Little Miss Roughneck
Sad-eyed, uniquely talented child actress Edith Fellows was Columbia's "answer" to Shirley Temple, Jane Withers and Deanna Durbin. In Little Miss Roughneck, Fellows is cast as Foxine LaRue, a tomboyish sort who is being prodded into a show-biz career by her stage mother Gert (Margaret Irving). Young Mr. Partridge (Scott Colton) becomes Foxine's agent, principally because he's sweet on the girl's older sister Mary (Jacqueline Wells). Blackballed from Hollywood because of her mother's pushiness, Foxine tries to help out Partridge and her own family by cooking up a bizarre publicity stunt, enlisting the aid of easy-going Mexican "papacita" Pascual (Leo Carrillo).
Insights
Plot Summary
A wealthy socialite is forced to take a job as a housekeeper in a rough mining town after her father's financial ruin. She struggles to adapt to her new surroundings and the blunt honesty of the townsfolk, particularly a charming but gruff miner. Amidst the challenges, she finds unexpected friendship and a sense of purpose, challenging her preconceived notions of class and respectability.
Critical Reception
Upon its release, 'Little Miss Roughneck' received mixed reviews, with critics often highlighting its predictable plot but praising its performances, particularly that of Leo Carrillo. Audiences at the time found it to be a lighthearted and entertaining diversion.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its comedic moments and Leo Carrillo's performance.
- Criticized for a formulaic and somewhat predictable storyline.
- Seen as a light and enjoyable, if unremarkable, melodrama.
Google audience: Audience reception information from Google is not readily available for this film.
Fun Fact
The film was one of several attempts in the 1930s to capitalize on the 'tough guy' or 'underdog' narrative that was popular with Depression-era audiences.
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