Shirley Temple was a famous actor, who acted in over 40 movies during the 1930s. During the depression, she gave entertainment and hope to the people who were suffering from it. She also taght many lessons in her movies and was a role model for many people. Her movies and actions captured the essence of m any of the aspects of the 30s.

Shirley Temple was born in Santa Monica California (1928), and enrolled in dancing school at age 3. At that same year, Charles Lamont came to the school and chose her to become and actor, and she starred in her 1st movie, Baby Bulesks. After, her movie career became bigger and she became a clelbrity by 1934. from 1835 to 1838, she became one of the biggest movie attractions, and the money from the profits helped Fox become a major film studio. By 1940, her carreer had ended. Many of Shirley Temple's legacies were related to the great depression. In the 30's hope to get past the hard times and to survive was an issue. Shirley's bright smile and strong optimism gave hope to many who struggled. Shirley Temple's movies and acting was considered to have helped end the great depression.

Another thing that she contributed to the 30s was a distraction from the lack of jobs and money. In the 30s, lots of time and effort was spent making distractions from the great depression. The media as well as books and games were made to accomplish this. Likewise her touching, optimistic, emotional movies made people forget about the times, if only for a little while. These movies touched many young and old people's hearts, and gave them something else to think about. Lastley, she was a role model for children who taught them moral values and lessons, such as to never give up and to stay positive.

In all Shirley Temple's movies and acting repressented the spirit and essence of the 30s. Her optimistic, never give up attitude, and her touching heart warming movies helped people through the worst of the great depression. The lessons that she has taught to the american people will never be forgotten.

Citations

http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Hills/8038/

http://www.reelclassics.com/Actresses/Shirley/shirley.htm