Temple Tuesday: Shirley Makes Peace!

20th Century-Fox had high hopes that 1939’s “Susannah of the Mounties” would turn out to be another hit along the lines of “Wee Willie Winkie.” Due to its story, cast, and director, John Ford, the action and adventure in “Winkie” gave the movie a broader appeal to audiences than the typical Shirley film. “Susannah” tried but failed to live up to its predecessor, and much of that because its director, William Seiter, was no John Ford. One actress of the time referred to him as the least imaginative director she’d ever worked with, and “Susannah” surely proves it. Still, Fox tried hard, even going so far as to hire twelve full-blooded Blackfoot Indians from the Montana reservation to serve as extras. William Martin “Good Rider” Pepion, another Blackfoot, played the role of Shirley’s friend and (almost) romantic interest in the film.

The writers also did a disservice to Shirley; ultimately she is the one who brings the Canadian Mounties and Indians together, but throughout the story her character is an unappealing bossy and jealous little girl.

Behind the scenes though, Shirley had great fun working with the Blackfoot members and they adored her, dubbing her “Bright Shining Star” in a ceremony held on the set of the movie.

Shirley made the September 1939 cover of Screenland magazine, wearing a buckskin dress that the Blackfoot tribe gifted to her.

In the June 1939 issue of Screen Guide, there was a story about Shirley growing up and tidbits about the movie, all in glorious color.

In 1999, the Danbury Mint produced a porcelain doll depicting Shirley in the very same buckskin outfit. Here’s the vintage brochure:

…and the actual doll (courtesy of Melissa, aka “The Colonel”!), which surprisingly does a great job matching the brochure AND the actual costume!

See more Shirley Temple photos at my main website.