Pete the Pup

This filmography was made in collaboration with Matthew Lydick.

It's not much of a mystery to most Our Gang fans that there was more than one "Pete the Pup" in the series. Most people should be able to detect, without much effort, a first dog that worked in the series between 1927 and 1930, a second dog between 1930 and 1932, and a third dog between 1932 and 1938. In 2008, when I traveled to Los Angeles to research the Our Gang series at the Doheny Library at USC and the Margaret Herrick Library in Beverly Hills, I came across a handful of items generated by the Roach studio which actually numbered these dogs. One of them was a late 1935 press release that described Pete the Pup IV working in "The Pinch Singer." While he was doing this, his son, Pete the Pup V, was on the sidelines observing his father as part of his training for someday replacing him in the series. Another item established that Pete the Pup IV was still in the series around the time of "Our Gang Follies Of 1938," filmed in late 1937. The Pete character itself was phased out of the series in the summer of 1938, so it looks probable that Pete the Pup V never did replace his father in the series. There was also a reference to Pete the Pup III, who was said to be the dog that Spanky posed with in the very first photograph taken of him at the Roach studio, which would mean the dog that worked in the series from 1930 to 1932.

So, at least according to the numbering system of Hal Roach Studios, the original Pete was in the series between 1927 and 1930, Pete the Pup III was there between 1930 and 1932, and Pete the Pup IV was the dog that filled the role between 1932 and 1938. Which brings up an obvious question: What about Pete the Pup II? So far, I've found not a single shred of documentation about this dog, but inevitably, there had to have been a Pete the Pup II. And if we look at "Pups Is Pups" from 1930, we can find our likeliest candidate for this dog.

It's also worth noting that the two dogs owned by Harry Lucenay that are famously referred to as "Pete the Pup" were actually named Pete. The words "the Pup" weren't literally part of their name. However, it appears that "Pete" itself was actually a nickname, and that their name would more accurately be Peter. However, Jean Darling would have taken issue with this idea. In her book A Peek At The Past, she says: "Something else I don't understand is why 'Pete the Pup' is used in the cast listings of comedies made during my time on the lot. The first Pete joined 'Our Gang' for one reason only. He had been born with a black ring three-quarters of the way around his right eye. This marking was so unique it became a much advertised feature of 'Our Gang' and he was always referred to as Pete, the-dog-with-the-ring-around-his-eye, especially when the circle had been enhanced with a bit of hair dye on the tip of a paint brush wielded by the deft hand of his trainer." As of this writing, we have yet to find any reference to this lengthy moniker outside of Jean's recollections. It's worth noting, too, that "the Pup" was added to Pete's name pretty much as soon as Jean left the Our Gang series.

Another thing that's worth pointing out is that the Our Gang dog wasn't the first to ever be called "Pete the Pup." The earliest newspaper reference I've found is from 1910. James J. Montague published a poem called Sergeant Clancy, which included a character named Pete the Pup among a list of gangsters. As early as 1919, there was a vaudeville dog named Pete the Pup. In 1922, the Boston Globe published an item called Christmas Gifts Mother Can Make, which consisted of a cut-out dog named "Pete," the Pup. A flannel version could be pieced together using the diagram. But most notably, there was a cartoon series from Bray Productions, directed by Walter Lantz, called "Hot Dog," which was produced from 1926 to 1927. The star of this series was named Pete the Pup, and often, the series also referred to as "Pete the Pup." In his book Of Mice And Magic, Leonard Maltin described this series as featuring the live-action Pete the Pup in a cartoon world (a la Disney's Alice Comedies), but this is inaccurate. The dog was a cartoon character, and there was no ring around his eye.

This page is broken up into four main sections, each of which is its own filmography, along with text items describing what was going on in the dog's professional life year-by-year. And we start with:

Pete

(the original)

name: Pete
later known as: Pete the Pup
born late 1921 or early 1922, in Los Angeles, CA
died spring 1930 in Los Angeles, CA
owner/trainer: Harry Lucenay

1922

Early in 1922, or perhaps in late 1921, Pete was born. His father was Pal the Wonder Dog, and both dogs belonged to Harry Lucenay, who had already trained Pal to do tricks and had gotten the elder dog into movies a year earlier. By the time Pete was born, his father had become a movie star. Lucenay would also begin training Pete for the movies almost immediately. According to the July 7, 1932, Asbury Park Evening Press, Pete's mother was an "English society lady-dog," and that Pete was born in Pasadena. Another source described her as a Pasadena society dog of English extraction named Lady Diana, but this source also stated that Pete was born on Apr. 1, 1924.
The June 12th issue of Paramount Pep Magazine included a photo of Pal with his son, Pete.
In the June 17th Camera! magazine, Harry Burns reported the following: "Harry Lucenay, owner of Pal, the trained dog, has added a great canine to his troupe dubbed 'Pete'."
According to The Hammond Times (IN) of May 25, 1934, Pete was six months old when he was signed to his first contract. This was for the "Fighting Blood" serial, the first chapter of which went into release in Feb. 1923.

1923

By the beginning of 1923, Pete had landed a regular part in the "Fighting Blood" serial, which ran for 24 "rounds."
In the September issue of Picture-Play Magazine, George O'Hara reported the following: "'Petie,' the dog star in the pictures, necessitates the iodine bottle always being in readiness. The shouting from the grand stand seems to frenzy him. Overcharged with excitement, only recently, he left his tooth prints on Joe Rivers' skin and tried to take a nip out of my gloves. I suppose he figures that it's up to him to contribute something to the action!"
The September 15th Motion Picture News ran an ad for Cameo Clean Cut Comedies from Educational Pictures. Included was an image of both Pal and Pete, presumably from "West Is West."

Dog Sense (small part): Feb. 18, 1923 - Hibbard/Educational - 1 reel - Cameo Comedies series; Filmed mid-1922. Featuring Pal the Wonder Dog, with Neal Burns and Charlotte Merriam. Pete was still a puppy at this point, but it's apparent that the film was finished about a year before its release, since Pete is full-grown in "Fighting Blood."
Fighting Blood 1st series, round 1: Fighting Blood (supporting role): Feb. 18, 1923 - R-C/FBO - 2 reels - serial; ©Jan. 11, 1923. Working title for series: Sporting Blood.
Fighting Blood 1st series, round 2: The Knight In Gale (supporting role): late winter 1923 - R-C/FBO - 2 reels - serial; ©Jan. 11, 1923. MPN: Mar. 3, 1923.
Fighting Blood 1st series, round 3: Six-Second Smith (supporting role): winter/spring 1923 - R-C/FBO - 2 reels - serial; ©Jan. 11, 1923.
Fighting Blood 1st series, round 4: Two Stones With One Bird (supporting role): early spring 1923 - R-C/FBO - 2 reels - serial; ©Apr. 1, 1923.
Fighting Blood 1st series, round 5: Some Punches And Judy (supporting role): Apr. 15, 1923 - R-C/FBO - 2 reels - serial; ©Apr. 2, 1923. MPN: Jan. 20, 1923.
Fighting Blood 1st series, round 6: Gall Of The Wild (supporting role): spring 1923 - R-C/FBO - 2 reels - serial; ©Apr. 1, 1923.
Fighting Blood 1st series, round 7: The Knight That Failed (supporting role): spring 1923 - R-C/FBO - 2 reels - serial; ©Aug. 10, 1923.
Fighting Blood 1st series, round 8: Christopher Columbus (supporting role): June 1923 - R-C/FBO - 2 reels - serial; ©May 22, 1923. MPN: June 9, 1923.
Fighting Blood 1st series, round 9: A Grim Fairy Tale (supporting role): late spring 1923 - R-C/FBO - 2 reels - serial; ©May 4, 1923.
Fighting Blood 1st series, round 10: The End Of A Perfect Fray (supporting role): early summer 1923 - R-C/FBO - 2 reels - serial; ©June 24, 1923.
Fighting Blood 1st series, round 11: When Gale And Hurricane Meet (supporting role): summer 1923 - R-C/FBO - 2 reels - serial; ©June 29, 1923.
Fighting Blood 1st series, round 12: Judy Punch (supporting role): summer 1923 - R-C/FBO - 2 reels - serial; ©July 22, 1923.
Fighting Blood 2nd series, round 1: So This Is Hollywood (supporting role): summer 1923 - R-C/FBO - 2 reels - serial; © Aug. 20, 1923.
West Is West (role): prem. Aug. 6, 1923 - Hibbard/Educational - 1 reel - Cameo Comedies series; Released Aug. 19, 1923. Starring Pal the Wonder Dog, with Cliff Bowes and Virginia Vance.
Fighting Blood 2nd series, round 2: She Supes To Conquer (supporting role): summer 1923 - R-C/FBO - 2 reels - serial; © Aug. 5, 1923.
Fighting Blood 2nd series, round 3: Long Live The Ring (supporting role): late summer 1923 - R-C/FBO - 2 reels - serial; © Aug. 4, 1923.
Fighting Blood 2nd series, round 4: The Three Orphans (supporting role): late summer 1923 - R-C/FBO - 2 reels - serial; ©Sep. 24, 1923.
Fighting Blood 2nd series, round 5: The Taming Of The Shrewd (supporting role): early fall 1923 - R-C/FBO - 2 reels - serial; ©Sep. 30, 1923.
Fighting Blood 2nd series, round 6: Wages Of Cinema (supporting role): fall 1923 - R-C/FBO - 2 reels - serial; ©Oct. 14, 1923.
Fighting Blood 2nd series, round 7: A Comedy Of Terrors (supporting role): fall 1923 - R-C/FBO - 2 reels - serial; ©Oct. 28, 1923.
Fighting Blood 2nd series, round 8: The Merchant Of Menace (supporting role): fall 1923 - R-C/FBO - 2 reels - serial; ©Nov. 10, 1923.
Fighting Blood 2nd series, round 9: A Midsummer Night's Scream (supporting role): fall 1923 - R-C/FBO - 2 reels - serial; ©Nov. 24, 1923.
Fighting Blood 2nd series, round 10: Babes In The Hollywoods (supporting role): late fall 1923 - R-C/FBO - 2 reels - serial; ©Dec. 9, 1923.
Fighting Blood 2nd series, round 11: Beauty And The Feast (supporting role): early winter 1923 - R-C/FBO - 2 reels - serial; ©Dec. 17, 1923.

1924

On March 28th of this year, the Hollywood Daily Citizen published an article about Pal, which included the following: "Pal's son, Pete, is just two years old and has appeared in 27 pictures."
On August 24th, the Waco Times-Herald (TX) reported the following: "How'd you like to have been making $90 a week when you were only one year old? Or $375 a week at the age of eight? No joking, these are the inside figures on the salaries of 'Pete' and 'Pal,' two bulldogs owned by Harry Lucenay of Hollywood, Calif., formerly of Waco . . . Both dogs are now in the movies. Pete is Pal's youngest son.
On August 27th, The Brooklyn Daily Eagle reported the following out of Syracuse: "'Main street' in this city supposedly has witnessed all the fads and fancies of a passing age, but it recently gasped with amazement when down the center of a sidewalk there strutted a bull terrier calmly smoking a pipe. Pete, as the dog's name turned out to be, didn't merely hold the pipe in his mouth, according to observers of the animal, but it actually puffed and exhaled streaks of gray smoke. Its owner strolled alongside, apparently oblivious to the extraordinary amount of attention his pet was attracting."
On October 2nd, the Hollywood Daily Citizen reported the following: "Not only is Pal now one of the high-priced stars of the screen, but his son, Pete, also owned by Lucenay, is coming to the front. Pete worked through the "Fighting Blood" series and now is appearing in a number of pictures at Universal."

Fighting Blood 2nd series, round 12: The Switching Hour (supporting role): winter 1924 - R-C/FBO - 2 reels - serial; ©Dec. 22, 1923.
Budding Youth (role): July 16, 1924 - Century/Universal - 2 reels - Century Comedy series with Buddy Messinger; ©June 4, 1924.
Western Vengeance (role): July 20, 1924 - Independent - 5 reels - Franklyn Farnum feature; Costarring Marie Walcamp.

