When motion pictures became popular, the worship of filmstars began. Of the very first stars of the silent screen there were movie star trading cards and another articles for fans. In the Toy Museum, there is not only Shirley Temple Doll but also Shirley paper dolls and trading cards in albums.

The museum has Finnish Film Star palying Cards and a film calendar from 1940’s, too.

The Girl Who Could Never Grow Up

Shirley Jane Temple was born on 23 April 1928. At the age of 3, she was already taking tap dancing lessons at a dance studio. The little cutie capable of singing and dancing caught the eye of a film producer named Jack Hays. In the 1930’s, Shirley Temple became the first child star of the entire Western world. In 1932-1949, the little actress appeared in 55 movies and retired from public life as a 21 years old millionaire. Shirley’s career remains unrivalled up to this day.

The Great Depression of the 1930’s forced the United States on their knees. In 1933, the famous movie company Fox was almost bankrupt, when a curly little girl with dimples was given a small supporting part in a happy-go-lucky film called "Stand Up and Cheer”. Shirley basically stole the movie – thus becoming the source of joy and comfort for audiences and a money-making machine for the company Fox. Since we’re talking about America, Shirley Temple was marketed without remorse.

Shirley’s last big successful picture as a child star was “The Little Princess” in 1939. At the time, Fox had difficulties in finding her large enough partners to make the ten-year-old Shirley look only half of her age. Enormous furniture failed to save the day either. Soon, the public noticed that the little girl had grown up. Dimples, angelic curls and joyful eyes now belonged to a pre-teen girl instead of a baby. The audiences deserted Shirley.

Grown-up Girl

In 1957, Shirley Temple came back to her adoring fans, becoming the host of TV programmes “Shirley Temple's Story Book” and “The Shirley Temple Theatre”. This reunion caused almost the same kind of hysteria as in the 1930’s. Ideal was soon producing Shirley dolls again, and the business flourished. Publishing companies were also rushing to get out the Shirley Temple paper dolls, scrapbooks, etc.

After this, Shirley Temple (since 1950, Shirley Temple Black) has concentrated on community service and charity.