2007 Updates

December 8, 2007
update for various Roach talkies: I've added information from the music cue sheets for the following films: "General Spanky" (no. 150), "Three Smart Boys" (no. 154), "Framing Youth" (no. 159), "Mail And Female" (no. 161), "Canned Fishing" (no. 163), "Feed 'Em And Weep" (no. 167), "The Awful Tooth" (no. 168) and "Hide And Shriek" (no. 169). This also slightly affects "Our Gang Follies Of 1936" (no. 141), since Marvin Hatley is now listed as the composer of "The Ghost Frolic." I've also added the production number for "General Spanky," which I had previously overlooked.
update for the late Pathés: I've added copyright information for all of the shorts from "Thundering Fleas" (no. 51) through "The Smile Wins" (no. 66). Thanks once again to Joe Moore for passing on this info.
new filmography: I've added a filmography for photographer Frank Young, which can be accessed by clicking here.
update for "Hearts Are Thumps" (no. 153): The piece of music labeled as 'piece 153a' is now listed under 'other music.'
November 25, 2007
new filmographies: I've added two new filmographies, which can be accessed by clicking on the following names: Harry W. Gerstad and Bud "Stax" Graves
update for several Pathés: I've added the copyright information for all of the films from "Derby Day" (no. 21) through "Uncle Tom's Uncle" (no. 50). Thanks again to Joe Moore.
update for "The Spanking Age" (no. 80) and "Wiggle Your Ears" (no. 84): The tune that I've been listing as 'piece 084i' is actually a portion of "The Whistler And His Dog," the main part of which is familiar to Our Gang fans from "The Pinch Singer" (no. 143). Thanks to Robin Cook for pointing this out.
update for "The Pinch Singer" (no. 143): Maltin & Bann list Jackie Morrow as one of the kids in this film. After watching "Ace Drummond," I'm now familiar with his face, and I'm pretty sure he's one of The Plantation Trio. It's difficult to tell, since they're in blackface, but once he takes off his hat, the hair and the shape of the face match to a tee.
update for "A Lad An' A Lamp" (no. 119): The magician in this film is played by Philip Sleeman. This was indicated in the Internet Movie Database, and somehow turned out to be completely true.
update for three early silents: I've added a bit of speculation regarding the photography credits for "Commencement Day" (no. 26), "It's A Bear" (no. 27) and "Cradle Robbers" (no. 28).
update for Seawright filmography and "Ten Years Old" (no. 58): I previously stated that "Love My Dog" (no. 59) began a trend of regularly-appearing animation in the Our Gang shorts, but it's really "Ten Years Old."
new video page and update for handful of silent episodes: A company called Fishigan Films released a set of videos of their documentary series "SlapHappy" a few years ago, which contains clips of a few silent Our Gang shorts.
update for Passport Video and "Dogs Of War!" (no. 14): I've added a DVD entitled "Smiles And Spectacles" which contains this film.
update for Alpha Video and three talkies: I've added a DVD entitled "The Kids Of Old Hollywood," which includes three of the public domain shorts.
update for Platinum Disc Corporation and three talkies: This company compiled their Our Gang DVD into a new boxed set, which contains three of the public domain episodes.
update for "School Begins" (no. 79): A photo from this film reveals a chalkboard with Jean and Harry's names on it, which is sufficient enough to add 'as "Jean"' to Jean Darling's spot on the page.
update for Roach filmography: I've added March 22nd to the shooting dates for "Say It With Babies," which is indicated in the footnotes to Rob Stone's list.
November 16, 2007
update for the first twenty Pathés: I've added copyright information on the first twenty Our Gang films. Special thanks to Joe Moore for providing this info, which will continue to arrive in installments over the next few weeks.
new filmographies: Click on the names to check out the filmographies I've put together for Leo McCarey, Roy Seawright, Tony Campanaro, and Fern Carter.
update for Roach filmography: I've added several films that used stock footage from "One Million, B.C.," including "Tarzan's Desert Mystery," "The Costume Designer," "Two Lost Worlds," "Jungle Manhunt," "Untamed Women," "Robot Monster," "King Dinosaur," "The Incredible Petrified World," "Ghost Diver," "Teenage Cave Men," "She Demons," "Valley Of The Dragons," "La Isla De Los Dinosaurios," "One Million AC/DC" and "Horror Of The Blood Monsters." Also included are two TV series, "Ramar Of The Jungle" and "Jungle Jim." I've also added information regarding Roach films that were nominated for Oscars, namely "General Spanky," "Way Out West," "Topper," "Merrily We Live," "Block-Heads," "There Goes My Heart," "Topper Takes A Trip," "Captain Fury," "Of Mice And Men," "One Million B.C.," "Captain Caution," "Topper Returns," "Tanks A Million," "All-American Co-Ed," and "Flying With Music." I've also clarified the information regarding the Army's use of the Roach studios.
update for several Roach talkies: I had previously overlooked the fact that the following films have simple animation, probably the work of Roy Seawright: "Readin' And Writin'" (no. 111), "Choo-Choo!" (no. 114) and "Our Gang Follies Of 1936" (no. 141).
update for French filmography: I had forgotten to mention French's 'use of name' credit for "High Society" (no. 30), which led me to revise some of the information in his filmography.
update for McGowan filmography: I had forgotten to mention McGowan's 'use of name' credit for "Lodge Night" (no. 15).
update for some late Roach and early MGM talkies: I've decided to remove Tony Campanaro's name from the page for "Mama's Little Pirate" (no. 132) since only Leo the Lion appears in that film. I've added his name, however, on the pages for "Bored Of Education" (no. 146) and "Hide And Shriek" (no. 169), having previously overlooked him. I've also added Campanaro to the 'possible uncredited involvement' sections for "Party Fever" (no. 171) and "Aladdin's Lantern" (no. 172).
