2008 Updates

December 24, 2008

update for "Unexpected Riches" (no. 211)

I've added information from the scripts for this film. It turns out that the baby in Buckwheat's fantasy sequence is "Fragrant Jones," and not "Franklin Jones." I've also added the one remaining musical piece that hadn't been identified: "Mickey's Dream." I've also added Jack Chertok and Richard Goldstone as presumptive producers.

December 23, 2008

update for "Doin' Their Bit" (no. 208)

I've added script and continuity details for this film. The script verifies that Sam Baerwitz was the writer on this short.

update for "Rover's Big Chance" (no. 209)

I've noted the presence of Robert McGowan's and Hal Law's names on the fictitious movie script seen in this short.

update for "Mighty Lak A Goat" (no. 210)

I've added George Washington to the list for this film, since his portrait is hanging in the classroom.

update for above three films

I've added Jack Chertok and Richard Goldstone as presumptive producers for these three films, also noting that Chertok was on his way out of the short subject department during this period.

December 22, 2008

update for "Going To Press" (no. 205)

I've added Tommy Tucker to the cast listing for this film. I've also added Jack Chertok and Richard Goldstone as presumptive producers.

update for "Don't Lie" (no. 206)

I've completed the musical listings for this short, as well as adding Jack Chertok and Richard Goldstone as presumptive producers.

update for "Surprised Parties" (no. 207)

I've added Jack Chertok and Richard Goldstone as presumptive producers for this film as well.

December 21, 2008

update for "Melodies Old And New" (no. 204)

I've added quite a few new musical titles to this page, though there is still one that I haven't identified. I've also discovered that the working title for this film was "Good Old Days." I've also added Jack Chertok and Richard Goldstone as presumptive producers.

December 20, 2008

update for "Helping Hands" (no. 202)

I've completed the list of musical titles for this short. I've also added Harvard Peck to the cast as the kid being examined by Froggy.

update for "Wedding Worries" (no. 203)

I've added Ben Hall to the cast listing for this film, as the man spanking Froggy.

update for three MGM episodes

I've added Jack Chertok and Richard Goldstone as presumptive producers for the two films listed above as well as "Robot Wrecks" (no. 201)

December 19, 2008

update for "Come Back, Miss Pipps" (no. 199)

I've added script information for this film.

update for "1-2-3-Go!" (no. 200)

I've completed the list of musical pieces for this film. I've also spotted Vincent Graeff as the umpire in the baseball game. I've also given quite a bit of information from an issue of Shortstories, a publication from MGM which has an article about this film. I had previously found this information on a website, but I now have a copy of the publication and the information is more complete.

update for handful of MGM episodes

I've added Jack Chertok as the speculative producer for "Dog Daze" (no. 182) since he's given this credit for all of the other films from the early MGM era. He shares this credit with Richard Goldstone in later episodes, but neither is given the credit starting with "Fightin' Fools" (no. 196). However, the two of them continued to approve the scripts through this film as well as "Baby Blues" (no. 197), "Ye Olde Minstrels" (no. 198), "Come Back, Miss Pipps" and "1-2-3-Go!" So, I've given both speculative production credit on these films. I'll also do the same for subsequent episodes as I get to them.

December 18, 2008

update for three MGM episodes

I've added script details for "Fightin' Fools" (no. 196), "Baby Blues" (no. 197) and "Ye Olde Minstrels" (no. 198). For the last film, I think I've figured out where Jackie Salling is among the overly polished child performers. And now I must go watch "Pups Is Pups" or I'll be seeing nothing but trapezoids in my sleep.

December 17, 2008

update for "The Big Premiere" (no. 189)

I've added the remaining musical titles for this short. I've also spotted Paul Hilton among the extras.

update for "Good Bad Boys" (no. 193)

I've added some details deriving from the scripts for this short.

update for "Waldo's Last Stand" (no. 194)

I've added the remaining musical titles for this short. I've also added Ned Norman to the cast listing, as well as 'boy 184,' who once again plays drums.

update for "Bubbling Troubles" (no. 188)

I've added a few speculative details regarding the shooting dates for this film.

December 16, 2008

update for "Auto Antics" (no. 183) and "Time Out For Lessons" (no. 186)

I've added information from the scripts and continuities for these two films. I've also added a few new names for the latter film, such as Payne Johnson, Priscilla Montgomery and Rae-Nell Laskey (who I previously had listed as the similar-looking Elaine Merk). I've also added the Rose Bowl to the locations section for this film.

update for "Captain Spanky's Show Boat" (no. 184)

I've added the remaining musical titles to this page.

update for "Captain Spanky's Show Boat" and "Time Out For Lessons"

I've noticed that the drummer in both of these films is the same boy. For the time being, he'll be listed as "boy 184."

update for "Dad For A Day" (no. 185)

I've added Bobby Larson to the cast listing for this short.

update for several MGM episodes

I've noticed that one of the kids in "All About Hash" (no. 190) also appears in "Time Out For Lessons." Previously, I had tentatively listed him as Larry Kurt, but looking at both films as well as his photo in casting directories, I've decided to list him as 'boy 186b.' Maltin & Bann, incidentally, list Larry Kert for the earlier film, but I still haven't spotted him in that. The boy previously listed as 'boy 186' will now be known as 'boy 186a.' This also affects "Ye Olde Minstrels" (no. 198), "Helping Hands" (no. 202) and "Melodies Old And New" (no. 204).

update for "Beginner's Luck" (no. 135) and "Teacher's Beau" (no. 136)

I just noticed that somebody entered information in at IMDb, stating that the Cabin Kids were the children of Mrs. Beatrice Hall. This corroborates my suspicion that their last name was Hall.

update for "For Pete's Sake!" (no. 127)

So much for my memory. Many moons ago, while entering Barbara Goodrich into the cast listing for this film, I stated that Maltin & Bann listed Donald Proffitt in this role. Looking over both versions of their book, I realize that I was mistaken. It's still Barbara Goodrich, but the authors knew it wasn't Donald.

December 15, 2008

update for "Joy Scouts" (no. 181) and "Dog Daze" (no. 182)

I've added new information deriving from the scripts and continuities for these two shorts.

update for "Free Wheeling" (no. 117)

I noticed a street sign in the shot where the taxi drives into the haystack. This location was somewhere on Overland Avenue.

December 14, 2008

update for "Bear Shooters" (no. 98)

It seems pretty clear that Charles Gemora is indeed the man in the gorilla suit in this short. There's a website devoted to him which has involvement from his daughter, and "Bear Shooters" is among the films covered there. It should be noted, however, that in the shots without the gorilla head, the part is played by Charlie Hall, the other name listed by Maltin & Bann. My thanks to Tony Foy for this information.

update for "Clown Princes" (no. 179) and "Cousin Wilbur" (no. 180)

I've added script and continuity information for both of these films. I've changed the designation for 'boy 179' to 'boy 179a' for reasons described below. He appears in both of these films. I've also realized that I can see a lot more in these films if I watch them on my computer monitor, as opposed to my television. In fact, part of the image along the edges is actually missing if I watch on my television. Because of this, I actually thought that Arthur Mackey was in "Clown Princes." It turns out that it's actually his sister Gloria, who is seen elsewhere in the film. Their youngest brother, Gerald, is also in the film as one of the musicians, and I've also added Hugh Chapman to the list of musicians.

update for "Clown Princes" (no. 179) and "Dad For A Day" (no. 185)

I've noticed that one of the boys in the latter film also appeared in the former film, so I've given him the designation 'boy 179b.'

update for "All About Hash" (no. 190)

Getting back to the 'cropped' television images: In this film, Harold Switzer is completely unseen on my television, but clearly visible on the computer monitor, so I've added him to the cast listing.

update for "Goin' Fishin'" (no. 192)

I've included information about the beginning of this film, which originated in the early scripts for "Clown Princes."

December 13, 2008

update for "Duel Personalities" (no. 178)

I've added information deriving from the scripts and cutting continuity for this film. I've also added Grace Bohanon and Jo-Jo La Savio to the cast listing.

December 12, 2008

update for several late Roach and early MGM shorts

The kid I've been listing as 'boy 131' is Joe Levine, perhaps most famous for playing 'little Larry' in deleted footage from the Three Stooges short "Three Little Pigskins." My thanks to Steven R. Wright for this ID. This kid appeared in "Washee Ironee" (no. 131), "Glove Taps" (no. 152), "The Pigskin Palooka" (no. 160), "The Little Ranger" (no. 170), "Party Fever" (no. 171), "Football Romeo" (no. 174), "Practical Jokers" (no. 175), "Clown Princes" (no. 179), "Cousin Wilbur" (no. 180) and "Auto Antics" (no. 183).

update for "Tiny Troubles" (no. 177)

I've added information from various scripts for this film.

update for "The Pigskin Palooka" (no. 160)

The tune called "Alfalfa's March" was used in the feature film "Zenobia," but not "The Pigskin Palooka." My thanks to Elliot Unkefer for clearing this up for me. (And sorry for not updating this sooner - it sort fell through the cracks).

December 11, 2008

update for "The Pigskin Palooka" (no. 160)

Interestingly enough, Buckwheat's jersey in this short has two numbers on it: the front has number 7 and the back has number 11. My thanks to Steven R. Wright for noticing this. While checking out this detail, I inevitably noticed a few other new details from this short. Many of the kids appear both on the football teams and in the stands, including Freddie Walburn, Drew Roddy and Roger McGee. I also spotted Dix Davis and Bobby Callahan, who were previously unlisted for this short.

update for "Alfalfa's Aunt" (no. 176)

I've added information deriving from the scripts for this film. There aren't a lot of new details for this one, though, since the story didn't change much from one script to the next.

update for "Our Gang Follies Of 1938" (no. 162)

I think I've identified Cordell Hickman in this film.

November 26, 2008

update for "The Pigskin Palooka" (no. 160) and various MGM episodes

The boy listed by Maltin & Bann as Billy Ray Smith was actually Vincent Graeff. They actually list both names for "Going To Press" (no. 205). Graeff himself has verified this and has no idea where the name 'Billy Ray Smith' comes from. He made nine appearances during the MGM era, spanning the period from "Fightin' Fools" (no. 196) to "Dancing Romeo" (no. 220). My thanks to bigshotjones of thelittlerascals.net for passing along this information.

update for "Our Gang Follies Of 1938" (no. 162) and two MGM episodes

The girl I've been listing as 'girl 162' is Priscilla Montgomery, who also appeared in "Aladdin's Lantern" (no. 172) and "Ye Olde Minstrels" (no. 198). My thanks to Bob Satterfield for passing along this information.

update for "Telling Whoppers" (no. 56)

Now that Geoff Lucas has pieced together a virtually complete version of this film, I've decided to look it over a bit more closely. This has resulted in various changes to the webpage for this film, including details about locations, animation, and Pal the dog.

update for "Football Romeo" (no. 174) and "Bubbling Troubles" (no. 188)

I've added some new information for "Football Romeo," deriving mainly from scripts and continuities. An early scripted scene was eventually left out of the film and later written into "Bubbling Troubles."

update for "Ye Olde Minstrels" (no. 198)

I've spotted Bobby Browning in this short. For some reason, I hadn't connected this name from Maltin & Bann's book with the same kid who appeared in "Dancing Romeo" (no. 220).

update for "Our Gang Follies Of 1938" (no. 162) and "Football Romeo" (no. 174)

It appears to me that Charline Flanders is an extra in both of these shorts.

November 21, 2008

update for "Moan & Groan, Inc." (no. 94)

Oops. Forgot to mention the use of the Blackhawk print in the new DVD set for this one. Thanks to J. D. Hogge for pointing this out.

November 9, 2008

update for several filmographies

I've added shooting dates and adjusted some of the release date information for various Our Gang talkies in the Roach filmography to reflect the recent information I've been gathering. To varying degrees, this also affects the Campanaro, Carter, Currier, Jordan, Lloyd, McGowan, Newmeyer, Oelze, Parrott, Powers, Seawright and Walker filmographies. The Oelze filmography has several new titles added to it, while Carter, Campanaro and Seawright each have one or two.

November 7, 2008

update for "One Terrible Day" (no. 4) and Grapevine Video

It turns out that the Grapevine version of this film is not entirely from the Mischief Makers print. The portion that includes the most inter-titles comes from another unknown source. My thanks to James Gipson for bringing this to light.

