The Little Colonel
The Little Colonel Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 19, 2026
Movie Overview: The Little Colonel
| Movie | The Little Colonel |
| Release Year | 1935 |
| Director | David Butler |
| Genre | Family / Music |
| Runtime | 80 minutes (1h 20m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Little Colonel (1935) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.6/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Family.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in The Little Colonel are led by Shirley Temple . The supporting cast, including Lionel Barrymore and Evelyn Venable , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
The Little Colonel stands out as a strong entry in the Family genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Family narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, The Little Colonel has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Family fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: The Little Colonel
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1935, The Little Colonel is a Family, Music film directed by David Butler, written by William M. Conselman. The narrative presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Shirley Temple as Lloyd Sherman.
Ending Explained: The Little Colonel
The Little Colonel Ending Explained: After Southern belle Elizabeth Lloyd runs off to marry Yankee Jack Sherman, her father, a former Confederate colonel during the Civil War, vows to never speak to her again. Directed by David Butler, this 1935 family film stars Shirley Temple (Lloyd Sherman), alongside Lionel Barrymore as Colonel Lloyd, Evelyn Venable as Elizabeth Lloyd Sherman, John Lodge as Jack Sherman. With a 6.6/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of The Little Colonel?
After Southern belle Elizabeth Lloyd runs off to marry Yankee Jack Sherman, her father, a former Confederate colonel during the Civil War, vows to never speak to her again. Several years pass and Elizabeth returns to her home town with her husband and young daughter. The little girl charms her crusty grandfather and tries to patch things up between him and her mother.
David Butler's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Shirley Temple (Lloyd Sherman)'s journey. Several years pass and Elizabeth returns to her home town with her husband and young daughter.
How Does Shirley Temple (Lloyd Sherman)'s Story End?
- Shirley Temple: Shirley Temple's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Lionel Barrymore (Colonel Lloyd): Lionel Barrymore's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Evelyn Venable (Elizabeth Lloyd Sherman): Evelyn Venable's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Little Colonel Mean?
The Little Colonel's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Shirley Temple may feel rushed. David Butler's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.
The Little Colonel Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is The Little Colonel Based on a True Story?
No, The Little Colonel is a work of fiction. While the family, music film directed by David Butler and starring Shirley Temple may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch The Little Colonel?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Family films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Shirley Temple or the director
- Want solid genre entertainment
At just 80 minutes, it's a quick watch.
Where to Watch The Little Colonel Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeThe Little Colonel Parents Guide & Age Rating
1935 AdvisoryWondering about The Little Colonel age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Little Colonel (1935) is 80 minutes (1h 20m). Directed by David Butler, the film runs for 80 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.6/10, and global performance metrics, The Little Colonel is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1935 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Little Colonel worth watching?
The Little Colonel is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Family movies. It has a verified rating of 6.6/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Little Colonel parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Little Colonel identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of The Little Colonel (1935)?
The runtime of The Little Colonel (1935) is 80 minutes (approximately 1h 20m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
