her mother was the *best* type of stage mother. she didn't demand or argue, she was there for the safety of her daughter. once, a director sent her off on an "errand", and when she returned, she found out that the director did it so he could make shirley cry for a scene by frightening her.

mama never left shirley alone on set again. EVER. her parents gave her as normal a childhood as they could under the circumstances, installed in her humility and love for her fellow man, and when she DID leave home, she left as a person who used her reputation and fame wisely. how many stars can you say did that?

well, other than audrey hepburn, who was a sweet wonderful woman also.