benjamin r. crisler reviewed the film when it opened in new york city at the roxy theatre. he wrote, "with any other child on earth, it is amazing to reflect, "the little princess" would stand out as one of the most glaring exhibits of pure hokum in screen history; with mistress temple, it may very well be, as mr. zanuck unflinchingly proclaims, the greatest picture with which mr. zanuck has ever been associated."