Dated timeline · 44 events
This timeline chronicles the complete film career of Shirley Temple, featuring her major motion pictures, story synopses, co-stars, and key milestones from her rise as America’s most beloved child star to her final Hollywood films.
15 October 1932
A young woman leaves her hometown searching for excitement but becomes trapped in the dangerous world of gangsters and crime. As violence and betrayal surround her, she struggles to escape the consequences of her choices. The film was one of Shirley Temple’s earliest screen appearances, made before she became Hollywood’s biggest child star.
Main Cast
Watch the movie clip here.
3 April 1933
A timid man becomes caught in a chaotic murder investigation after a night filled with misunderstandings, mistaken identities, and comic accidents. The comedy follows his frantic attempts to avoid trouble while uncovering the truth behind the crime. Shirley Temple appeared briefly in the film during the early years of her Hollywood career, when she was still performing mostly small, uncredited roles.
Main Cast
Watch the movie clip here.
15 September 1933
Two feuding families in the American West continue a long and violent rivalry fueled by greed and revenge. As tensions grow, romance between members of the opposing families threatens to end the conflict. Shirley Temple appeared in a small uncredited role while continuing to gain experience in Hollywood before her rise to stardom.
Main Cast
Watch the movie clip here.
2 February 1934
Set in the post–Civil War South, the film follows a Southern family struggling to preserve its traditions and plantation lifestyle during a time of social and economic change. Romance and family tensions develop as younger generations challenge old values. Shirley Temple appeared in a small uncredited role during the early stage of her film career.
Main Cast
Watch the movie clip here.
14 February 1934
A hardworking Midwestern farm family faces emotional and financial struggles while trying to survive difficult times in rural America. The story explores love, sacrifice, and perseverance during the hardships of the Great Depression. Shirley Temple appeared briefly in the film before achieving major Hollywood fame later that same year.
Main Cast
Watch the full movie here.
16 March 1934
This musical comedy revue follows backstage performers preparing elaborate stage productions filled with comedy sketches, songs, and dance numbers. The film showcased lavish musical entertainment typical of early 1930s Hollywood productions. Shirley Temple appeared in several musical sequences, continuing to gain attention for her singing and dancing abilities before becoming a major box-office star.
Main Cast
Watch the movie clip here.
19 April 1934
During the Great Depression, the U.S. government creates a new position called the Secretary of Amusement to lift the nation’s spirits through entertainment. Filled with musical numbers, comedy, and dancing, the film became Shirley Temple’s breakthrough performance. Her energetic dance routine with James Dunn captured audiences and launched her rise to international stardom.
Main Cast
Watch the movie clip here.
18 May 1934
Four college friends move to New York City after graduation, hoping to achieve success and happiness. As they face hardship, romance, disappointment, and ambition, their friendships are tested by the realities of adult life. Shirley Temple appeared briefly in the film during the same year her popularity was rapidly growing across Hollywood.
Main Cast
Watch the movie clip here.
1 June 1934
A hardened gambler reluctantly takes care of a young girl after her desperate father leaves her behind as payment for a gambling debt. As the child’s innocence begins changing the lives of the cynical adults around her, unexpected bonds of love and responsibility develop. Shirley Temple’s heartfelt performance earned widespread praise and proved she could successfully carry a major motion picture.
Main Cast
Watch the movie clip here.
8 June 1934
A wealthy gambler and nightclub owner becomes entangled in a dangerous world of crime, corruption, and troubled relationships. As his reckless lifestyle spirals out of control, he struggles with betrayal and the consequences of his choices. Shirley Temple appeared in a small role during a year when she was quickly becoming one of Hollywood’s most recognizable child performers.
Main Cast
Watch the full movie here.
30 June 1934
A cheerful young girl becomes caught between her loving parents and her father’s former criminal associates after he tries to leave his troubled past behind. Blending comedy, music, and family drama, the film helped strengthen Shirley Temple’s growing popularity with audiences. Her charm and musical performances further established her as one of Hollywood’s most promising child stars.
Main Cast
Watch the movie clip here.
