Heidi (1937)

100% of critics liked it
(14 reviews)
69% of users liked it
(17,735 ratings)

Johanna Spyri's perennial children's favorite Heidi was retailored to the talents of Shirley Temple, resulting in one of her best vehicles. Orphaned early in the proceeding, Heidi is left in the care of her bitter, misanthropic grandfather Adolph Kramer (Jean Hersholt). It doesn't take long before… More Johanna Spyri's perennial children's favorite Heidi was retailored to the talents of Shirley Temple, resulting in one of her best vehicles. Orphaned early in the proceeding, Heidi is left in the care of her bitter, misanthropic grandfather Adolph Kramer (Jean Hersholt). It doesn't take long before the sweet little child has melted grandpa's hardened heart, and the two "outcasts" become inseparable. But things take a sinister turn when Heidi's cruel and avaricious aunt (Mady Christians) kidnaps the girl and sells her into servitude in the home of wealthy Segemann (Sidney Blackmer). Making the best of the situation, Heidi befriends Segemann's invalid daughter Klara (Marcia Mae Jones), encouraging the girl to walk unassisted for the first time in years. The grateful Segeman promises to reunite Heidi with her grandfather, but Jones's wicked governess Fraulein Rottenmeier (Mary Nash) contrives to keep the girl and her grandpa separated once more -- until the very, very last moment! Perhaps feeling that the Alpine setting of Heidi did not allow Shirley Temple full scope for her musical talents, the screenwriters contrived to include a dream sequence, wherein Heidi imagines herself to be in Holland and clogs to the tune of "In My Little Wooden Shoes." ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Play Trailer

Rating, Runtime: G, 1 hr. 28 min.
Directed By: Allan Dwan
Written By: Walter Ferris, Julien Josephson
Genres: Drama, Kids & Family, Classics

In Theaters: Jan 1, 1937 Wide
On DVD: Jan 29, 2002
Studio: Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment

Critic Reviews

, TIME Magazine
Like all Shirley Temple stories, Heidi traces the reaction of human wickedness to the Temple dimples; unlike many of them, it has a craftsmanlike dramatic structure.
Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader
It's far from being a personal work, but as always with Dwan, it's the best movie imaginable from the limited material at hand.
Brian Costello, Common Sense Media
Classic Shirley Temple film promotes positivity.
Michael E. Grost, Classic Film and Television
Decent film with some inventive scenes, and values that still echo today.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
Under Dwan's capable hands, this so-so children's story classic by Johanna Spyri comes out much better than expected.
, TV Guide's Movie Guide
This classic children's film, expertly directed by Allan Dwan, is wonderfully entertaining, with moppet Temple at her adorable best.
Jeffrey M. Anderson, Combustible Celluloid
It's depressing material, but Temple's universal warmth and appeal -- as well as Dwan's skill -- make it work.
Ian Waldron-Mantgani, Apollo Guide
Call me a sap, but Temple gets to me.
Jeffrey M. Anderson, San Francisco Examiner
One of Temple's best, thanks to Dwan's lucid direction.
James Sanford, Kalamazoo Gazette
not bad, as Temple fare goes

Read all 10 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Cindy I

My first Shirley Temple film, and very likely my last. I cannot for the life of me figure out the appeal of Shirley Temple. I find her cloying and irritating, and unlike many, I don't think she sings or dances very well. But since "Heidi" was one of my favorite books as… More
My first Shirley Temple film, and very likely my last. I cannot for the life of me figure out the appeal of Shirley Temple. I find her cloying and irritating, and unlike many, I don't think she sings or dances very well. But since "Heidi" was one of my favorite books as a child, I thought I'd give it a chance . I loved the book because of the imagery it put in my head -- of the old grandfather, the mountains, the cabin, and Heidi's friendship with Peter the Goatherd. This film only barely touched on those things, and only concentrated on Shirley/Heidi's sickenly-perky, curly-headed form. Watched about 1/2 of it and couldn't take anymore. Maybe this isn't one of her better vehicles, but I remain unimpressed with Miss Temple and her "talents."
Wahida K

Heidi is The Pride of Switzerland.
Leigh R

It was okay.
Sunil J

When Shirley Temple cries, it makes me want to cry. How gay is that?
Sarah P

Absolutely my favorite Shirley Temple movie. It's funny and touching.
Anthony V

Grandfather, where are you!!!