1925

During the spring of this year, Pete was signed up to work in the Buster Brown series, playing "Tige." Reports of the ring around his eye coming about at this point are erroneous, as the ring had already been there since he was a puppy.
The May 16th Motion Picture News reported the following: "Century Film Corporation announces that the first two-reel comedy in the series of 'Buster Brown' pictures, based on the famous comic section character originated by R. F. Outcault, has been completed with Arthur Trimble, juvenile star, in the name role. The pictures are being made under the direction of Charles Lamont, one of Century's leading directors. In all, twelve Buster Brown Comedies will be released next season, one a month being scheduled through the Universal exchanges. The present production plan contemplates a series of six to be followed by a second series of six. For Tige, the dog, Century officials have obtained the services of Petey, a screen dog which resembles Tige to a remarkable degree. Mary Jane, the cute youngster who also is an important character in the Buster Brown comics, is being taken in the Century Comedy adaptations by Doreen Turner. Others cast in the Buster Brown pictures are Katherine Young as the mother, Charles Young as the father, Emily Gertes as the maid and Dorothy Vernon as the cook."
In late May, Pete had his first brush with Hal Roach Studios when he worked in "Yes, Yes Nanette."
The May issue of the Standard Casting Directory includes an entry for Pete, explaining that he "just finished with Al St. John" in "Dynamite Doggie."
On June 8th, the Evening Express of Los Angeles, CA, devoted a full page to the dog stars of Hollywood, pretty much all photos and captions. There's one of Pal, owned by Harry Lucenay. But there's also a separate one of Pete, said to be owned by Mrs. Harry Lucenay.
On June 10th, the Evening Express of Los Angeles, CA, reported the following: "What breed of dog do ya want? 'Pete,' owned by Harry Lucenay, and 'Pinkie,' the poodle owned by Harry East, are, to say the least, widely divergent types, but the Evening Express puppy offer will furnish you a dog sired by either of them. What kind of a dog is Pete? According to Harry Lucenay, his owner, he is a Heinz. You know the old gag - part of each of the 57 varieties. Anyhow, he is a famous dog of the silver screen, and one of the cleverest dogs in the world. Just to own one of his pups would be an honor in itself . . . You can take your choice. The Evening Express offers you puppies from either one of these famous dogs or from any of a great number of other varieties as part of a great campaign to give every boy or girl in the Southland that wants one a puppy . . . This is not a contest, as there are no losers. Every boy or girl that wants one can have a puppy. Fill out the enclosed coupon and mail to the Evening Express today. Full details of the puppy offer will be sent you by return mail."
On June 17th, the Pasadena Evening Post (CA) reported the following: "It's hard lines for a dog to go through life with a black eye. But when said eye is regarded as indispensible for his art, it becomes a trademark just like Ben Turpin's eyes and is something to be proud of. 'Pete,' the dog with the black eye, is owned by Harry Lucenay and has won a great reputation on the silver screen as a clever comedy expert. Harry Lucenay says that Pete has a better idea of what is funny than many an actor and actually thinks up many 'gags' for himself. Pete has sired a pup for the Evening Express-Post puppy offer and his son is just as clever as he is." The rest of the article repeats details of the puppy giveaway seen elsewhere, but does make it clear that the Pasadena Evening Post was involved with this promotion as well as the Evening Express.
On June 23rd, the Evening Express of Los Angeles reported the following: "Latest styles for canines this summer will include straw hats to be worn, not chewed. The 'hay' bonnets will be worn cocked slightly over the right eye by all gay young dogs and will be doffed only at the approach of felines. This exciting fashion news was revealed to dogdom today by 'Pete,' one of the brightest stars in the screen firmament, who has just returned from a trip to Paris where he joined in the mad whirl of the society life of the French capital. 'Pete' indignantly denied repeated rumors that his trip abroad had been for the purpose of securing a fashionable divorce from his wife, Bulla Pup, who has been in retirement for the past few weeks. Bulla Pup, who was formerly a leading woman in her husband's star company, has at last decided to retire from screen life to make a home for her husband, the star declared. 'Dogs are more a la mode on the continent then ever, ce jour,' remarked Pete as he arrived in Los Angeles. (The dog star, like other movie luminaries who has traveled a little, interpolated a few French words in his sentence to show his education). 'No, there is no truth in the rumor that I went abroad to secure a divorce. On the contrary, I am returning home in great haste because of the glad news I just received from Harry Lucenay, my owner, that Bulla Pup has presented me with a litter of the finest pups in the world. Mr. Lucenay tells me that after these puppies are educated for the screen, they will be presented to some lucky Angeleno who has taken advantage of the Evening Express puppy offer. I think that this offer is a wonderul idea and you may quote me as saying that the Evening Express campaign to put a dog in every home in Southern California is the best ever. I am glad that the offer is not a contest and that every man, woman and child that wants to, can earn a puppy.' Like many another movie star, Pete arrived in Los Angeles with 27 trunks. Twenty-six of them were empty and the other contained his new straw hat."
On August 23rd, the Waco Times-Herald published an article about Lucenay and his dogs. It mentioned that Pete was two and a half years old, which is off by about a year.
On August 29th, the Long Beach Press-Telegram (CA) reported on the Meralta Theater booth at the fair in Downey, which featured various kid stars. On one of the days, Buster Brown, Mary Jane and Tige from the Buster Brown series were featured.

Somewhere In Wrong (role): Jan. 30, 1925 - Rock/Standard Photoplay/FBO - 2 reels - Stan Laurel series; ©Jan. 30, 1925.
The House Of Flickers (role): Mar. 15, 1925 - Fox - 2 reels - Imperial Comedies series; ©Feb. 22, 1925. Starring James Parrott.
Dynamite Doggie (role): Mar. 22, 1925 - Reel/Educational - 2 reels - Tuxedo Comedies series with Al St. John; ©Apr. 6, 1925.
Remember When? (bit part): Apr. 26, 1925 - Sennett/Pathé - 2 reels - Harry Langdon series; ©Feb. 13, 1925.
Yes, Yes Nanette (role): July 19, 1925 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. D-90 - Hal Roach series with James Finlayson; Filmed May 28 to June 2, 1925. ©July 20, 1925.
Dr. Pyckle And Mr. Pryde (role): July 30, 1925 - Rock/Standard Photoplay/FBO - 2 reels - Stan Laurel series; ©July 30, 1925. No. 11 in the series.
The Freshman (role): prem. Aug. 17, 1925 - Lloyd/Pathé - 7 reels - Harold Lloyd feature; ©July 27, 1925. Released Sep. 20, 1925.
Stranded (role): Sep. 2, 1925 - Stern Brothers/Universal - 2 reels - Century Comedy with Edna Marion; ©Apr. 11, 1925.
Tailoring (role): Sep. 6, 1925 - Rock/Standard Photoplay/FBO - 2 reels - A Ton of Fun series; ©Sep. 6, 1925, as A Ton Of Fun In Tailoring. Working title: Look Out Below.
Educating Buster (role: Tige): Sep. 23, 1925 - Stern Brothers/Universal - 2 reels - Buster Brown series; ©June 12, 1925. Reviewed as Educating Buster Brown.
Buster Be Good (role: Tige): Oct. 28, 1925 - Stern Brothers/Universal - 2 reels - Buster Brown series; ©June 12, 1925.
Oh! Buster! (role: Tige): Nov. 25, 1925 - Stern Brothers/Universal - 2 reels - Buster Brown series; ©Oct. 28, 1925, as Oh, Buster.
Buster's Bust-Up (role: Tige): prem. Dec. 13, 1925 - Stern Brothers/Universal - 2 reels - Buster Brown series; ©Nov. 2, 1925. Released Jan. 13, 1926.
Buster's Nightmare (role: Tige): Dec. 23, 1925 - Stern Brothers/Universal - 2 reels - Buster Brown series; ©Nov. 12, 1925.

1926

The January 23rd Motion Picture News of this year reported the following: "Stern Brothers, producers of Buster Brown Comedies for Universal release, have signed Pete the dog to a long term contract. He is now playing the role of Tige in the Buster Brown series. Pete is said by some reviewers to have a real sense of humor." Sidenote: Either Pete's contract was renewed at this time, or this is extremely delayed news.
On February 14th, the Oakland Tribune reported that Pete's contract with Stern Brothers was for a term of two years. On the same day, the Buffalo Courier joked that he demanded 200 bones a week.
On August 19th, the Nebraska Signal of Geneva published an article about editors visiting Los Angeles. The following focuses on a dinner party they held: "The real treat of the evening was the appearance of the two little shavers who play the part of Buster and Mary with Tige (the dog) comedies of that name. Buster is a real find. There is no other kid like him anywhere. He made a little speech which was well given and heartily received, followed by Mary who spoke a piece, and then by Tige, who put his paws up on the railing and barked. He had the usual ring around one eye and looks to be the wise dog he really is. After they had shown themselves, Tige disappeared, but Buster and Mary hung around and played with each other, and Buster was full of prunes all evening. He is exactly the character he was intended to be in the cartoons drawn more than thirty years ago by Richard Outcault. Where he came from I have never learned, and whether he is a boy or girl is beyond me, but he has the features of a girl."
On December 16th, the Pasadena Star-News reported the following: "A representative array of juvenile motion picture people has been gathered by Tom McDonald, manager of the Florence Theater, for the special show at the Florence Theater next Saturday morning (the 18th). If the salaries of these little stars were added together, it would approximate more than $8000, and they have all consented to appear in person to assist in making the special benefit show a success. More than that, each of the juvenile stars will bring a gift for the needy children of this city . . . Arthur Trimble and Doreen Turner, now playing the roles of Buster Brown and Mary Jane in Buster Brown comedies, will be in attendance, and Tige, the dog, will be on hand." On December 17th, they added: "Universal Film Company has donated a brand-new two-reel Buster Brown comedy for the occasion . . . Motion pictures will be taken of the stars by camera men representing the Pathe News, International News, Fox News and Kinograms."

Buster's Nose Dive (role: Tige): Feb. 24, 1926 - Stern Brothers/Universal - 2 reels - Buster Brown series; ©Nov. 20, 1925.
Buster's Hunting Party (role: Tige): Mar. 17, 1926 - Stern Brothers/Universal - 2 reels - Buster Brown series; ©Dec. 18, 1925.
Buster's Skyrocket (role: Tige): Apr. 14, 1926 - Stern Brothers/Universal - 2 reels - Buster Brown series; ©Dec. 18, 1925.
Buster's Mix-Up (role: Tige): May 12, 1926 - Stern Brothers/Universal - 2 reels - Buster Brown series; ©Jan. 22, 1926.
Buster's Heart Beat (role: Tige): June 9, 1926 - Stern Brothers/Universal - 2 reels - Buster Brown series; ©Apr. 5, 1926, as Buster's Heart-Beats.
Buster's Orphan Party (role: Tige): July 21, 1926 - Stern Brothers/Universal - 2 reels - Buster Brown series; ©Apr. 10, 1926. Also featuring Eugene "Pineapple" Jackson.
Buster Helps Dad (role: Tige): Aug. 18, 1926 - Stern Brothers/Universal - 2 reels - Buster Brown series; ©Apr. 13, 1926.
Buster's Girl Friend (role: Tige): Sep. 15, 1926 - Stern Brothers/Universal - 2 reels - Buster Brown series; ©June 12, 1926.
Buster, Watch Tige (role: Tige): Oct. 3, 1926 - Stern Brothers/Universal - 2 reels - Buster Brown series; ©June 12, 1926.
Buster's Narrow Escape (role: Tige): Nov. 1, 1926 - Stern Brothers/Universal - 2 reels - Buster Brown series; ©June 18, 1926.
Buster's Prize Winner (role: Tige): Dec. 6, 1926 - Stern Brothers/Universal - 2 reels - Buster Brown series; ©July 15, 1926.

1927

In late April of this year, Pete made his debut in the Our Gang series, in a short called "Olympic Games," though he wasn't yet under contract. His final appearance as "Tige" in the Buster Brown series may have already been shot by this time. He was replaced in that series by a dog named Jerry, whose facial makeup consisted of a couple of dark eyebrows.
On May 9th, Harry Lucenay was signed to a long-term contract with Hal Roach Studios. In the contract, he is described as "the owner of a dog answering to the name of 'Pete,' and being a brindle bulldog with a ring around his eye." This was a three-year contract with six month options, due to expire on May 9, 1930. Maltin & Bann quoted Hal Roach in 1990: "The dogs we were using had no personality, and couldn't do enough tricks. We looked at probably fifty dogs, and of all the fifty dogs we looked at, the best trained dog was the bulldog with the ring around his eye. I said 'Great, that's the one we want; all you gotta do now is take the ring off his eye'." He was then told that the ring had been applied with permanent dye. "So I said what the hell, leave it on." Maltin & Bann also state that Lucenay's salary started at $125, which would be periodically raised in increments of $25 to a maximum of $225. To make his services exclusive to Roach, $25 was added to his weekly salary. There was also a stipulation that, if Lucenay were to train a dog that performed better than Pete, than the contract would cover the services of that other dog. The authors referred to this concept as The Peter Principle. The payroll ledger does indeed show Lucenay starting at $150 (this combines the $125 rate with the $25 exclusivity addition).
On May 27th, the closing of the ten-day Valencia Orange Show took place in Anaheim with a "movie night." As the May 21st Hollywood Daily Citizen reported: "Miss Marie Prevost, a Warner Brothers featured player, 'Pal,' the wonder dog, the 'Kids' from Our Gang Comedies of Hal Roach and other notables of the screen will make personal appearances." Sidenote: While Pete is not mentioned in this article, it's difficult to imagine that he wouldn't have appeared with the Our Gang kids, expecially with Lucenay being there.
Robert Parrish, an occasional kid extra in the Our Gang series who grew up to be a movie director, published his memoirs, Growing Up In Hollywood, in 1976. In it, he describes how parents of kid actors often had photographic portraits made of their children that would be included in the Casting Directors' Album of Screen Children. One day, a casting director from Hal Roach Studios called and Robert answered the phone. This is how Parrish describes the conversation: "'Is Mrs. Parrish there? 'No. Can I take a message? This is Robert Parrish, her son.' 'Are you on page fifteen of the album? Above Jackie Condon and Pete the dog?' Pete was a sort of bulldog with a white head and four white legs. His owner had painted a brown circle around his right eye and trained him to bark on cue, yawn, roll over, sit up, lie down, and do anything else the director wanted. In fact, the Pete on page 15 was Pete Number Three. The owner had cornered the 'dogs for movies' market and kept breeding mongrels until he hit upon one approximately like Pete Number One, i.e, with a white head so that the circle around the eye would show. He had three or four reasonably good facsimiles in reserve, all properly trained and all waiting for the star, Pete Number One, to die or get drunk or temperamental. As it happened, Petes Numbers One and Two were killed in a kennel fire, and all the understudies moved up in the best show-business tradition. I didn't want the casting director to think I was a dummy about what was going around town, so I answered, 'You mean above Pete Number Three?' There was a long pause and the casting director finally said, 'Are you Robert Parrish and are you on page fifteen in the album?' I said yes and he said, 'OK, come to Hal Roach Studio in Culver City for an interview at five o'clock tomorrow. If you are selected, you will work with director Robert McGowan in the Our Gang series. I said, 'Yes, sir. You can tell it's Pete Number Three because it has a white belly.' He had hung up and missed this bit of information." Sidenote: Parrish is describing his appearance in "Yale Vs. Harvard," but making it sound like it was his first Our Gang film. He had actually made his series debut about a month and a half earlier in "Olympic Games," which was also Pete's first Our Gang film. Considering the degree to which Parrish's recollections clash with other evidence regarding the multiple Petes and the layout of the specific casting directory he's writing about, his version of the situation should probably be taken with a grain of salt. Parrish isn't the only person to talk about backup Petes, so there's probably some truth to this, but he's the only source that numbers them the way he does.
On November 9th, Lucenay's salary was increased to $175 a week.

