An unloving aunt deposits cute orphan Shirley Temple (as Heidi) with crusty old grandfather Jean Hersholt (as Adolph Kramer) in the Swiss Alps. People in the small town are concerned about Ms. Temple upbringing, because Mr. Hersholt has become a bitter hermit; he doesn't talk to townsfolk anymore, and has stopped going to church. Not to worry. Hersholt's heart melts as Ms. Temple sings and saunters around the house. She is impossible not to love. Thanks to Temple, Hersholt rediscovers his faith in Jesus Christ (who appears on a bookmark). Temple brings Hersholt to Church, leading the congregation to sing a beautiful hymn.Then, Temple's nasty aunt returns from Germany. She takes her niece away from Hersholt, having "sold" her as a companion for crippled young Marcia Mae Jones (as Klara Sesemann). Temple is placed in the care of reliably nasty Mary Nash (as Fräulein Rottenmeier, a name Mel Brooks most surely treasured). Temple befriends Ms. Jones, and inspires her to try to walk again. Of course, Hersholt is devastated. He asks God for help in finding Temple, and Temple prays hard, too… This interpretation of Johanna Spyri's novel "Heidi" makes its protagonist almost Christ-like, and omits much. But, Temple is at her best throughout.****** Heidi (10/15/37) Allan Dwan ~ Shirley Temple, Jean Hersholt, Mary Nash, Marcia Mae Jones

I was born in 1951 and have loved this movie from the very first time I watched it when I was about 6 years old. I have watched this movie every single year since then. When shopping at Toys R Us one day, about 20 years ago, I noticed they sold movies on video tape. Among the stock was my very favorite movie, "Heidi". Of course I purchased it and could not wait to get home so that I could watch it. I absolutely love this movie today as much as I did when I was six years old. I look forward every year around Christmas for it to be on TV, and I periodically during the year still watch my video tape. I love Shirley Temple and love all of her movies but this one to me is the absolute best. It takes you to a time when life and people were very different. I love the scenes in the Alps with the grandfather. I love the story, Heidi was just what the grandfather needed to make him realize that he was not alone and there was no need to shut himself off from the world even though his only son was no longer in it. I could go on and on about this movie because I love it so much, but I guess I'd better sign off for now. I'm actually watching the movie on TV as I type. December 24, 2007.

One of my top 40 favorite films, of all time. Can watch this movie over and over again. My Grandson will watch the entire movie with me, and he is just four years old. From the moment Heidi arrives on the mountain to live with her Grandfather, the film captures ones imagination. The spirit of Heidi, the bond she develops with her Grandfather. Her finding a bed in the straw with the coverlet, milking the goat, carrying a load of firewood on her back, and my Grandson's favorite scene, sledding down the snow covered mountain on a sled, all show the child's perfect life with her Grandfather. When disrupted by her mean-spirited Aunt, and taken to live in the city, Heidi is instantly a favorite of Clara, the Butler and Clara's father. Once again, heart warming scenes capture the spirit of the girl. The monkey shines, the school lessons, the manners taught, all paint a vivid picture. None the less, Heidi and the Grandfather can not be kept apart, and each fights a mighty battle to be rejoined. Don't miss this fabulous film, a favorite around the holidays, when Heidi sings "Silent Night", I challenge you to keep a tear from your eye. Beautiful film.

Some people have said this is Shirley Temple's best film. It's not my favorite but I admit it is very, very good....and it has some of the most touching, wonderful moments of any of her films. In fact, there were several times in the first part of this film that produced tears in my eyes. Of course, I am an old sentimentalist. Nonetheless, this is wonderful stuff.The only reason I don't rank this among my favorite Temple films is the mean old lady, "Fraulein Rottenmeier," played by Mary Nash, has too big a role in the second half of the movie making for a number of unpleasant scenes. I had gotten so involved with the story that I couldn't stand to see this mean woman so nasty to "Heidi" (Temple). Also, there was only one song-and-dance number and that's not enough for Shirley Temple movie.The other characters were fine. Arthur Treacher provides good humor; Jean Hersholt is great as the gruff-then-loving grandfather and Marcia Mae Jones is nice as the young invalid.This is a true classic story and ends with perhaps the most gorgeous and sweetest smile I've ever seen on Shirley's face.