no-nonsense yet good-hearted Mountie, Montague. With the arrival of Susannah, Montague experiences a sea change as he transitions from a seasoned Mountie to an unexpected guardian. More than his duty to restore peace in the region, Montague is now driven by his affection for Susannah to avert a full-fledged war between the settlers and the Blackfoot tribe.

Margaret Lockwood embodies the role of Vicky Standing, a spirited and independent woman of the frontier. As Montague's romantic interest, her character adds another layer of complexity to the film. Lockwood, through her character, portrays the strength and resilience of women in the West's challenging environment, with grace and conviction.

The film beautifully tackles the theme of understanding and unity between disparate cultures. While the film might not delve extensively into the complexities of history, it makes a salient point on the significance of empathy and respect towards different cultures. Little Susannah, through her interactions, facilitates a bridge of understanding between the Mounties and the native Blackfoot tribe. She becomes the beacon of hope and symbolizes the possibility of a harmonious coexistence.

The stunning cinematography and the 1930s production scale provide a realistic portrayal of the bygone era. Director Walter Lang's storytelling is fondly reminiscent of the classic Hollywood era, where he beautifully balances the elements of tension, comedy, romance, and drama to create an engaging and entertaining plot.

Essentially, Susannah of the Mounties serves as a notable family entertainment film. Garnering a reputation for being one of Shirley Temple's most memorable films, it showcases the splendid performances of the cast, gripping storytelling, and the scenic grandeur of the West. It is a film that will mostly appeal to fans of classic Hollywood and those who appreciate Shirley Temple's magnetism and talent, making it a cinematic classic worth revisiting.