The Ragged Dress and Shoes Worn by Shirley Temple in the 1939 Film "The Little Princess"

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Of black challis, the dress is a simple uniform with long sleeves, fitted bodice, and snugly fitted neck. The dress is purposely created with various tears and crude mending, designed to appear as though worn by multiple charity girls over a long period of time in poverty circumstances. Included is a pair of high button boots which are also very tattered, with rips and tears throughout, and especially notable worn toes. Included are several vintage photographs depicting Shirley wearing the costume. Appearing in stark relief to the luxurious costumes worn by Sara Crewe (Shirley Temple) when she first arrives at Miss Minchin's school, is this ragged dress that she is forced to wear when it appears that her father's holdings have been bankrupted.