Buster's Picnic (role: Tige): Jan. 3, 1927 - Stern Brothers/Universal - 2 reels - Buster Brown series; ©July 22, 1926.
Buster's Sleigh Ride (role: Tige): Feb. 7, 1927 - Stern Brothers/Universal - 2 reels - Buster Brown series; © July 24, 1926.
Buster's Dark Mystery (role: Tige): Mar. 7, 1927 - Stern Brothers/Universal - 2 reels - Buster Brown series; ©Aug. 17, 1926. Also featuring Eugene "Pineapple" Jackson. Review title: Buster's Dark Secret.
Look Out Buster (role: Tige): Apr. 4, 1927 - Stern Brothers/Universal - 2 reels - Buster Brown series; ©Aug. 25, 1926, as Look Out - Buster!
Buster Don't Forget (role: Tige): May 2, 1927 - Stern Brothers/Universal - 2 reels - Buster Brown series; ©Aug. 25, 1926, as Buster, Don't Forget. Earliest confirmed screening Nov. 8, 1926.
Buster's Frame Up (role: Tige): June 6, 1927 - Stern Brothers/Universal - 2 reels - Buster Brown series; ©Mar. 8, 1927, as Buster's Frame-Up.
Buster's Initiation (role: Tige): July 4, 1927 - Stern Brothers/Universal - 2 reels - Buster Brown series; ©Apr. 4, 1927.
64. The Glorious Fourth (featured role: Pansy): July 31, 1927 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. K-22 - Our Gang series; Also listed for June 26, 1927, and July 30, 1927. Filmed May 10 to 21, 1927. ©July 22, 1927. Pete swallows some Bermuda oil and becomes a walking grenade launcher.
Buster's Handicap (role: Tige): Aug. 1, 1927 - Stern Brothers/Universal - 2 reels - Buster Brown series; ©Mar. 28, 1927. Earliest confirmed screening Apr. 18, 1927.
63. Olympic Games (supporting role: Minnie): Sep. 11, 1927 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. K-21 - Our Gang series; Also listed for Sep. 10, 1927. Filmed Apr. 22 to May 6, 1927. ©July 8, 1927. An ironic name, since it's not hard to tell that this is a male dog. Pete appears pretty much throughout this film. This was his debut appearance in the series.
Buster, Come On! (role: Tige): Sep. 14, 1927 - Stern Brothers/Universal - 2 reels - Buster Brown series; ©May 17, 1927, as Buster Come On.
67. Yale Vs. Harvard (small part): Sep. 24, 1927 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-1 - Our Gang series; Filmed June 13 to 24, 1927. ©Aug. 17, 1927. The cutting continuity doesn't actually name him, but it does mention a dog as part of the Our Gang team, and Pete is shown in more than one press photo for this film.
Buster's Home Life (role: Tige): Oct. 12, 1927 - Stern Brothers/Universal - 2 reels - Buster Brown series; ©May 11, 1927. Earlier confirmed screening June 18, 1927.
68. The Old Wallop (supporting role): Oct. 22, 1927 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-2 - Our Gang series; Filmed Aug. 8 to 20, 1927. ©Oct. 22, 1927. Pete mostly reacts to the highrise activities by covering his eyes, but he is the one who ultimately rescues Farina and Jay.
Buster, What's Next? (role: Tige): Nov. 16, 1927 - Stern Brothers/Universal - 2 reels - Buster Brown series; ©July 27, 1927.
69. Heebee Jeebees (small part: Pansy): Nov. 19, 1927 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-3 - Our Gang series; Also listed for Nov. 29, 1927. Filmed Aug. 29 to Sep. 13, and Sep. 30, 1927. ©Nov. 1, 1927. Pete's hynotised to go in reverse, and also climbs onto the minister's lap.
Run Buster! (role: Tige): Dec. 14, 1927 - Stern Brothers/Universal - 2 reels - Buster Brown series; ©Aug. 5, 1927.
70. Dog Heaven (lead role: Pete): Dec. 17, 1927 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-4 - Our Gang series; Filmed Sep. 15 to Oct. 13, 1927, with retakes Nov. 1, 1927. ©Nov. 26, 1929. Pete attempts suicide after losing Joe to a girl.
Hello Sailor (role: Tige): Dec. 25, 1927 - Lane/Educational - 2 reels - Lupino Lane series; ©Dec. 27, 1927.

