I'm not too proud of the movies I made as a grownup except for 'That Hagen Girl', which nobody remembers but which gave me a chance to act.

The quote "I'm not too proud of the movies I made as a grownup except for 'That Hagen Girl', which nobody remembers but which gave me a chance to act" by Shirley Temple reflects her feelings of nostalgia and humility regarding her career. Temple, who was one of the most famous child stars in Hollywood history, acknowledges that while she made many movies as an adult, she was not particularly proud of them. However, she holds a special place for That Hagen Girl, a film that allowed her to showcase her acting skills in a more mature role, even though it wasn't widely remembered or successful.

Shirley Temple, a beloved American actress and dancer, was one of the most iconic child stars of the 1930s. She became famous for her roles in films like Bright Eyes and Curly Top, where her charm and singing ability made her a sensation. As she transitioned into adulthood, however, her film career struggled to capture the same level of success. In this quote, she reflects on her adult roles, acknowledging that she did not find them as fulfilling as her early work, except for That Hagen Girl—a film that marked a turning point in her career.

The mention of "That Hagen Girl" is significant because it represents Temple’s desire to prove herself as a serious actress beyond her child star image. While the film didn’t achieve commercial success, Temple appreciated it for offering her the chance to act in a more complex, adult role, something that had been difficult to do given her history as a child star.

Ultimately, Temple’s words reflect both self-awareness and appreciation for the opportunities she had throughout her career. While she may not have been proud of all her later work, That Hagen Girl stands out as a moment where she felt she was able to pursue personal growth as an actress, despite the challenges of transitioning from childhood fame to adult roles.