Overview
A young girl's unwavering spirit transforms the lives around her in the majestic mountains.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Simple
- Violence
- Mild
- wholesome
- sentimental
- hopeful
- family movie night
- nostalgic viewing
What critics said
Critics broadly regarded the film as charming, emotionally appealing family entertainment elevated by Shirley Temple and Jean Hersholt, while acknowledging its old-fashioned improbabilities.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Heidi's affection and optimism draw her gruff grandfather back toward mountain society.
The alpine home and village are set against the Frankfurt mansion where Heidi becomes lonely and constrained.
Heidi is taken from her grandfather and the mountain village while remaining determined to return.
Heidi affects her grandfather, the household, and the people she encounters through her warmth and persistence.
Films like Heidi, and why
The Secret Garden
sentimental family storytelling, child-centered optimism, and an orphan protagonist finding belonging
Pollyanna
classic children's drama built around an affectionate child transforming an emotionally isolated household
The Little Princess
warm period family entertainment featuring a charismatic child overcoming separation and adult adversity
Movie Details
- Director
- Allan Dwan
- Release Date
- 1937-10-15
- Runtime
- 88 min
- Rating
- 7.0 / 10 (125)
Cast
- Shirley Temple
- Jean Hersholt
- Arthur Treacher
- Helen Westley
- Pauline Moore
- Thomas Beck
- Mary Nash
- Sidney Blackmer
- Mady Christians
- Marcia Mae Jones
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Heidi about?
- An orphaned mountain girl’s radiant kindness reunites her with her grandfather while bringing warmth to everyone around her.
- What is Heidi like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Heidi as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as simple.
- Is Heidi violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Heidi as mild.
- What did critics think of Heidi?
- Critics broadly regarded the film as charming, emotionally appealing family entertainment elevated by Shirley Temple and Jean Hersholt, while acknowledging its old-fashioned improbabilities.
- Which films are like Heidi?
- Films with a similar feel include The Secret Garden, Pollyanna, and The Little Princess.
- How long is Heidi?
- Heidi runs 88 minutes.
- Where can I watch Heidi?
- In United States, Heidi is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Apple TV Store.
