Heidi (1937) is a sugar-coated mountain trek

Is it worth watching?

If you have a soft spot for 1930s sentimentality, absolutely. This is pure comfort food, though you might find the relentless optimism a bit sticky if you’re in a cynical mood. If you hate child stars or have zero patience for films where everyone is either aggressively good or cartoonishly wicked, maybe skip it. It’s not going to change your life, but it might make you want to move to the Alps.

Watching Shirley Temple work is kind of like watching a pro athlete; she just knows exactly where the camera is at all times. Jean Hersholt, as the grandfather, is the real surprise here. He carries this weird, prickly energy that keeps the whole thing from floating away into total fluff. When he’s yelling at the mountain air, I believed him.

There is a scene involving a goat that I am still thinking about. It doesn’t really move the plot forward, but it’s just bizarrely charming. The goat has more screen presence than some of the supporting cast.

Some random notes:

• The sweaters. Everyone is wearing sweaters that look incredibly itchy.
• The contrast between the mountain scenes and the city house is jarring, almost like two different movies glued together.
• The dramatic organ swells when Heidi does literally anything are a bit much, even for 1937.

It’s funny comparing this to something like The Unwanted. Where that film feels like it’s holding its breath, Heidi is screaming its feelings from the rooftops. It doesn't have much time for subtlety, but honestly? It doesn't need it.

I found myself zoning out during the city segments. The pacing hits a wall once they get indoors. It’s like the movie missed the fresh air as much as I did.

It’s not a masterpiece, but it’s got heart. Sometimes, that’s enough. 🐐