Is Curly Top Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Curly Top is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Family movies.
It features a runtime of 75 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Curly Top Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1935, Curly Top emerges as a significant entry in the Family, Music, Comedy domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Wealthy Edward Morgan becomes charmed with a curly-haired orphan and her pretty older sister Mary and arranges to adopt both under the alias of "Mr. Unlike standard genre fare, Curly Top attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Family is often anchored by its ensemble, and Curly Top features a noteworthy lineup led by Shirley Temple . Supported by the likes of John Boles and Rochelle Hudson , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Curly Top (1935) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.4/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Curly Top Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Curly Top is a Family, Music, Comedy film that presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Curly Top Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Curly Top concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to family resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the family themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Curly Top reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Curly Top?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Family films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
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Full Cast & Crew of Curly Top
- Shirley Temple – Elizabeth Blair
- John Boles – Edward Morgan
- Rochelle Hudson – Mary Blair
- Jane Darwell – Mrs. Denham
- Rafaela Ottiano – Mrs. Higgins
Top Highlights
Shirley TempleElizabeth Blair
John BolesEdward Morgan
Rochelle HudsonMary Blair
Jane DarwellMrs. Denham
Rafaela OttianoMrs. Higgins
Esther DaleGenevieve Graham
Etienne GirardotMr. Wyckoff
Arthur TreacherThe Butler
Maurice MurphyJimmie Rogers
Bess FlowersGuest at Charity Bazaar
Where to Watch Curly Top Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
fuboTV🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
Curly Top has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.4/10, and global collection metrics, Curly Top stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1935 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Curly Top movie hit or flop?
Curly Top has received mixed reviews with a 6.4/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Curly Top worth watching?
Curly Top is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Family, Music, Comedy movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Curly Top online?
Curly Top is currently available for streaming on fuboTV. You can also check for it on platforms like fuboTV depending on your region.
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Critic Reviews for Curly Top
I hate kids in films... with a vengeance! Yet, there is something about the young Shirley Temple that cuts to the quick. She has a charm about her that really makes me smile. This film is a sort of "Oliver Twist" meets "Annie" derivative with the star as the genial youngster "Elizabeth" in the Lakeside Orphanage where she is discovered by millionaire John Boles ("Morgan") who decides that he is going to adopt her, elder sister "Mary" (Rochelle Hudson) her pony and her duck. Temple's ability to charm doesn't stop at the audience. Pretty soon she has his aunt, his butler, his chef and just about everyone else eating out of her hands as she befriends wherever she goes. It's a feel good film, as ably demonstrated by her couple of cheery numbers - "Animal Crackers in my Soup" and "When I Grow Up" and although the editing sometimes gives away her cues, for much of the time she is a natural in front of the camera and has a chemistry with Boles here - as we can clearly see from their affectionate tactility - that I quite enjoyed for 75 minutes.
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