November 6, 2008

update for the Roach talkies and a few silents and the Genius Entertainment page

Genius Entertainment has put out a new Our Gang set, so I've added information for all of the films contained therein.

update for "Fly My Kite" (no. 107)

I've added a couple of tidbits from Richard Bann's commentary for this film. The telephone pole location is the Hal Roach Ranch (not surprisingly), and the set for the stockbroker's office was also used in "Chickens Come Home."

update for "Wild Poses" (no. 125)

Okay, here's a weird one. Somehow, no matter how much I looked, I wasn't previously able to spot the portrait of Hal Roach in this film. Watching the new set, it was plainly obvious, and going back to the Cabin Fever version, I now have no problem finding it there either. I have no idea why I wasn't able to see it in the past.

update for "The First Round-Up" (no. 128)

I've added a note about the newspaper in the opening shot.

September 30, 2008

update for "The Holy Terror" (no. 83)

As it turns out, this film was released with a music track, as verified by the existence of a music cue sheet. I've listed the musical pieces for the film, but I'm a bit limited by the fact that most of the tunes are nearly impossible to research online, and of course, the fact that this film is unavailable for viewing. Much thanks once again to Piet Schreuders for providing this information.

update for "The Spanking Age" (no. 80) and "Bear Shooters" (no. 98)

The composer named Jacquet is actually H. Maurice Jacquet.

September 29, 2008

update for "Barnum & Ringling, Inc." (no. 74)

I was able to finally watch this film with the original soundtrack. Previously, I had a copy of the soundtrack that was separate from the film and was able to list the two pieces of music that were known to me. I still haven't identified any of the other pieces, but I can at least describe the scenes that correspond to each piece. Thanks to Paul Mular for making all of this possible.

September 28, 2008

update for "Noisy Noises" (no. 82)

I've added information from the music cue sheet for this film. Thanks again to Piet Schreuders for passing along this info.

update for six Roach films

I've added a bit of publishing information to the entries for "Me-Ow." This tune turns up in "Noisy Noises" (no. 82), "Wiggle Your Ears" (no. 84), "Cat, Dog & Co." (no. 87), "When The Wind Blows" (no. 97), "Little Daddy" (no. 105) and "Hook And Ladder" (no. 116).

update for "When The Wind Blows" (no. 97)

The piece I've been listing as 'piece 097g' is "Winter March" by Alphons Czibulka.

update for four Roach talkies

I've added Buddy McDonald's actual first name of Thomas. He's listed for "Pups Is Pups" (no. 100), "Teacher's Pet" (no. 101), "School's Out" (no. 102) and "Hook And Ladder" (no. 116).

September 23, 2008

update for "The Spanking Age" (no. 80)

I've added information from the music cue sheet for this film. My thanks to Piet Schreuders for providing this information.

September 22, 2008

update for several Roach films

I've made some changes and additions regarding the music in the various films. My thanks to Elliot Unkefer for pointing out a couple of errors that I had made and for identifying a new piece.

"Cat, Dog & Co." (no. 87) - The tune played as the woman informs the boys that she's reported them to Hedda Hopper is "Don't Be Like That."

"Shrimps For A Day" (no. 133) - It turns out that the instrumental music heard directly before and after "Here Comes The Ice-Cream Man" is actually the song itself.

"Beginner's Luck" (no. 135) - I had overlooked the fact that "Wobbly Feet" is in this film. This was the one remaining unidentified piece for this short.

"Good Old Days" - And lastly, Elliot pointed out that the usual tenor saxophone arrangement for this song was replaced with one with muted brass about midway through the Roach talkies. Specifically, this newer version began with "Wild Poses" (no. 125). I've decided to list this version as A14. This means that the marching version is now A15, the staccato version is A16, the legato version is A17, and the marching band version from "The Pigskin Palooka" (no. 160) is A18.

update for "Fly My Kite" (no. 107)

There is now no doubt in my mind that the corner on which the cop is leaning against the post is at Cadillac and Robertson.

update for "Teacher's Pet" (no. 101)

Add this to the list of films with a portrait of Abraham Lincoln on the wall.

September 13, 2008

update for "The Little Ranger" (no. 170)

I've added the fact that this short shared the same working title with "Fishy Tales" (no. 158). I've also added Dix Davis to the cast listing.

update for "The Little Ranger" (no. 170) and "Party Fever" (no. 171)

I've added information about the fact that these two shorts replaced what would have been the final two Roach shorts in the series, had they been made.

update for "Party Fever" (no. 171)

I've added Grace Bohanon, Bobby Callahan and Payne Johnson to the cast listing for this film. I've also added the probability that Gordon Douglas was involved with this film.

update for "Our Gang Follies Of 1938" (no. 162) and "Aladdin's Lantern" (no. 172)

One of the dancing girls is common to both of these films, so I've designated her as 'girl 162.'

update for "Aladdin's Lantern" (no. 172)

I've replaced Frances Bowling's name with Rae-Nell Laskey, much like I did for "Our Gang Follies Of 1938". I've also added Bobby Callahan, Dix Davis and Tim Davis to the cast listing. I've also added a news item about Marylyn Astor Thorpe, and a note about Gordon Douglas's loanout to MGM by Roach.

update for "Mail And Female" (no. 161), "Aladdin's Lantern" (no. 172) and "Clown Princes" (no. 179)

I've noticed that one of the boys in "Mail And Female" also appears in "Aladdin's Lantern," so I've designated him as 'boy 161b.' This means that 'boy 161' is now 'boy 161a.' He also appears in "Clown Princes."

update for "Men In Fright" (no. 173)

I've added an item about Spanky's appearance in "Peck's Bad Boy With The Circus."

September 12, 2008

update for last five Roach talkies

I've added all of the archival information for "Three Men In A Tub" (no. 165), "Came The Brawn" (no. 166), "Feed 'Em And Weep" (no. 167), "The Awful Tooth" (no. 168) and "Hide And Shriek" (no. 169). Next stop: MGM.

update for three Roach talkies

I've added "Goin' To Town" to the music list for "The Lucky Corner" (no. 138). Also, two new musical pieces, "Just A Melody Sweet" and "Quickie" have been added to "Divot Diggers" (no. 142), and a tune called "Smile When The Raindrops Fall" has been added to "A Tough Winter" (no. 99). My thanks to Elliot Unkefer for providing this information.

update for "Bear Shooters" (no. 98) and "A Tough Winter" (no. 99)

I've added information from the "Bear Shooters" music cue sheet, which was provided to me by Piet Schreuders. Only five pieces are listed, three of which were already known, but I've been able to successfully research the one called "Jack In The Box," which also turns up in "A Tough Winter." Another piece, called "Mademoiselle Promenade," has proven to be more elusive. Thanks again Piet.

update for "Canned Fishing" (no. 163)

I think I've figured out what the word 'cover' means on the call sheets. It appears that this word normally appears to describe a set at the studio that's ready to be used in case of inclement weather at the scheduled location.

update for "Bear Facts" (no. 164)

I've added an item about the gang's appearance on the radio show "Thirty Minutes In Hollywood." I've also added an item from the press release about 'boasting,' and another press item about the game of checkers.

September 7, 2008

update for "Canned Fishing" (no. 163) and "Bear Facts" (no. 164)

I've added information for these two films deriving from the Roach archives at USC.

update for many of the Roach talkies

I've added some new Marvin Hatley titles, plus copyright dates and various other musical details for most of the shorts starting with "Shrimps For A Day" (no. 133). My thanks again to Piet Schreuders for passing along this information.

update for handful of Roach one-reelers

I've added the projected release dates for "Night 'N' Gales" (no. 157), "Fishy Tales" (no. 158), "Framing Youth" (no. 159), "The Pigskin Palooka" (no. 160) and "Mail And Female" (no. 161), something I had previously overlooked. I've also added a preview date for "Fishy Tales," and other projected dates for the last four films.

update for "Our Gang Follies Of 1938" (no. 162)

I've added a note about an unused synopsis called "Calling All Curs" which derives from this period.

update for "Our Gang Follies Of 1936" (no. 141) and "Three Smart Boys" (no. 154)

In light of the real name of George for the monkey called Elmer in "Bear Facts," I've given tentative credit to George for these two shorts.

update for Lloyd filmography

I've indicated the fact that an uncredited co-photographer worked on "Canned Fishing."

September 4, 2008

update for "Our Gang Follies Of 1938" (no. 162)

Well, I've finally gotten through all of my notes from the Roach archives at USC for this film, so there's a lot of new info. Also, Piet Schreuders provided me with information from the music cue sheet, for which I'm most appreciative. I've also recently acquired a photograph of the kids in the audience of the gang's cellar performance. This has proven most useful in identifying cast members, with the main revelation being that about half of them are the kids performing in the musical numbers on the stage. Many of these kids also turn up in the Club Spanky sequence. The studio documentation also includes several names, and between this and the photo, I've made a few changes. For instance, I was completely wrong about which kid Billy Diamond is, and which kid Frances Bowling is. Also, it's apparent that Maltin & Bann's listing of Bobbie Hickman is likely to be untrue, but Cordell Hickman is part of the cast. I also know which kid David Freeman is, and have removed Don Hulbert from the cast listing in light of this.

update for "Clown Princes" (no. 179)

One of the girls in "Our Gang Follies Of 1938," and previously listed as 'girl 162,' is Gloria Mackey. She also appears in "Clown Princes."

update for three MGM episodes

Another girl from "Our Gang Follies Of 1938" is Dorothy Horner, who turns out to be the same person as Jackie Horner. Because of this, she's now listed as Dorothy "Jackie" Horner. This also affects "Time Out For Lessons" (no. 186), "Election Daze" (no. 214) and "Calling All Kids" (no. 215).

update for "Time Out For Lessons" (no. 186) and "All About Hash" (no. 190)

Extra kid Jo-Jo La Savio was briefly known in late 1939 as Ronnie Flynn.

update for "The Pinch Singer" (no. 143)

A press item for "Our Gang Follies Of 1938" mentions that Pete the Pup IV was still the dog in the series, and that Pete the Pup V was still waiting to replace him.

August 30, 2008

update for "Little Daddy" (no. 105) and a handful of other early talkies

I've added "Redemption," "I'm Alonging Fo' You," "Violetta," and "The Cops" to the musical list for this film. These titles come to us courtesy of Piet Schreuders, with much thanks from yours truly. Piet also speculates that "piece 103t" and "piece 103u" are from the "Miser" group of compositions. "Violetta" also shows up on the soundtrack for "Hook And Ladder" (no. 116), while "The Cops" also turns up in "Wild Poses" (no. 125).

update for "Our Gang Follies Of 1936" (no. 141) and "The Pinch Singer" (no. 143)

And that tune played by the Weidler brothers in "The Pinch Singer?" The same one the chorus line dances to in "Our Gang Follies Of 1936?" That's "Good Morning, Children" by Marvin Hatley. Thanks again, Piet. This tune, incidentally, also turns up in "Our Gang Follies Of 1938" (no. 162), but it isn't on the page yet, as I'm in the process of preparing a colossal update for that one.

August 29, 2008

update for "Mail And Female" (no. 161)

I've added the usual information for this film, deriving from the studio documentation in the USC archives.

update for "General Spanky" (no. 150)

I've come across a note from the press release which states that shooting took about six or seven weeks.

August 28, 2008

update for "The Pigskin Palooka" (no. 160)

I've added the usual information to this page, deriving from many types of studio documentation. I've also spotted Payne Johnson in the crowd, as well as Drew Roddy and Floyd Fisher.

update for "Barnum & Ringling, Inc." (no. 74)

One of the tunes on the original soundtrack is Offenbach's "Can-Can." Thanks to both Bryan Bishop and Piet Schreuders for simultaneously recognizing this piece of music.

August 27, 2008

update for "Fly My Kite" (no. 107) and a few other early talkies

To complete the musical track listing for this short, we now have "Grandma Plays," as well as the date for the recording session and the music cue sheet. Thanks very much to Piet Schreuders for providing this info. Also identified is the piece called "Fanfare," which also turns up in "Dogs Is Dogs" (no. 110), "Readin' And Writin'" (no. 111), "Choo-Choo!" (no. 114) and "The Pooch" (no. 115).

update for "Night 'N' Gales" (no. 157)

I've added the usual type of information to this page deriving from the various production documents and memos. Hugh Huber and Grace Cash have been added to the 'studio personnel' category.

update for "Fishy Tales" (no. 158)

I've also added the usual mountain of information for this film. There's also a bit of information about a baseball game that Spanky took part in between this film and the previous one.

update for "Framing Youth" (no. 159)

Ditto for this film. Lots of new information has been added.

update for "General Spanky" (no. 150)

I've added a bit more evidence regarding shooting dates and the working title of "Colonel Spanky."

update for "Wild Poses" (no. 125)

I've added Bobbie "Cotton" Beard to the list as a kid who was present on the set, since he appears in at least one publicity photo.