31 August 1934
A dishonest businessman reunites with the young daughter he barely knows while attempting to rebuild his marriage and escape his criminal past. As the child’s innocence slowly changes him, he is forced to confront the consequences of his selfish behavior. Shirley Temple’s emotional performance alongside major adult stars helped strengthen her reputation as one of Hollywood’s most gifted child actresses.
Main Cast
Watch the movie clip here.
28 December 1934
An orphaned girl living with a wealthy family finds comfort in her friendship with a kind airplane pilot who treats her like his own daughter. As custody battles and social divisions threaten her happiness, the young girl’s optimism and innocence bring people together. The film became one of Shirley Temple’s defining successes and introduced her famous song “On the Good Ship Lollipop,” firmly establishing her as Hollywood’s biggest child star.
Main Cast
Watch the movie clip here.
22 February 1935
A spirited young girl living in the post–Civil War South helps mend the bitter relationship between her strict grandfather and her estranged parents. Through her warmth and determination, she brings reconciliation to a divided family. The film became famous for Shirley Temple’s dance performances with Bill Robinson, making them one of Hollywood’s first interracial dance partnerships on screen.
Main Cast
Watch the movie clip here.
17 May 1935
A young girl becomes deeply unhappy as constant arguments drive her parents toward separation. Hoping to reunite her family, she runs away from home, forcing her parents to realize how much they truly care for one another. The emotional family drama further strengthened Shirley Temple’s image as a lovable and sympathetic child star during the Great Depression.
Main Cast
Watch the movie clip here.
26 July 1935
An orphaned girl living in an orphanage charms a wealthy bachelor who decides to give her and her older sister a better life. As the family adjusts to their new circumstances, the young girl’s optimism and warmth bring happiness to everyone around her. The film became one of Shirley Temple’s most successful comedies and featured the popular song “Animal Crackers in My Soup.”
Main Cast
Watch the movie clip here.
19 December 1935
During the American Civil War, a brave young girl struggles to protect her Southern family as war, poverty, and separation threaten their lives. Alongside her loyal friend, she journeys through dangerous territory in hopes of helping her imprisoned father. The film reunited Shirley Temple with Bill Robinson, whose musical performances with Temple became some of the era’s most memorable screen moments.
Main Cast
Watch the movie clip here.
24 April 1936
A cheerful orphan girl is raised by a kind lighthouse keeper on the coast of Maine. Their peaceful life changes when outsiders discover the child may have living relatives who could take her away. Filled with music and humor, the film became another major success for Shirley Temple and featured her popular song-and-dance performances with Buddy Ebsen.
Main Cast
Watch the movie clip here.
18 July 1936
The lonely daughter of wealthy but distracted parents longs for attention and companionship in her luxurious home. After running away and becoming separated from her family, she experiences adventure, friendship, and danger while learning the true meaning of love and belonging. The film became another box-office success for Shirley Temple and further established her as the top child star of the 1930s.
Main Cast
Watch the movie clip here.
9 October 1936
Main Cast
Watch the movie clip here.
25 December 1936
An orphaned Chinese girl accidentally boards a luxury ship and soon becomes attached to two American travelers who try to care for her. As the adults compete for her affection, the child brings warmth and happiness into their lives while searching for a place to belong. The film combined comedy, music, and adventure, becoming another popular success during Shirley Temple’s peak years at 20th Century Fox.
Main Cast
Watch the movie clip here.
25 June 1937
A spirited young girl living at a British military outpost in colonial India becomes caught between soldiers and local rebels during a time of political unrest. Through courage and kindness, she helps ease tensions while proving her bravery in dangerous situations. The film became one of Shirley Temple’s most respected dramatic performances and was praised for her growing maturity as an actress.
Main Cast
Watch the movie trailer here.
15 October 1937
An orphaned girl is sent to live with her lonely grandfather in the Swiss Alps, where her cheerful spirit slowly transforms his isolated life. After being taken away to the city, Heidi longs to return to the mountains and the people she loves. Based on the classic children’s novel, the film became one of Shirley Temple’s most beloved performances and highlighted her ability to balance innocence, humor, and emotional depth.
Main Cast
Watch the movie trailer here.