1928

On February 19th of this year, the Muskogee Daily Phoenix (OK) reported the following: "On Monday - tomorrow - at four o'clock, there will be a special entertainment for children at the Palace. Tige, the dog featured in the Buster Brown comedies, will be there with his master and both will entertain the youngsters." Sidenote: It's tempting to think that this might be referring to Lucenay and his dog, Pete, but by this time Pete had been replaced in the Buster Brown series by Jerry. Pete would have been busy back home working in "Crazy House."
On March 24th, more than 60 of Hollywood's screen children attended the "Screen Kiddies Premiere" of Charlie Chaplin's "The Circus" at Grauman's Chinese Theater. Among those invited were the nine kids and one dog from the 'Our Gang' series.
On April 13th, the Los Angeles Times reported the following: "An old-time favorite of the screen, Strongheart, dog star, is scheduled to come out of retirement to appear with Rin Tin Tin and other canines of filmdom at a special morning matinee. It will be staged at 10 o'clock tomorrow with Charlie Chaplins's 'The Circus' at Grauman's Chinese Theater. The reception in the forecourt of the theater was arranged by Sid Grauman, in line with Mayor George Cryer's proclamation establishing 'Be Kind to Animals Week' starting Monday (the 16th)." Among the dogs invited to this event was Pete.
Sometime during the summer, the Our Gang kids were visited at the studio by Frances Juliet Douglas of The Piqua Daily Call (OH), who described her meeting with them in an article dated August 29th. They were taking publicity stills in preparation for their upcoming cross-country tour. She said that Pete "seems to enjoy posing as much as anybody, responding instantly to the commands of the director."
On July 1st, The Waco News-Tribune and Times-Herald published an article about Lucenay's dogs, which included the following comment about Pete: "Pete is the comic character of the bunch. He makes a handsome salary, too, quite a "doggie" one, and he features with "Our Gang" comedies, and is a great favorite with little burr-headed Farina. He is now under a five year contract with Hal Roach. Pete is really an actor by nature, for he can be ferocious or docile as a lamb, or, oh, so mischievous." They also mention how "the office force just couldn't resist the swagger look of Pete in Mr. Lucenay's hat. In fact, they thought the hat was quite a lucky straw to be worn over that intelligent doggish eye circled with charcoal." The article also states that Lucenay's dogs "go to school each day and are taught by an old German indoor circus trainer by the name of Sig. Hermany, who trained animals for 35 years in Europe." It also mentions that Pete ate two and a half pounds of meat per day.
On July 20th, the Evening Express of Los Angeles reported the following: "Hearts of the members of Hal Roach's 'Our Gang' beat anxiously today, for 'Pete,' screen dog comedian and companion of the youngsters in many pictures, is ill with typhus. Veterinaries say his rugged constitution may save him."
On August 14th, the Our Gang kids departed Los Angeles on the California Limited for a personal appearance tour, which was scheduled to take them to Chicago, Detroit, New York, Newark, Boston, St. Louis and other cities, all on the Balaban & Katz Loop. This turned out to be not quite true, though, as they never made it to Newark or Boston. On their way east, they briefly stopped at various locations to greet their fans. One of these was a 3 p.m. stop on this day at San Bernardino.
Also on August 14th, the Gang's train passed through Needles, CA, at 10:15 p.m. As The Needles Nugget of August 17th put it: "These famous young folks have many ardent friends and admirers in our town and some of them tried to catch a glimpse of the celebrities while the train stopped, but the 'Gang' had already retired."
On August 15th, the Gang's train stopped in Albuquerque, NM. The Albuquerque Journal of the following day reported the following: "A crowd of several hundred people, adults and children, was on hand at the Santa Fe station to greet the little actors. While here the young stars renewed their acquaintance with Ershel Redd, an Albuquerque boy who took part with them in two comedies at the studio at Culver City, Calif., last spring. Young Redd lives at 206 South Broadway...Mayor Clyde Tingley introduced 'Our Gang' and (director of publicity) Mr. (Ray) Coffin to the fans from the platform of the train...After the youngsters had been introduced and Mr. Coffin had made a short talk about them, they were urged to take a little exercise on the brickwalk, but the suggestion didn't meet with the approval of 'Fatty.' 'Naw, I want to eat,' he objected and made his way toward the diner, where he waited to be served."
On August 16th, the Gang's train passed through Hutchinson, KS. As The Hutchinson News reported the previous day: "What ho! 'Our Gang' is going through tomorrow...They will be through at 4:30 sharp on the Santa Fe California Limited, headed for Detroit...Surely one of them will condescend to step out on the observation platform and give the kiddies of Hutchinson a wave. At any rate Roy Coffin, Hal Roach's publicity man, who is accompanying them, will be sure to be there - publicity men always are."
Also on August 16th, the Gang's train passed through Emporia, KS, at 7:20 p.m. As The Emporia Daily Gazette reported the following day: (The Our Gang kids) "made a personal appearance Thursday night before a full house at the Santa Fe station, with the rear platform of the California Limited for a stage. Fully half an hour before the train was due, Emporia movie fans of all ages began to line up under the station pillars, and by the time the huge engine roared by, the crowd had become a swarming mob of 3,000 admirers, anxious to meet informally the youthful stars...The gang evidently was expecting to meet their Emporia friends for when the train stopped, they were on the observation platform ready to be introduced...As the fans moved to the platform, the Gang smiled approvingly at the cheers and handclaps they received...The introductions were made by Ray Coffin...who presented each in turn." About Pete, it said: "Pete the canine mascot, apparently was little thrilled by his introduction since no four legged friends were there to bark approval. Pete looked straight forward and mighty sober. Maybe the pipe had done it or again possibly he felt out of place with a black ring around his right eye."
Also on August 16th, the Gang's train stopped at the Union Station in Kansas City, MO, at 10:30 p.m. for half an hour. The Kansas City Post of the previous day reported the following: "I have a wire from their publicity director this morning. 'Will shoot kids immediately on arrival up to lobby of the station and they are yours to do as you will for the next thirty minutes.' A platform will be standing at the curb of the station plaza. The Gang will hop up there and will be plainly seen by the crowd. The platform will be lighted and the Gang will do its stuff in the way of meeting their gang of fans in Kansas City. Motion pictures of the crowd and the gang, and photographs of both will be taken. The motion pictures will be shown at Loew's Midland." On the 16th, the Kansas City Journal had this to say: "Harry Kessel, popular community song leader and representative of the Feist Publishing company, will be master of ceremonies at the Union station at 10:30 o'clock tonight when Our Gang arrives from Hollywood for a half hour's visit with Kansas City fans. He will lead the crowd in singing Hail, Hail, Our Gang's All Here and popular songs of the day. He also will introduce each of the Hal Roach gangsters. Dick O'Kane will accompany on the piano, which will be on the station plaza platform constructed for the gang." The following day, the Kansas City Journal published an article about the visit, which can be accessed by clicking here.
On August 17th, the Kansas City Post reported the following: "Chicago, quiet little city on the shores of Lake Michigan, today was all set to quell a riot when a certain Santa Fe train from Kansas City arrived there at noon. A Chicago newspaper, according to a message received by The Post today, had been 'reliably informed' a mob had attacked the train upon its arrival here at 10:30 o'clock last night and the Santa Fe officials had found it necessary to call out police reserves to break up the riot. The newspaper was quite serious. Moreover, the Chicago newspaper informed The Post that in view of last night's 'riot' in Kansas City, the railroad officials were taking no chances and had requested police protection for the train upon its arrival there today...It was a well ordered reception the little movie stars were accorded here last night by 'their public' - possibly the greatest reception ever given any movie star here - and the police were there to aid in keeping order and protecting the thousands of small Kansas Cityans who were on hand to greet Our Gang. Exaggerated reports of last night's enthusiastic reception here probably were forwarded to Chicago by unknowing passengers on the train."
Also on August 17th, the Gang's train arrived in Chicago, where they would perform for one week at the Chicago Theater starting the next day. On the 18th, the Chicago Daily Tribune reported the following: "All of 'Our Gang' of the movies, who arrived yesterday on the Santa Fe for an appearance at the Chicago theater, were special guests at a party in the Hotel Sherman bungalow yesterday" Pete was described as "shaking hands with every one." On August 19th, this same paper corrected themselves, stating that the party took place at the Morrison Hotel.
On August 18th, the Our Gang kids began performing at the Chicago Theater. The Forest Park Review that day explained that the kids "will come down upon the Chicago theater for their first and only appearance, their manager, Hal Roach, having notified Balaban & Katz, that the proximity of school days in Hollywood would make engagements at the Tivoli and Uptown theaters impossible."
On August 20th, the Chicago Daily Tribune had this say about the Gang's stage show: "This will probably be a record week at the Chicago, what with all the mammas and papas in town bringing their kids to see the 'Our Gang' kids. And it's no wonder, for Hal Roach's famous youngsters are as funny and lovable in this personal appearance as they have been on the screen. It's refreshing to learn that working under Kleig lights has not spoiled these children and that the studio atmosphere, instead of taking the bloom off of their childish charm, has been conducive to preserving it. They are appealingly natural and unself-conscious, which is more than can be said for the infant prodigies of the stage. Here's hoping their tour across the country will be a merry and successful one."
On August 24th, The St. Joseph News-Press (IL) reported the following: "By special arrangement with Hal Roach and M. G. M., Publix Theaters Corporation are presenting the original members of Our Gang comedies. The popular kids...are making personal appearances in the de luxe picture houses of both Publix and Loew key city theaters. Our Gang is now appearing in Chicago theaters. The attraction has drawn considerable crowds in all the theaters they have played so far."
On August 25th, the Gang arrived in Detroit in the morning, and did their first performances at the Michigan Theater that day.
On August 26th, The Detroit Free Press reported the following: "The Our Gang Kids have been looking over some of the sketches in the WCX-Our Gang contest, and they were so pleased with them that they have asked The Free Press to extend the time limit for 12 hours so that the last minute entrants will also have a chance. So the contest will close at 12 o'clock tomorrow instead of midnight tonight. Your drawing of Pete, the famous dog mascot of the Our Gang Kids, must be in the editors hands before noon Monday (the 27th), if it is to be considered for ticket prizes to see the Our Gang Comedy Kids show at the Michigan this week. The Our Gang Kids will judge the sketches, you know, at the WCX studio Monday afternoon during Skeezix Time at 5:30 o'clock, and you'll hear them over the air."
On August 27th, The Detroit Free Press reported the following in an article about the zoo that had just opened in Detroit: "The children comprising the 'Our Gang' troupe of movie actors are to be special guests of the zoo management today at 10:30. The elephant and the camel will be ready for them to ride and the other animals have been instructed to show their best behavior for the occasion."
Also on August 27th, the Our Gang kids put in a personal appearance at the Franklin street settlement in Detroit. This according to The Detroit Free Press of September 2nd.
Also on August 27th, The Detroit Free Press reported the following: "The Our Gang Comedy Kids and their famous mascot Pete will announce the winners of the WCX-Our Gang contest over WCX during the Skeezix Hour this evening at 5:30. Tune in! Fatty, Farina, Freckles, Wheezer, Jean Darling, Mary Ann Jackson and Pete - the whole gang - who are appearing on the Michigan stage this week, will be there. Because an extra show has been added to the theater bill, the 'kids' will greet the radio audience first direct from the Michigan stage, where microphones will be installed to pick up their part of the theater's program. Later, appearing with Chief Neal Tomy in the special radio studio back stage, they will announce the contest winners." This contest was open to kids 15 and under. Skeezix Time was a local program in Detroit based on the character from the popular comic strip Gasoline Alley. The following day, The Detroit Free Press reported the following about the contest: "Jean Darling, Mary Ann Jackson, Wheezer, Fatty, Freckles, Farina and 'Pete' himself, announced the awards over WCX at Skeezix time last night. They were gathered with 'Chief' Tomy, Dorothy and Loraine in the studio above the stage at the Michigan theater, where they are appearing before record crowds this week. Skeezix time was transferred to the theater because Our Gang was scheduled for a stage appearance at 5:30 o'clock. After the opening songs, the stage microphones were turned on and the radio audience heard the members introduced to the visible crowd which packed every nook and corner of the theater. Then the scene was shifted back to the studio for the birthday party and to await the coming of the gang. It was the kiddies' first appearance before the 'mike' and Fatty was a bit suspicious. It had to be explained to him before he was willing to say a word. It was a great occasion for the gang as well as for the thousands of their small friends who listened in." The birthday party mentioned in this article was a regular feature on the radio show.
Also on August 27th, The Detroit Free Press had this to say about the Gang's stage show: "Our Gang, those inimitable comedy kids who are here in person, are sure to be a tremendous drawing card this week. They are the most natural-acting and vivacious youngsters imaginable, and the fun and play they get out of their appearance on the stage shows how little all their popularity has spoiled them. 'Fatty' and 'Freckles' and 'Pete' the dog, and all the rest of the gang are even more appealing in real life than on the screen."
On August 28th, The Detroit Free Press reported the following: "All Saturday and Sunday records of the Michigan theater were shattered last week-end! The Our Gang comedy kids, in their first stage appearance east of Hollywood, are proving themselves the most sensational theatrical attraction in the last ten years, according to local showmen. The Michigan theater filled up at noon Saturday (the 25th) and remained filled until close to midnight. Then it repeated that record Sunday. The records established by Mae Murray, Paul Whiteman, Vincent Lopez, John Philip Sousa, Gertrude Ederle were exceeded so far that it is probable the Our Gangsters will forever be the Michigan's greatest attraction. Extra shows are being planned for around 5 p.m. each day during the week. In Chicago, the children appeared at 35 shows during the week - five each day - and set an almost unbelievable record for attendance."
On September 1st, the Gang arrived in Cleveland, and did their first performances at the State Theater that day. The kids also got to view a special screening of the locally made Our Gang film featuring their Cleveland lookalikes.
Also on September 1st, radio listings for Detroit's WBMH indicated that they were broadcasting a program called "Our Gang" from 9:00 to 9:30pm and again from 11:15pm to midnight. The Gang was no longer in Detroit by this evening, so if these programs had anything to do with them, then they must have been pre-recorded.
Also on September 1st, The Cleveland Press published an article about Our Gang, which can be accessed by clicking here.
On September 2nd, the Cleveland Plain Dealer published an article about Our Gang, which can be accessed by clicking here.
Also on September 2nd, the Muskogee Daily Phoenix (OK) reported the following: "'Our Gang' is touring the country and making personal appearances in the large cities. They travel in a specially equipped Pullman coach with sound-proof walls, unbreakable furniture and all kinds of shock absorbers. This is their first glimpse of the country outside of California."
On September 5th, International News Service reported the following out of Cleveland: "'Our Gang,' Hal Roach's well known group of child movie performers, may have to discontinue their performances in vaudeville here, else the theatre management will be prosecuted for violation of the Ohio child labor laws. Miss Lauretta P. Bean, of the state industrial commission, has sworn out an affidavit charging George Drummond, theatre manager, with violating the law which prohibits children under 14 years from appearing on the stage, it became known today. The juvenile troupe arrived here Sunday from Hollywood and had been booked to play the rest of the week." Slight correction: the Gang had arrived on Saturday. The Associated Press reported Bean as saying that Drummond had "agreed to appear for arraignment before a justice of the peace today."
On September 7th, the Gang spent their last night in Cleveland. A few days later, on September 11th, the Cleveland Plain Dealer published the following anecdote from Eleanor Clarage: "And speaking of Maurice Spitalny...the writer and several of her friends had tried all last week to get into the State to see Hal Roach's gang in the flesh, but all to no avail. Lines stood out almost to 14th Street every time we went near the theater, and at last we gave it up as a bad job. Then, Friday night (the 7th), a few of us wandered into the Statler for dinner and got a table over in a quiet corner, next to a table evidently decorated for a dinner party, with floral centerpiece, fancy melons ready at each plate and so on. We wondered idly what kind of a party it was going to be, and before we had the words out of our mouths, Mr. and Mrs. Russell Keith were coming into the dining room with 'Our Gang' and their mamas in tow, with a curious crowd pushing around the doorway stretching their necks to get a better look at them. This, after we had been turned away from the theater all week! Fate is sometimes almost too good to one."
On September 8th, the Gang returned to Chicago, this time to perform at the Norshore Theater for six days. The previous day, the Cook County Herald of Arlington Heights, IL, reported the following: "Hal Roach's comedy rascals, having broken every existing record for attendance at the Chicago theater, have been prevailed upon by Balaban & Katz to return to Chicago for an engagement at the Norshore theater starting Saturday, Sept. 8. The 'Gang' was scheduled for just one week in each city, but by schedules it was found possible to return for six days between their Cleveland and New York appearances. The demands of North Shore theatergoers who failed to see the child stars during their recent engagement were so insistent that Balaban & Katz have decided to present them at the Norshore theater, due to its excellent transportation facilities . . . To accommodate the throngs who failed to see the 'Gang' at the Chicago theater, Balaban & Katz have announced special matinee performances at the Norshore theater daily during the six day engagement. The program offered by the child-stars will be the same as that presented downtown."
On September 14th, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported the following: "George Dumond, manager of Loew's State Theater, yesterday was fined $25 and costs in each for four cases charging him with violation of the child labor laws in connection with the appearance here of Hal Roach's 'Our Gang.' Justice of the Peace Myron J. Penty dropped two similar additional cases pending against Dumond on his appearance yesterday."
On September 15th, the Daily News of New York reported the following: "There'll be great commotion at Grand Central terminal today! Won't there, though! 'Our Gang' arrives. Seven members, counting Pete, the dog who has the black ring around his eye. They are traveling in movie splendor, all dressed up in their Saturday and Sunday clothes. Pete, Fatty Joe Cobb, Freckles Harry Spear, Jean Darling, Mary Ann Jackson, Wheezer and last, but certainly not least Master Alan Hoskins, known throughout the world as Farina. Hal Roach, who started 'Our Gang' on its road to fame just ten years ago, will be at the station to meet the Twentieth Century. Also, Maj. Edward Bowes, managing director of the Capitol theatre, where the youngsters will make their first personal appearance this afternoon. The starlets together with their mammas, daddies, or whichever grown up members of their respective families are accompanying them, will journey from the train straight to the suites at the Park Central hotel and get washed up and ready for their Capitol engagement. Miss Fern Carter, Our Gang's teacher, accompanies them as well. We're assured that the parent committee will keep their charges away from night clubs and escort them back to the coast at the end of next week all set to resume work on their next season's output of two-reelers."
On September 19th, the Standard Union of Brooklyn reported the following about the Gang's appearance at the Capitol: "At least as amusing as 'The Cameraman' for the brief time they're on stage are Hal Roach's pint-size gangsters...They have a war episode to go through, and they do so with great good will, looking no bigger than grasshoppers. They are most unaffected kids. Yesterday afternoon down in a locker room under the stage, Miss Jennie Madden, the wardrobe mistress, gave them a party. Ice cream and small cakes. They enjoyed it wholeheartedly . . . They'll be in Brooklyn next week, incidentally, at Loew's Metropolitan."
Also on September 19th, The Brooklyn Daily Times published a column by Elsie Jean, which apparently was aimed at kids. She tells her readers that all of the Our Gang kids had joined her Happy Times Club, which also included many local children among its members. On September 21st, she announced that 50 Happy Timers would be chosen to be guests of the Our Gang kids the following Tuesday (the 25th) at the Metropolitan Theatre in Brooklyn.
On September 21st, the Gang visited the New York city hall. As The Washington Herald described it the following day: "Joe Cobb, the fat boy, was dolled up to represent Herbert Hoover, while Harry Spear impersonated Governor Smith. Jean Darling adopted the role of Texas Guinan, while Marie(sic) Jackson carried padlocks in her role of Mrs Mabel Willebrandt. The gang, now playing at local theaters, were received by Mayor Walker, who shook hands all around." Sidenote: Herbert Hoover and Al Smith, incidentally, were the two major party presidential candidates in the current election, which was ultimately won by Hoover.
On September 23rd, the Gang talked over the radio from station WEAF, introduced by Maj. Edward Bowes, managing director of the Capitol. This was an NBC musical series called Major Bowes' Family, which regularly broadcasted from the Capitol Theatre.
On September 24th, The Brooklyn Citizen published an article on the Gang's arrival in Brooklyn, which can be accessed by clicking here.
Also on September 24th, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported the following: "From the Union Trust Teller the following is clipped: 'The Main Street Meditator of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, after devoting a couple of paragraphs to the youngsters who took Cleveland and the State Theater by storm, concludes with the frantic query: "And oh, dear, dear - do they have the good sense to put their money in the bank while it's still rolling in?"' To a certain extent, we can satisfy her worries along this line by telling her that during their stay here in Cleveland, 'Our Gang' visited our juniors' department, and savings accounts were opened for each one of them . . . When the last of the accounts had been opened, Vice President J. R. Kraus heard that Pete, the dog, had been neglected, whereupon he immediately suggested that one be opened for him, too, and Mr. Kraus even went so far as to consent to act as trustee for Pete."
On September 25th, The Brooklyn Citizen reported the following: "Adult interest in 'Our Gang' is as great as the kids'. This was demonstrated at Loew's Metropolitan last night when the shouts of their elders drowned those of the youngsters accompanying them. The familiar faces stood in reality stronger than they do in the pictures. There was the same action seen, but it appeared more realistic as the little fellows hopped about the stage. Joe Carr(sic) was there, fat and saucy. Farina, too, and Mary Ann Jackson, and above all Pete, the dog. 'Our Gang' gave four performances yesterday to capacity houses, and were tired little rascals when they returned to their quarters in Leverich Towers."
On September 26th, The Brooklyn Citizen reported that the Gang were guests of honor the previous night at the Hotel Leverich Towers. It also mentions that Mary Ann sings and dances in the act. The article describes the Gang's act this way: "They presented a war play, in which Heavyweight Joe is the spy, Farina is the valiant soldier, who fights a terrible sword duel with Joe, the spy; Beautiful Jean is the Red Cross nurse, Mary Ann is another spy, Harry Spear is a soldier, Wheezer is the general of the army who comes riding in on a hobby horse, which is his prancing white steed and Pete, the dog, is also a soldier."
Also on September 26th, The Brooklyn Daily Times published an article about the Gang, which can be accessed by clicking here.
On September 27th, the Standard Union of Brooklyn published an article about the Gang, which can be accessed by clicking here.
On September 29th, The St. Louis Star reported on the Gang's upcoming engagement at Loew's State Theater, mentioning that they "shattered every record at the Capitol Theater in New York."
On September 30th, the Sunday News of New York reported the following: "Hal Roach's 'Our Gang' kiddies will visit thirty-one Loew theatres tomorrow, Tuesday, and Wednesday, making ten personal appearances a day." The Kansas City American of October 11th elaborated by saying: "Little time is allotted for their individual house howtow, just long enough to be whisked in for an introduction from the stage or pit and out." Ultimately, the Gang was scheduled to visit 32 theaters.
On October 1st, the Gang began three days of whirlwind activity, making personal appearances at 32 different theaters. On this day, they made eleven stops, all in Manhattan and all Loew's theatres. They were scheduled to be at the Sheridan at 1:00 p.m., the Greeley Square at 1:45 p.m., the Lincoln at 2:30 p.m., the 83rd Street at 3:15 p.m., the 7th Ave. at 4:00 p.m., and the Victoria at 4:30 p.m. After this was a 3-and-a-half hour break for dinner. Then they appeared at the Canal at 8:00 p.m., the Delancey at 8:30 p.m., the Avenue B at 9:15 p.m., the Commodore also at 9:15 p.m. (these times were approximations), and the American at 10:00 p.m.
On October 2nd, the United Press reported the following out of Brooklyn: "Ray Coffin, manager of members of the 'Our Gang' comedies, making a personal appearance at a theatre here, was arrested here because the 'gang' 'worked' Sunday (Sep. 30th). Shortly after they left the stage, after their Sunday performance, Coffin was handed a summons charging him with violation of a penal law which requires a permit for the appearance of children under 16. When they appeared again at night he was handed another."
Also on October 2nd, the Gang moved their whirlwind tour to the Loew's theaters of the Bronx, this time making appearances at nine of them. They were scheduled to be at the Victory at 1:00 p.m., the Burland at 1:45 p.m., the Spooner at 2:30 p.m., the Elsmere at 3:15 p.m., and the Burnside at 4:00 p.m. After this, they took a four-hour break for dinner. Then they moved on to the National at 8:00 p.m., the Boulevard at 8:45 p.m., the Grand at 9:30 p.m., and the Fairmount at 10:00 p.m.
On October 3rd, the Gang finished off their whirlwind tour of New York City theaters, this time visiting 12 Loew's theaters in Brooklyn and Queens. The Brooklyn Daily Eagle of October 1st and the Standard Union of October 2nd each filled in the following details. Their schedule initially had them as luncheon guests of Major Benjamin H. Namm, president of the Namm's department store. This took place in the Mirror Room on the third floor. At noon, they were to make a person appearance in the toy department of the store. As the Standard Union reported, "The gang has been touring the theatres throughout the East, but their appearance at Namm's marks their first appearance off the stage." (A perusal of this page, though, shows that this isn't quite true.) Their tour of theaters was to begin in Brooklyn with the Brevoort at 1:00 p.m., followed by the Bedford at 1:30 p.m., the Kameo at 2:15 p.m., the Broadway at 3:00 p.m., the Gates at 3:30 p.m., the Premier at 4:15 p.m., and the Palace at 4:30 p.m. After this, they took a three-and-a-half break for dinner, and then proceeded to Queens, appearing at the Willard in Woodhaven at 8:00 p.m., the Hillside in Jamaica at 8:45 p.m., the Prospect in Flushing at 9:30 p.m., the Plaza in Corona at 10:00 p.m., and the Woodside in Woodside at 10:30 p.m.
Also on October 3rd, the Standard Union of Brooklyn published an article on Ray Coffin, who had been arrested for having the kids work on a Sunday. It can be accessed by clicking here.
On October 5th, the Standard Union of Brooklyn reported the following: "Hal Roach's 'Our Gang' bade Brooklyn farewell yesterday and departed for St. Louis, where Fat Joe Cobb, Jean Darling, Mary Ann Jackson, 'Wheezer,' Harry Spear and Farina, will hold for a week before going to Kansas City. They more than enjoyed Brooklyn."
On October 6th, the Gang began their engagement at Loew's State Theater in St. Louis.
On October 7th, the St. Louis Daily Globe-Democrat reported on a promotion called Candy Week. In connection with this, the Candy Club would be distributing 5000 boxes of candy to the inhabitants of various children's and old people's homes in St. Louis. Entertainment at several of these parties would be provided by the Our Gang kids.
On October 8th, the St. Louis Daily Globe-Democrat had this to say about the Gang's act at the State: "The children are as delightful off the screen as they are on. One nice thing about these kiddies, they are all kid. And, wisely, their manager sends them clamoring out on the stage like the bunch of healthy, tumbling youngsters that they are. They aren't made to struggle with jokes beyond their comprehension nor contort their little bodies in ridiculous dances. They come out one by one and make funny kid bows and enact one of their comedy scenes as they do on the sets in the Hal Roach studio. Even Pete, the dog, isn't held to any set schedule. He comes out and wuff, wuffs a bit and calls it a day."
On October 12th, the Gang made a personal appearance in the Junior Section of Boyd's department store in St. Louis at 5 p.m.
On October 13th, the Gang arrived in Kansas City and began their engagement at Loew's Midland Theater.
Also on October 13th, the Kansas City Journal-Post published an article about the Gang, which can be accessed by clicking here.
On October 18th, the Kansas City Journal-Post reported the following: "The Our Gang comedy kids are for the Charities drive. They visited Mercy hospital yesterday and now they know why Kansas City has a charities drive. They found Bobbie in a wheel chair and Ralph's little feet all bandaged. So they held out their hands to the big hearted people of Kansas City."
Also on October 18th, The Emporia Daily Gazette (KS) reported the following: "The 'Our Gang' comedy cast will pass through Emporia Saturday afternoon (the 20th) on No. 23, westbound California limited. The train will arrive in Emporia at 1:40 o'clock and will remain for five minutes. Many Emporia kids are expected to be at the station when these youthful movie stars arrive. Emporians gave the 'Our Gang' troupe a great ovation when they passed through two months ago going east."
On October 21st, the Gang's train made a stop in Albuquerque, NM. According to the Albuquerque Journal of the following day: "'Our Gang' came through Albuquerque shortly before noon Sunday (the 21st) en route to the west coast after a successful trip in the east, where they made vaudeville appearances in some of the leading theaters . . . The Gang filed into the Alvarado coffee shop for their noonday luncheon and were the center of attraction." Elsewhere in the same paper: "The members had previously announced their coming as Monday (the 22nd) and few persons were on the station platform to give them a greeting. Junior Redd, 206 South Broadway, a former member of the gang, was at the station to renew his acquaintanceship with the juvenile actors."
On October 22nd, the Gang's train went through San Bernardino. According to the San Bernardino Daily Sun from the previous day, it was scheduled to stop for 10 minutes at 12:40 in the afternoon. Presumably they made it back home later in the day.