August 24, 2008

update for various late silent and early talkie episodes

Most of the tunes heard on the soundtrack for "Wiggle Your Ears" (no. 84) are now identified. Some of these tunes also turn up in "The Spanking Age" (no. 80), "Cat, Dog & Co." (no. 87), "When The Wind Blows" (no. 97) and "Bear Shooters" (no. 98). My thanks again to Piet Schreuders for sharing this information.

update for "Rushin' Ballet" (no. 155)

I've added information about the title sheet, cutting continuity, script number, and the usual pile of information from the production documents. I've also added Hugh Huber, Grace Cash, and Joe Rivkin to the 'studio personnel' category.

update for "Roamin' Holiday" (no. 156)

I've added information about the title sheet, cutting continuity, script number, MPPDA certificate number, and the usual information taken from the production documents. I've also added Hugh Huber and Grace Cash to the 'studio personnel' category.

update for several Roach episodes

I had previously suspected that the little white dog identified by Maltin & Bann as Laughing Gravy wasn't really the same dog seen in the Laurel & Hardy film "Laughing Gravy," since that dog had dark patches on his sides which don't show up on the dog seen in the Our Gang shorts. However, production documents for "Roamin' Holiday" (no. 156) reveal that the little white dog was indeed Laughing Gravy. This brings up two possibilities: either there was more than one Laughing Gravy (there was, after all, more than one Pete the Pup), or the dark patches seen in the Laurel & Hardy short were painted on. This also affects "Spanky" (no. 113), "The Pooch" (no. 115), "Hook And Ladder" (no. 116) and "Shrimps For A Day" (no. 133).

update for several Roach one-reelers

The large dog owned by Hal Roach which I've been listing as 'dog 149' was actually named Jiggs. This affects "Spooky Hooky" (no. 149), "Three Smart Boys" (no. 154), "Roamin' Holiday" (no. 156) and "Hide And Shriek" (no. 169), as well as "Bear Facts" (no. 164), in which it turns out that he is indeed the dog passed off as a tiger.

update for "A Pleasant Journey" (no. 11)

It's pretty clear that a double was used for Farina during the shoe-painting sequence. Thanks to Geoff Lucas for noticing this.

update for early Roach one-reelers

As I make my way through my notes for some of the later Roach one-reelers, I find answers to questions like 'What was the name of that type of document again?" Because of this, I've made some slight adjustments to the descriptions of the making of these films. I also noticed that I had overlooked the script clerks for "Glove Taps" (no. 152). I've also realized that the script clerk named Hansen had the first name Ellen. Remembering that Ellen Corby had been a script clerk at the studio, I looked her up at IMDb, and sure enough, they're one and the same. It should be noted that when I say that certain people or activities were 'scheduled' for a specific date, that information derives from the call sheets, which were prepared the day before shooting. The scheduled activities didn't always transpire, however, so the production sheets, location work sheets, and daily film reports are more authoritative, even if they carry fewer details. Location work sheets were only filled out on days when shooting took place away from the studio. This would include any shooting that took place at the Roach Ranch, however. The daily film reports reflected activity after the day's shooting had taken place. The director, cameraman, cutter (editor), script clerk and assistant director would attend a screening of the day's rushes. Presumably, this was to let the cutter know which takes were the ones selected for the final film.

August 19, 2008

update for various Roach shorts

The tune that opens "Pups Is Pups" (no. 100) is "For No Reason At All" by Hal E. Rice. This piece can also be heard in the soundtrack for "A Tough Winter" (no. 99). The solemn church music at the end of "Pups Is Pups" is called "Religioso" and is written by Leroy Shield. Also, the effect piece that I've been listing as 'piece 101a" is actually called "Stand Up." This affects "Teacher's Pet" (no. 101), "School's Out" (no. 102) and "Love Business" (no. 104). There is also additional musical information for "Helping Grandma" (no. 103), which also affects "Love Business," "Little Daddy" (no. 105), "Bargain Day" (no. 106) and "Wild Poses" (no. 125). Also, the piece heard as Grandma reads the story in "Fly My Kite" (no. 107) is called "Heap Big Injun." And lastly, the piece entitled "Instrumental (Hurry)" is actually called "Go Get Him." This affects "Fly My Kite," "Big Ears" (no. 108), "Shiver My Timbers" (no. 109) and "Divot Diggers" (no. 142). My thanks to Piet Schreuders for giving me this information. Fans who have perused the Beau Hunks CD liner notes will no doubt find Piet's name familiar. Stayed tuned for an upcoming "Wiggle Your Ears" musical update!

update for "A Pleasant Journey" (no. 11)

It turns out that Gillespie was the last name of William Gillespie's character in this film.

update for "Back Stage" (no. 13) and a few of the filmographies

Joe Moore posted some information to silentcomedians.com taken from Camera magazine in which it describes involvement by McGowan, McNamara, Powers and Morehouse for this film. There's also a credit for Frank Young in the Paul Parrott short "For Safe Keeping."

update for "Tire Trouble" (no. 22)

I've verified four of the kids' onscreen names in this short.

update for "Boys Will Be Joys" (no. 42)

I've added character names deriving from the narrated Mischief Makers print, which might provide a few laughs.

update for "Hearts Are Thumps" (no. 153)

I've added information about the title sheet, cutting continuity, MPPDA certificate number, the script number, and a whole bunch of information from the production documentation and memos. I've also added Hugh Huber, Grace Cash and Joe Rivkin to the 'studio personnel' section.

update for "Three Smart Boys" (no. 154)

I've added information about the title sheet, cutting continuity, script number, and a whole bunch of information from memos and production sheets. I've also added Huber, Cash and Rivkin, to the 'studio personnel' section.

update for various Roach shorts and East West Entertainment

I've acquired volumes three and five of this set (but still haven't come across volume one). This affects "Young Sherlocks"(no. 3), "The Big Show" (no. 7), "Back Stage" (no. 13), "Mary, Queen Of Tots" (no. 41), "Fly My Kite" (no. 107) and "The Pooch" (no. 115).

update for "Bear Shooters" (no. 98) and Cabin Fever page

As pointed out by mtw12055 at thelittlerascals.net, the Cabin Fever version of this short is missing a few seconds of footage.

August 11, 2008

update for "Free Eats" (no. 112)

The piece played on the piano by Lillian Elliott is "Spring Song" by Felix Mendelsohn. My thanks to Bryan Bishop for help with identifying this.

update for the earliest one-reelers

I've added a breakdown of the weekly costs of production for all of the shorts from "Bored Of Education" (no. 146) through "Reunion In Rhythm" (no. 151). More importantly, I've made some adjustments to the descriptions of the shooting of each film. There was a certain type of production document that was completed prior to each day's filming, which would list the people, props, and sets to be used, as well as a bit of information about the scene to be filmed. However, not everything that was planned ended up being filmed on the given day, which explains why there are occasionally discrepancies between these types of documents and others that were prepared during or after filming. The nature of these documents has become clearer to me as I've looked through my notes for each of the subsequent films.

update for "Arbor Day" (no. 145) and "Bored Of Education" (no. 146)

I've added an item about a nationwide tour the gang took between the making of these two films.

update for "General Spanky" (no. 150)

I've added Hal Roach Ranch to the locations for this film.

update for "Reunion In Rhythm" (no. 151)

I've added Joe Rivkin to the 'studio personnel' for this film.

update for "Glove Taps" (no. 152)

I've added information about the title sheet, cutting continuity, script number, MPPDA certificate number, and the usual mountain of information from the Hal Roach archives at USC. Also I've added Joe Rivkin, Hugh Huber and Grace Cash to the studio personnel.

August 10, 2008

update for "Small Talk" (no. 89)

The familiar tune heard over the radio is "Comin' Thro' The Rye." My thanks to Bryan Bishop for identifying this piece, and also to Doug Curran, who verified the actual recording used in the film.

update for "Alfalfa's Double" (no. 187)

The tune heard during Alfalfa's dancing lesson is "Pizzicato Polka." Thanks again to Bryan Bishop for identifying this.

update for "Spooky Hooky" (no. 149)

Slight correction. The date I previously gave for the first preview was actually the date on which the negative was shipped.

update for "Reunion In Rhythm" (no. 151)

I've added information about the shipment date, the title sheet, cutting continuity, script number, music, extra kids, and a ton of information from the production sheets. I've also added Hugh Huber and Grace Cash to the 'studio personnel' list.

update for "The Pinch Singer" (no. 143)

Somehow, I didn't notice that 'piece 141c' and 'piece 143' were the same tune. According to Maltin & Bann, it was written by Marvin Hatley, not surprisingly. Now if I can just come across the title somewhere...

August 9, 2008

update for "Spooky Hooky" (no. 149)

I've added information about the title sheet, cutting continuity, script number, MPPDA certificate number, shooting dates, the delayed release, "The Billboard March," Dickie De Nuet, and plenty of information from the production sheets.

update for "General Spanky" (no. 150)

I've added information about the title sheet, cutting continuities, script number, MPPDA certificate number, shooting dates, the number of reels, and a few other small details.

August 8, 2008

update for Video Classics page

This company now has a website, and titles can be ordered individually at the rate of 10 dollars for 10 reels. Check it out by clicking here.

update for "Two Too Young" (no. 147)

I've added information about the title sheet, cutting continuity, script number, character names, shooting dates, the delayed release, film length, Gus Meins, Paul Hilton, preview and shipping dates, and plenty of information from the production sheets.

update for "Pay As You Exit" (no. 148)

I've added information about Jack Egger, Joan Gray, the MPPDA certificate number, film length, the delayed release, Charles Oelze, Alex Finlayson, and plenty of new information taken from production sheets and various memos.

update for "Two Too Young" and "Pay As You Exit"

I've noticed a particular girl who appears in both of these films, so I've given her the label 'girl 147.'

update for Kornman filmography

I've added "The Road To Glory," "Kidnapped" and "The Man With The Golden Arm" to this filmography, as well as information on Edward Everett Horton shorts in 1927.

August 3, 2008

update for several late Roach and early MGM episodes

Since it's become abundantly clear that Gary Jasgar (as identified by Maltin & Bann) was actually Gary Jasgur, I've changed the spelling of his last name for all of the films in which he appeared. I've also added his nickname "Slapsie" for his last few appearances. My thanks to Debby Mendelsohn, daughter of Mel Gary Jasgur, for verifying once and for all the spelling of his last name, and to 'bigshotjones' of thelittlerascals.net, who had researched this matter and made the initial post leading to the discussion.

update for all of the MGM episodes

I've added new information about the soundtrack music for these shorts, as revealed on the last page of each cutting continuity. Only about half of the continuities were available for research, but since the titles of the opening and closing themes were included, this affects all 52 shorts.

update for "Alfalfa's Double" (no. 187)

A publicity photo reveals that Alfalfa had a baby brother in deleted footage from this film.

update for "Free Wheeling" (no. 117)

I've added Pete the Pup to the cast listing for this film, since he was included in at least one publicity photo.

July 28, 2008

update for "Little Sinner" (no. 140)

I've added information about Bozo the duck and The Etude Chorus.

update for "Our Gang Follies Of 1936" (no. 141)

I've added information about Darla, The Brian Sisters, the press release, the opening tap dancers and hula dancers, and the world premiere on Broadway.

update for "Divot Diggers" (no. 142)

I've added information about the title sheet, cutting continuity, script number, MPPDA certificate number, and Jiggs.

update for "The Pinch Singer" (no. 143)

I've added information about the MPPDA certificate number.

update for "Second Childhood" (no. 144)

I've added information about the title sheet, cutting continuity, script number, MPPDA certificate number, character names, toy airplane, Paul Dominick, extra kids, and the point at which the reels change.

update for "Arbor Day" (no. 145)

I've added information about the title sheet, cutting continuity, script number, George Washington, character names, two of the songs, and the point at which the reels change.

update for "Sprucin' Up" (no. 137) and "Bored Of Education" (no. 146)

I've come across an item in my files that reveals that Robert Lentz's nickname was "Spike."

update for one silent and two Roach talkies

I've added an item about the Our Gang Review, which featured the newly-released "Bored Of Education" (no. 146), along with "Arbor Day" (no. 145) and "The Big Show" (no. 7).

update for "Bored Of Education" (no. 146)

I've added information about the title sheet, cutting continuity, script number, MPPDA certificate number, shooting dates, crew members, the negative cost, and the 15th anniversary reunion.

