The Sexualization Of Shirley Temple
Shirley Temple is considered one of Hollywood’s most classic child stars. But she was sexualized by the industry from the very beginning of her career.
Wikimedia CommonsShirley Temple and actor James Dunn in a publicity photo for Bright Eyes.
In 1932, Temple began her Hollywood career at the age of three. Soon afterward, she began acting in a series of comedic shorts called Baby Burlesks. The shorts sought to parody current events and popular films. But often they came across as more creepy than comedic.
In the short Polly Tix in Washington, Temple — then four years old — played a prostitute sent to “entertain” a senator (also played by a child). Draped in pearls and wearing a small bra, Temple is portrayed as enticing the senator with a series of seductive moves.
In another short called War Babies, Temple again plays a prostitute trying to seduce men in the Army (played by boys). Dancing seductively, trading kisses for lollipops, and referring to herself as “expensive,” the young actress engaged in a performance well, well beyond her years.
YouTube Shirley Temple in the Baby Burlesk short, Kid In Hollywood.
To make matters worse, Temple and the other child actors were severely punished on set for not following the rules.
“To threaten and punish uncooperative child actors, the director, Charles Lamont, kept a soundproof black box, six feet on each side, containing a block of ice,” explained historian John Kassan.
“An offending child was locked within this dark, cramped interior and either stood uncomfortably in the cold, humid air or had to sit on the ice.”
Though Baby Burlesks helped Shirley Temple get her start in Hollywood, she looked back on them as Hollywood scandals. She later described the shorts as: “A cynical exploitation of our childish innocence.”
