When director John Ford got this assignment, he was not too thrilled about working with a little girl as the lead actress. But when they started shooting, he was completely impressed by her acting chops, dedication to the film and bravery. Once scene called for her to run out of the way of stampeding horses. Naturally, Fox told Ford to use a stand-in, but when Shirley found out, she told Ford that she could do it herself. She did, and that totally won Ford over. By the way, the kid could really act!
Review of Wee Willie Winkie