July 27, 2008

update for "Rainy Days" (no. 72)

I had previously indicated in the filmographies, but forgot to mention on the "Rainy Days" page, that there were actually two copyrights for this film.

update for "Bargain Day" (no. 106)

I've added a quote from Shirley Jean Rickert about the word 'gad.'

update for "Hi'-Neighbor!" (no. 126)

I've added a press item about a 20th anniversary party scheduled to take place around the time of this short.

update for "Washee Ironee" (no. 131)

I've added information about the title sheet, cutting continuity, script number, MPPDA certificate number, and the point at which the reels change. I've also indicated that the release date was much later than previously assumed, most likely due to delays in the production of "Babes In Toyland."

update for "Mama's Little Pirate" (no. 132)

It's pretty clear that delays in production continued with this short, most likely due to "Babes In Toyland."

update for "Shrimps For A Day" (no. 133)

I've added information about the title sheet, cutting continuity, script number, MPPDA certificate number, Gordon Evans, Joyce Kay, Scotty Beckett's first meeting with George Brasno, character names, and the point at which the reels change. I've also added a whole boatload of evidence regarding the delay in production for this film, much like the others released during this period.

update for "Anniversary Trouble" (no. 134)

I've added information about the title sheet, cutting continuity, script number, MPPDA certificate number, and of course, the delayed production.

update for "Beginner's Luck" (no. 135)

I've added information about the title sheet, cutting continuity, script number, MPPDA certificate number, May Wallace, the Switzers, Bonnie Lynn, Freddie Walburn, Tom Herbert, Rudy Vallee, and of course, the delayed production.

update for "Teacher's Beau" (no. 136)

I've added information about the title sheet, cutting continuity, script number, production number, character names, various memos, Tommy McFarland, Rex Downing, Alfalfa, the press release, and the point at which the reels change.

update for "Sprucin' Up" (no. 137)

I've added information about the title sheet, cutting continuity, script number, character names, deleted footage, various memos and the point at which the reels change.

update for "The Lucky Corner" (no. 138)

I've added information from various memos which help to narrow down the shooting dates.

update for three Roach talkies

I've been able to verify that 'boy 134a' is indeed Merrill Strong, as previously suspected. He appeared in "Anniversary Trouble" (no. 134), "Beginner's Luck" (no. 135) and "The Lucky Corner" (no. 138). Appearing in the first two films was 'boy 134b,' who will now be designated as 'boy 134.'

update for "Little Papa" (no. 139)

I've added information from various memos. Also, the pressbook helps to narrow down the shooting dates for this film.

July 24, 2008

update for "Shiver My Timbers" (no. 109)

I've added information about the title sheet, cutting continuity, script number, and the point at which the reels change.

update for "Dogs Is Dogs" (no. 110)

I've added information about the title sheet, cutting continuity, script number, and Dickie Jackson.

update for "Readin' And Writin'" (no. 111)

I've added information about the title sheet, cutting continuity, script number, character names, and the point at which the reels change. I've also verified Dorothy's fictitious full name.

update for "Free Eats" (no. 112)

I've added information about the title sheet, cutting continuity, script number, character names, and the point at which the reels change.

update for "Spanky" (no. 113)

I've added information about the title sheet, cutting continuity, script number, character names, and the point at which the reels change. The song sung by the children in blackface is "Swing Along."

update for "Choo-Choo!" (no. 114)

I've added information about the title sheet, cutting continuity, script number, and character names.

update for "Hook And Ladder" (no. 116)

I've added information about the title sheet, cutting continuity, script number, and the point at which the reels change.

update for "Free Wheeling" (no. 117)

I've added information about the title sheet, cutting continuity, script number, release date, character names, and the point at which the reels change. I've also added quite a lot of new information about the locations.

update for "Birthday Blues" (no. 118)

I've added information about the title sheet, cutting continuity, script number, release date, and character names.

update for "A Lad An' A Lamp" (no. 119)

I've added a short item about Wheezer's status in the series during this period.

update for "Fish Hooky" (no. 120)

I've added information about the title sheet, cutting continuity, script number, character names, and the point at which the reels change.

update for "Forgotten Babies" (no. 121)

I've added information about the title sheet, cutting continuity, script number, character names, Richard Currier, and the point at which the reels change.

update for "Bedtime Worries" (no. 124)

I've added information about the title sheet, cutting continuity, script number, Georgie Billings, and the release date.

update for "Wild Poses" (no. 125)

I've added information about the title sheet, cutting continuity, script number, character names, and the point at which the reels change.

update for "Hi'-Neighbor!" (no. 126)

I've added information about the title sheet, cutting continuity, script number, character names, William Terhune, and the point at which the reels change.

update for "For Pete's Sake!" (no. 127)

I've added information about the title sheet, cutting continuity, script number, character names, William Terhune, and the point at which the reels change.

update for "The First Round-Up" (no. 128)

I've added information about the title sheet, cutting continuity, script number, character names, William Terhune, Mother Roach, and the point at which the reels change.

update for "Honky-Donkey" (no. 129)

I've added information about the title sheet, cutting continuity, script number, William Terhune, and the point at which the reels change.

update for Currier filmography

I've added the fact that Currier prepared the title sheets for the Our Gang films from early 1931 to late 1932, and also indicated that he received editing credit in the synopsis for "Forgotten Babies."

July 23, 2008

update for "Helping Grandma" (no. 103)

I've added information about the title sheet, cutting continuity, script number, deleted footage, character names, Shirley Jean Rickert, H. M. Walker, Stymie, Hal Roach Ranch, television, and the point at which the reels change. It should also be noted that Maltin & Bann state that Pennypacker's name was "Mr. Pennypincher" in the script. As it turns out, this was his name in the synopsis, while the script features his onscreen name.

update for "Love Business" (no. 104)

I've added information about deleted footage, dialogue from the script, H. M. Walker, and the number on the house.

update for "Little Daddy" (no. 105)

I've added information about Myrtle the hen, Otto Fries, The Etude Ethiopian Chorus, and H. M. Walker.

update for "Bargain Day" (no. 106)

I've added information about the title sheet, cutting continuity, script number, Jackie Cooper, Lyle Tayo, H. M. Walker, klieg eyes, and Our Gang's 10th anniversary. I've also decided to favor Maltin & Bann's spelling of the name "Bologna," since this was the way the studio spelled it. I had previously spelled it as "Baloney," since this leaves no question about the pronunciation, but the fact is that both spellings are pronounced the same way. Either that or the kid in the Oscar Mayer commercial was a liar.

update for "Fly My Kite" (no. 107)

I've added information about the title sheet, cutting continuity, script number, H. M. Walker, James Mason, Charles Sale, Jr., character names, and the point at which the reels change.

update for Walker filmography

For the five films listed above, H. M. Walker received onscreen credit for writing the dialogue. However, studio documentation credits him as a story editor. I've also added information about Walker's job of preparing the title sheets for each film.

update for Kornman filmography

I've added "Rebecca Of Sunnybrook Farm" and "Straight, Place And Show" to this filmography.

July 22, 2008

update for "Fair And Muddy" (no. 75)

Here's a little something for the 'oops' category. Robin Cook announced back on May 5th his discovery of this film - meaning it's not 'lost' anymore. Somehow, I led myself to believe that I had already updated the "Fair And Muddy" page to reflect this fact - but I just noticed that it still says the film is lost! So, as of today, it's duly corrected. This leaves "Yale Vs. Harvard" (no. 67), "Heebee Jeebees" (no. 69), "Edison, Marconi & Co." (no. 73), "Growing Pains" (no. 77) and "The Holy Terror" (no. 83) as the only Our Gang films still considered to be lost.

update for "Pups Is Pups" (no. 100) and Walker filmography

I've added information about the puppies, Bob McGowan, H. M. Walker, Dorothy De Borba, the Hill Twins, Fletcher Tolbert, deleted footage, and the 100th episode.

update for "Teacher's Pet" (no. 101) and Walker filmography

I've added information about the title sheet, cutting continuity, script number, H. M. Walker, character names, ice cream, new information on the Spanish version, and the point at which the reels change.

update for "School's Out" (no. 102) and Walker filmography

I've added information about the cutting continuity, script number, H. M. Walker, character names, William Courtwright, Dorothy DeBorba, Stymie, sequels, and the point at which the reels change.

July 20, 2008

update for three Pathés

I've always felt somewhat uncomfortable with the May Beatty credit as the governess in "Mary, Queen Of Tots" (no. 41), "One Wild Ride" (no. 45) and "Ten Years Old" (no. 58), as derived from Maltin & Bann's book. I've seen her in several casting directories, and while there is a resemblance, it never quite seemed like a match. As it turns out, the payroll summaries indicate that Fay Holderness received a weekly salary as an actress with the Our Gang unit for the duration of the production of "Mary, Queen Of Tots." This generally only happened with people who had a significant role in the given film, and the role of the governess was the only sensible option. After looking over various Fay Holderness appearances in the Hal Roach shorts, I'm now comfortable with giving her the governess credit. The connection is particularly apparent in "One Wild Ride" when she takes off her glasses.

update for "Mary, Queen Of Tots" (no. 41)

I've added some information about a birthday party held at the studio during the time this film was made.

update for "One Wild Ride" (no. 45)

I've added the speculation that unused footage from "Mary, Queen Of Tots" may have gone into this film.

update for "Olympic Games" (no. 63)

I've added information about Joseph Metzger, Dooley's Flats, and the name 'Beezer.'

update for "Yale Vs. Harvard" (no. 67)

I've added information about the title sheet, cutting continuity, script number, and a vaudeville act that used the same title.

update for "Heebee Jeebees" (no. 69)

I've added information about the title sheet and script number.

update for "Dog Heaven" (no. 70)

I've added information about the title sheet, cutting continuity and script number.

update for "Spook Spoofing" (no. 71) and Walker filmography

I've added information about the title sheet, cutting continuity, script number, Bobby Dean, Harry Spear, and the number of reels. It should also be noted that Walker's name is on the title sheet, even though Reed Heustis wrote the titles.

update for "Rainy Days" (no. 72) and Walker filmography

I've added infomation about the title sheet, cutting continuity, script number, Bobby Dean, Thomas Benton Roberts, and the point at which the reels change. It should also be noted that Walker's name is on the title sheet, even though Reed Heustis wrote the titles.

update for "Edison, Marconi & Co." (no. 73)

I've added information about the title sheet and script number.

update for "Barnum & Ringling, Inc." (no. 74)

I've added information about the title sheet, cutting continuity, script number, Thomas Benton Roberts, F. E. Hershey, the ostrich, one of the dogs, and one of the goats.

update for "Fair And Muddy" (no. 75)

I've added information about the title sheet and script number.

update for "Crazy House" (no. 76) and Grapevine Video

I've added information about the title sheet, cutting continuity, script number, chicken pox, and missing inter-titles.

update for "Growing Pains" (no. 77)

I've added information about the title sheet and the script number.

update for "School Begins" (no. 79)

I've added information about the title sheet, script number, and an altered inter-title.

update for "The Spanking Age" (no. 80) and HenryButch

I've added information about the title sheet, cutting continuities, the script number, Pete, missing inter-titles, and the original three-reel version of this film.

update for "Election Day" (no. 81) and Grapevine Video

I've added information about the title sheet, cutting continuity, script number, and the missing inter-title at the start of the film. I've also verified the onscreen credits.

update for "The Holy Terror" (no. 83)

I've added information about the title sheet, cutting continuity and script number.

update for "Wiggle Your Ears" (no. 84)

I've added information about the title sheet, cutting continuity, script number, and the point where the reels change. I've also verified the onscreen credits. It should also be noted that the cutting continuity uses the word 'rector' to identify the minister who performs the marriage ceremony.

update for "Fast Freight" (no. 85)

I've added information about the title sheet and script number. I've also verified the onscreen credits.

update for "Saturday's Lesson" (no. 88)

I've added information about the title sheet, cutting continuity, script number, and the point at which the reels change. I've also verified the onscreen credits.

update for "Small Talk" (no. 89)

I've added information about the title sheet, cutting continuity, script number, number of reels, Petie, Mrs. Eddy, the mammy, character names, and the points at which the reels change. It should also be noted that McMurphy's character is actually the police chief, which is why Harmon answers to him.

