Something new, but still a fizzle is "The Blue-bird." Maeterlinck's famous story of how a little girl seeks happiness everywhere, only to find it at home, promised splendid entertainment. But Hollywood, as it too often does, relied exclusively on lavish sets and a stupendous budget. Far from winning the children's fancy, or charming adults with gentle humor, its extravagance only cloys, and bores--with the sole exception of the storm and forest fire scene.

Even sadder: this is probably Shirley Temple's last picture. Our hearts are touched. For Shirley acted, sang, and danced well, and didn't deserve to have her Templian charm stifled in an uninspired million-dollar quagmire. In spite of a double-crossing producer, we wish her a happy future, when, like Deanna, we will see her kissed for the very first time.