Interesteg
What makes it different from others?
Lidia Draper
Great example of an old-fashioned, pure-at-heart escapist event movie that doesn't pretend to be anything that it's not and has boat loads of fun being its own ludicrous self.
Roxie
The thing I enjoyed most about the film is the fact that it doesn't shy away from being a super-sized-cliche;
Yazmin
Close shines in drama with strong language, adult themes.
bkoganbing
Taking a cue from Mickey and Judy over at MGM, Shirley Temple decides that the problems she and father Charles Farrell are facing because of the Depression can be solved by putting on a show. The show is for the benefit of Claude Gillingwater who is Benny Bartlett's grand uncle Sam. The fact that Shirley confuses Gillingwater who is a tycoon with the euphemism for the USA is certainly not her fault.Farrell is an architect who's now out of work in his chosen profession and now living in the basement of the building where he had the penthouse suit. Living there now is Cora Witherspoon who is Gillingwater's daughter and her son Bartlett. Among other things Shirley turns him from a spoiled brat into a regular kid.Just Around The Corner reunited Shirley with Bill Robinson her famous dancing partner from The Littlest Rebel. Also in the cast are Joan Davis as a maid/dogwalker and Bert Lahr as a chauffeur who formerly worked for Farrell and now for Gillingwater's family.How could Uncle Sam not get better with Shirley Temple as his biggest booster? Fans of the eternal moppet will not be disappointed with Just Around The Corner.
MartinHafer
I would agree with other reviewers who felt this was a mediocre Shirley Temple outing--neither particularly good nor particularly bad. It's worth seeing, however, some might have a hard time stomaching the schmaltz and propaganda--the film does lay it on pretty thick.The film begins with Shirley being taken from her boarding school and sent home. It seems her father (no mention is EVER made of the mother, by the way) has lost his fortune and cannot afford to keep her in the school. But, as Shirley is MORE optimistic and chipper than Pollyanna or Ned Flanders, she sees this as all a grand adventure. Through the course of the film, she remains unabashedly optimistic and does her best to make everyone have a happily ever after--even the nasty old man she refers to as 'Uncle Sam'! I liked and disliked the film. The humor was very sweet and you can't help loving Shirley. Additionally, the theme song throughout the film is very peppy and you'll most likely find yourself humming along with it. But, on the other hand, the optimism angle wore a bit thin, as did the stuff about Uncle Sam and the Depression. In fact, it came off, at times, as pure propaganda. Had the intent been disguised a bit, it would have made it all less obvious.If you do see the film, pay attention to the fund-raiser at the end. Shirley had a huge bag of nickels from all the kids who paid to see it. However, when you see the ridiculous sets and costumes, the kids should have paid at least $100 a ticket to break even!! Silly, but also kind of funny.Additionally, look for Charles Farrell in a rare starring appearance. Although Farrell was arguably the most famous male star of the late silent age, by 1938 his career was pretty much over in Hollywood. Why? I have no idea nor is there any indication why on his IMDb page. Also, this is the fourth and final film pairing Shirley and Bill Robinson--and to watch them dance, that's more than enough reason to watch the movie.
edwagreen
Cute little picture with little Shirley acting and singing up a storm as usual.Comedians Bert Lahr and Joan Davis are given so little to do. Claude Gillingwater, the banker in the memorable "Tale of 2 Cities," (1935) takes on a funny persona here as the rich Uncle Sam who is easily confused with the government. He even looks like Sam from the government.The story falls apart with the benefit for "Uncle Sam!" Franklin Pangborn steals the show as the head of the building whose always escorting Shirley out.The story may have had more meaning had they stuck with the original theme of rich versus poor. We saw plenty of that at the beginning but things to fade as the 2 groups seem to meld.
Ron Oliver
A precocious little moppet mistakes a misanthropic tycoon for Uncle Sam. She believes that by helping the old fellow, Depression woes will cease for her father and the country JUST AROUND THE CORNER.This friendly, fanciful film was exactly what the nation needed to help it forget economic hard times. Shirley Temple is bright & cheerful, as always, and never fails to amuse. The talents which made her Hollywood's top box office draw for years are abundantly on display. Legendary Bill `Bojangles' Robinson is on hand with 3 of his celebrated dance routines. Watch, when he dances with Shirley, how she matches him step for step - a marvelous terpsichorean treat.Comedy is handled by Bert Lahr, Joan Davis (why aren't they included in the climactic Benefit show?) & especially Franklin Pangborn, in his glory as the quintessential harried apartment manager. Charles Farrell, a big star himself a few years previous, does a fine job as Shirley's dad, while Claude Gillingwater once again has fun with the part of a crotchety, rich old man. Cora Witherspoon scores as a society snob.Movie mavens will recognize Charles Williams as a persistent photographer & Leonard Kibrick as Shirley's tough kid friend.Shirley, with help from Miss Davis, Lahr & Bojangles, sings & dances her way through `This Is A Happy Little Ditty' & `Just Around The Corner'.