update for "Railroadin'" (no. 90)

I've added information about the title sheet, cutting continuity, script number, the fireman, and the point at which the reels change.

update for "Boxing Gloves" (no. 91)

I've come across a casting directory that states that Billy Schuler was indeed in this film. He doesn't look like the boy named "Billie" seen with Jackie Cooper early in the film, so he's probably among the crowd of boys watching the boxing match.

update for "Lazy Days" (no. 92)

I've added an item about the studio cafe.

update for "Bouncing Babies" (no. 93)

I've added a few more details from the publicity materials, including a photo of Wheezer, Mary and Pete, praying at the baby's crib, an item about the studio nurse, and the gang's current status as The Six Roach Rascals.

update for "Shivering Shakespeare" (no. 95)

I've added information about the title sheet, cutting continuity, dialogue sheet, script number, character names, Children's Audobon Society, and the point at which the reels change.

update for "The First Seven Years" (no. 96)

I've added information about the title sheet, cutting continuity, script number, film length, film title, character names, Jackie Cooper, Donald Haines, Robert McGowan, Don Sandstrom, the house location, pictures on the wall of Farina's home, and the point at which the reels change. There's also a whole bunch of new information about the Spanish version of this film.

update for "When The Wind Blows" (no. 97)

I've added information about the title sheet, cutting continuity, script number, Farina's father, Don Sandstrom, Robert McGowan, Our Gang Town, character names, the portrait above the bed, and the point at which the reels change. I've also added a whole bunch of new information about the Spanish version of this film.

update for "Bear Shooters" (no. 98)

I've added information about the title sheet, cutting continuity, script number, Don Sandstrom, character names, and the Daniel Boone cap. I've also added plenty of new information about the Spanish version of this film.

update for "A Tough Winter" (no. 99) and Walker filmography

I've added information about the title sheet, cutting continuity, dialogue sheet, script number, character names, Abraham Lincoln, possible writing dates, snow, Mrs. Radio, Gangtown, Fetchit's singing, Fetchit's girlfriend, product placement, and the point at which the reels change. I've also added plenty of new information about the French and German versions of this film. It should also be noted that studio documentation credits Walker as a story editor, while in the film he receives dialogue credit.

update for "Hi'-Neighbor!" (no. 126)

I've added the name of the church shown in the longshot looking down Fargo Street.

update for McCarey filmography

I was watching "Bacon Grabbers" last night and noticed that McCarey gets credit as the supervising director, which I didn't previously indicate in his filmography.

update for Parrott filmography

Watching "Should Sailors Marry," I realized that Parrott does indeed receive onscreen credit for directing this film.

July 12, 2008

update for most of the Roach talkies, and two of the MGMs

The press release for "The Pinch Singer" (no. 143) reveals that the dog that starred in that short was Pete the Pup IV. He was visited on the set by his son, Pete the Pup V, though I don't know if the son ever replaced the father in the series. Another press release reveals that the dog that went to Atlantic City to pose for photos with tourists was Pete the Pup III. Previously I had thought this was the second Pete. A photo taken on location for "Teacher's Pet" (no. 101) reveals a Pete that doesn't seem to appear in any of the films, so I've listed this dog as Pete the Pup II. Which brings us to the whole 'was his name actually Pete the Pup' controversy. Jean Darling has been adamant about 'the Pup' not being part of the name, and it looks like this version of the name was not used during the silent era. In fact, the earliest film for which the press release lists him as Pete the Pup is "Moan & Groan, Inc." (no. 94), which was the first to be made after Jean left the series. So, this is the point at which I begin to list him as Pete the Pup.

update for "Mary, Queen Of Tots" (no. 41)

As it turns out, the interior radio station footage was NOT filmed at KHJ in Los Angeles, but at the Roach studio. My thanks to Los Angeles radio historian Jim Hilliker for passing on this information.

update for "Bouncing Babies" (no. 93) and "A Tough Winter" (no. 99)

A Standard casting directory of June 1929 shows what Tommy Atkins looked like, and unfortunately, he doesn't look that much like the toddler in these films. He was also supposed to have been two and a half years old by the time of "Bouncing Babies," which seems unlikely. Until I come across some solid evidence one way or the other, he'll be known as 'boy 093.'

update for "Saturday's Lesson" (no. 88) and "Bouncing Babies" (no. 93)

The same tree appears in both of these films during the scenes in the park. Presumably, this is Media Park.

update for "Little Mother" (no. 86)

I've added various information about deleted scenes, an additional adult, and Superior Brand Dried Apples.

update for "Cat, Dog & Co." (no. 87)

I've added information about the fruit vendor, Donnie Smith, the cutting continuity, the script number, guinea pigs, deleted footage, and the chauffeur.

update for "Saturday's Lesson" (no. 88)

I've added William Davis to the cast listing as Farina's butler. There's also some variance regarding the identification of Jack O'Brien and Charley Young. I've also added a little bit of location info.

update for "Small Talk" (no. 89) and McGowan filmography

I've added information about Jean Darling, Pat Harmon, pictures on Wheezer's wall, the police and fire departments, and deleted footage. The press release for this film also gives McGowan dialogue credit.

update for "Railroadin'" (no. 90) and McGowan filmography

I've added information about Elmer Raguse, Jean Darling, engine no. 1373, Harry's goat, Otto Fries, Edison Mazda Lamps, and some variation regarding just how long it took to film this short. The press release for this film also gives McGowan dialogue credit.

update for "Boxing Gloves" (no. 91) and McGowan filmography

I've added information about deleted footage, locations, specific character names, the cutting continuity, the title sheet, the script number, Bob McGowan, Jackie Cooper, Bobby Mallon, sound recording, and the extra boys in the stands. The press release for this film also gives McGowan dialogue credit.

update for "Lazy Days" (no. 92)

I've added information about locations and babies, and verified that the black baby is Junior Allen.

update for "Bouncing Babies" (no. 93)

I've added information about Halloween, Edison Mazda Lamps, the title sheet, the script number, the cutting continuity, Jackie Cooper, Don Sandstrom, Joe Cobb, the kid in the ghost costume, naptime, framed pictures and a calendar.

update for "Moan & Groan, Inc." (no. 94)

I've added information about Don Sandstrom, deleted footage, and running time.

update for "Shivering Shakespeare" (no. 95) and Gerstad filmography

Forget what I said about Buster Slaven. He isn't the kid who arrests Jackie Cooper. It turns out that he's one of those hard-to-spot background kids, unless of course one peruses through some publicity photos. I've also added information about Harry Gerstad, the running time, the dialogue sheet, character names, Jackie Cooper, custard pies, the opening poster, the blonde wig, the togas, and a second goat.

update for "Big Ears" (no. 108) and McGowan filmography

I've added information about the script number, the cutting continuity, the title sheet, Bob McGowan, the puppies, the inspiration for the title, and Stymie's mother.

update for "Pups Is Pups" (no. 100)

The press release for "Big Ears" also mentions Pete siring a litter of puppies in early 1930. It seems likely that the puppies in "Pups Is Pups" are them.

update for "Calling All Kids" (no. 215)

I've added an item about Eleanor Powell and Eddie Anderson coaching the kids who imitate them in this film.

update for three Roach talkies

Three shorts were 'tradeshown' in 1950 prior to the reissue of the "Little Rascals" shorts to theaters. These were "Dogs Is Dogs" (no. 110), "Forgotten Babies" (no. 121) and "Mama's Little Pirate" (no. 132).

update for "Little Sinner" (no. 140)

I've removed the note about this short being removed from King World's TV package in the seventies, since it was shown in at least some markets during that period. Thanks to Steven R. Wright for pointing this out.

update for Kornman filmography

I've added "Love That Brute" to this filmography.

July 6, 2008

update for all of the silent episodes and the earliest talkies, plus several filmographies

First of all, I've added the copyright dates onto all of the filmography pages that didn't yet have them, as per the Copyright Catalog. I've also continued the detailed shooting information for the films from "Derby Day" (no. 21) through "Forgotten Babies" (no. 121), as per the studio datebooks. This includes the previously unknown shooting dates for "The Sun Down Limited" (no. 31) and speculative shooting dates for "Ask Grandma" (no. 38). The studio payroll summaries are available for research all the way through 1929, and have resulted in many changes to these pages. I've decided to remove cutters from the 'possible uncredited involvement' sections of the film pages, and prop men from the earlier pages, since the Our Gang unit usually had people dedicated to these duties, and also because listing every cutter or prop man during a particular period would be overkill. Basically, unless I see some indication that a particular person performed these duties for a given film, then their name won't be listed. The following names have either been added to pages both for films and filmographies, or altered somehow, due to new information in the payroll summaries or the Copyright Catalog:

Sonny Boy Warde - The payroll summaries reveal that his first name was George. This should provide a bit of confusion with George "Freckles" Warde.

Leona Levin - I've noted the possibility that this is the name of 'girl 015', since she's listed in the payroll summaries for "July Days" (no. 18) and "Sunday Calm" (no. 19).

Dick Henchen - I've noted the possibility that this is the midget known as 'Dick' in "It's Bear" (no. 27), "Cradle Robbers" (no. 28) and "Jubilo, Jr." (no. 29). The payroll summaries begin to list this name towards the end of his tenure with the series.

Jimmy Farren, Bill Ulmer, Eugene Pearson and Ben Parsons - I previously had Farren listed as Jimmy Perrin, based on some handwriting scrawled on the back of a photo. The payroll summaries reveal his actual name, as well as the three other newcomers to the Gang in "Crazy House" (no. 76). Research in a newspaper archive verifies that all four were contest winners, each given a week's worth of work with the series. Farren was the grand prize winner, and was able to remain for three months.

Charles and Ray DeBriac - These two are almost certainly the twins in "Every Man For Himself" (no. 32), as revealed by the payroll summaries.

Nancy McKee - This child actress is listed in the payroll summaries during the making of "Mary, Queen Of Tots" (no. 41), suggesting that perhaps she was a stand-in for Mary Kornman.

David Durand - The payroll summaries list him for the period in which "Better Movies" (no. 43) was being made, suggesting that he was probably an audience member in this film.

Harry Rattenberry - The payroll summaries reveal that he played the old man in "Tire Trouble" (no. 22).

Tod Roark - I've noted the possibility that this is the friendly cop in "Official Officers" (no. 40), as listed in the payroll summaries.

Harry Lucenay - I've removed him from the 'possible uncredited involvement' category and given him official credit, since there really isn't any question about his involvement.

Tony Campanaro - I've added the reissue title and chapter titles for "Perils Of Nyoka" to his filmography.

Hal Roach - I've made some adjustments to the TV era of his filmography, reflecting information in the Copyright Catalog. It turns out that the earlier episodes of "Telephone Time" were produced by a different company, so I've retained only those credited to Hal Roach Studios. I've also listed "Duffy's Tavern," which the Catalog credits to Roach, and I've added episode titles for "Love That Jill." It also turns out that "Oh Susanna" became "The Gale Storm Show" almost a year earlier than previously thought. I've also added a note about the Abbott & Costello feature "Jack And The Beanstalk." And, of course, I've added the copyright dates for many of the titles from the fifties and sixties.

Robert F. McGowan - It turns out that he directed on one of the shooting dates for "Tired Business Men" (no. 60).

Tom McNamara - The payroll summaries list him as a writer up through "A Pleasant Journey" (no. 11). After that, his name is missing until it returns as an assistant director during the shooting of "Fast Company" (no. 16). This has resulted in adjustments both on the film pages from this period as well as his filmography. I've also added the titles for the Beauty Parlor series to his filmography, as well as a film called "Wild Men Of Africa." Also, my incorrect listing of "The Gilded Lily" as "The Gilded Lady" has now been corrected.

Mark Goldaine - I've added some new titles to his filmography and extended his period of involvement with Our Gang from "Tire Trouble" (no. 22) to "It's A Bear" (no. 27).

Anthony Mack - I've extended his tenure as an assistant director for the series back to "Better Movies" (no. 43).

Charles Oelze - The payroll summaries credit him as a prop man for the series until "One Wild Ride" (no. 45), after which he was an assistant director.

Fred Newmeyer - I've added a film called "Flight Endurance" to this filmography, as per the Copyright Catalog.

Clarence Morehouse - The payroll summaries credit him as the assistant director of the Our Gang series from about the time of "The Big Show" (no. 7) until "It's A Bear" (no. 27). Because of this, I've given him this credit, both on the film pages and in his filmography. His filmography also lists some new titles produced by First Division for which he received story credit.