November 9, 2007
new filmography: I've added a filmography of Tom McNamara. Click here to check it out.
update for several Pathé episodes: The small white dog featured as 'Magnolia' in "Thundering Fleas" (no. 51), and who I've been listing as 'dog 042,' was actually named Buster in real life. He also appeared in at least eight other films, including "Boys Will Be Joys" (no. 42), "Good Cheer" (no. 46), "Buried Treasure" (no. 47), "Uncle Tom's Uncle" (no. 50), "Shivering Spooks" (no. 52), "The Fourth Alarm!" (no. 53), "Ten Years Old" (no. 58) and "Love My Dog" (no. 59). I've also verified that the dog that played 'Pal,' while being a different dog than 'Pal the Wonder Dog,' was nevertheless named Pal in real life.
update for "Beginner's Luck" (no. 135) and "Teacher's Beau" (no. 136): The youngest Cabin Kid was named Frederick. I'm pretty sure their last name was Hall, but I still need to verify this.
update for Roach and Currier filmographies: I have no idea why, but I listed four names, including both Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, as appearing in "Should Second Husbands Come First," even though they weren't in the film. That mistake is now corrected. Also, "Hurdy Gurdy" was not the first Roach talkie. Instead, it was "Unaccustomed As We Are." Thanks to Steve Phillips for noticing these errors.
update for "A Tough Winter" (no. 99): I've come across verifying information showing that eight films were initially planned for the 1929/30 season, and that this film was in addition to those eight, no doubt since it was meant as the pilot for a Stepin Fetchit series.
update for "For Pete's Sake!" (no. 127): I'm no longer in doubt about Barbara Goodrich being passed off as a boy in this film. The snipe on the back of an eBay photo has verified this.
November 6, 2007
update for "A Quiet Street" (no. 5): At one point, as the boys are chasing the new kid, they stop in front of a movie theater. The poster is difficult to read, but it mentions the Ethel Clayton film "Her Own Money," which was released in January 1922. I've also added notes about a plumber and a wagon pulled by horses.
November 5, 2007
update for several Pathés: Continuing with the vidcap project: I've decided that 'boy 003b' from "Young Sherlocks" (no. 3) is not the same boy seen in "A Quiet Street" (no. 5), and that both boys in question will now be decribed under 'other kids' on their respective pages. In other words, there is no longer a 'boy 003b.' Because of this, 'boy 003a,' who appeared in roughly a quarter of the Pathés, will be known as 'boy 003.'
update for "A Quiet Street" (no. 5): I've added a bit of information about the gas station shown in this film.
update for "The Big Show" (no. 7): Hyooooboy. Okay, here we go again. In my quest to change 'boy 001' into 'boy 002b,' I overlooked this film, so that problem is now fixed.
November 4, 2007
update for several talkies: The kid with the designation 'boy 141b' was named Daniel Boone. He appeared in "Our Gang Follies Of 1936" (no. 141), "The Pinch Singer" (no. 143), "Arbor Day" (no. 145), "Bored Of Education" (no. 146), "Reunion In Rhythm" (no. 151), "The Pigskin Palooka" (no. 160) and "Our Gang Follies Of 1938" (no. 162). Because of this, 'boy 141a' will be known as 'boy 141.' This affects five of the films already mentioned, plus "The Little Ranger" (no. 170) and "Aladdin's Lantern" (no. 172).
update for "Shrimps For A Day" (no. 133): In the photo shown in Rebecca Gulick's book, I believe that the girl behind Buckwheat and Scotty is Phyllis Yuse.
update for "Teacher's Beau" (no. 136): I've added the name Jacqueline Cagney Miller to the list of kids, as I'm pretty sure she's sitting in the background of the classroom shots. I've also clarified a few more details regarding the black kids.
update for "Young Sherlocks" (no. 3) and "The Champeen!" (no. 9): Continuing with the vidcapping of the Our Gang series, I'm no longer in doubt about Wallace Howe's role in "Young Sherlocks." I'm also pretty sure that Ernie and Farina's mother is played by Florence Hoskins. There was also a line on my "Young Sherlocks" page that was actually meant for "The Champeen," describing the location for the scene where Ernie hides in the ashcan.
update for Walker filmography: I've added "California Or Bust," "Heavy Seas," "Strictly Unreliable" and "The Old Bull."
update for McGowan filmography: Slight correction: "Betty Makes Up" is actually called "Betty Wakes Up."
October 25, 2007
new filmographies: I've added new filmographies for six people. To check them out from this page, just click on the names: John L. Murphy, Gene Kornman, Bob Davis, T. J. Crizer, Richard Currier and Bert Jordan.
update for "Shootin' Injuns" (no. 39): While doing the filmography for Bert Jordan, I realized that I overlooked him in the 'possible uncredited involvement' category for this film.
October 22, 2007
new filmography plus changes to all Roach film pages: The October 1924 issue of The Red Book reveals some more 'studio personnel,' including L. A. French, Charles Levin, Garrett Graham and Clyde Hopkins. I've added a 'filmography' for French, and I use quotations because there are no films in his filmography, but it does gather up what little information I can find on him. Click here to check it out. He was already with the studio in 1921, so I've included him on every film page until the beginning of 1936. I've arbitrarily chosen "High Society" (no. 30) as a starting point for listing Levin, Graham and Hopkins. Levin continued with the studio until at least 1936, but I have no idea how long Graham and Hopkins remained, so I've chosen "Official Officers" (no. 40) as an ending point for them. I've also expanded Mat O'Brien's list of potential films, since as an assistant secretary, he used to sign talent contracts as far back as April 1929. I've arbitrarily started listing him with "Election Day" (no. 81). I also noticed in Randy Skretvedt's book a reference to O'Brien during the filming of "Block-Heads" in July 1938, so this means he was still at the studio when the Our Gang series moved to MGM.
update for Roach filmography: I've added the detail that Roach was the president of his company.
update for Walker filmography: I've added the detail that Walker was officially listed as a production manager in the October 1924 Red Book.
update for C. H. Roach filmography: 'Dad' also used to sign talent contracts, at least up until March 7, 1936, so his death would have to have happened after this date.
