None other than famous novelistGraham Greene wrote a brief movie review of this film in which he mocked a certain 'coquettish' quality of little Shirley that he found distasteful, especially when she is on C. Aubrey Smith's lap. His magazine had to pay a large libel suit. It is now considered the first instance of anyone noticing the media 'sexualization of children'. This particular film is a little discomforting for this reason.
share[deleted]
It is a shame. That libel payment drove out of business one of the most vibrant magazines of the British thirties. I'd love to hear Graham's comments on "Toddlers and Tiaras"!
shareThe review's "vibrancy" was beyond obnoxious. Frankly, I found it almost nauseous and had to wonder if Greene (sorry but unlike you, I'm not on a first-name basis) wasn't calling the kettle black. His observations struck me as a little too specific for mere objective reviewing
shareOh it was appalling and outrageous and jaw-dropping and what I can't believe is that the magazine went ahead and printed it!
shareI guess they were unable to resist its "vibrancy." And for my money, it takes one to know one. Greene ultimately dumped his wife for his goddaughter. Given the very specific nature of that review, I have to wonder how old his goddaughter was when the impulse first struck.
share