Lloyd French - The payroll summaries reveal that he was an assistant director for the series during the period from "The Mysterious Mystery!" (no. 33) to "Official Officers" (no. 40), and again during "Telling Whoppers" (no. 56).

Rob Wagner and Harry La Mar - The payroll summaries reveal that they were assistant directors for the series during the period of "It's A Bear" (no. 27).

Freeman Rollins - The payroll summaries reveal that he was a second assistant director for the series during "The Mysterious Mystery!" (no. 33).

Fern Carter - The payroll summaries reveal the date when she started with the Roach studio. It's also apparent that she took summers off, which has led me to remove her name from films shot during July and August.

Bob Davis - The payroll summaries reveal the date when he started with the Roach studio. I've removed his name from the 'possible uncredited involvement' sections of the film pages for the period prior to this.

Art Lloyd - I've added his name to the various films made while he was the cameraman for the series, but for which there is no official credit, since the payroll summaries list him during these periods.

Blake Wagner - The payroll summaries reveal that he was a cameraman for the series during the period of "Seein' Things" (no. 25) and "It's A Bear" (no. 27).

Bob Walters - The payroll summaries reveal that he was a cameraman for the series during the period of "Commencement Day" (no. 26).

W. V. Draper - The payroll summaries reveal that he was a cameraman for the series during the period from "Seeing The World" (no. 55) to "Baby Brother" (no. 61).

Clair Boshard - The payroll summaries list this name as an assistant cameraman starting with "Chicken Feed" (no. 62). Unfortunately, after two films, the summaries stop listing people with their respective film units. After this, I've listed Boshard in the 'possible uncredited involvement' category. One exception is "Barnum & Ringling, Inc." (no. 74), for which Boshard's involvement has been verified.

Thomas J. Crizer, Richard Currier and Bert Jordan - The Copyright Catalog reveals additional titles for these filmographies.

Lloyd Campbell - The payroll summaries reveal that he was a cutter for the series during the period from "Monkey Business" (no. 48) until "Olympic Games" (no. 63), and probably thereafter.

Edmund Hannan - The payroll summaries reveal that he was a cutter for the series during the period of "War Feathers" (no. 54) and "Telling Whoppers" (no. 56).

A. H. Giebler - IMDb lists two Al Gieblers, and so far I haven't come up with any reason to assume they're two separate people. If they are the same person, then the A. H. Giebler who wrote the titles for "The Buccaneers" (no. 24) is also the Alfred Giebler who wrote the screenplay for "Dog Daze" (no. 182). I posed this dilemma to the good folks at silentcomedians.com, and received some useful input from Brent Walker, Ian Elliott, Steve Massa and 'Mr. Bertie Wooster,' including a couple of additional titles to add to Giebler's filmography, as well as his full name. My thanks to all four. I've also found many new titles in the Copyright Catalog, mainly in the Pop Tuttle series of 1922/23. I've also added a couple of Our Gang titles that were made while Giebler was a gag writer for the series: "Fast Company" (no. 16) and "Every Man For Himself" (no. 32).

R. H. Fahe - The payroll summaries list him as a gag man for the series roughly between "Giants Vs. Yanks" (no. 12) and "Dogs Of War!" (no. 14).

Hal Conklin - The payroll summaries list him as a gag man for the series between "Dogs Of War!" and "Sunday Calm" (no. 19).

W. H. Belmont - The payroll summaries list him as a gag man for the series during the period of "Sunday Calm" (no. 19), "Derby Day" (no. 21) and "Tire Trouble" (no. 22).

Edward Sullivan - The payroll summaries reveal that he was a gag man for the series during "The Mysterious Mystery!" (no. 33) and "The Big Town" (no. 34).

H. C. Greening - The payroll summaries reveal that he was a gag man for the series during "Circus Fever" (no. 35) and "Dog Days" (no. 36).

Edward Flannigan - The payroll summaries reveal that he was a gag man for the series from "Circus Fever" (no. 35) until "The Love Bug" (no. 37).

Robert Kelly - The payroll summaries reveal that he was a writer for the series during "Seeing The World" (no. 55) and "Bring Home The Turkey" (no. 57).

Dick Gilbert - The payroll summaries reveal that he was a prop man for the series up until "The Buccaneers" (no. 24).

Don Sandstrom - The payroll summaries reveal that he was a prop man for the series from "The Buccaneers" (no. 24) until "Olympic Games" (no. 63), and probably thereafter. The summaries don't group the names with the individual filming units after that.

Timothy O'Donnell - The payroll summaries reveal his first name, which was previously unknown, and his status as a prop man for the series from "War Feathers" (no. 54) until "Olympic Games" (no. 63) and probably thereafter.

E. P. Norris - The payroll summaries reveal that he was a prop man for the series during the period from "Sunday Calm" (no. 19) to "Seein' Things" (no. 25).

L. Barker - The payroll summaries list him as a prop man for the series during the period from "Stage Fright" (no. 17) to "Derby Day" (no. 21).

G. D. Abbott - The payroll summaries reveal that he was a prop man for the series during the period from "The Love Bug" (no. 37) to "Shootin' Injuns" (no. 39).

Ernest Tucker - The payroll summaries reveal that he was a prop man for the series during the period from "Your Own Back Yard" (no. 44) to "Monkey Business" (no. 48).

Harry Black - The payroll summaries reveal that he was a prop man for the series from "Tired Business Men" (no. 60) until "Chicken Feed" (no. 62).

R. O. Sanders and Harry Craven - The payroll summaries reveal that they were prop men for the series during "Chicken Feed" (no. 62) and "Olympic Games" (no. 63).

E. H. Young - The payroll summaries reveal that he was the studio animator during the period from "Baby Clothes" (no. 49) to "The Fourth Alarm!" (no. 53).

S. E. Overton - The payroll summaries reveal that he was the studio animator during the period from "War Feathers" (no. 54) to "Tired Business Men" (no. 60).

Roy Seawright - The payroll summaries reveal that he wasn't the studio animator until "Baby Brother" (no. 61).

J. L. Root - The payroll summaries list him as a sculptor during the production of "Mary, Queen Of Tots" (no. 41).

Mrs. William Mathews - The payroll summaries list her as a hairdresser during the production of "Baby Brother" (no. 61).

Miss Laurel Peralta - The payroll summaries list her as a Spanish instructor during the period between "The First Seven Years" (no. 96) and "Bear Shooters" (no. 98). Also listed are Robert O'Connor and two French instructors, Jean de Briac and Mildred Mc Arthur, as well as a Spanish stenographer, Pilar Rives.

William Mathews and J. Masterson - The payroll summaries list them as boatmen during the production of "The Buccaneers" (no. 24).

Dan Treet - The payroll summaries list him as a watchman during the production of "The Buccaneers" (no. 24).

L. Sentello - The payroll summaries list him as a watchman during the production of "Better Movies" (no. 43).

L. H. Cushman - The payroll summaries list him as a watchman during the production of "Your Own Back Yard" (no. 44).

E. B. Pence - The payroll summaries list him as a watchman during the production of "War Feathers" (no. 54).

Gene Kornman - The payroll summaries reveal his departure date from the Roach studio, as well as his middle initial. I've also added "What Price Glory" and "Man On A Tightrope" to his filmography.

Stax Graves - It turns out that he was working for Roach back in 1922, and therefore was not a replacement for Kornman.

Warren Doane - I've removed "Father Knows Best" from his filmography, which turns out to be a Van Ronkel production, as per the Copyright Catalog.

update for the earliest MGM shorts

I've added the copyright information for all of the shorts from "The Little Ranger" (no. 170) to "Cousin Wilbur" (no. 180). Thanks once again to Joe Moore for providing this info.

update for "Mike Fright" (no. 130)

In his autobiography, Tommy Bond reveals that the radio engineer in this short is played by Bert Gordon. Thanks to mtw12055 of thelittlerascals.net for pointing this out.

update for "Calling All Kids" (no. 215)

The song being played as Jackie Horner tapdances is "You Are My Lucky Star." Thanks again to mtw12055 for noticing this.

update for "Election Day" (no. 81) and "Noisy Noises" (no. 82)

It was between the shooting of these two films that Our Gang went across the country by rail and performed in vaudeville.

update for "The Buccaneers" (no. 24)

It looks to me like Florence Hoskins plays the mother of Ernie and Farina in this film.

update for "One Terrible Day" (no. 4)

I've added a couple of details for this film: the name of the country estate, and the pony's character name in the 9.5mm footage.

update for "Commencement Day" (no. 26) and Grapevine Video

I've added a note about the renaming of Grapevine's DVD Sampler. I've also included "Humoresque" in the music section for this short, since Mickey plays it on his violin.

update for "Cradle Robbers" (no. 28)

I've spotted Madge Hunt among the mothers in this short.

update for four of the Roach talkies

I've decided to favor Maltin & Bann's order of production in regard to "Free Wheeling" (no. 117) and "Birthday Blues" (no. 118), as well as "Divot Diggers" (no. 142) and "The Pinch Singer" (no. 143). The lists given to me by Rob Stone have the pairs switched, but outside evidence corroborates Maltin & Bann's order.

update for a handful of silents

I've noticed that 'boy 031b' is in "Cradle Robbers" (no. 28), which means that he's now listed as 'boy 028.' He also appeared in "The Sun Down Limited" (no. 31), "Ask Grandma" (no. 28), "Uncle Tom's Uncle" (no. 50), "Love My Dog" (no. 59) and "Olympic Games" (no. 63). Because of this, 'boy 031a' will now be known as 'boy 031,' which affects "The Sun Down Limited" and "Every Man For Himself" (no. 32).

update for "Cradle Robbers" (no. 28)

I've added more details about the animals seen during the kids' baby show. Thanks to James A. Gipson for pointing this out.

update for a handful of silents

Casting directories from 1925 state that Monty O'Grady did indeed appear in the Our Gang series. While I'm still convinced that earlier shorts had George "Freckles" Warde in them, I've always been puzzled by Maltin & Bann's listing of O'Grady for "Every Man For Himself" (no. 32). I had Warde's face in mind when I was previously viewing this film, and the only kids that resembled him were the twins. However, on watching the film again, it occurs to me that 'boy 032b' looks a lot like O'Grady (but not Warde). This would mean that the authors must have changed their minds about who O'Grady was, but didn't change their cast listings accordingly for the earlier Warde appearances. I also had 'boy 032b' listed for "The Fourth Alarm!" (no. 53), but I no longer think the resemblance is sufficient to warrant this. The blonde boy in "Every Man For Himself" is now 'boy 032' rather than his previous label of 'boy 032a.' This also affects "Ask Grandma" (no. 38), "Boys Will Be Joys" (no. 42), "Monkey Business" (no. 48), "Uncle Tom's Uncle" (no. 50), "The Fourth Alarm!" (no. 53) and "Barnum & Ringling, Inc." (no. 74).

May 26, 2008

update for late Roach talkies

I've added the copyright info for all of the films from "Washee Ironee" (no. 131) through "Hide And Shriek" (no. 169). Thanks very much to Joe Moore for providing this information.

update for "General Spanky" (no. 150)

As per the Copyright Catalog, I've indicated that this film was an eight-reeler.

update for various filmographies

I've credited Hal Roach as the 'author' of most of the Pathé releases, since he's credited this way in the Copyright Catalog. I've also given him story credit for "Fighting Fathers" and "Pass The Gravy." I've also relegated the Harold Lloyd title "One-Quarter Inch" to the text portion for the relevant year, so it no longer has a title listing. I've also added the shooting dates for "The Fourth Alarm!" (no. 53), which I somehow overlooked previously. This also affects a handful of other filmographies. There's also a bit more detail regarding production numbers for "Better Movies" (no. 43), "A Perfect Lady," "One At A Time," and "A Ten Minute Egg," as well as second copyright dates for "Hired And Fired" and "All Parts." These details also affect several other filmographies. Added to the Chase filmography is a film called "Choose Your Exit." Added to the Currier filmography are the films "G. I. Honeymoon," "The Jade Mask," "Oh, What A Night," and "Where Are Your Children." Added to the McCarey filmography is "The Real McCoy." Added to the McGowan filmography are various Eddie Lyons films of the early twenties, as well as some story credits from the late twenties and early thirties. Several new titles have been added to the Walker filmography. Copyright dates have been added to the Currier, McCarey, McGowan, and Walker filmographies, and I've made a few corrections to bring them more in line with recent changes to the Roach filmography.

