Name: ShirleyMania
Genre: Documentary
Released: 2002-12-25
Rating: 7.9
Cast: Corey Feldman, Melissa Joan Hart, Sybil Jason

Charming, at first...then maybe a little sad

Initially, this seems to be a likable, wholesome documentary on the legend behind that most wholesome of stars, Shirley Temple. We meet a great group of people devoted to the ringlet-wonder and a select few of them--such as the burly owner of Dimples Restaurant in Burbank, CA--are actually quite genuine in their affection (and not simply fanatical). Eventually though, one must feel a little sorry for the grown-ups who gather around in living rooms trading party favors and buttons, or the tiny modern tots prodded by their parents into imitating a Depression-era icon in tinsel-strewn amateur pageants. When a too-old child (in curls) performs "Animal Crackers" like a trouper to a seemingly indifferent crowd, all the nostalgic feelings in the world couldn't provide any uplift. It's just a bit grotesque.

The documentary is a form of non-fiction storytelling that aims to present factual information, insights, and perspectives on real-world subjects, events, issues, or people. Documentaries can cover a wide range of topics, including history, science, culture, social issues, nature, biographies, and more.

Dziga Vertov in Man with a Movie Camera (1929)

Fox Movie Channel's original special delves into the cultural impact of one of 20th Century Fox's most beloved stars, Shirley Temple. The hour-long documentary interviews fans, co-stars and collectors who have been touched by the star's films and her public persona. Both humorous and poignant, ShirleyMania presents a view of Shirley Temple's relevance and sustaining presence in American popular culture.

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ShirleyMania

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