29 October 1937
A struggling entertainer suffers a blow to the head and dreams he has traveled to ancient Arabia, where he becomes involved in royal intrigue, romance, and comic adventures. Mixing fantasy with musical comedy, the film satirized politics and popular culture of the era. Shirley Temple appeared in a brief cameo role at the height of her popularity as Hollywood’s leading child star.
Main Cast
Watch the movie trailer here.
18 March 1938
A cheerful country girl is sent to live with strict relatives on a farm, where her energy and optimism soon change the lives of everyone around her. After being discovered by radio entertainers, she unexpectedly becomes involved in the world of show business and musical performance. The film featured several popular musical numbers and helped maintain Shirley Temple’s enormous popularity as she began transitioning into slightly older roles.
Main Cast
Watch the movie trailer here.
22 June 1938
A determined young girl living in a boarding house for struggling performers tries to save the building from being shut down by wealthy businessmen. Using her charm, musical talent, and optimism, she brings together the residents in hopes of protecting their home and community. The film featured elaborate musical performances and continued Shirley Temple’s successful partnership with upbeat family entertainment.
Main Cast
Watch the movie trailer here.
11 November 1938
A resourceful young girl tries to help her unemployed architect father recover from financial hardship during the Great Depression. As they struggle to avoid eviction and rebuild their lives, her optimism and determination inspire the people around them. The film reflected the economic difficulties faced by many American families while continuing Shirley Temple’s image as a symbol of hope and cheerfulness.
Main Cast
Watch the movie clip here.
10 March 1939
A wealthy young girl attending a London boarding school faces heartbreak and hardship after her father is reported missing during the Boer War. Forced to work as a servant after losing her fortune, she refuses to give up hope that her father is still alive. As Shirley Temple’s first Technicolor feature film, The Little Princess showcased a more emotional and mature performance, marking an important step in her transition beyond child-star roles.
Main Cast
Watch the movie clip here.
23 June 1939
An orphaned American girl is rescued and adopted by members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police after surviving an attack in the wilderness. As conflict grows between settlers, Mounties, and Indigenous tribes, her courage and kindness help build understanding among the different groups. The adventure film paired Shirley Temple with frontier action and marked one of her final major successes as a child star at 20th Century Fox.
Main Cast
Watch the movie clip here.
15 January 1940
Two children embark on a magical journey through a fantasy world in search of the mysterious Blue Bird of Happiness. Along the way, they encounter enchanted characters, strange lands, and important lessons about love, family, and gratitude. Produced as 20th Century Fox’s response to The Wizard of Oz, the film featured elaborate special effects and marked Shirley Temple’s transition into more fantasy and adolescent roles as her child-star image began to evolve.
Main Cast
Watch the movie clip here.
30 August 1940
A vaudeville family leaves the world of traveling entertainment and settles in a small New England town, where they struggle to fit into respectable society. Their lively personalities and theatrical lifestyle initially clash with the conservative community, but their kindness and optimism gradually win people over. The film became Shirley Temple’s final movie under her famous 20th Century Fox contract, symbolizing the end of her peak child-star era.
Main Cast
Watch the movie clip here.
18 December 1941
A lonely teenage girl living in a wealthy but emotionally distant household longs for friendship and affection from her busy family. When she befriends the family’s new servants, their warmth and honesty begin changing the attitudes of everyone in the home. The film marked Shirley Temple’s first movie after leaving 20th Century Fox and reflected Hollywood’s attempts to transition her from child-star roles into more mature teenage characters.
Main Cast
Watch the movie clip here.
29 May 1942
A spirited teenager from a working-class family enjoys school, friendships, and young romance while struggling to fit into a wealthier social world. As misunderstandings and personal challenges arise, she learns important lessons about loyalty, maturity, and growing up. The film represented Shirley Temple’s continued effort to transition from beloved child star to teenage actress during the early 1940s.
Main Cast
Watch the movie clip here.
20 July 1944
During World War II, a mother and her two daughters struggle to cope after the family’s father leaves home to serve in the military. As they face loneliness, sacrifice, financial hardship, and uncertainty on the American home front, the family learns resilience and emotional strength. The acclaimed wartime drama marked Shirley Temple’s return to major Hollywood productions and demonstrated her growing maturity as a young actress.
Main Cast
Watch the movie trailer here.