October 21, 2007
new video page plus update for Video Dimensions page and various films: I've added a new page for a company called Jef Films and have expanded the info for Video Dimensions. Thanks very much to mtw12055 of thelittlerascals.net for providing this information.
update for "Baby Blues" (no. 197): The production number as revealed on publicity photos for this film is 2706. Also, the preliminary title of "Too Many Sisters" was still in effect as of Nov. 30, 1940.
October 20, 2007
update for several early silents: First to correct a previous error: When I redesignated 'boy 002c' as 'boy 001,' I overlooked his appearance in "Official Officers" (no. 40). However, I have recently begun to make vidcaps from the various films to make it easier to do side-by-side comparisons of people and locations. One of the first things I concluded is that 'boy 001' does not appear in "Our Gang" (no. 1). Therefore, he will now be known as 'boy 002b,' reflecting his debut in "Fire Fighters" (no. 2). Because of this, 'boy 002' will now be known as 'boy 002a.' Other films affected by these changes are "The Big Show" (no. 7), "The Champeen!" (no. 9), "A Pleasant Journey" (no. 11), "Dogs Of War!" (no. 14), and "Lodge Night" (no. 15). I'm also quite certain that George "Freckles" Warde does not appear in the first Our Gang film, either.
In other news, I've noticed that the building beyond the Old Crown Gasoline sign in "Fire Fighters" says 'real estate.' There's also a loan and mortgage business in that film that turns out to also be shown in "Our Gang," where a sign is revealed that reads 'real estate.' The white building to the left of this business is where the footage was taken of J. Quincy Quack flirting with Henrietta Flapper in "Fire Fighters." As revealed in the first film, directly across the street from this location is the yard where the boys try to attack the rich kid (but are unsuccessful.) Inside this yard is the peaked structure with the ladder leaning against it on which the dog chases the cat in "Fire Fighters."
I've also added notes about Robers Cave and the Goat Alley Fire Department for "Fire Fighters."
I've also added a listing for the Palms Lumber Company in "Our Gang," which is adjacent to Ernie's yard in that film.
October 17, 2007
update for HenryButch and Video Dimensions video pages and various silent shorts and Walker filmography: I've acquired the rest of the HenryButch volumes and have given more details about those. On one volume, he uses three of the four shorts found on a Video Dimensions VHS, so there is now more information on that release, too. Included among these shorts is "The Buccaneers" in an original print, so the crew credits are now known for this film. This also affects the Robert McGowan and H. M. Walker filmographies. Thanks to Geoff Lucas for helping out on this update.
update for MGM/UA video page and various silent shorts: I've gone into a little more detail about the silent episodes found on the Our Gang Comedies laserdisc.
update for "The Glorious Fourth" (no. 64): I've acquired a publicity photo from this film, which reveals the involvement of Harry Bowen and Gene Morgan.
update for "Teacher's Beau" (no. 136): With the help of a publicity photo, I've now verified the inclusion of Jannie Hoskins and Dorothy Dandridge in this film.
update for three Roach talkies: I've acquired the music cue sheets for "Rushin' Ballet" (no. 55), "Roamin' Holiday" (no. 156) and "The Pigskin Palooka" (no. 160) and have improved the pages for those films accordingly.
update for reelclassicdvd.com and various silent shorts: I've added info regarding the third volume of silents from this company, including "Back Stage" (no. 13), "The Buccaneers" (no. 24), "It's A Bear" (no. 27), "High Society" (no. 30) and "The Mysterious Mystery!" (no. 33). I've also acquired the first volume of Our Gang shorts from this company, so there are extra details for those shorts.
update for EastWest video and three Roach shorts: There is a volume four from this company, which contains "Fly My Kite" (no. 107), "The Pooch" (no. 115) and "Mary, Queen Of Tots" (no. 41), but I still haven't come across volumes one or three.
update for Roach filmography: It turns out that the Hardy Family was less of a bluff on Roach's part than suspected, since a script has turned up. Thanks to Lynn Paden for alerting me to this. Also, I've added information for the year 1937 regarding Stan Laurel Productions, and Roach's involvement with Vittorio Mussolini. I've also added new details regarding Roach's involvement in "Swiss Miss." I've also specified the dates of the Roach contract with United Artists, and Laurel's 1938 departure and 1939 return. Also, I've added a note about a Cinecolor short from 1937 made at the Roach studio entitled "Daily Beauty Rituals."
July 16, 2007
update for four late silent episodes: The kid that I've been listing as 'boy 076' was named Jimmy Perrin, and appeared in "Crazy House" (no. 76), "Growing Pains" (no. 77), "Old Gray Hoss" (no. 78) and "School Begins" (no. 79).
update for "Barnum & Ringling, Inc." (no. 74): I've added some information about the musical soundtrack included on disc for this film. Unfortunately, I'm only able to identify one song so far, which is "Little Brown Jug." Thanks very much to Paul Mular for his assistance on this subject.
update for various Roach talkies: I've managed to acquire some information off of music cue sheets for various films, including "Reunion In Rhythm" (no. 151), "Glove Taps" (no. 152) and "Three Men In A Tub" (no. 165).
update for "Jubilo, Jr." (no. 29), "Divot Diggers" (no. 142) and MPI Video page: The "Hollywood's Children" documentary was not only released on VHS, but also laserdisc. Thanks to Paul Mular for this info.
update for "The Fourth Alarm!" (no. 53): A lobby card reveals that Billy Naylor is among the kids in the firehouse scenes.
update for "Mike Fright" (no. 130): It turns out that Joy Wurgaft is shown on one of the lobby cards for this film, even though she doesn't seem to be in the film itself.
