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 - Wonderful trip back in time.Shirly Temple started early in films and at age six was a box office sensation where even Santa Claus wanted her autograph. My wife's great grandmother stated that Shirley got her through the depression. I can believe it. Shirley is an idealistic child that finds her way through unbelievable odds without ever shedding a tear or even a pout. The plots are all the same. Shirley starts off with either being an orphan or will be one when her parents (or parent) inevidably dies in the film giving Shirley that sad crying scene. The death sequence is always after a peppy musical number where everything just seems great at the time. The rest of the film finds Shirley trapped with vial caretakers who find her worthless and a burden (sort of an Oliver Twist scenario). Naturally there is always someone there to rescue her from the cruelty that she endures and finds herself off into the sunset with a new father or mother who is as idealistic as one can be. Throughout Shirley endures and provides us with whimsical and lively facial expressions that will break your heart. You feel manipulated and don't care because Shirley is a master with the camera. Bright Eyes is one of her best and of course includes "The Good Ship" song that's in many ways her signature piece. Rating:  - One Of Shirley Temple's Best Early Films !The year was 1934.America was wheeling from the devastation of the Great Depression and economic woes.Then came a young actress that helped bring movie patrons back to theatres and also helped an upcoming studio that nearly faced bankruptcy.Shirley Temple was just six years old when she made nearly eight feature films in 1934,but the most beloved and well made of those eight was her second Fox feature film "Bright Eyes" and it definitely shows! "Bright Eyes" is the simple story of a young girl (Temple) who ends up becoming fascinated with her aviator stepdad pilot (James Dunn) and also facing the hardships of life such as death,adoption and her unquestionable future.Her life is combined with that of a rich family named the Smythe's and their bratty daughter (Jane Withers) and her stepdad's friends.But when tragedy strikes Shirley's mom,it brings her and her stepdad closer than ever.Directed by David Butler and featuring Temple's signature song "On The Good Ship Lollipop",and a standout hilarious performance by Withers,"Bright Eyes" is definitely at times sad,but hilarious,and enjoyable film that has a strong central story mixed with comedy and child-like mischief that will appeal to any family member and adults old or new.Recommended for all ! ABOUT THE DVD: Originally released as part of a short-lived three movie collection of Temple's films to DVD in 2002,it's easy to see why this version is such a big improvement over the '02 release.This version has been digitally restored to its original black & white version with very few specks,dirt,and contrast boosting that plagued the earlier DVD version and also the main intrusion of this new DVD is a brand-new,digitally restored,and enhanced colorized version.The '02 release simply took a lousy-looking and poor color version done in the late '80's and the results were just poor and unnatural-looking compared to today's technology.Speaking of which,this new color version was produced by Legend Films as with previous new Temple DVD releases and the new technology brings out the film's color appeal than the previous incarnation.Purists will definitely stick to the original restored b&w and very little extras (hence the four star rating) round out the disc.All you get is an unrestored trailer for "Heidi" and a trailer for "Little Miss Broadway" which is missing its text and narration (note that the two same trailers both appear on most of the recent Fox Temple DVD's).Finally,Fox has put out a very decent and well-deserved presentation of one of Shirley's best-loved films and far superior to the version beforehand.Highly recommended for classic film buffs and fans alike ! Rating: - Shirley Temple in her first big starring vehicleBRIGHT EYES was Shirley Temple's first big movie, tailored especially for her, in which she plays the darling of a group of aviators. Shirley Blake (Temple) is a little tomboy who loves to hang around the airport with her pilot godfather `Loop' (James Dunn). Her widowed mother Mary (Lois Wilson) works as a maid to the snooty Smythe family, where Shirley must contend with bratty Joy (Jane Withers). When an horrific accident leaves Shirley orphaned, `Loop' sets out to adopt her but soon discovers he is only one of many who want to take home the adorable moppet. Shirley shines in her first big role. After proving her mettle in "Baby Take a Bow" and many short subjects for the "Baby Burlesques" series, she was more than ready to tackle her first emotionally challenging part. Jane Withers is hilarious as the antithesis to Shirley's sweetness ("There ain't no Santy Claus, `cause my psychoanalyst told me"). This film also introduced Temple's signature tune "On the Good Ship Lollipop". The DVD includes the computer-coloured version of the film. Rating: - The Good Ship Shirley!This is simply the best Shirley Temple film ever! This film includes Shirley's best known song "On the Good Ship Lollipop". I love everything about this film, especially any of the scene with Shirley and Jane Withers. Jane Withers does a fantastic job as the spoiled rotten Joyce. Of course, James Dunn is in the film, this time as a friend of Shirley's father who passed away. The film centers around Shirley and her mother who works as a maid in a rich household. Shirley's mom is still friends with the pilots that knew her husband and the rich family does not like the pilots to visit. Tragedy happens. To say much more would ruin the film. The film is rated PG because of the tragedy. It is a must see if you are a Temple fan. It has adorable Shirley at her best, a funny antagonist ( Jane Withers), and singing. This is a must buy if you are wanting to start a Shirley Temple Collection. Rating: - The Best Shirley Temple FilmThis is a classic when it comes to Temple fans... It is the movie which includes the classic song "On The Good Ship Lollipop" which everyone has heard at one point their life. This a sweet movie(as all of Shirley's are) in which Shirley's father an aviator has passed away when Shirley's mom is hit by car. Shirley becomes admist a custody battle between an rich elderly man that loves Shirley, her father's best friend, and a lady. In the end as always there is a happy ending. "Bright Eyes" in my opinon is the best Shirley Temple film for it's one of those films you leave feeling happy. This is great for the kiddies, Shirley fans, and family movie night. Don't miss out on a Shirley Temple treasure!
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