April 29, 2008

update for Powers and Gerstad filmographies, and some early Pathés

I misread my notes concerning photography credits in the weekly payroll summaries. These credits actually began to appear for the week ending Aug. 5, 1922. Len Powers is listed for every week until the week ending Jan. 13, 1923. Because of this, I'm giving him credit for all of the films made during that period. I've also given Harry Gerstad a co-photographer credit for "Giants Vs. Yanks" (no. 12), since he was the official Our Gang photographer on the last day of shooting. I've also continued to add information from the datebooks, this time for the films from "Stage Fright" (no. 17) through "No Noise" (no. 20).

update for "Lodge Night" (no. 15)

I've added a speculation about when the classroom scenes were shot.

update for Chase filmography

I've added copyright dates for most of the films in this filmography. I've also changed details for certain films to match changes that had been made in the Roach filmography. I've also given Chase writing credit on a few of his early films, particularly for the Hank Mann series, since the copyright info carries these details. Lastly, I've added a note about his contract renewal of April 1923.

update for Roach filmography

I've added a note about a trip to Catalina in 1923.

April 27, 2008

I should have said this two days ago, but I'd like to offer up a word of thanks to Ned Comstock at USC for all of his help with my research.

update for several more Pathés

I've continued to add information from the datebooks, this time for all of the films from "A Pleasant Journey" (no. 11) through "Fast Company" (no. 16). I've decided to credit Harry Gerstad as the photographer on all of the films from "Dogs Of War!" (no. 14) through "Commencement Day" (no. 26), since the payroll summaries reflect this. I've also given him a co-credit for "Baby Clothes" (no. 49) for the same reason. I've also given Len Powers official credit for "Back Stage" (no. 13) and "Dogs Of War," R. E. Irish co-credit for "Tire Trouble" (no. 22), and Gerstad, Art Lloyd and Robert Doran credit for "Fast Company." It's also interesting to note that Ernie Morrison's and Jack Davis's involvement in the retakes for this last film is now verified.

update for Gerstad filmography

This filmography now reflects the changes to Gerstad's credits. It also includes copyright dates for most of the films.

update for Powers filmography

I've added "Back Stage" and "Dogs Of War!" as official entries in this filmography.

update for Parrott filmography

I've added a note about a delay in the production of "Speed The Swede" due to Parrott's ankle injury, as well as a note about Parrott missing a day of work during "Post No Bills" due to illness. The page also now includes copyright dates for most of the films.

April 26, 2008

update for ten mid-period Roach talkies

I've added the copyright info for all of the films from "Forgotten Babies" (no. 121) through "Mike Fright" (no. 130). Thanks very much to Joe Moore for this info.

update for Roach filmography

I've added the contract dates between Roach and Pathé for "The Pickaninny" and the Our Gang series, as well as earlier contract dates for Ernie Morrison and information about a prospective Morrison series in 1919. Also, the confusion over "Fair Week," "Soft Pedal" and "Leave It To Me" is now resolved. Also, the mysterious Max Davidson H-20 production was most likely "Flaming Fathers." Thanks to Joe Moore for all of these items. I've also added in the copyright dates for all of the films in this filmography that are listed in the Copyright Catalog. This research has also revealed the names of some of the serial episodes from the silent era. I've also added miniatures dates for "There Goes The Bride."

update for Powers filmography

I've also added the copyright dates for this filmography.

update for earliest Pathés

I've added more detail to the shooting dates for the first ten Our Gang films, as per the 1922 and 1923 studio datebooks. As time goes by, I'll be doing the same for the rest of the films through to the end of 1932. I've also removed Len Powers from the 'possible uncredited involvement' for the first two films, since he didn't start with the studio until Apr. 19, 1922. I've also added the possibility that Powers was involved with "Back Stage" (no. 13) and on the first two days of shooting for "Dogs Of War!" (no. 14). I've also credited Harry W. Gerstad as a photographer on "A Pleasant Journey" (no. 11) and indicated his probable involvement with "Giants Vs. Yanks" (no. 12).

April 25, 2008

I just spent the last week and a half researching the Hal Roach archives at the University of Southern California, as well as materials at the Margaret Herrick Library (part of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences). Today's update, as well as several more over the next few weeks, will mostly reflect this research.

update for most of the MGM episodes

While looking through the database for the Herrick library, I came across the production numbers for all of the MGM episodes, which correspond to the numbers shown in the lower righthand corners of the publicity photos. These numbers correspond with the order of shooting up until about the time Spanky left the series. After that, they correspond to the order of production as shown in Maltin & Bann's book. I've also taken the alternate numbers, the ones that usually begin with the prefix 'C,' and have labeled these as 'release numbers,' since they correspond perfectly with the order of release and are grouped by season. I've also corrected a mistake regarding the first release of the 1940/41 season. It's actually "Good Bad Boys" (no. 193) and not "Goin' Fishin'" (no. 192). Also, I had previously assigned "Wedding Worries" (no. 203) the production number 2744, when I should have given it to "Helping Hands" (no. 202).

update for "Our Gang" (no. 1)

The boy in the Little Lord Fauntleroy outfit is John Hatton.

update for several mid-silent episodes

Scooter Lowry is now listed as Elmer "Scooter" Lowry. This affects all of the films from "Thundering Fleas" (no. 51) through "Olympic Games" (no. 63). Also, a Standard Casting Directory from that era reveals that Dave Monahan was known as Davey Monahan as a child, so I've changed his listings accordingly for "Baby Brother" (no. 61) and "Chicken Feed" (no. 62).

update for "Little Papa" (no. 139) and "Divot Diggers" (no. 142)

It turns out that Baby Patsy May was originally named Patsy Dittemore, but after the death of her mother was adopted by her maternal grandparents, whose last name was May.

update for "Forgotten Babies" (no. 121)

According to the press release for this film, Tommy McFarland's nickname during this earliest stage of his Our Gang tenure was "Dynamite."

update for "Lodge Night" (no. 15)

While at the Herrick library, I found a Standard Casting Directory with a photo of Richard Billings, who Maltin & Bann list for this film. At the risk of using my memory a week after last viewing the photo, I'm thinking that the tallest boy in the club, the one who removes Joe's blindfold, is him. I also noted that the name "Elmo," which appears on the wall of the club, is also the name of Richard's younger brother.

update for "Wild Poses" (no. 125)

Publicity photos for this film reveal that both Dorothy DeBorba and Pete the Pup were present on at least one day of shooting.

update for several early talkies

According to the press release for "Forgotten Babies" (no. 121), Dorothy was still being given the nickname "Echo" during this period. Because of this, I'm listing her as Dorothy "Echo" DeBorba for all films except "Pups Is Pups" (no. 100), her debut, in which she has no dialogue.

update for three Roach talkies

A casting directory shows Billy Wolfstone, but lists him as Billy Lee Wolfstone, so I've decided to list him this way. This affects "The First Round-Up" (no. 128), "Washee Ironee" (no. 131) and "Our Gang Follies Of 1936" (no. 141).

update for two Roach talkies, plus "Cousin Wilbur" (no. 180)

I've added the nickname "Lucky" for Philip Hurlic, who appeared in "Our Gang Follies Of 1936" (no. 141) and "Feed 'Em And Weep" (no. 167) in addition to "Cousin Wilbur."

update for "When The Wind Blows" (no. 97)

Just noticed that I listed the production number as G-21 when it ought to say G-31.

March 31, 2008

update for all of the Pathés

I've added information from the Copyright Catalog regarding the number of prints manufactured for each film's initial release. I've also added production numbers and corrected a few errors in the Mischief Makers info contained in these pages.

March 26, 2008

update for ten Roach talkies

I've added copyright information for the ten films from "Readin' And Writin'" (no. 111) through "Fish Hooky" (no. 120). Thanks very much to Joe Moore for this info.

update for "Spook Spoofing" (no. 71)

As pointed out by mtw12055 of thelittlerascals.net, Jean Darling appears in a photograph taken on location for this film.

March 19, 2008

update for "Pups Is Pups" (no. 100)

Here's a correction to yesterday's post. I took a look at my 1928 map of Los Angeles, and as it turns out, the portion of E. Temple St. described by Leon Smith used to be part of Turner St. This explains why the building in the modern-day photo looks like the same one seen in the film.

March 18, 2008

update for several early Pathés

There was an eBay auction containing many items pertaining to Peggy and Lassie Lou Ahern, one of which was a daily notebook from 1923. I didn't win the auction, but they showed an image of one page of the notebook, and I was able to deduce that the date shown was Jan. 6, 1923, and that it verified the sisters' involvement in "Back Stage" (no. 13). Basically, the girl that I've been listing as 'girl 013' is actually Peggy Ahern with an earlier hairdo. This revelation also affects "Derby Day" (no. 21), "Commencement Day" (no. 26), "Cradle Robbers" (no. 28) and "The Sun Down Limited" (no. 31).

update for several early Pathés

After viewing a photo of Fanny Kelly at silentcomedians.com and the Harry Langdon film "All Night Long" (for which she's given onscreen credit), it occurs to me that this isn't the same woman listed as Fanny Kelly by Maltin & Bann for "Giants Vs. Yanks" (no. 12). The woman in that film also appeared in five other Our Gang shorts, but without the M&B credit. Nevertheless, I've been listing this woman as Fanny Kelly for all six films. Until I can correctly ID her, she will be referred to as 'woman 001' on this site. The other films she appeared in are "Our Gang" (no. 1), "One Terrible Day" (no. 4), "Saturday Morning" (no. 6), "A Pleasant Journey" (no. 11) and "Lodge Night" (no. 15).

update for reelclassicdvd page and various Pathés

I've added some information regarding the second and third Our Gang volumes from this company and the films included.

update for A-1 Video, Video Yesteryear and "Tire Trouble" (no. 22)

It turns out that the A-1 version of this film has a few extra seconds not found in any other version. Thanks to Geoff Lucas for pointing this out.

update for "Pups Is Pups" (no. 100)

It appears that the corner with the Old Gold sign is North Vignes and Commercial. Thanks to Chris Logg for noticing this. While checking out this bit of footage, I also noticed the location of the Diamond Oil Co. and corrected the Temple street location to read Turner St.

update for "Our Gang Follies Of 1938" (no. 162)

Previously, I had identified the incidental music used in "Framing Youth" (no. 159), but had failed to note that the song "Pick A Star" also appeared in "Our Gang Follies Of 1938."

update for "Fish Hooky" (no. 120)

I've identified Doris Oelze as being among the schoolkids in this film. Thanks very much to Doris and her daughter Nancy Thompson for assistance on this ID.

update for "One Terrible Day" (no. 4) and "The Sun Down Limited" (no. 31)

The hill that Ernie rolls onto in the tire in "One Terrible Day" is the same one on which the train crashes in "The Sun Down Limited."

update for "Commencement Day" (no. 26)

I've added a note about the prize winning map shown on the schoolroom wall.

update for "Back Stage" (no. 13)

There are actually four geese in this film and not two. Thanks to James Gipson for noticing this.

update for Roach filmography

The 1921 Motion Picture Studio Directory and Trade Annual reveals that the Roach studio dated back to November 8, 1919, which was probably the first date of construction. There's also a specific date regarding Roach's association with Ruth Roland, which is months prior to her first shooting date at the studio, so it's probably a contract date. Also, I've found a couple of old-time references that narrow down Roach's arrival at Universal to the year 1913, so the filmography no longer lists this as 1912/13.

update for Chase filmography

I've added "When Spirits Move" to this filmography. I've also noted his membership in the Motion Picture Directors Association in 1921. I've also added info about a Chase composition called "Down On The Farm," as mentioned by silentcomedians.com member Wendy Warwick White.

update for Walker filmography

Okay, we already knew that the H stands for Harley, but how many people realized that the M stands for Marquis?

update for Doane filmography

The 1921 publication also reveals a few new details about Doane's early career.

update for Campanaro filmography

According to Steve Massa at silentcomedians.com, Campanaro was involved in the Campbell Comedies circa 1921/22.

update for McNamara filmography

Another tidbit from Steve M.: one of McNamara's comic strips was called The Sandlot League.

update for Kornman filmography

I've added "Everybody's Old Man" to the growing list of films for which Kornman took still photos.

