Ok, so it's not enough that she could memorize the entire movie script and everyone's lines, learn complicated dance routines, sing, cry on cue etc, but then she ends her "When I Grow Up" sequence skipping a jump rope while tap dancing and lip syncing to her song. She's like, 7. I can buy all of it, but then I'm like oh come on, now she jumps role while tap dancing, it's too much. (In jest, I'm pretty awed by this kid)
shareLet's face it, by that time Shirley was a three-year veteran of the screen, putting out as many as five films per year plus appearances, etc. and by all accounts she was a true pro! I imagine she was in pretty good shape when she did this movie and there wasn't much she couldn't do or at least tried to!
shareAnd even with all her skills at dancing, singing and acting, it is the main skill of her naturalness that knocks me out. She seems to be not acting but connecting with the person she is talking to in such a real way. "My word, Miss, You are a package!" as Arthur Treacher would say.
shareShirley is very impressive for sure and as cute as can be but she's not alone. I happen to think most little kids have similar capabilities. Sadly, most people never let their kids reach their potential. They get in their way and/or fail to encourage them.
One of the many things I adore about children is their can-do attitude. Most kids, even very little ones, think they can do anything and they want to try. The bold, 'let me do it' phase lasts until their parents and other adults start to chip away at their confidence.
Don't get me wrong, parents do need to look out for their kids. I'm not saying letting them run wild and unsupervised but it is possible to look out for their safety and well-being without constantly saying no, no, no. Watch over them and teach them but don't break their spirit.
Woman, man! That's the way it should be Tarzan. [Tarzan and his mate]
Yes, she did a great job in the film.
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