June 15, 2007
update for "The Fourth Alarm!" (no. 53): A publicity photo reveals the names of three of the kids shown in the opening sequence of the film. This makes me realize that I hadn't acknowledged the presence of the several extra kids in this scene.
update for "Baby Brother" (no. 61): As revealed at thelittlerascals.net by Rob, there is a VHS interview of Richard and Robert Smith conducted by Tommy Bond which revealed a few new facts.
update for "Ye Olde Minstrels" (no. 198): Two 80rpm records appeared on eBay which was used for rehearsal purposes on this film. It reveals that the four-digit numbers shown on promotional photos are indeed the production numbers for the films. This film was production 2716. The records were pressed on Jan. 6, 1941.
update for Roach filmography: I've added some details about the Hardy Family series of 1935, and Roach's involvement on "The Bohemian Girl." I've also added the exact date of Henry Ginsberg's resignation.
update for Roach and Chase filmographies: I've added some details about Roach's original story for "Babes In Toyland" and Chase's intended appearance in the film. I've also added information about the 20th anniversary radio broadcast, which Chase took part in.
update for three Roach talkies: According to Randy Skretvedt's Laurel & Hardy book, Nick Grinde was hired to co-write "Babes In Toyland," so I've removed his name as a prospective writer on "The First Round-Up" (no. 128), "Honky-Donkey" (no. 129) and "Mike Fright" (no. 130).
update for Brentwood Video and various shorts: The Hollywood Hall Of Fame documentary is also on the "3-Tape Set" VHS release in addition to the DVD.
April 6, 2007
update for "One Wild Ride" (no. 45): Okay, I might a slight error the other day when I updated this film. I mentioned the man running down the hill and the man with the parrot, but failed to notice that I already had Ed Brandenberg and Al Hallet listed for these parts. So that's fixed, now. Thanks to Robin for noticing this.
new filmographies: I've added filmographies for three of the 'studio personnel' entries. You can access them by clicking on their names on the film pages, or right here on this update page: general manager Warren Doane, secretary-treasurer C. H. Roach and construction supervisor C. E. Christensen. Admittedly, these filmographies are pretty sparse, since these men generally weren't given onscreen credit for their type of work.
update for Roach filmography: I've added the note that Roach came up with the Laurel & Hardy gag in "Wild Poses" (no. 125)
update for Newmeyer filmography: Another person Newmeyer met while at Universal was Charles Oelze.
April 2, 2007
late entry for yesterday's updates: Somehow, I forgot to include in yesterday's update some European video releases of several of the Roach/MGM Silents. These affect "Dog Heaven" (no. 70), "Spook Spoofing" (no. 71), "Rainy Days" (no. 72), "Old Gray Hoss" (no. 78), "The Spanking Age" (no. 80), "Election Day" (no. 81), "Fast Freight" (no. 85) and "Little Mother" (no. 86). Much thanks to Henry Sorenson for his help with these versions.
update for Roach filmography: I've added a detail about Roach's direction on "The Devil's Brother."
April 1, 2007
update for "One Terrible Day" (no. 4): Moving Picture World reviewed this film on Aug. 19, 1922.
update for four silent films: I've added quite a bit of information regarding "Your Own Back Yard" (no. 44), "One Wild Ride" (no. 45), "The Smile Wins" (no. 66) and "The Old Wallop" (no. 68). Thanks very much to Robin Cook for assisting me with these titles.
update for "The Love Bug" (no. 37): In the 'oops' department: The 35mm print I referred to was actually 16mm. Just a flub on that one. Thanks to Robin for noticing.
update for "Election Day" (no. 81): I've added a note about the cross-country train ride the Gang took in between the main shooting and the retakes for this film.
update for "Small Talk" (no. 89): I've added information about the Laurel & Hardy short "Unaccustomed As We Are" having to be filmed at night so that the Our Gang unit could use the one set of sound equipment during the day.
update for "School's Out" (no. 102): I've added a note about the song "What Did Cleopatra Say," which Mary Ann references in the film. Also, a clip from this film was used in the 2000 film "Bamboozled."
update for "Night 'N' Gales" (no. 157): The composer of "Funny And Mysterious" was Nathaniel Shilkret.
update for reelclassicdvd.com and various silent episodes: This company has released a volume 2 of Our Gang silents. Thanks to Lynn Paden for pointing this out.
update for GoodTimes video page: The mystery film starring Alfalfa is called "The Singing Lesson," while the newsreel footage of Pete is entitled "Broadway Highlights." Also the footage of Spanky with his brother Tommy is home movie footage, and not newsreel footage, as I had previously assumed.
update for various films, plus new video page: I've added information regarding a company called Quality Television which has released a couple of DVDs recently containing "Mary, Queen Of Tots" (no. 41), "Bear Shooters" (no. 98), "School's Out" (no. 102), "Fly My Kite" (no. 107), "The Pooch" (no. 115), "Hi'-Neighbor!" (no. 126), "Our Gang Follies Of 1938" (no. 162) and "Waldo's Last Stand" (no. 194)
update for various films, plus new video page: A company named Legend Films has released three DVDs which can be bought separately or as a boxed set entitled "The Little Rascals In Color." This affects 14 of the Roach talkies, plus "Waldo's Last Stand" (no. 194).
update for three films, plus new video page: A company named East West Entertainment released a DVD in 2005 entitled "Little Rascals Volume 2." I don't yet have information on any other volumes. The films on the disc are "Hi'-Neighbor!" (no. 126), "Spooky Hooky" (no. 149) and "Dogs Of War!" (no. 14)
update for various silent films, plus "Mighty Lak A Goat" (no. 210): Casting directories reveal that the actor listed as George K. French was actually George B. French. Presumably, Maltin & Bann got his middle initial from another actor listed in their book, Charles K. French.