February 26, 2008

update for several Roach films and Oelze filmography

The baby that I've been listing as 'girl 011b' is Doris Oelze, daughter of legendary Roach property man Charles Oelze. As a baby, she appeared in "A Pleasant Journey" (no. 11) and "Giants Vs. Yanks" (no. 12). A few years later, she appeared in "Ten Years Old" (no. 58). Doris's little dog, Diamond, can be seen in "Telling Whoppers" (no. 56). Also, the pirate in "Shiver My Timbers" (no. 109) with the funny glasses? None other than Charles Oelze himself. Thanks very much to Doris Oelze and her daughter, Nancy Thompson, for all their help making these identifications. And readers, stay tuned for further information along these lines.

update for Roach filmography

I've connected the Skinny titles to the various production numbers and shooting dates. Thanks very much to Joe Moore for passing along this info.

update for five MGM episodes

I've added the working title for "Tiny Troubles" and the script approval dates for that film as well as "Auto Antics." I've also added new production numbers which derive from the shooting scripts for these two films, plus "The Little Ranger" (no. 170), "Unexpected Riches" (no. 211) and "Farm Hands" (no. 216). That is, it's my impression that these are the production numbers, since the numbers shown on press photos and in a flyer for the TV release of the MGM shorts follow order of release.

update for Jackie Taylor page and related film pages

Jackie Taylor's two VHS releases have been replaced by DVD releases.

update for "One Terrible Day" (no. 4), "Saturday Morning" (no. 6) and "A Pleasant Journey" (no. 11)

I've resumed my vidcaps project, comparing faces side-by-side, and it occurs to me that 'woman 004' is two different people. Not only that, but the receptionist in "A Pleasant Journey" doesn't look so much like her at all. So all three of these women will simply be described among the 'other adults' for their respective films.

update for "Young Sherlocks" (no. 3) and "Saturday Morning" (no. 6)

I've noted the similarity between the location where Peggy is kidnapped in "Young Sherlocks" and the location with Katherine Grant in "Saturday Morning."

update for "A Pleasant Journey" (no. 11) and "Back Stage" (no. 13)

For the foreseeable future, 'girl 011a' will be known as 'girl 011.'

February 21, 2008

update for ten early Roach talkies

I've added copyright details for the ten films from "Teacher's Pet" (no. 101) through "Dogs Is Dogs" (no. 110). Thanks once again to Joe Moore for this info.

update for most of the Pathés

I've added information about the Mischief Makers episodes.

update for "Duel Personalities" (no. 178) and Warner Home Video page

The new Mickey Rooney & Judy Garland boxed set includes this episode as a bonus feature.

update for "Your Own Back Yard" (no. 44)

A company called Televista has a negative of this film awaiting restoration.

update for "Dog Days" (no. 36)

As mentioned by Joe Moore at silentcomedians.com, there were initially 40 prints made of this film.

update for Chase filmography

According to Brent Walker at silentcomedians.com, Chase did not direct "The Cannonball," but did direct "A Submarine Pirate."

update for Roach filmography

I've added the promotional film "Hal Roach Announcement" which introduced the Harry Langdon series. Also, among the films shot at the Roach studio by companies renting the facilities was "Joan Of Arc" from 1948. This tidbit derives from a Joe Moore post at silentcomedians.com.

update for Kornman filmography

Add "Under The Pampas Moon" to the list of verified films for which Kornman took still photos. That's one down and five thousand to go!

February 3, 2008

update for "Time Out For Lessons" (no. 186)

I've recently viewed a Robert Blake documentary which verifies once and for all what James Gubitosi looked like, as well as his sister Jovanni aka Joan. I was able to spot James in this film, but not Jovanni, who's listed by Maltin & Bann. However, it appears to me that Betty Ann Muir and Janice Hood, both of whom are in casting directories, are in this film.

update for "Dad For A Day" (no. 185)

I've also spotted James Gubitosi in this film.

update for "Moan & Groan, Inc." (no. 94)

The song sung by Edgar Kennedy in this film is "The Wearing Of The Green."

update for "School Begins" (no. 79)

After taking a close look at a couple of those silent-era postcards that show three small photos, I'm going to credit May Wallace with playing Harry Spear's mother in this film.

update for "Uncle Tom's Uncle" (no. 50)

The girl that plays 'Nancy' is Nancy McKee of the 'Hey Fellas!' series.

update for "Giants Vs. Yanks" (no. 12)

To the animals section, I've noted the various poultry that appear in the Ernie-and-Farina scene. Thanks to James Gipson for pointing this out.

new video company and update for three Pathés

I've added a new page for Looser Than Loose Publishing, which has released "One Wild Ride" (no. 45), "Monkey Business" (no. 48), "Seeing The World" (no. 55) and a small amount of "Our Gang" (no. 1). For "Seeing The World," I've also included the rest of the names seen in the onscreen newspaper article.

update for "Dogs Of War!" (no. 14) and Reelclassicdvd

A new DVD has been released by Reelclassicdvd.com, with six films including the 14th Our Gang short.

update for Roach and Parrott filmographies

The film "Hello Teacher" was not meant to launch a Snub Pollard series, but was simply the next Harold Lloyd film - made without Lloyd due to an impasse between the star and his producer. This film also featured Jimmy Parrott, who also appeared in "Love's Young Scream" and "Just Dropped In." I've also revised the information regarding the Toto series, as well as Parrott's involvement in that series. Lastly, I've revised the probable shooting dates for the first five Rolin productions in 1914. Thanks very much to Joe Moore for this information.

update for Chase filmography

I've added Chase's cameo appearance in "The Walkout." Also, it turns out that Alf Goulding directed "His Best Girl," and not Chase.

update for Walters filmography

I've added "Home Made Movies" and "Days Of Thrills And Laughter" to this list. Also, the distributor for "The Shriek Of Araby" may actually be Allied Producers & Distributors.

update for Giebler filmography

I've added Giebler's involvement with the Plum Center Comedies in 1922. Also, his involvement in "The Wild Goose Chaser" was as a title writer. He also did this in "A Raspberry Romance," "The Marriage Circus," "When A Man's A Prince," "A Hollywood Hero," "Broke In China," "The Pride Of Pikeville" and "Love's Languid Lure."

update for Seawright filmography

I've added a detail regarding Seawright's involvement in "Our Relations."

update for Goldaine filmography

I've added "The Fire Flies" to this list.

January 20, 2008

update for "The Cobbler" (no. 8)

I've added a few more details regarding animals and adults in this film. Thanks to James Gipson for alerting me to this oversight.

update for Roach filmography

Oops. Forgot to mention the French version of "Bear Shooters" on this list.

January 19, 2008

update for last eight silents and first twelve talkies

I've added the copyright info for the twenty films from "Election Day" (no. 81) through "Pups Is Pups" (no. 100). Thanks again to Joe Moore.

update for six Pathés and three filmographies

Somehow, I just now got around to looking at the filmography in the back of Joseph McBride's Frank Capra - The Catastrophe Of Success, which explains a couple of the mysterious names shown in IMDb. This book reveals Bob Walters to be a photographer on "It's A Bear" (no. 27), with Mark Goldaine serving as an additional writer. It also reveals Blake Wagner to be a photographer on "Cradle Robbers" (no. 28), both Art Lloyd and Robert Doran to be photographers on "Jubilo, Jr." (no. 29), and Art Lloyd to be a photographer on "Every Man For Himself" (no. 32). Therefore, the Lloyd, Goldaine, and Frank Young filmographies have been updated accordingly, in addition to the pages for these four films. This also affects the 'possible uncredited involvement' sections for "Fast Company" (no. 16) and "The Mysterious Mystery!" (no. 33). I've also added a few details regarding the origin of the Jubilo character.

new filmography

I've added a filmography for A. H. Giebler, which can be checked out by clicking here.

new filmography

And while I'm at it, how about a filmography for newcomer Bob Walters, which can be accessed by clicking here.

not-so-new filmography

I also realized that I never uploaded the filmography for C. I. Norris and Cal Norris, which can be checked out by clicking here. The links have been on the film pages for awhile now, but at least I didn't announce it in a previous update.

update for several filmographies

I've added some information about the Roach films which have been added to the National Film Registry. For the films already listed, I've given more specific dates, and for the films not listed, well, they're listed now. The six Roach films in the Registry are "Safety Last," "Mighty Like A Moose," "Pass The Gravy," "Big Business," "Pups Is Pups" and "The Music Box." These variously affect the filmographies for Roach, Chase, McCarey, Parrott, McGowan, Newmeyer, Lloyd, Walker, Currier, Crizer, Powers, Gerstad, Seawright, Kornman, Christensen and Murphy. McCarey's filmography also includes three more films in the Registry, "Duck Soup," "The Awful Truth" and "Going My Way." Parrott also was involved in "Duck Soup." Newmeyer and Murphy were also involved in "The Freshman," Kornman was involved in "Scarface," and Campanaro was involved in "The Cameraman." I've also noted the addition of "Pups Is Pups" to the Registry on the page for that film.

update for four filmographies

I've added the video documentary "Classic Comedy Teams" to the filmographies for Roach, McGowan, Lloyd and Currier.

update for "Lazy Days" (no. 92)

I've noticed that IMDb lists Aug. 24th as the release date for this film, which I must say is the most sensible of the three that I've seen, since it's the only one that puts the film out on the usual Saturday date.

update for Chase filmography

I've added a bit of information regarding the Hal E. Roach Minstrels, an ensemble put together by Chase for the 1921 studio Christmas party. I've also added a bit of information about his first release with Fox in 1916. I've also added company credits and running time for "Stop, Look And Laugh."

update for McGowan, Powers and Goldaine filmographies

I've added some more info about the pre-Roach film days of these three.

update for Roach filmography

The foreign-language versions continued to be made until Feb. 1931, and not Dec. 1930, as previously stated.

update for Kornman filmography

I've added "Sally, Irene And Mary" and "Can This Be Dixie" to his filmography.

January 10, 2008

update for "Mike Fright" (no. 130)

Okay, forget about Georgie Stoll. Jerry contacted Ron Hutchinson of the Vitaphone Project, who was absolutely certain that Stoll was not the engineer in this film, but couldn't remember his actual name, so he's a mystery once again.

January 8, 2008

new filmographies

I've added two new filmographies, which can be accessed by clicking on the names: James Parrott and Mark Goldaine.

update for "Mike Fright" (no. 130)

Here's one I overlooked yesterday. Randy Jones pointed out that Joy Wurgaft looks like the girl doing the backflip at the start of this film, so I've added this detail to the page. I had previously assumed this to be the same blonde girl who sings "My Little Grass Shack," but I've since gotten a new pair of glasses and can now see that they don't match. Thanks, Randy.

January 7, 2008

new filmographies

I've added three new filmographies, which can be accessed by clicking on the names: Art Lloyd, Sherbourne Shields and Clarence Morehouse.

update for ten late silent episodes

I've added the copyright information for all of the films from "Spook Spoofing" (no. 71) through "The Spanking Age" (no. 80). Thanks again to Joe Moore for this info.

update for four Roach one-reelers

I've added information from the music cue sheets for "Hearts Are Thumps" (no. 153), "Night 'N' Gales" (no. 157), "Bear Facts" (no. 164) and "Came The Brawn" (no. 166).

update for four additional Roach talkies

While doing the music cue sheet updates, I noticed that I had overlooked the use of "Good Old Days" as the closing music on a handful of episodes, including three of the films already mentioned. I've also fixed this problem for "Fish Hooky" (no. 120), "Teacher's Beau" (no. 136), "Little Papa" (no. 139) and "Spooky Hooky" (no. 149).

update for three MGM episodes

I've added the script approval dates for "The Little Ranger" (no. 170), "Unexpected Riches" (no. 211) and "Farm Hands" (no. 216).

update for "Mike Fright" (no. 130)

A visitor to this site named Jerry Rothstein pointed out to me the resemblance between MGM musical director Georgie Stoll and the harried radio engineer in this film. While I'm not completely sure they're the same guy, the resemblance is fairly striking, so I've added a note about it on the webpage, which will remain there until a more positive ID can be made. Thanks to Jerry.

update for "The Little Ranger" (no. 170)

I've added the production number 2566, as per the publicity photographs.

update for "Bargain Day" (no. 106)

I've added a detail about the vaudeville origins of 'Watt Street.'

update for "Canned Fishing" (no. 163)

I've corrected the date for the music cue sheet.

update for Gene Kornman filmography

I've added some additional information regarding his later career.

update for Roach filmography

I've added a German film from 1968 that includes archival footage.

For updates from 2007, click here.

For updates from 2006, click here.

For updates from 2005, click here.