Remembering Shirley Temple Black – Brian’s Blog

Shirley Temple Black's films were popular 20 years before I was even born, and I only vaguely remember her TV shows of the late 50s and early 60s. However, she was such an American icon that most people know her name, even if they don't know who she was.

I'm a baby boomer, born in 1955. My parents were children of the Great Depression, so at the time Shirley Temple Black's movies were popular, chances are that they saw more than a few of them at their local theatres. I know that my mother loved her, and talked about her from time to time. My dad was more into westerns.

Think about this. My parents had Shirley Temple. MY kids have Justin Bieber and Miley Cyrus.

Growing up, we saw her movies on TV, and kids relate to kids in the movies, even if they looked a little dated. Later, my family watched "Shirley Temple's Storybook" on TV.  I was only 3 or so, but remember liking the stories, and thought she was pretty.

Thanks to video and DVD, and outlets like Turner Classic Movies, Temple's childhood movies and movies she made as a teen like "Fort Apache", "The Bachelor and the Bobby Soxer", and "Since You Went Away" will be enjoyed  forever.

Temple Black also leaves behind a legacy as a diplomat and breast cancer survivor.

I never met her, did not know her, but like many Americans today feel a sense of loss.

Read more about Shirley Temple Black here.