65. Playin' Hookey (lead role: Pansy): Jan. 1, 1928 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. K-24 - Our Gang series; Filmed June 27 to 29, and Aug. 1 to 6, 1927. ©Feb. 6, 1928. Pete's virtually the star of this film, getting himself estranged from his owners and breaking into the movies.
Buster's Big Chance (role: Tige): Jan. 11, 1928 - Stern Brothers/Universal - 2 reels - Buster Brown series; ©July 27, 1927.
71. Spook-Spoofing (small part): Jan. 14, 1928 - Roach/MGM - 3 reels - prod. G-5 - Our Gang series; Filmed Oct. 11 to 27, 1927. ©Jan. 14, 1928. Pete goes along to the graveyard, but doesn't do anything too specific.
Buster Steps Out (role: Tige): Feb. 8, 1928 - Stern Brothers/Universal - 2 reels - Buster Brown series; ©June 20, 1927.
72. Rainy Days (supporting role: Petey): Feb. 11, 1928 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-6 - Our Gang series; Filmed Nov. 4 to Dec. 28, 1927. ©Feb. 11, 1928, and Sep. 4, 1929. Pete's shown throughout most of this film, eating sausages, blowing soap bubbles, and getting into the flypaper.
66. The Smile Wins (supporting role): Feb. 26, 1928 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. K-23 - Our Gang series; Filmed May 24 to June 7, 1927. ©Sep. 2, 1927. Pete belongs to Farina's family. He attacks the bad guy and gets into the chloroform and limburger.
73. Edison, Marconi & Co. (supporting role): Mar. 10, 1928 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-7 - Our Gang series; Also listed for Mar. 9, 1928. Filmed Dec. 16 to 22, and Dec. 28, 1927. ©Mar. 10, 1928. Pete helps Wheezer get his nightgown off, and is otherwise present in the gang's garage.
Buster Shows Off (role: Tige): Mar. 14, 1928 - Stern Brothers/Universal - 2 reels - Buster Brown series; ©June 14, 1927. Apparently released in the UK on Feb. 15, 1928.
74. Barnum & Ringling, Inc. (small part): Apr. 7, 1928 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-8 - Our Gang series; Filmed Dec. 21, 1927, to Jan. 9, 1928. ©Apr. 7, 1928. Released with a synchronized soundtrack. Pete appears sporadically, and is part of the gang's clown act.
That's That (role: Tige): April 11, 1928 - Stern Brothers/Universal - 2 reels - Buster Brown series; ©Jan. 11, 1928. Apparently released in the UK on Feb. 16, 1928.
75. Fair And Muddy (supporting role: Pansy): May 5, 1928 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-9 - Our Gang series; Filmed Jan. 16 to Feb. 8, 1928. ©May 5, 1928. Farina sneaks Pete along for the ride, in which he's given several funny moments.
76. Crazy House (supporting role: Pansy): June 2, 1928 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-10 - Our Gang series; Filmed Feb. 10 to 24, 1928. ©May 16, 1928. Pete's given his share of time with the pranks.
Bear Knees (role): August 5, 1928 - Fox - 2 reels - Animal Comedies series; ©Aug. 7, 1928.
MGM News (appearance): Aug. 26, 1928 - MGM - 1 reel - newsreel; This was reviewed the following day, so I'm going with the copyright date that comes closest. Featured is footage of the Our Gang troupe during their cross-country tour.
77. Growing Pains (supporting role): Sep. 22, 1928 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-11 - Our Gang series; Filmed Feb. 27 to Mar. 15, 1928. ©Sep. 22, 1928. Pete's featured throughout this film. The cutting continuity refers to him as "Pansy," but the inter-titles don't.
78. The Ol' Gray Hoss (supporting role): Oct. 20, 1928 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-12 - Our Gang series; Filmed May 7 to 26, 1928, with retakes Aug. 16, 1928. ©Oct. 20, 1928. Released with a synchronized soundtrack. Pete's given some gag material, and goes after the rival at one point.
79. School Begins (supporting: Petie): Nov. 17, 1928 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-13 - Our Gang series; Premiered Sep. 16, 1928. Filmed June 7 to 28, 1928. ©Nov. 17, 1928. Released with a synchronized soundtrack. More specifically, Wheezer calls him "Petie Dog." He accompanies Wheezer throughout the film.
80. The Spanking Age (supporting role): Dec. 15, 1928 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-14 - Our Gang series; Filmed July 2 to 14, 1928. ©Dec. 15, 1928. Released with a synchronized soundtrack. Pete's featured throughout this film, reacting to various things. The cutting continuity refers to him as "Petie."

1929

On February 25th of this year, the Hollywood Daily Citizen reported the following: "'Pete,' the goggle eyed dog of 'Our Gang' comedies, was all over the lot Saturday in joyful reunion with everyone. It seems during the recent shut down of the Roach Studio, 'Pete' was the only one who didn't know what it was all about. He always rushes back and forth to the front door and back to Harry Lucenay, his master, when it is about time to go to the studio each morning. During the shut-down, 'Pete' went through the same routine each morning, but when Lucenay could not be urged out, he sensed there was something wrong. He was the most forlorn dog in town, Mr. Lucenay said, all during those weeks. He would lay on the floor and look at him with that cock eye of his and all but weep. 'He actually got on my nerves! I had to get out of the house several times; he looked as though he blamed the whole thing on me!' said Lucenay indignantly. But when Pete returned to the lot and saw he really hadn't lost his job or anything, he was the happiest dog in the world and proved it in true dog style."
The April Motion Picture magazine reported the following: "Petie, the comedy dog with Our Gang, has earned sixty thousand so far in his five years before the camera and his new contract calls for more than Buddy Rogers or Charlie Farrell. Pal and Petie have bought their owner a home, a new car every year, and are the breadwinners in his family - or should we say, the bonewinners?"
Sometime during 1929, Pete and his fellow Gangsters were featured in a picture book called A Story Of Our Gang, written by Eleanor Lewis Packer.
On October 3rd, The Adelaide Chronicle reported the following: "A newspaper axiom states that if a dog bites a man, that is not news. But if a man bites a dog, ah! that's news! Pete, the dog who is always found with the youngsters in 'Our Gang' comedies, had to go to the dentist to have a tooth filled recently. It would be interesting to record that he bit the dentist and howled and fought, but the dog is so well trained that the use of gas was unnecessary, and he behaved in a manner which made the members of 'Our Gang,' who were present, marvel."
On November 5th, INS reported the following: "Pete, the Hal Roach Gang's dog, has been going to night school, trying to learn the sign language. As you many have suspected, it is the sound screen's fault. Pete used to understand perfectly what his master wanted when the master said: 'Walk over to the door and open it.' But it became a different matter when the master, prohibited by the microphone from making a sound, had to wave his hands and work his face to give Pete his stage directions. Pete couldn't quite catch on that a wild rolling of the eyes indicated he was to open the door, so now he and his master are sitting up nights trying to get together on a sign code."
On November 18th, Pete's father, Pal the Wonder Dog, died.
On December 7th, "Moan & Groan, Inc." was released. If the press releases for the films are any indication, this was the point when "the Pup" became part of his moniker. To be specific, he was listed as "Pete the pup" at this point. It was also common to see a comma as part of his name for the first year or so.

Hollywood - The Movieland Of The World (appearance): c. early 1929 - California Scenics - 2 reels - travelogue film; Pete and the rest of the Gang are shown posing for photos on the set of "Rainy Days." This footage was shot in Dec. 1927, though other footage in the travelogue was shot as late as Nov. 1928. Raw footage taken for this film, including being-the-scenes footage of the making of "Rainy Days," can be found on YouTube.
81. Election Day (supporting role): Jan. 12, 1929 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-15 - Our Gang series; Filmed July 19 to Aug. 4, 1928, with retakes Aug. 22 to 24, 1928. ©Dec. 10, 1928. Pete's present in the scenes with Mary Ann, but doesn't do anything too specific.
82. Noisy Noises (supporting role): Feb. 9, 1929 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-16 - Our Gang series; Filmed Oct. 29 to Nov. 10, 1928. ©Mar. 5, 1929. Released with a synchronized soundtrack. Pete's in the bug-hunting scenes with Wheezer, and then helps to pull Joe's tooth.
83. The Holy Terror (supporting: Petey): Mar. 9, 1929 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-17 - Our Gang series; Filmed Nov. 19 to 28, 1928. ©July 11, 1929. Pete assists Mary Ann with her malevolent behavior.
84. Wiggle Your Ears (supporting role: Petie): Apr. 6, 1929 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-18 - Our Gang series; Filmed Dec. 4 to 12, 1928. ©Mar. 5, 1929. Released with a synchronized soundtrack. Pete appears off and on, most notably retrieving Harry for Mary Ann.
85. Fast Freight (featured role: Petie): May 4, 1929 - Roach/MGM - silent - 2 reels - prod. G-19 - Our Gang series; Filmed Dec. 10 to 27, and Dec. 29, 1928. ©Apr. 1, 1929. Pete rides the rails with Farina, and is featured in many gags along the way.
89. Small Talk (supporting role: Pete aka Petie): May 18, 1929 - Roach/MGM - talkie - 3 reels - prod. G-23 - Our Gang series; Also listed for Apr. 18, 1929. Filmed Mar. 25 to Apr. 6, 1929. ©July 30, 1929. Pete accompanies the kids throughout the film, and is given some gag material.
86. Little Mother (supporting role): June 1, 1929 - Roach/MGM - silent - 2 reels - prod. G-20 - Our Gang series; Filmed Feb. 4 to 13, 1929. ©June 3, 1929. Pete lives in the house with Mary Ann and the twins, and figures into a lot of the gag material.
90. Railroadin' (small part): June 15, 1929 - Roach/MGM - talkie - 2 reels - prod. G-24 - Our Gang series; Filmed Apr. 17 to 25, 1929. ©Dec. 9, 1929. Pete's in the open-air car with Wheezer and the girls, but is given very little to do.
92. Lazy Days (supporting role: Petey): Aug. 24, 1929 - Roach/MGM - talkie - 2 reels - prod. G-26 - Our Gang series; Also listed for Aug. 15, 1929, and Oct. 24, 1929. Filmed June 10 to 20, 1929. ©Aug. 26, 1929. Pete's seen frequently during Farina's footage, but doesn't do too much other than rock the cradle.
91. Boxing Gloves (supporting role): Sep. 9, 1929 - Roach/MGM - talkie - 2 reels - prod. G-25 - Our Gang series; Filmed May 13 to 25, 1929. ©Sep. 9, 1929. Pete accompanies Mary Ann throughout the film.
87. Cat, Dog & Co. (supporting role): Sep. 14, 1929 - Roach/MGM - silent - 2 reels - prod. G-21 - Our Gang series; Filmed Feb. 20 to Mar. 2, 1929. ©Sep. 3, 1929. Released with a synchronized soundtrack. Pete starts off as the locomotion for Joe's car, and then accompanies the gang throughout the film.
93. Bouncing Babies (featured role: Petey aka Pete): Oct. 12, 1929 - Roach/MGM - talkie - 2 reels - prod. G-27 - Our Gang series; Filmed July 5 to 15, 1929. ©Sep. 23, 1929. Pete's in almost every scene in this film, since he accompanies Wheezer throughout.
88. Saturday's Lesson (supporting role): Nov. 9, 1929 - Roach/MGM - silent - 2 reels - prod. G-22 - Our Gang series; Filmed Mar. 5 to 11, 1929. ©Sep. 9, 1929. Released with a synchronized soundtrack. Pete's with the kids through much of the film, but isn't given much to do, other than attack the devil man as the film irises out.
94. Moan & Groan, Inc. (supporting role: Petie aka Pete): Dec. 7, 1929 - Roach/MGM - talkie - 2 reels - prod. G-28 - Our Gang series; Filmed Sep. 3 to 14, 1929. ©Dec. 2, 1929. Pete's present through the whole film, and is featured in the dinner scene.

