 Temple's mother coached her daughter on the set and at home.Director Cummings noted that Temple's mother was thorough, teaching her daughter her dialogue and how to say her lines, what facial expressions to use, and how to walk, sit, stand, and run.According to Cummings, Mrs. Temple was "much more Shirley's director than I am", and that there was very little left for him to do when Temple arrived on the set.