update for Roach, Chase, Walker and Powers filmographies: The UK title for "The Sting Of Stings" was "A Treat For The Boys."
update for Roach, Chase and Powers filmographies: It looks as though some additional filming was done for "A One Mama Man" on Dec. 29th. I've also corrected an error for the shooting dates of "All Wet," which should read 1924 instead of 1923.
update for Roach, Walker and Powers filmographies: The preview title for "From Soup To Nuts" was "Let George Do It." Also, silent prints were made of "Berth Marks" and "Brats." I've also added the reissue date for "Berth Marks."
update for Roach, McGowan and Walker filmographies: I've added the film "Bamboozled," which shows a clip from "School's Out."
update for Roach and Walker filmographies: The UK title for "You're Darn Tootin'" was "The Music Blasters." The UK title for "Hog Wild" was "Aerial Antics."
update for Chase filmography: I've noted the exact date of January 27th for the "Voices Of Filmland" radio program.
update for Roach filmography: Roach directed the Harold Lloyd shorts "Ask Father" and "Just Dropped In." The Paul Parrott series was filmed until August 1923, not July. I've added an alternate release date for "Cut The Cards." The year of copyright for "Between Meals" was 1922. This film was actually a Paul Parrott short, with Ernie Morrison co-starring. I don't know where I got the reference that Roach directed the Chase short "What Women Did For Me," but all indications are that James Parrott was the director, so I've corrected that error. The All Star film "Don Key" featured Max Davidson, but was originally conceived as a vehicle for Frank Butler. I've also added details about Roach planning to make additional silent films for the 1929-30 season, something he changed his mind about. Also, "Fiesta" was reissued under the title "Gaiety." Also, "That Nazty Nuisance" was actually a working title, so I've retitled the entry "Nazty Nuisance." Also added is a TV pilot from 1957 entitled "Cindy." I've also added the East German film "Laurel und Hardy auf der Jagd nach dem Mammon" from 1973. I've also added "The Further Perils Of Laurel And Hardy" from 1968, "That's Entertainment, Part II" from 1976, and the Germany documentary "Dance Of The Cookoos" from 1982. Also, Roach not only directed the Laurel & Hardy scenes in "The Rogue Song," but wrote them as well. I've added an episode title for the ninth chapter of "The Timber Queen."
update for Powers filmography: I've added a note about Powers' possible appearance in the Harold Lloyd film "On The Jump."
update for Walker filmography: I've added a note about Walker's possible involvement in "Stop! Luke! Listen!"
update for "Monkey Business" (no. 48): A couple of chimpanzee trainers named Castang and Judge had a chimp named "Akka," so I've added the speculation that the chimp in this film was provided by them.
update for all of the Roach films: I've added a 'studio personnel' category within the 'crew' section for each film page, which includes several new names. For the late Roach films, most of this information comes from a couple of Standard casting directories from 1936.
update for all of the Roach films: I've revised my thinking regarding some of the names in the 'possible uncredited involvement' portions of my webpages. The changes break down as follows:
F. Richard Jones: It appears that he became director-general of the studio prior to the release of "The Love Bug" (no. 37), "Ask Grandma" (no. 38), "Shootin' Injuns" (no. 39) and "Official Officers" (no. 40), but after they had been filmed.
Tom McNamara: Since his last directorial involvement was at the end of May 1923, his involvement as a writer can logically be extended to "No Noise" (no. 20).
James Parrott: He's listed by Maltin & Bann as being among the paid Our Gang writers of the early thirties. Logically, I had reasoned that he could have been an Our Gang writer at any time he was employed at the studio. However, it now seems to me that he probably wouldn't have been doing much of this while starring in the Paul Parrott series, which lasted until August 1923, or while serving as the regular Charley Chase director between October and December 1923, or as the regular director for various units between September 1926 and July 1928, or during his absence from the studio, which seems to have lasted between October 1928 and June 1929, or while going back and forth as regular director for Laurel & Hardy and Charley Chase between June 1929 and August 1932. For all of these time periods, I've removed Parrott's name from the list of Our Gang gag writers.
Frank Butler: I've removed his name as a possible gag writer for the period in which he starred in The Spat Family series, since it could be argued that his attention was required for his own series. I've also removed his name for the next period, from mid 1923 through mid 1926, since his involvement with Roach was sporadic at best during this time. He was writing for the studio between mid 1926 and mid 1927, so I've retained his name for this period. The only other period in which I'm retaining this credit is mid 1934 through mid 1935, when he was head of the scenario department. He didn't, however, remain until "The Bohemian Girl," as I had previously thought, since his work on this film was limited to late 1934.
Charlie Hall: He was another Our Gang writer of the early thirties, but had been appearing in Roach films as far back as 1923. The earliest indication of his status as a writer seems to be around 1928, so I'll include him on the Our Gang list starting with the beginning of the 1927/28 season.
Leo McCarey: According to Randy Skretvedt's Laurel & Hardy book, McCarey started with Roach in 1920 as a gag writer. In December 1923, he became the primary director on the Charley Chase series. This drastically changes the way I've listed him on my webpages. At this point, I'm including him as a possible Our Gang gag writer for everything prior to December 1923, but for none of the films shot after that date.
Hal Yates: He's another Our Gang writer from the early thirties, but had been with the studio off and on since 1925. I'm going to remove his name for the periods in which he was the regular director on various series, namely Mabel Normand, Max Davidson and Charley Chase, and also during the 1929 to 1934 period in which he seems to have been absent from the studio.
Jean Yarbrough: He's another Our Gang writer from the early thirties who had already been with the studio for some time. It seems that he was busy enough as an assitant director between Oct. 1925 and Nov. 1926 that he was probably not writing for the gang during this period, but after that, his filmography is wide open until 1932, when he seems to have left Roach.