24 December 1944
A wounded soldier suffering from emotional trauma meets a young woman during a Christmas leave, and the two quickly form a deep emotional connection. Both are hiding painful secrets from their pasts, forcing them to confront fear, loneliness, and the possibility of forgiveness. The romantic wartime drama allowed Shirley Temple to take on a more mature supporting role as she continued moving away from her child-star image.
Main Cast
Watch the movie trailer here.
4 October 1945
Two teenage girls create chaos for their families after innocent friendships with young soldiers lead to gossip, misunderstandings, and comic misunderstandings. As parents struggle to control the situation, the girls navigate romance, growing independence, and the challenges of adolescence. The comedy became one of Shirley Temple’s most successful teenage roles and demonstrated her ability to transition into lighthearted adult-oriented films after her child-star years.
Main Cast
Watch the movie clip here.
17 May 1947
A newly married couple travels abroad for their honeymoon but soon finds themselves caught in romantic misunderstandings, jealousy, and comic complications. As secrets and mistaken assumptions threaten their relationship, the couple must learn to trust one another and adapt to married life. The film reflected Shirley Temple’s continued effort to establish herself in adult romantic comedies after leaving behind her famous child-star image.
Main Cast
Watch the movie clip here.
24 July 1947
A carefree artist is ordered by a judge to escort her teenage sister after the young girl develops an infatuation with him. What begins as an awkward arrangement soon turns into a series of romantic misunderstandings and comedic situations involving the entire family. The film became one of Shirley Temple’s most successful post-childhood movies and proved she could hold her own alongside major adult comedy stars.
Main Cast
Watch the movie trailer here.
1 November 1947
A young woman living in a small town becomes the center of scandalous rumors concerning the identity of her biological parents. As gossip spreads through the community, she struggles to protect her reputation while uncovering the truth about her past. The drama paired Shirley Temple with future U.S. President Ronald Reagan during a period when Temple was pursuing more mature dramatic roles in Hollywood.
Main Cast
Watch the movie trailer here.
9 March 1948
A proud and stubborn cavalry officer is assigned to a remote frontier outpost where he clashes with experienced soldiers who better understand the realities of the American West. As tensions rise between the U.S. Army and Apache warriors, poor leadership leads the regiment toward tragedy. Directed by John Ford, the film marked Shirley Temple’s entry into more serious adult productions and featured her alongside some of Hollywood’s biggest western stars, including her husband John Agar.
Main Cast
Watch the movie trailer here.
15 April 1949
The sophisticated and highly intelligent Lynn Belvedere enrolls in college to complete his education, quickly disrupting campus life with his wit, knowledge, and unconventional behavior. As he clashes with students, professors, and athletic traditions, his presence creates both comedy and unexpected lessons about maturity and ambition. The film continued Shirley Temple’s adult acting career during her final years in Hollywood motion pictures.
Main Cast
Watch the movie clip here.
19 April 1949
In the early twentieth century, a spirited young woman rebels against traditional expectations and becomes involved in the growing women’s suffrage movement. Her outspoken behavior shocks her conservative family and community, leading to conflict over politics, independence, and social change. The film allowed Shirley Temple to portray a more mature and socially progressive character during the final stage of her Hollywood film career.
Main Cast
Watch a behind-the-scene clip here.
12 November 1949
The film tells the inspiring story of Seabiscuit, an undersized and underestimated racehorse who rises to national fame during the Great Depression. Through determination, resilience, and the support of his trainers and jockeys, Seabiscuit becomes a symbol of hope for struggling Americans. Released near the end of Shirley Temple’s film career, the movie reflected Hollywood’s continuing fascination with uplifting true stories and marked one of her final dramatic roles before retiring from motion pictures.
Main Cast
Watch the movie trailer here.
25 November 1949
Teenager Corliss Archer finds herself caught in a series of romantic misunderstandings after trying to impress her boyfriend and outsmart her overprotective parents. As harmless schemes spiral into confusion and gossip, Corliss must navigate the complications of young love and family expectations. Widely regarded as Shirley Temple’s final feature film, the comedy marked the end of her remarkable Hollywood acting career before she later entered public service and diplomacy.
Main Cast
Watch the movie trailer here.