What's to Do? Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 12, 2026
Movie Overview: What's to Do?
| Movie | What's to Do? |
| Release Year | 1933 |
| Director | Charles Lamont |
| Genre | Comedy |
| Runtime | 18 minutes (18m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is What's to Do? (1933) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.5/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in What's to Do? are led by Shirley Temple . The supporting cast, including Frank Coghlan Jr. and Kenneth Howell , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
What's to Do? stands out as a strong entry in the Comedy 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 Comedy narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, What's to Do? 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 Comedy fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: What's to Do?
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1933, What's to Do? is a Comedy film directed by Charles Lamont, written by Charles E. Roberts. The narrative brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Shirley Temple as Mary Lou Rogers.
Ending Explained: What's to Do?
What's to Do? Ending Explained: Sonny Rogers has just gotten elected class president, he's a star baseball player, and has a cute girlfriend. Directed by Charles Lamont, this 1933 comedy film stars Shirley Temple (Mary Lou Rogers), alongside Frank Coghlan Jr. as Sonny Rogers, Kenneth Howell as Harry Vanderpool, Harry Myers as Mr. George Rogers. With a 6.5/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of What's to Do??
Sonny Rogers has just gotten elected class president, he's a star baseball player, and has a cute girlfriend. But, thanks to the conniving of his rival, Harry Vanderpool, he and his whole family are going to have to move to Seattle! Sonny needs the help of his pals and his pesky little sister, Mary Lou, to get out of this one.
Charles Lamont's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Shirley Temple (Mary Lou Rogers)'s journey. But, thanks to the conniving of his rival, Harry Vanderpool, he and his whole family are going to have to move to Seattle.
How Does Shirley Temple (Mary Lou Rogers)'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.
- Frank Coghlan Jr. (Sonny Rogers): Frank Coghlan Jr.'s role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Kenneth Howell (Harry Vanderpool): Kenneth Howell's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of What's to Do? Mean?
What's to Do?'s ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Shirley Temple may feel rushed. Charles Lamont's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.
What's to Do? Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is What's to Do? Based on a True Story?
No, What's to Do? is a work of fiction. While the comedy film directed by Charles Lamont and starring Shirley Temple may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch What's to Do??
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Comedy films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Shirley Temple or the director
- Want some laughs and light entertainment
At just 18 minutes, it's a quick watch.
Where to Watch What's to Do? Online?
Streaming HubWhat's to Do? Parents Guide & Age Rating
1933 AdvisoryWondering about What's to Do? age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of What's to Do? (1933) is 18 minutes (18m). Directed by Charles Lamont, the film runs for 18 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.5/10, and global performance metrics, What's to Do? is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1933 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is What's to Do? worth watching?
What's to Do? is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 6.5/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find What's to Do? parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for What's to Do? identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of What's to Do? (1933)?
The runtime of What's to Do? (1933) is 18 minutes (approximately 0h 18m).
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.