Frank Terry: He was another gag writer from the early thirties. He was also present at the studio from late 1924 through late 1925, so I've added him as a possible gag writer during this period. It also turns out that, during the talkie era, he remained with the studio at least to the end of 1934.
Billy Gilbert: He was another gag writer from the early thirties. I've removed his name for the year in which the Taxi Boys series was being produced, since he would presumably have been busy with that.
Harry Keaton: Another early thirties gag writer, he was a bit player in "Shivering Shakespeare" (no. 95), so I've included him as a prospective writer during the first sound season, and have extended it through the second sound season since there's a large opening in his IMDb filmography up to the beginning of 1932.
Gordon Douglas: Another early thirties gag writer. I had previously listed him as early as "Teacher's Pet" (no. 101), since that is the earlier known Roach film in which Douglas plays a bit part. However, it makes more sense to me that his stint as a writer happened more or less subsequent to his years as an actor, particularly after his tenure as a regular in the Boy Friends, so I'm going to start him off at "Hook And Ladder" (no. 116) for the time being.
Nick Grinde: Another early thirties gag writer. Judging by IMDb, it's pretty clear that his involvement was limited to 1934, and I'm giving him tentative credit from "The First Round-Up" (no. 128) through "Beginner's Luck" (no. 135).
Frank Tashlin: Another early thirties gag writer. Most sources regurgitate the year 1935 as Tashlin's arrival at the Roach studio, but it couldn't have been any later than 1934. One lone source states that it was in 1933, which frankly makes sense. Therefore, I've included his name from "Hi'-Neighbor!" (no. 126) through "The Pinch Singer" (no. 143).
Felix Adler: Maltin & Bann speculate that he may have been among the gag writers for "Divot Diggers" (no. 142), but I think he was probably still a regular writer for the Three Stooges at this point, and would more likely have joined Roach in time for the following season, specifically "Bored Of Education" (no. 146). It's conceivable that he remained an Our Gang writer until the move to MGM.
Harry Langdon: He's another one that Maltin & Bann speculate in regard to "Divot Diggers" (no. 142), and there is indeed a gap in his IMDb filmography that would accommodate this film and several others up through 1937.
Richard Currier: He didn't start receiving editing credits until Tom Crizer left the studio in 1925, but Currier was already working in the editorial department as far back as 1920, and was no doubt involved in cutting many of the earlier Our Gang shorts, so his name has been added to all of these earlier shorts. Also, I've noted his involvement with the added music and sound effects for the late silent episodes.
Bert Jordan: He was hired as a cutter in 1921, so his name has been added to all of the shorts up until Currier's departure, when editors began to be credited individually for each film.
William Terhune: He started as a cutter by the beginning of 1926.
Jack Ogilvie: He started as a cutter around the beginning of 1932.
Louis McManus: He was initially hired to write the titles for the foreign-language films, as well as the opening title cards for the English versions. He soon became the film editor for the Spanish versions, and remained in the editing department after foreign versions were no longer made. His credits ended in 1936.
Lloyd Campbell: The details on this cutter are sparse, but he was working in the editorial department during the time "Baby Clothes" (no. 49) and "Uncle Tom's Uncle" (no. 50) were made.
Leo Samwell: I've speculated that he may have been involved in the prop department as early as Dec. 1925, and as late as Sep. 1926, judging by existing credits.
Ted Driscoll: I've speculated that he may have been involved in the prop department as early as May 1925, and as late as the end of 1928.
William Draper: He was a prop man as early as Apr. 1926 and as late as Nov. 1926.
Sherbourne Shields: This is the same person identified as Shourds in Rob Stone's list. He was working in the prop department by Oct. 1923, and at least until the end of 1926.
William A. Collins: This sometimes cameraman/sometimes propman started with the studio by Aug. 1926, and stayed at least until July 1928.
Roy Seawright: In addition to his animation work, Seawright worked in the property department, at least until mid-1928. He had started with Roach in 1920, and was probably in the prop department by the time Our Gang started.
Thomas Benton Roberts: He worked in the property department, often on the Our Gang series, from mid 1927 at the latest, to the end of 1932 at the earliest.
Bob Saunders: I've added his name to the list of prospective propmen starting with "Cat, Dog & Co." (no. 87), since he played a small role in that film, up to his credit in "Sprucin' Up" (no. 137)
C. I. Norris and Cal Norris: These two provided monkeys for the Dippy Doo Dads, so I've added the speculation that they could have provided the monkeys seen in the Our Gang films during 1923.
Feb. 28, 2007
new filmography: I've added a filmography for occasional Our Gang cameraman Len Powers, which you can check out by clicking here.
Feb. 27, 2007
update for Roach filmography: I've gone through all of the Roach info at IMDb and TV.com, and this has resulted in many changes to his filmography - too numerous to mention here. But I'll mention a few things. Firstly, I'm leaving out films and TV programs made by the Roach company after Roach sold his interest in 1971. At some point, I'll probably put a link at the bottom of the page that will lead to a post-Roach filmography of the company. Also, I should point out that I realized that I had somehow overlooked the Harry Langdon short "Skirt Shy." I also removed a few items including "The Reel Virginian" and "The Marriage Circus," and added something called "Military Training." Otherwise, I've adjusted various dates and have added quite a few TV episodes.
update for Chase filmography: I've added new info regarding release dates and number of reels for "Her First False Hare," "Her Tender Feet," "The Jailbreaker," "Hello, Mabel," "Leading Lizzie Astray," "A Favorite Fool," "Only A Farmer's Daughter," "Moonshine," "Hoodooed" and "Stop, Look and Laugh." I've also given more details regarding the archival films released during the '50s and beyond. I've also added the detail that Chase joined Roach and McGowan on their British trip in April 1933. I've also added a handful of writing credits circa 1921/22.
