Shirley Temple: American Princess

by Anne Edwards

Chronicles the personal and professional life of the Hollywood child star, including her work as a diplomat and crusader against cancer

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Autobiography, Biography Memoir

444 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1988

Reviews

[Sean Peters (A Good Thriller) · Rating 3 out of 5]

At the age of five, Shirley Temple became the world’s most famous and acclaimed child—the most talented, beautiful child performer ever to capture the public’s imagination. By the time she was ten, she had either met or had received words of admiration from almost everyone of distinction. Nine-tenths of the world could recognize her on sight. She single-handedly cheered an entire nation caught in the firm grip of a depression. Her films saved a major studio from bankruptcy. She earned more than the President of the United States and lived in her own junior-sized San Simeon. As lionized, idolized and protected as royalty, Shirley Temple was the one and only American Princess.

Almost everyone will be at least vaguely familiar with the dimpled, tap-dancing child star with the adorable smile. But what became of her after Hollywood?

The book is in two parts (Part 1 - Childhood and Film Career 1928-1950, Part 2 - post-Hollywood, 1950-1985) The film part interesting, the second part, to me not quite so interesting, not interested in politics, although still admire the work involved.

Many fans of her movies will get a lot out of the descriptions of what went on behind the scenes during film production. The prevailing and dominant influence of her mother Gertrude, without out whom Shirley would have never made it onto the big screen is highlighted throughout. Her interactions with all the co-stars, directors, producers.

An enormous detailed book, with such great details on the mother Gertrude who was such a powerful, intelligent woman, a loyal and strong father, great personal stories.

Her fairy-tale marriage to John Agar that became a nightmare filled with flaunted infidelities and alcoholism; her romance with Charles Black and her transformation from film start to society matron, television tycoon, to American diplomat; her courageous battle with cancer; and her ever-present realization that “little Shirley Temple’s” greatness would always exceed that of the grown woman.

Just shocked when I had finished the book,, thinking many more pages to read, but just a glossary of details, films etc...

[Helen Robare · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having finished reading the Judy Garland and Katherine Hepburn biographies by Anne Edwards last week, I was disappointed! So, I debated reading the author's biography of Shirley Temple. BUT...I figured in for a penny, in for a pound. Finally, 2 nights ago, I picked up my new copy of Shirley Temple and began to read. Surprisingly, it was not as bad as the Judy Garland book or the Katherine Hepburn book. It wasn't GREAT but the author seemed more sympathetic about her subject. Perhaps that was because, for most of her movie star life, Shirley was a toddler and then a child. Her Hollywood life came to an end AFTER she was a teenager. I would have expected the author to begin to write about Shirley as she did Garland and Hepburn, but she didn't.

I found the book to be reasonably factual and interesting. I knew a lot about Shirley Temple having grown up on her films and bought the magazines of the day. However, this biography allowed me to "know" Shirley Temple as an adult. I found her life after films and Hollywood to be much more interesting than her Hollywood years, to be honest.

I can't say this was the best biography I have read by this author but I can say it wasn't the worse. (That honor goes to Anne Edward's Judy Garland biography).

[Corrinne Jacobi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved reading about one of the most celebrated child stars I grew up watching on tv. The latter part of the book could have had some unrelated political jargon edited out. Overall a good read .

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very enjoyable but there are some factual inaccuracies through

[Crystal · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not great. I should have done more research before choosing this one.

[Kathy · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was an ok biography....kind of boring in parts. Pictures were good!

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

3½ Stars

Interesting read. Author was somewhat repetitious in terms she used to describe certain aspects/events of Shirleys life. All in all though, I enjoyed the book.

[Jennifer Aitkens · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I learned from this book was not about the life of Shirley Temple. It was about how a biography is written. Perhaps seeing the mechanics behind the book isn't the best recommendation, but it was enlightening. The author chose a trait that Temple Black exhibited throughout her life, documented its appearance throughout her career as a child actor, and tracked it throughout her adult life. It was a fascinating lens through which to look at a celebrity.

Which brings me to ask, if your life was written up as a biography, what characteristic or trait would you want to be your theme?

[Carolynne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Life of Shirley Temple until age 60.
Edwards is a prolific author of celebrity and movie star biographies, having written biographies of Katharine Hepburn, Judy Garland, Barbara Streisand among others. She has also written biographies of Princess Diana, Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret and others.

[Lisa Tangen · Rating 3 out of 5]

not top-shelf writing, but i like the topic and gave good amount of detail through Shirley's ambassadorship...her true age was hidden until she turned 21 (she was a year older than her mom claimed - and is actually the same age as my mom!)...I learned a lot about the job of being an ambassador...not as easy as it might sound

[Allyson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Used it for a research paper and this was an easier read then the autobiography (no offense to Shirley Temple Black).

[Keith · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK biography.

[Amber Ray · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a substantial addition to her autobiography. It skips over her money issues with her family, abuses by the film industry towards her, and gets rather dull when talking about her political career.