Priscilla arrives with her mother at a British post in India where her grandfather is the commanding officer. On the same day, the Khoda Khan, the leader of the Muslims with whom the British are at war, is captured. A spy in the compound facilitates his escape. Later, the spy brings Priscilla to the hideout, which is impregnable against the British army owing to the narrow pass that must be crossed to reach it. The Khoda Khan is ecstatic. He realizes that the colonel will bring the entire regiment to try to rescue his granddaughter, and the British soldiers will be slaughtered to a man. It is the chance he has been waiting for.So he has two of his men throw the spy over a cliff.I guess the idea is that they did not need him anymore, and besides, his personality was a little irritating. This begs the question as to why anyone would be loyal to such a leader (it would certainly occur to me that one day I might get old and not be of much use anymore, and then the Khoda Khan would have me thrown over a cliff). Of course, the real point is to show that these people are cruel and ruthless, and therefore deserve to be ruled by the British, which in the end they are.

Priscilla Williams (Shirley Temple) and her mother go to British-controlled India to reside with Colonel Williams, Priscilla's grandfather. Mother has been left a widow upon the death of her husband and this is the only option. Mrs. Williams doesn't really like the change, but wee Priscilla is enchanted by her new environment. This, in spite of the fact that the Colonel has no idea how to deal with little girls and comes off quite gruff. As can be predicted, she soon melts his heart. In addition, since the grandpapa only knows military life, Priscilla aspires to be a "little soldier". Thus, a tiny replica of the army's uniform is made for her, with the helmet-hat that everyone wears to prevent sun stroke. She is coached in military ways by Sergeant MacDuff (Victor MacLachlan) who also adores the tiny gal. It is he who gives her the name Wee Willie Winkie, since soldiers are rarely called Priscilla. One day, at the market, she sees that a religious token has been dropped outside a window and, picking it up, she gives it back to the owner through iron bars. Yes, he, Kodha Khan (Cesar Romero) is a prisoner. He is so grateful to her and strikes up a friendship. But, alas, he also has plans for a prison break out. A friend uses Winkie to deliver a letter that will "bring peace" to the Khan's heart. If you guessed it writes of "spring me plans", you are correct. Tensions, you see, are high between these Muslim Indians and the British. The breakout takes place. Meanwhile, something happens to MacDuff that changes everything. Soon, Winkie is on her way to make peace with Khan and save the regiment from disaster. Can a small child diffuse a dangerous situation? You bet, when its our Shirley! I count myself, easily, as a gigantic Shirley fan from childhood on and this one was, and remains, a favorite. The story, based on a Kipling work, is unique and beautiful, promoting peace at every turn. Also, the India setting has great charms for those who will never visit the country while the cast is terrific. MacLachlan's performance is so touching, tears will fall from everyone at a critical moment while Romero does nice work, too. The supporting cast is fine as well but, as always, Temple puts on a show well beyond her tender years. Are you just discovering the movies of one of America's treasured child stars? Don't miss this one!

Rudyard Kipling's story serves as the basis for this excellent John Ford film. Mr. Ford, one of America's best directors of all times, got probably a fantastic budget to get this movie made. It paid well as we are given a great account of Mr. Kipling's novel by the man who knew about how to make movies come alive.This was obviously a Shirley Temple vehicle. Ms. Temple was one of the best child actress of all times. Whenever she is in front of the camera, this little girl has a way of stealing the viewer's heart. In all the films we have seen, this seems to be her best, and in fact, Ms. Temple always speaks about her fond memories about this movie.Of course, this film wouldn't have worked the way it did, had it not been by the amazing performance by Victor McLaglen, who as Sgt. MacDuff, befriends the little girl that has come to live at the headquarters where he is serving. His roughness are tamed by the love he feels toward young Priscilla.John Ford got excellent performances from everyone, but of course, Shirley Temple and Victor McLaglen run away with the film and our admiration. C. Aubrey Smith, the distinguished actor makes a great appearance as the Colonel in charge of the outpost in India. Cesar Romero is also good as the rebel Khoda Kahn. June Lang plays Priscilla's mother and Michael Whalen is "Coppy", the man who falls for the young girl's widowed mother.This is a film that will delight anyone, young or old, because it is a timeless classic, thanks to John Ford.

Surprisingly great John Ford film starring Shirley Temple. I was unsure if I could stand her cuteness for an hour and forty minutes, but I was never as annoyed as I expected to be. She's actually quite - good (I'll probably never live that down, will I?).Once in a while, she got a bit cloying, but for the most part I enjoyed her performance. Believe me, though, John Ford and his screenwriter were careful to balance her with the rest of the film, which is indeed quite masterful. All of the other performers are pitch perfect, including C. Aubrey Smith, Cesar Romero, Michael Whalen, Constance Collier, June Lang, and especially Ford regular Victor McLaglen. He's amazing, as always. The story, based on a Rudyard Kipling book, is very good. Lang plays Temple's mother. Her husband has apparently died, and she accepts the gracious invitation of her father-in-law (Smith), a colonel in India, whom she has never met. While there, Temple becomes a sort of a mascot of the soldiers, with Sgt. MacDuff (McLaglen) taking care of her and teaching her how to be a soldier. Another soldier (Whalen) courts Temple's mother. Cesar Romero plays Khoda Khan, a bandit prince who is being held prisoner in the fort. Ford's direction is as exciting as ever, and the cinematography is halfway between the expressionism of The Informer and the naturalism of Stagecoach. The musical score is also quite good. One might object to the colonialist viewpoint of the film, but, to be fair, Wee Willie Winkie is a lot more palatable in that respect than George Stevens' much more famous Gunga Din is. 9/10.