update for McGowan filmography: I've added more details to the non-Roach films McGowan was involved with. I've also specified the release dates of "Curley" and "Who Killed Doc Robbin."
update for Newmeyer filmography: I've added new details to Newmeyer's non-Roach films.
update for Walker filmography: I don't know where I got the June 22nd date of death, but I've changed it to June 23rd. Not only does IMDb state this, but it's in Randy Skretvedt's book as well. Anyway, I've added some specific release dates for some of Walker's non-Roach releases, and also adjusted various details of the Roach films. Of particular interest are a handful of films from late 1921 and early 1922 for which Walker is credited in a contemporary trade magazine.
update for Oelze filmography: I've added the release date and number of reels for "The Taint Of Fear." Also, Randy Skretvedt's book shows a photo of Oelze along with other cast and crew members on location for "Two Tars."
update for several silent episodes and reelclassicdvd page: Reelclassicdvd.com has put together an Our Gang volume, with five titles: "Derby Day" (no. 21), "Big Business" (no. 23), "Monkey Business" (no. 48), "War Feathers" (no. 54) and "Love My Dog" (no. 59). Thanks to Lynn Paden for alerting me to this.
update for a handful of 1937 Roach talkies: A photo shown on eBay of some of the black kids in "Our Gang Follies Of 1938" (no. 162) includes a handwritten note on the back which reveals that the big Club Spanky number was filmed (at least partially) on Sep. 7th. This puts the filming of this short a month or two earlier than I had previously suspected, so I've adjusted the prospective shooting dates for the previous films going back to "Fishy Tales" (no. 158).
update for "A Pleasant Journey" (no. 11): IMDb offers the alternate release date of Mar. 25, 1923.
update for "Dogs Of War!" (no. 14): According to IMDb, this film had its New York premiere on June 10, 1923.
update for "Official Officers" (no. 40): According to IMDb, this film had its New York premiere on June 10, 1925.
update for "Shivering Spooks" (no. 52): According to IMDb, this film had its New York premiere on July 4, 1926.
update for "Barnum & Ringling, Inc." (no. 74): I've added the speculation that the person named 'White' might be assistant cameraman E. V. White.
update for "School Begins" (no. 79): According to IMDb, this film had its New York premiere on Sep. 16, 1928.
update for "Birthday Blues" (no. 118): IMDb reveals that this title was re-released in Denmark on Sep. 4, 1967.
update for "The Kid From Borneo" (no. 122): IMDb reveals the estimated budget for this film.
update for "Washee Ironee" (no. 131): A clip from this film was used in the 1997 TV special "Sports On The Silver Screen."
update for "Three Smart Boys" (no. 154): IMDb reveals the release date of Mar. 13, 1937, for "Three Smart Boys," which might initially seem like a typo when compared to Maltin & Bann's date of May 13, 1937. However, MGM routinely released its shorts on Saturdays, which makes the first date more likely, especially since the film was made before "Rushin' Ballet," an April release. But then again, the earlier "Hearts Are Thumps" was also an April release, which would still throw the films out of order.
update for "Framing Youth" (no. 159): The title of this film is a takeoff on the 1923 feature "Flaming Youth."
update for "Came The Brawn" (no. 166): The title of this film is a takeoff on the 1928 feature "Came The Dawn."
update for "Come Back, Miss Pipps" (no. 199): The title of this film is a takeoff on "Goodbye Mr. Chips."
update for "Mighty Lak A Goat" (no. 210): The title of this film is a takeoff on "Mighty Lak' A Rose."
Feb. 16, 2007
update for Roach and Chase filmographies: Robin Cook has acquired copies of a couple of Roach films and offers these changes: "Big Red Riding Hood," the Charley Chase comedy, is actually "Big Red Ridinghood," as per the original opening titles, and "The Knockout" is purely a Dippy Doo Dads episode, with no involvement from Paul Parrott. Thanks Robin.
Feb. 5, 2007
update for "Stage Fright" (no. 17), "No Noise" (no. 20) and "It's A Bear" (no. 27): I've acquired a casting directory from 1928 that shows a photo of Madge Hunt, who I had previously listed as 'woman 017.'
update for "School Begins" (no. 79): The 1928 directory also states that Billy Schuler appeared in a Hal Roach comedy entitled "School Days." It seems likely that this was a working title for "School Begins."
update for "Forgotten Babies" (no. 121), "Beginner's Luck" (no. 135) and "Little Papa" (no. 139): The 1928 directory also shows what Ruth Hiatt looked like, an actress that is credited for all three of these films by Maltin & Bann. I had previously suspected that the actress in "Little Papa" was not the same as the actress in the other two films. The photo in the directory looks like the "Little Papa" actress, but I'm quite sure the other two films have some unidentified actress, possibly Madeline McGowan as listed for "Forgotten Babies."
Feb. 4, 2007
update for "Dog Days" (no. 36): An Our Gang fan named Ray Frieders came across my site and sent me some info he obtained from his collection of casting directories. Among these was the name of a kid credited for appearing in "Dog Days," Rae Ethelyn. At this point, I still don't know which kid this is.
update for "Cat, Dog & Co." (no. 87): I've identified which of the six people at the busstop Ray Cooke is.
update for "Boxing Gloves" (no. 91): A 1930 casting directory shows a photo of a chubby boy named Bill Johnson and credits him with appearing in this film. I haven't been able to spot him, though.
update for "Spanky" (no. 113): Okay, I'm ready to remove Tommy Bond from my cast listing for this film. The five-year contract he describes in his book was not signed until late in 1932, just in time for him to appear in "Forgotten Babies" (no. 121). The fact that he includes "Spanky" in his filmography was probably a result of seeing his name in Maltin & Bann's cast listing, since he also states that he moved to California in 1932, which would already have been too late to appear in that film.
