I did not know the story of Heidi and thought it would be boring. This movie proved me wrong. Although the descriptions of her grandfather as "mean", "grouchy" or "crotchety" seem more than a bit exaggerated.
I have some problems with the film -- first and foremost that the goal seems to be presenting Shirley Temple as adorable. Did the character of Heidi need to be so precious? What if she was a plain, average child? The point should be about the relationship between the grandfather and Heidi. Taking the focus off of them and putting it on her is a serious mistake.
All in all, I was greatly entertained and for 1937 the film is of great quality. Whether or not it should be called a classic depends on your definition.
I have some problems with the film -- first and foremost that the goal seems to be presenting Shirley Temple as adorable. Did the character of Heidi need to be so precious? What if she was a plain, average child? The point should be about the relationship between the grandfather and Heidi. Taking the focus off of them and putting it on her is a serious mistake.
All in all, I was greatly entertained and for 1937 the film is of great quality. Whether or not it should be called a classic depends on your definition.