1930

On January 27th of this year, the stars of Hal Roach Studios, including the Our Gang kids, were featured in a special edition of the radio program "Voices From Filmland" on CBS. This was broadcast from the KHJ studio in Hollywood.
Around March, Pete died of poisoning. Or at least that's what the available evidence points to. It took some months for the press to catch on, but it was eventually reported. It certainly doesn't appear that there was any press release from Lucenay or the Roach studio announcing this; in fact, Lucenay spent the rest of his life passing off Pete's successor as the original Pete. The San Antonio Light of Apr. 13, 1931, after having been visited at their offices by Lucenay and his famous dog, reported that Pete had been poisoned, with the implication being that he had survived. The Detroit Free Press of Feb. 19, 1932, reported that Pete "gets fed by no one but his master, who is afraid someone might poison his dog and cut off his income." People at the studio reportedly suspected Tony Campanaro, another animal trainer at the studio who apparently wasn't fond of Lucenay, but they hadn't enough proof to confront him about it. Lucenay's son, Ted, always insisted that Pete wasn't poisoned, but he was only five years old at the time and could very well have been sheltered from the truth. He also described Pete as one continuous dog from the 1920s to the 1940s. However, the replacement Pete's grave marker (assuming it's authentic) indicates that the later dog died at the age of 16 (in early 1946), which is consistent with a birthdate in late 1929/early 1930. On Nov. 6, 1977, the Sunday Plain Dealer of Cleveland quoted a book called Who Was Who On Screen which said that Pete was poisoned with arsenic. However, it also said he was seven years old, which is inaccurate.
On April 8th, newspaper ads for Ribstitch Catalina Swim Suits began to appear, featuring illustrations of Mary Ann Jackson, Wheezer Hutchins and Pete the Pup, all wearing the swimsuits.
On April 25th, The Odessa Democrat (MO) reported the following: "Y. D. Adair has received a letter from Eugene F. McHugh, formerly of Odessa, but now of Beverly Hills, Calif,. in which were enclosed two photos of Mr. McHugh's children, Mary Jean, 4 years old, and Bobby, 22 months old. The pictures were taken with Pete, 'Our Gang's' dog. Bobby will be a movie actor soon, as he will appear in the 'Our Gang' comedies."
The May issue of Picture Play magazine eulogized Pal, mostly by copying the Universal Service story, but also added the following: "Pal was my friend. He was an aristocrat. He knew manners. I met him one day on the Universal lot a moment before he was to jump from a third-story window into a net, as the building collapsed in flames. He seemed to know me when I saw him after that, and one day, through his master, invited me to call that evening. For two hours he did his best to be entertaining. He performed all his tricks and showed me all he had learned in the studios and was doing splendidly, until Pete decided to hog in on the proceedings. Very resignedly, Pal went to one side of the room and lay on a rug, while his son took the spotlight. But through his understanding eyes, Pal was saying: 'All right. Let that roughneck waddle through his fumbles. He's just a comedy dog. But remember: if he shows any intelligence at all, he got it from me.' Then he stretched out and feigned sleep while Pete did his stuff. Pal didn't seem to think much of it. Presently he snoozed, then snored. Pete was disgusted."
In July, Photoplay magazine reported the following: "Good old Pete is dead - old Pete, with the ring around his right eye, who had frisked with the kids of 'Our Gang' for years. He was poisoned, and the theory is that someone had a grudge against his master, Harry Lucenay. Our Gangsters are inconsolable." Maltin & Bann state that one of the Photoplay magazines of 1930 reported that Pete had been fatally poisoned, but that there was still a Pete to report to work the next morning.
In his autobiography, Please Don't Shoot My Dog, Jackie Cooper said the following: "The dog in the Our Gang shorts impressed me more than the other kids did. I loved that dog, and one of the great events of my childhood career occurred the weekend Pete Stringer, the man who owned the dog, let me go home with him. To stay a whole weekend with Pete and his dogs was my idea of glory and paradise combined." Sidenote: Jackie doesn't specify which Pete this was, and Stringer is a complete mystery. Presumably, the Lucenays invited Jackie to stay overnight so he could hang out with Pete.

95. Shivering Shakespeare (small part): Jan. 25, 1930 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-29 - Our Gang series; Filmed Sep. 30 to Oct. 12, 1929. ©Dec. 17, 1929. Pete's shown in the scene with the shepherds, and briefly has a gag with a beard and moustache.
96. The First Seven Years (supporting role: Petie): Mar. 1, 1930 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-30 - Our Gang series; Filmed Oct. 28 to Nov. 16, 1929. ©Jan. 20, 1930. Also filmed in Spanish as Los pequeños papas. Pete's present through most of this film, but is given only a few gags here and there. He's listed in studio publicity for this film as "Pete, the pup."
97. When The Wind Blows (supporting role: Petie aka Pete): Apr. 5, 1930 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-31 - Our Gang series; Filmed Nov. 29 to Dec. 10, 1929. ©Feb. 10, 1930. Also filmed in Spanish as Las fantasmas. Pete seems to be Wheezer's dog more than the family dog, so he attacks Jackie. He was listed in the press release as "Pete, the pup." His character name in the Spanish version is "Pepe."
98. Bear Shooters (supporting role): May 17, 1930 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-32 - Our Gang series; Filmed Dec. 19, 1929, to Jan. 4, 1930, and Jan. 21, 1930. Also filmed in Spanish as Los cazadores de osos, as well as in French. Pete's present through most of this film, but doesn't do much until the end, when he chases the bootlegger into the lake. His character name in the Spanish version is "Pepe."
99. A Tough Winter (supporting role: Petie): June 21, 1930 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-33 - Our Gang series; Filmed Jan. 27 to Feb. 15, 1930. ©Apr. 14, 1930. Also filmed in German as Winter Wetter and in French as Semps d'hiver. Pete accompanies Wheezer through most of this film, and barks at the rewired gadgets.

Pete the Pup II

owner/trainer: Harry Lucenay (presumably)

Since the Roach studio had enumerated Petes III, IV and V, it's safe to say that a Pete the Pup II also existed. However, the information in this short section isn't based on any positive identification of the dog in question. There just happens to be a ring-eyed dog at this moment in history that doesn't match any of the other Petes that starred in the Our Gang series, and Pete the Pup II would have been around at the same time. So this identification is tentative. The presumption that this dog belonged to Lucenay is based on the fact that Lucenay will under contract with the studio throughout this period.

1930

Between April 21st and May 9th, the Our Gang film "Pups Is Pups" was shot. In the establishing shot showing the kids in the yard with the teeter-totter, there's a dog sitting in the background in front of a fence. A close look at the BluRay image reveals that this dog had a ring around its left eye. This is actually a pretty good indicator that the original Pete had died by this time, since there really wouldn't have been any reason not to use him instead - if he was still alive. Whether or not this is Pete II, he isn't really that convincing of a stand-in, which may be why he's relegated to the background.
Between May 21st and 29th, the Our Gang film "Teacher's Pet" was shot. There isn't any Pete the Pup in this short, but Pete II did appear in at least a couple of publicity photos taken on location at the Roach Ranch with the Our Gang kids in connection with this film. And that's the last we see of this dog. Nothing more is known about him.

100. Pups Is Pups (extra)

Aug. 30, 1930 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-34 - Our Gang series

Filmed Apr. 21 to May 9, 1930. ©July 2, 1930. Added to the National Film Registry on Dec. 28, 2004.

Pete the Pup III

born Sep. 6, 1929 (presumably)
died Jan. 28, 1946 (presumably)
owner/trainer: Harry Lucenay

The September 6th birthdate is that of Lucenay's Peter, who may or may not have been the same dog as Pete the Pup III, but there's a pretty good chance he is. Pitbulls usually reach full height at about a year old, and Pete III is virtually full-grown in "Love Business," which was filmed in September 1930. Grokipedia indicates that Pete III's birthdate was Jan. 22, 1929, which is impossible in light of the dog still being a puppy in 1930. They've connected him with a different dog, Purple Ribbon Peter, who was born on that date. IMDb repeats this date. The date of death is from Wikipedia and other websites. The only part that has been corroborated is the year, which is mentioned in a 2001 article on Harry Lucenay's son, Ted. Pete's grave marker (assuming it's the real one) says that he died at the age of 16, which is consistent with these dates.

1929

On September 6th, a dog identified as Lucenay's Peter was born. His registration number is U.K.C. 022-558. The breeder was A. A. Keller and the owner was Harry Lucenay. The sire was Tudor's Black Jack and the dam was Keller's Peggy O'Neil. This is according to an online pedigree chart as it existed around 2005. Current pedigree charts have been altered to conform to online falsehoods about these dogs, including the claim that the original Pete was Pal the Wonder Dog, and that Tudor's Black Jack was Pal's father. To get a more complete accounting of this mess of misinformation, click here.

1930

From April 21st to May 9th, the Our Gang film "Pups Is Pups" was filmed. Featured in this short is a litter of five puppies, one of which appears to be Pete III. It isn't clear if the five puppies are all siblings, but they're all the same size. According to the press release for "Big Ears" a year later, Pete sired a litter of puppies sometime in the early part of 1930. This is probably in reference to the litter seen in "Pups Is Pups," but it's more likely that those puppies were born in the latter part of 1929, and if they are siblings, then they were more likely to have been sired by Tudor's Black Jack.
The May 17th Hollywood Filmograph magazine of this year reported the following: "Our Gang's latest comedy centers around seven (actually five) little puppies. These puppies are the scions of Pete, Our Gang's four-footed playfellow, and Pete's 'sweet woman,' a thoroughbred English bull. Although they are only three months old, these puppies have marvelously responded to the training of Harry Lucenay, the owner. One of them is marked exactly like his father, and promises to be the most intelligent. The rascals are crazy about their new little playmates and have to be called more than once to return to their set for new scenes. Wheezer, though, gets the break. In this comedy, entitled 'Pups is Pups,' the pups belong to him, and he plays with them practically all of the time."
From June 17th to 25th, the Our Gang film "School's Out" was filmed. This short clearly has Pete the Pup III in it, but he's not yet full grown.
From September 3rd to 15th, the Our Gang film "Love Business" was filmed. This short also has Pete the Pup III in it, and he looks to be virtually full grown.

100. Pups Is Pups (uncredited dog trainer: Pete the Pup III): Aug. 30, 1930 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-34 - Our Gang series; Filmed Apr. 21 to May 9, 1930. ©July 2, 1930. Added to the National Film Registry on Dec. 28, 2004.
102. School's Out (uncredited dog trainer: Pete the Pup III): Nov. 22, 1930 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-36 - Our Gang series; Filmed June 17 to 25, 1930.