update for "Choo-Choo!" (no. 114): A 1933 casting directory shows a photo of two brothers named Bruce and Edward Cooke, and gives a credit for this film, but doesn't say which of the two brothers appeared in it. Looking at the film, it appears that at least one of them is among the orphans on the train, and seems to be Bruce.
update for "Fish Hooky" (no. 120) and "The Kid From Borneo" (no. 122): I've found Henry Hanna in the 1933 directory, and it looks very much to me like he's the boy I suspected he was in "The Kid From Borneo." I'm not positive that he's one of the remaining unidentified boys in "A Lad An' A Lamp," though. I have, however, located him in the classroom of "Fish Hooky," and I think I can see Bobby De War in the same shot.
update for "Hi'-Neighbor!" (no. 126) and "Washee Ironee" (no. 131): The 1933 directory also shows a photo of Tony Kales, who doesn't quite seem to be the same kid listed by Maltin & Bann. Aside from lack of obvious facial resemblance, the kid in the films looks like he's in the older age group, whereas Tony Kales ought to be a bit younger.
update for "Our Gang Follies Of 1936" (no. 141): A directory states that Frances Bowling appeared in this film, and I think she might be the chorus line girl to the far left. Thanks to Ray Frieders for this info.
update for "The Pinch Singer" (no. 143): Betsy Gay was credited in a casting directory with appearing in this film. It looks likely to me that she's the girl at the far right in the Broadway segment. Thanks again to Ray Frieders for this info.
update for "Arbor Day" (no. 145): A directory credits Jack Egger with appearing in this film. I'm pretty sure he's sitting two seats behind John Collum in the classroom. Thanks again to Ray Frieders for this info.
update for "Came The Brawn" (no. 166): A contract for Spanky McFarland recently appeared on eBay dated Mar. 9th, 1936, to Mar. 8th, 1937. Presumably, this was followed by another contract dated Mar. 9th, 1937, to Mar. 8th, 1938. For this reason, I'm going to assume that "Came The Brawn" was probably finished by Mar. 8th.
update for "Captain Spanky's Show Boat" (no. 184): A 1939 directory credits Spencer Quinn with appearing in this film, but I can't spot him in the crowd.
update for "Waldo's Last Stand" (no. 194) and "Melodies Old And New" (no. 204): Okay, now for some complicated confusion. One of the items Ray Frieders emailed me was a casting directory page showing The Rubenettes, a group of ten dancing girls who were credited with appearing in this film. By sheer coincidence, the very next casting directory I acquired also showed The Rubenettes, also with the "Waldo's Last Stand" credit, but with only seven of the girls. Just for the record, the seven girls in the second directory are the only ones listed by Maltin & Bann for this film. They are Helen Guthrie, Patricia Wheeler, Lavonne Battle, Patsy Irish, Shirley Jean Doble, Donna Jean Edmonsond and Jackie Krenk. The other directory adds three new names for us: Rae-Nell Laskey, Loree Lee Foxx and Maretta Light. Anyway, the scene in "Waldo's Last Stand" in which these girls appear is the number sung by Darla, and I don't think they appear in any of the other scenes. There are only eight girls accompanying Darla, so at least some of these names don't apply, and it's not that easy to be certain with a few of them anyway. In any event, I've removed Gloria Brown and Elaine Merk from my cast listing since it seems unlikely that they're among these girls. Also, the girl previously designated as 'girl 194' is Patricia Wheeler. A ninth girl replaces Darla in the scene and tapdances. I believe this girl is Marilyn Kay, who was not part of The Rubenettes. Some of these girls also appeared in "Melodies Old And New." And finally, I've added Gladys Rubens to the 'possible uncredited involvement' department of "Waldo's Last Stand."
update for "Fightin' Fools" (no. 196): It appears that Hugh Binyon is in Slicker's gang, and is the tallest in the shot where they're reading Spanky's note. Much thanks to Ray Frieders for this bit of info. I've also found this kid in another directory, where his name is mysteriously given as Dewey Binyon.
update for "Surprised Parties" (no. 207) and "Election Daze" (no. 214): Okay, and now we get to the Robert Ferrero/Tommy Tucker dilemma. Both names are listed by Maltin & Bann for "Election Daze" and Ferrero is listed by them for "Surprised Parties." And there is a boy who appears in both films that at least vaguely looks like casting directory photos of both of these boys. So far, I've been crediting Robert Ferrero with these two films. However, Ray Frieders has a directory in which Tucker is credited with appearing in "Surprised Parties." And let's face it, the face is uncannily similar, so until further notice, I'm listing this kid as Tommy Tucker. A final thanks to Ray Frieders, both for this bit of info and all the others involved in today's update.
Jan. 8, 2007
update for various silent episodes and A-1 Video page: I've acquired a copy of the third A-1 Video volume, which has a different version of "Stage Fright" (no. 17) than the one normally seen. Thanks to James A. Gipson for alerting me to this new version.
update for "Good Cheer" (no. 46) and Passport Video: This film has turned up on a new DVD set. Thanks to Ed Slonina for alerting me to this release. I've also added a small detail regarding the photograph on the wall of Joe's bedroom, and the use of a Krazy Kat doll.
update for "Baby Brother" (no. 61): I've added the title of the Mischief Makers version of this film, "Rockabye Baby."
update for "Spook Spoofing" (no. 71): Robin Cook pointed out to me that the end title in the Grapevine version is not original. Thanks to Robin for this and much other info.
update for "Fair And Muddy" (no. 75) and "The Pooch" (no. 115): I've come across quite a bit of new information for this film, which has resulted in many changes to the webpage. There's also one unidentified woman from "Fair And Muddy" who later appeared in "The Pooch."

For updates from 2006, click here.

For updates from 2005, click here.