After three back-to-back-to hits in her teen career (“Since You Went Away,” “I’ll Be Seeing You,” and “Kiss and Tell”), Shirley Temple was poised for a second round of success in the movies. How unfortunate that David Selznick allowed her to be put in the misguided comedy (and I use that term loosely), “Honeymoon.” Oh Shirley…you should have fought as hard to get out of this turkey!
Apparently, the original intentions were good, as three of the stars from “Since You Went Away” were to be reteamed in this one, according to the New York Times on January 20, 1946: Shirley, Joseph Cotten, and Guy Madison. Cotten would have played the role that eventually went to Franchot Tone, but he wisely turned it down which resulted in his suspension. A smart move on his part, as his next film turned out to be the runaway hit, “The Farmer’s Daughter” with Loretta Young. Poor Shirley…she stayed with the project like a trooper. Guy himself attempted to drum up some excitement with his fan club, giving them some details about his upcoming movie:
The trip to Mexico didn’t happen, thanks to a workers’ strike in the Mexican film industry. The stars stayed in Hollywood, and only the second unit went to Mexico City to shoot a few long shots (with obvious doubles!).
With ad copy like, “She’s His Glamor Girl…He’s Her Guy!”, it’s not wonder this movie was doomed. Oh, I get it…her costar’s name is Guy Madison! Please…stop…no really…please…
At least the movie provided an opportunity for a few behind-the-scenes publicity stills of Shirley, looking gorgeous.
The glow of her own recent wedding and honeymoon are evident. However, I am sure she was thinking here, “Oh, if only Joseph Cotten had stayed on…”
There are a few redeeming parts of the movie, including getting to watch Shirley do a jitterbug dance with Franchot:
The film ended up losing $675,000 at the box office.
See more teenage Shirley Temple photos at my main website.
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