1931

On February 16th of this year, the Associated Press reported the following: "Pete, dog star of the 'Our Gang' comedies, was confined to a dark room today suffering from 'kleig eyes,' a painful, but not dangerous affliction caused by too many close-ups under the glare of the lights. 'Woof,' Pete told a reporter. 'He says,' interrupted Harry Lucenay, his owner, 'that all actors must suffer for their art'." On March 6th, The Central New Jersey Home News of New Brunswick, said "This is believed to be the first time that a dog has ever contracted 'Kleig eyes'."
On March 15th, The Sunday Star of Washington, DC, reported the following: "More or less, human feminine impersonators have been numerous on the stage and screen. Now 'Pete,' the famous 'Our Gang' dog, springs into distinction with the claim of being the first feminine impersonator among the canines, for he portrays the part of 'mother' to four healthy puppies in a recent 'Our Gang' comedy." Sidenote: Puppies figure into "Pups Is Pups," shot the previous year, and "Big Ears," shot two months after this article, but Pete doesn't appear as the mother to the puppies in either film.
On March 28th, the El Paso Evening Post reported the following: "Pete, nine-year-old movie dog of 'Our Gang' comedies, is on a vacation to cure his 'Kleig eyes.' He and his master, Harry S. Lucenay, are driving east. They are at Hotel Hilton. Pete is insured for $25,000 and Lucenay said that he hopes to retire Pete and himself from the movies in 1934 when present contracts are out. Pete is not trained for tricks but to carry out orders intelligently, Lucenay said. 'He's not temperamental, but he's lots of trouble,' Lucenay said. 'I never dare leave him anywhere alone.' Pete's Klieg eyes are the first ever contracted by a dog, Lucenay said. Too many closeups during comedy filming under the bright light were responsible, he said. 'And that ring about his eye and his seemingly hand-painted eyebrows are as natural as the spot over his other eye,' Lucenay said. 'People always believe that the circle and eyebrows are painted or dyed, but an examination by scientists has proved them real. I'm willing to wager $10,000 on it." Also on this date, The Detroit Free Press also reported on Pete's condition, saying that Pete was "receiving the treatment given humans suffering the same ailment." Sidenote: This is the earliest instance we've found of Lucenay endowing the new Pete with history of the deceased Pete. Lucenay never stopped doing this.
On April 4th, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported the following: "Children will be interested to learn that 'Petey,' the dog they know in 'Our Gang' movie comedies, will make a personal appearance this morning at the Worth. The dog will show on the stage some of the tricks he does in the picture, 'Little Daddy,' which will be on the same program."
On April 13th, The San Antonio Light published an article about Pete, which can be accessed by clicking here.
On May 24th, the Los Angeles Times published an article about movie dogs, with the following comments on Pete: "Pete, successor to the bulldog that was a leading spirit of mischief with 'Our Gang,' until some blighted soul poisoned him, recently had Kleig eyes, being confined to a dark room. But the seclusion had its compensations, for his master, Harry Lucenay, shared many hours with him and was exceptionally generous with good things to eat."
On June 25th, the News of the Day in Pictures syndicated column published a photo that reveals that, like the original Pete, the current Pete was appointed official mascot of the Hollywood post of the American Legion.
Jeannine Cook shared the following information at the "Our Gang Online" forum on Apr. 22, 1998: "There was more than one 'Petey.' My father and his family moved from Iowa to Culver City (near the Hal Roach studios) in 1931. They made jokes on the journey about how they would all go Hollywood and become movie stars. My father's dog 'Fritz' made it. Evidently the studio was looking for a 2nd 'Petey' and happened to see my father and his family walking their dog Fritz on the route to the studio. The family was paid $50 and a new dog (not bad during the Depression). My father also was able to visit his old pal at the studio once. He called 'Fritz!' and the dog came running, making the trainer angry. He never knew what later became of his dog. You may notice in the films, that as time goes by the ring around his eye moves from one side to the other. This may be a clue to which dog is which (and then again, maybe not). There were many Lassies, so probably the same with Petey." So this is either an example of an Our Gang imposter (Fritz, not Ms. Cook), or perhaps this was the dog brought on board when Lucenay left the Roach studio the following year, or perhaps Fritz was one of many backup dogs.
On July 7th, CPA reported the following out of Hollywood: "Hot dog! Pete the pup has his own beauty specialist. A French one, at that. Pete, you remember, is the English bulldog that plays a prominent role in most of the comedies acted by Our Gang for the Hal Roach studios. Pete, owned by Harry Lucenay, is 9 years old and has begun to worry about a wrinkle or so which is beginning to creep into his million dollar features. He is more worried, however, about his toe-nails, which insist on growing rapidly and long. From today, though, Pete gets his nails manicured and polished. Also, he has his eyes washed every morning with boric acid. He gets the beautiful black circles under his eyes nicely brushed and occasionally darkened. He has his eyebrows and whiskers plucked. He has his teeth washed twice a day. And at least once daily he is thoroughly currycombed. The beauty specialist, a man who knows what makes canine coats shiny and canine nails handsome, has been put under contract to take care of Pete. And Pete seems to like the idea fine."
On October 13th, the Los Angeles Evening Express reported the following: "If you ever pay a visit to the Hal Roach Studio, be careful not to drop any money when Pete the Pup is around. Harry Lucenay, Pete's owner, has trained him, as a gag, to place a paw over any coin which he sees on the floor. The other day Hal Roach, producer of 'Our Gang' comedies, in which Pete is featured, dropped a silver dollar. Six yes men scrambled to find it for him while Pete stood by innocently. It was a full 10 minutes before the coin was discovered reposing under one of the smart pup's large forepaws. Lucenay was considerably embarrassed and says he'll think twice before he teaches Pete any more money tricks."
On October 21st, the Illustrated Daily News of Los Angeles reported the following: "Pete the Pup, famous canine member of the Hal Roach 'Our Gang' comedies, and his owner, Harry Lucenay, were guests last week of the National Convention of Humane Officers at Santa Barbara. The dog and his master motored to the coast town, where Pete acted as representative of the 'canine actors' of filmdom."
Somewhere along the line in the early 1930s, Pete's Own Annual was first published in the UK. This was said to be a mixture of short stories, comic strips, and film stills, with Pete the Pup promoted as the mascot.

104. Love Business (small part): Feb. 14, 1931 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-38 - Our Gang series; Filmed Sep. 3 to 15, 1930, with retakes Sep. 20, 1930. ©Oct. 26, 1930. Pete's shown off and on, and isn't given much to do. Credited in publicity material as "Pete the pup."
105. Little Daddy (bit part): Mar. 28, 1931 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-39 - Our Gang series; Filmed Oct. 30 to Nov. 13, 1930. ©Feb. 6, 1931. Pete's shown in longshot while the kids are playing golf.
The Stolen Jools (small part): Apr. 4, 1931 - Masquers Club/National Variety Artists/Paramount - 2 reels; The Our Gang kids are among the multitude of stars featured in this short. Pete is briefly seen with them as they're eating ice cream.
106. Bargain Day (supporting role): May 2, 1931 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-40 - Our Gang series; Filmed Dec. 14 to 23, 1930, with retakes Jan. 26 to Feb. 2, 1931. ©Mar. 23, 1931. Pete joins Wheezer and Stymie, and is given a few comical reactions to the whole Watt Street interchange.
107. Fly My Kite (supporting role): May 30, 1931 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-41 - Our Gang series; Filmed Mar. 2 to 14, 1931. ©May 7, 1931. Pete's with Chubby throughout this film, and plays keep-away from Dan.
108. Big Ears (featured role: Petey): Aug. 29, 1931 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-1 - Our Gang series; Filmed May 25 to June 5, 1931. ©Aug. 17, 1931. Also released with Spanish subtitles as Orejas de burro. Pete accompanies Wheezer throughout this film, and plays with him quite a lot.
109. Shiver My Timbers (supporting role: Petey): Oct. 10, 1931 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-2 - Our Gang series; Filmed June 29 to July 9, 1931. ©Oct. 1, 1931. Also released with Spanish subtitles as Piratas infantiles. Pete's present throughout the film, and provides occasional comic moments.
110. Dogs Is Dogs (featured role: Pete aka Petey): Nov. 21, 1931 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-3 - Our Gang series; Filmed Aug. 12 to 28, 1931. ©Oct. 27, 1931. Pete frolics with Wheezer, gets shot at, and ends up in the pound.
untitled (archival): circa 1931 - Roach - Mary Ann Jackson trailer; This was shown in theaters that were scheduled to have a personal appearance from Mary Ann in the very near future. Included is outtake footage from "Bargain Day."

