"Shirley could make people believe if only for 90 minutes that there were no problems in the world"(stated by Dickie Moore) Shirley Temple was a child prodigy dancer and actress. Her curly blonde hair, cute smile, appealing lisp, and ability to tap dance and sing made her a truly unforgettable star. Shirley Temple changed people's spirits during the Great Depression by putting a smile on everybody's face.

Shirley Jane Temple was born on April 23, 1928 in Santa Monica, California. She appeared in over 40 movies throughout a 17-year period. Shirley started taking tap lessons at the age of 3 and was found by the producers of Baby Burlesks. Several years later, she was singing the song "Baby, take a bow" in her debut movie Stand up and Cheer. In the year 1935, Shirley was awarded a mini Oscar for her "outstanding contribution to the movies."

The Great Depression had just begun and Fox Studios, with whom Shirley later signed a contract, was going out of business. They needed a star that would bring them some money. Shirley got the small part in the movie Stand up and Cheer and afterwards, everything was going uphill for her and Fox Studios. Shirley and her movies represent the spirit of the 1930s because it was her who saves thousands of people from emotional depression. People were escaping the hardships of poverty by going to the movies to see a happy little girl sing and dance and smile for them. But during a depression wouldn't people save their money to buy some bread rather than see a movie? No. Surprisingly, during the Depression people paid the 15 cents to go to the movies. Shirley's movies were among the favorites. Shirley's cute smile was contagious; she could lift the spirit of anyone living during the Depression. Entertainment was one of the ways people forgot about their problems during the Great Depression and Shirley Temple was the lead of it all.

Shirley Temple changed Americans views of life. She showed them that with a smile, anything could be
achieved. Her curly hair, lisp and smile attracted thousands of people to movie theaters despite the bad
economy. The world loved her, and she loved it back. "Shirley gave this country a lift when we needed it"(noted by Delmar Watson)

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