1932

On January 25th of this year, The Progress-Bulletin of Pomona, CA, reported the following: "Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Cannom entertained at dinner last evening, at Mountain Meadows Country club, Harry Lucenay, owner of the famous dog, Petie, one of the outstanding characters in the Hal Roach comedies. The dog made a personal appearance at the theater last evening. Another guest of Mr. Cannom, who is manager of the theater, and his wife, was Kenneth Porter, publicity director for Hal Roach." Elsewhere, the same issue reported the following: "Petie, dog star of Hal Roach's 'Our Gang' comedies, appeared Sunday evening (the 24th) on the stage of the Fox theater with his owner and trainer, Harry Lucenay, to win added acclaim. Brought out to the foyer after his stage appearance, Petie autographed the theater register by stamping an ink pad impression of his foot on the register. His registration was witnessed by film fans of ages from six to 60, and many were given the opportunity to 'get acquainted' with the canine star. Popular demand shown last night induced Manager Robert C. Cannom to book Petie and his act for a date - a Saturday matinee, so that the children and those who stayed away because of the orchard heating activity might attend. Petie caused a sensation at Mountain Meadows Country club when he accompanied his master there for dinner last evening. Diners at the clubhouse had a good opportunity to get acquainted with the canine star, and many were amazed at his 'good manners'."
On February 16th, E. M. Holmes reported in his syndicated column that Pete "is never allowed to eat or drink anything given to him by anyone but his master." On February 19th, The Detroit Free Press was a bit more specific: "Pete, the pup in 'Our Gang' films, gets fed by no one but his master, who is afraid someone might poison his dog and cut off his income." On February 24th, the Provo Evening Herald of UT added: "He just walks proudly away when visitors hold out tempting pieces of hot-dogs."
On February 25th, The Progress-Bulletin of Pomona, CA, ran an ad for the Fox Theatre which stated that "Petie," famous dog star of Our Gang Comedies, would be giving matinee and night performances on Saturday, the 27th.
On March 16th, Lucenay took part in an event staged by the Citizens' Association of Hollywood in order to raise funds for maintenance expenses. It was an evening of movies and vaudeville in the auditorium of the Van Nuys High School. As The Van Nuys News of March 16th said: "Harry Lucenay and his trick dog will astound the audience with a brilliant performance." However, neither of the sources behind this story specifically says that it's Pete that Harry brought along with him. He was known to have other dogs, after all. (Sources: Hollywood Citizen-News of Mar. 2nd, Van Nuys News of Mar. 16th.)
Around April, Lucenay's contract with the Roach studio was terminated. The studio, however, had a backup dog, trained by Campanaro, to take over as Pete, and it was this dog that debuted in "Hook And Ladder." For the next several years, Lucenay's Pete would make personal appearances around the country, while Campanaro's Pete appeared in the Our Gang series.
On April 2nd, the Long Beach Press-Telegram reported that Pete was currently appearing in person at the State theater.
On April 3rd, the Long Beach Press-Telegram reported the following: "Pete, beloved dog of moviedom, is making a personal appearance at the State Theater this week on the splendid five-act program of vaudeville, presented in conjunction with Jack Holt in 'Behind the Mask' on the screen. Pete, the talented son of an illustrious father, is carrying on even a more brilliant career than that enjoyed by 'Pal.' his paternal ancestor. Distinguished by a ring around his left eye and a dark eyebrow that gives him the appearance of wearing a monocle, Pete is attracting unusual attention at the State. He is now nine years old and scales close to sixty pounds. He wears a heavy brass studded harness. Pete was the star of 'Buster Brown,' playing the familiar 'Tige' in the picture, and has appeared in more than fifty 'Our Gang' comedies." Sidenote: While Lucenay wanted people to think that the current Pete was the same dog as the original, he actually moved his birth up by at least one year, making it seems that Pete had been born in late 1922/early 1923.
On April 4th, the Long Beach Press-Telegram reported the following: "Pete, the film dog beloved by all children who revel in the doings of 'Our Gang,' today gave a demonstration of his acrobatic and vocal abilities to members of the Press-Telegram editorial staff. He did it well, for he showed how a reporter ambles home in the early morning hours and how Caruso performed at the height of his career. Incidentally, the ring around Pete's left eye is natural. 'It was one of those freak markings which frequently makes animals possess a personality,' said Harry Lucenay, Hollywood, the owner. 'It looks as if it might have been painted, but the only time Pete gets painted is when we have to make him appear as if he's a tramp dog' . . . Pete is insured for $15,000, the highest amount that any company will risk on his life. Pete is friendly, for he likes to be wooied and likes to take a nip playfully at an arm or leg of the person who is playing with him."
On April 8th, the Long Beach Press-Telegram reported the following: "Value of kind treatment to animals was impressed upon children at the Horace Mann Elementary School today by Way Middough, with the aid of Pete, film dog. Middough said that only through kindness is it possible to train animals. Pete was presented in a series of stunts by his trainer, Harry S. Lucaney."
Also on April 8th, Pete gave his final performance at the State Theater in Long Beach.
On April 23rd, the Tulare Daily Times (CA) reported the following: "'Pete," faithful trick bulldog of the 'Our Gang Comedies,' was brought through Tulare Friday afternoon (the 22nd) by his master, Harry Lucenay, who was motoring to San Francisco. 'Pete' is off location until the twenty-fifth and may have some whirlwind engagements on San Francisco stages. Incidentally, the ring around Pete's left eye is natural. Lucenay visited with Manager Jack Tripp of the Tulare Theatre."
On April 28th, Pete performed at Loew's Warfield theater in San Francisco. This was apparently a week's engagement, but so far I've only been able to verify the 28th, 29th and 30th.
On April 29th, The San Francisco News reported the following: "They aren't all yes-men in Hollywood. 'Pete,' for one, does a lot of growling and barking back at directors. And it's a good way to get along, too. 'Pete' has been doing it for years as dog star in Hal Roach comedies, and he's still on the payroll. With his owner, Harry Lucenay, scenario writer, 'Pete' was at the St. Francis Hotel for a few days. 'Kleig eyes,' explained Lucenay. 'Pete got 'em so bad the doctor advised 10 days rest. He has to spend most of his time in dark rooms.' In addition to movie parts, 'Pete' plays the role of official mascot for the Hollywood American Legion post. 'Pete' is making personal appearances at the Warfield Theater this week." Sidenote: Pete, of course, was no longer on the payroll at the Roach studios, and while he may have had Klieg eyes a year earlier, it now seems like a convenient excuse for his absence from Hollywood.
Also on April 29th, the San Francisco Chronicle ran an ad that read: "Pete . . . is going to be here at O'Connor, Moffatt's tomorrow at 12:30, courtesy of the Warfield Theatre, and we're inviting all of Pete's 'fans' to come in to see him." The meet-and-greet was held in "The Young Folks' World" on the 4th floor.
On April 30th, the San Francisco Chronicle reported the following: "Pete is only a dog with a ring around his eye, but he carries $15,000 insurance. Pete is famous on the screen in the 'Our Gang' comedies. He is the dog who peeks around a corner, who wears a gang cap, who smokes a cigarette, and who looks tougher than nine dogs at a barbecue. This week, he is appearing 'in person' at the Loew's Warfield Theater. Pete's owner, Harry Luceny(sic), wants it understood that the ring around Pete's eye is natural and not painted. 'People won't believe that,' says Luceny, 'but it's true. The ring is just a freak marking that are sometimes wished on dogs. Pete's mother probably looked through a knothole just before he was born and left a mark on him.' Pete is not a bit 'uppish' as a movie dog would be expected to be. He is entirely democratic. He likes pats, will make friends with anyone, and drools just like a common dog when he sees a good, succulent bone with plenty of tooth-room on it. Pete's life insurance is the highest amount that any company will risk on a dog."
On May 5th, the Waterbury Evening Democrat (CT) reported the following: "Hal Roach is looking for new faces for 'Our Gang' comedies. Even Pete, the dog, is to be replaced." The next day, the Detroit Free Press elaborated: "First it was Jackie Cooper, then Farina and then Wheezer who got too big for further service in the 'Our Gang' comedies. Now old age has caught up to another veteran of the troupe and Hal Roach is casting about for someone to replace Pete. Pete, in case you do not remember, is the dog with the 'black eye' who was the constant companion of the children for years in the pictures. Pete's rheumatism has caught up to him and he no longer can keep pace with the nimble youngsters. So he is going on a pension, while some younger dog cavorts in his place."
On May 8th, Ray Coffin of The Philadelphia Inquirer shared the following out of Hollywood: "It must be 'Kindness to Vaudeville' week. Jackie Cooper, Johnnie Weismuller and Harry Lucenay's wonder dog, 'Pete,' of 'Our Gang' fame, have all left to personally entertain the cash customers - but not in the same act, of course. However, wouldn't that be a honey, at that?."
On May 27th, Robert Grandon reported the following in his syndicated column: "Pete the Pup is a member of 'Our Gang' and his bum eye is the result of clever makeup."
On June 11th, the Times-Leader of Wilkes-Barre, PA, reported this about Pete: "His favorite pastime is to swim in the studio swimming pool."
On June 17th, the Brooklyn Times Union reported the following: "Pete, 'wonder dog' of the screen last seen in 'Our Gang' comedies, will make a personal appearance with his trainer, Harry Lucenay, at the Brooklyn Warner Strand Theatre tomorrow morning at 11, to meet the members of the 'Strand Little Red School House Kiddie Club.' A committee of club members led by 'Uncle Bob' Barton, of radio station WLTH to the Park Central Hotel, where Pete is living, persuaded Pete to make a personal appearance. On his visit to the theatre tomorrow, Pete is to be made a member of the club as well as remain the club's mascot. To reciprocate the honor, Pete is inviting 50 of the 'Little Red School House' members to a party he is giving during the week at the Park Central Hotel, after which there will be swimming in the hotel pool."
On June 25th, The Brooklyn Citizen reported the following: "Members of the Strand Theatre's Kiddie Club had their inning this morning. 'Pete,' wonder dog of the screen and his manager and trainer Harry Lucenay, made their second personal appearance to select the 100 club members who will be 'Pete's' guests at a party given by him at the Park Central Hotel in New York next week. In answer to Harry Lucenay's question, 'Why I would like to attend Pete's Party,' over seven hundred letters were received, the theatre announced. Out of them 'Pete' himself selected the one hundred lucky children."
On July 2nd and 4th, Pete appeared at the Strand Theatre in Red Bank, NJ.
On July 6th and 7th, Harry and Pete appeared in person at the Liberty Theatre in Freehold, NJ. In an ad printed in The Freehold Transcript of July 1st, it read: "Hollywood is always looking for Child Stars. Mr. Harry Lucenay, an independent picture producer, and associate of the Hal Roach Studios of Hollywood, will view children on our stage for screen possibilities at all perfromances. Bring your photos. No advance in prices."
On July 7th, the Asbury Park Evening Press (NJ) reported the following: "It isn't every day that The Press news room 'gang' plays host to a bemonocled movie star - no, not George Arliss, but the only other member of the movie colony who sports an eye-windshield. In fact, this other monocle wearer does not have the opportunity afforded to the distinguished English actor, that of removing the monocle at night, and for baths and such, for his is permamently fixed. The bemonocled star who visited The Press yesterday was Pete, the canine star of 'Our Gang' comedies. Pete is taking a little vacation, stopping at the Molly Pitcher hotel in Red Bank, and he dropped over to pay a visit. He went thru his 'bag of tricks' and presented The Press with his photo. According to Harry S. Lucenay, Pete's owner, he is nine years and six months old and has been in the movies for nine years and three months, first appearing before a camera at the tender age of three months. He is part English bull and bull terrier. His father was 'Pal,' a movie star, and his mother was an 'English society lady-dog.' He was born in Pasadena and has been acting with that group of Hal Roach's youngsters known as 'Our Gang' for the past five years. According to Lucenay, a World war veteran, that monocle of Pete's is not painted on, but is part of his original accessories. The monocle is well known to all theatergoers, being a large brown ring around his right eye. Pete plans to return to Hollywood in September and will return to his roles in the 'Our Gang' comedies."
On July 9th, the Atlantic City Press reported the following: "'Pete,' the bulldog movie star who romps through the 'Our Gang' comedies of Hal Roach Studios, paid a visit to Atlantic City yesterday and was mobbed by fans on the Boardwalk, who convinced themselves that the ring around his eye is a natural marking. Out in the Press editorial department, however, he found things quieter and consented to put on his act. He registered grief, surprise, concern and emoted for half an hour without a spoken command from his trainer, Harry S. Lucenay, who directs him in the talkies. Pete even impersonated a reporter. Even in the depression, Pete manages to scrape up $24,000 a year to invest in real estate and T-bone steaks. He has his teeth brushed twice a day and his trainer never dares to let him play with other dogs. 'Suppose he should catch something and die,' says the trainer. 'I'd have to go back to work'." Sidenote: This began a new phase of Pete's professional career in which he spent the next seven summers in Atlantic City, having his photo taken with thousands of tourists. On Nov. 3, 2004, the Atlantic City Press published some of these photo, one of which was of a boy named Robert M. Kane, who recalled that his mother paid about a dollar for the photo.
On July 14th, the Hollywood Citizen-News reported the following: "Harry Lucenay is spending a vacation at the Molly Pitcher Hotel on the Shrewsbury River, Red Bank, N. J."
Pete appeared alongside Ruby Vallee on the cover of the September issue of Boardwalk Illustrated News, billed as "Atlantic City's Pictorial Magazine." Inside was a display of some of the photographs taken of Pete with tourists.
On July 17th, the Atlantic City Press reported the following about the Steel Pier: "Movie animal heroes, King Leo, the big Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer lion, and Pete, famous dog of 'Our Gang' comedies, are appearing daily 'in person'."
On July 31st, the Kansas City Journal-Post published a photo of Pete with the following caption: "Pete, famous dog of Our Gang comedies, is taking no chances with printers. He's setting his own story on the linotype in a Philadelphia newspaper."
On August 31st, the Atlantic City Press reported the following: "Steel Pier talent entertained the Atlantic City Rotary Club at its weekly luncheon at the President Hotel yesterday . . . 'Pete,' the dog familiar to millions of movie fans as the canine star of 'Our Gang Comedy,' was presented."
On September 11th, the Atlantic City Press reported the following: "Today will see the wind-up of the 10 days' anniversary celebration marking the 35th year of the opening of the Steel Pier, and which has brought under one roof more stars in the amusement field than ever housed before in resort history . . . Other features on the 17 hours of continuous entertainment (include) Pete, famous dog of Our Gang Comedies."
Also on September 11th, The Kentucky Post of Covington published a photo of 11-year-old Pat Kelley posing with Pete while vacationing in the east. For some reason, the paper thinks Pete III's name was Buster.
On September 15th, the Atlantic City Press reported the following: "Pete, Hollywood's famous dog actor, left Atlantic City yesterday after spending the season on the Steel Pier, where he posed for pictures with 5500 persons. Harry Lucenay, Pete's trainer and owner, said he would take the animal star of 'Our Gang' comedies to New York, Chicago, Portland and San Francisco before returning to Hollywood, where, in November, he will start a contract as the 'star' in educational comedies."
On September 26th, The Boston Globe reported the following: "A dog walked into the Globe office last night. Horace Greeley wouldn't be the only one to say that isn't news. It happens that this particular dog is different. He has a black circle around his left eye, a natural freak of nature which brings his master $500 a week, brings the dog a value of $25,000, and brings to the Globe readers facts and pictures of Pete, canine star of Our Gang screen comedies. Pete is half English bull, half bull terrier. He is the kind of a dog you just naturally take a liking for. Such film beauties as Thelma Todd and June Marlowe, as his clipping book shows, have even showered him with kisses. Pete was born nine years ago in Pasadena, Calif. His owner, Harry Lucenay, also owned his father. The circle around his left eye makes him unique among all living dogs. Lucenay has never heard of another dog like him, although he once saw in Ripley's cartoons a dog with the No. 14 marked on his side. Lucenay was in the display advertising business. He felt the dog would interest Hollywood producers, and he did. Pete first appeared in the Buster Brown comedies, in which he portrayed 'Tige.' Then came the Our Gang comedies, and now, beginning next month, Pete is to appear in vaudeville, starting in New York. The highest salary the dog has earned is $500 a week. His master won't sell him. He claims an offer was made of $25,000. Pete has had 47 children and Lucenay says that he thinks that ought to exempt Pete from the income tax. The dog is the easiest dog to photograph that the Globe staff men have tackled in many a moon. He poses naturally, does not mind the lights, and remains quiet until he hears the click of the camera. He has perfect manners and stays at the best hotels. He's a very 'doggy' dog."
On September 27th, Mark Barron shared the following in his syndicated column: "The one specimen of real dog royalty I ever knew was Pal, a bulldog which, a few years ago, was as important a movie star as the late Rin-Tin-Tin. Pal was owned by Harry Lucenay, and was his constant companion in the day when, under the name of Harry Swoboda, he was a contender for the middleweight wrestling title. He quit the mat game to become a newspaperman, and finally arrived in Hollywood. Lucenay quit the newspaper business when Pal became a movie actor and earned a fortune for his master."
On September 29th, a syndicated photo of Pete began circulating in newspapers. The caption read: "Cigar in mouth and a look of painful concentration on his visage, 'Pete,' the canine comedian of the movies, is shown as he gave a perfect impersonation of a gentleman of the press knocking out his copy. Photo was made on the occasion of 'Pete's' visit to a Boston newspaper office. But there are not many typewriter pounders that draw 'Pete's' salary. He has earned $24,000 a year for the past three years for his master, Harry Lucenay."
On October 7th, The Springfield Daily News (MA) ran an ad for the next day's personal appearance of Pete at the Palmer Theater.
On October 7th, The Springfield Daily News reported the following: "An attraction worthy of mention will appear at the Casino theater Sunday afternoon and evening (the 9th) in 'Pete the Pup' in person. Pete the pup is known to millions of movie patrons. The adults as well as the kiddies will all remember Peter, with the peculiar black circle around his left eye, which is a natural freak of nature. His appearances for the past few years in 'Our Gang' comedies has made Pete the most popular dog star since Rin Tin Tin."
Also on October 7th, The Springfield Daily Republican reported the following from Palmer: "Pete, the mongrel dog who has starred in many 'Our Gang' comedies, arrived here this afternoon for a personal appearance at a local theater tomorrow. Esconced in the rear seat of a luxurious sedan, Pete appeared to be somewhat bored as curiosity seekers thronged about to get a glimpse of him."
On October 9th, Pete performed at the Casino-Ware theater in Springfield, MA.
On October 10th, The Springfield Daily Republican reported the following: "Pete, the dog actor, so widely-known because of appearances in 'Our Gang' comedies in the movies, was the guest of Bernard J. Satz of the Casino theater today, and made two personal appearances. The dog was a center of attraction for some time as he sat in the automobile in which he travels and hundreds of youngsters and adults paid their respects to the clever animal during the afternoon."
From October 10th to 15th, Pete performed at the Bowdoin Square Theatre in Boston.
On October 20th, the Brooklyn Daily Eagle reported the following: "'Pete' dropped in at The Eagle office today, and immediately became the center of attraction. You don't know 'Pete'? Where have you been all these years? Haven't you ever seen the 'Our Gang' Comedies in the movies - and haven't you noticed the star of the gang, with his natural-born monocle? That's 'Pete.' Only a dog? True enough, but likely there isn't another one just like him in all the world. He understands English about as well as the average youngster of his age, which is nine years, and he is far more obedient than the average nine-year-old boy or girl. Harry Lucenay, owner and trainer of 'Pete,' came along with him and introduced him to dozens of members of The Eagle family. 'Pete' seemed delighted and barked 'howdy do' and 'shook hands,' using right and left paws alternately, but only using the left when requested to do so by Mr. Lucenay. The owner said 'Pete' is the son of 'Pal,' a famous bull-terrier movie star several years ago. His mother was a thoroughbred English bull. 'Pete' in appearance has many of the characteristics of both breeds. He started his career in the movies in educational comedies and then appeared in a series of 24 pictures called 'Fighting Blood.' He supported Harold Lloyd in 'The Freshman,' but his real hit was made in the role of Tige in the 'Buster Brown' comedies. For the past five years, he has been the playmate of Wheezer, Spanky and Farina of 'Our Gang.' 'Pete' is enjoying a few weeks vacation and is spending his time holding receptions in motion picture houses."
On November 5th, The Philadelphia Inquirer published a photo with the following caption: "'Pete,' famous dog star of 'Our Gang' comedies, hearing that the depression has hit the Philadelphia Zoo, took a leg of veal out to Mr. Tiger. 'Pete' is playing at the Earle." The same day, the Courier-Post of Camden, NJ, reported the following: "Entertainment in generous measure is afforded by the big screen and stage offerings at the Earle Theatre, Philadelphia, this week (including) 'Pete,' amazing dog often seen in 'Our Gang' comedies."

111. Readin' And Writin' (supporting role: Pete aka Petey): Jan. 2, 1932 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-4 - Our Gang series; Also listed for Feb. 2, 1932. Filmed Sep. 30 to Oct. 10, 1931. ©Dec. 17, 1931. Pete follows Wheezer to school and perches himself on the teacher's desk.
112. Free Eats (small part: Petey): Feb. 13, 1932 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-5 - Our Gang series; Also listed for Feb. 18, 1932. Filmed Nov. 6 to 19, 1931. ©Feb. 11, 1932. Pete's seen off and on throughout this film, but is given very little attention.
113. Spanky (supporting role: Petey): Mar. 26, 1932 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-6 - Our Gang series; Filmed Dec. 14 to 22, 1931. ©Mar. 29, 1932. Pete's mostly seen in the first part of this film with Spanky.
114. Choo-Choo! (supporting: Pete aka Petey): May 7, 1932 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-7 - Our Gang series; Filmed Jan. 25 to Feb. 4, 1932. ©May 2, 1932. The kids keep bringing Pete out of the animal car, much to the annoyance of the conductors.
115. The Pooch (featured role: Pete aka Petey): June 11, 1932 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-8 - Our Gang series; Also listed for June 4, 1932. Filmed Mar. 9 to 17, 1932. ©June 13, 1932. Working title: Yes And No. The story revolves around Pete, as he's taken by the dogcatcher, but lives to chase him down the road in the end.

1933

From January 5th to 7th of this year, Pete made personal appearances at the Tivoli theatre in Fort Worth, TX.
On January 25th, The Corsicana Daily Sun published an article about Lucenay, which can be accessed by clicking here.
On January 27th, The Corsicana Daily Sun ran an ad for the Palace theater, where Pete was making a personal appearance. The ad says "Last Day!" so this being a Sunday, presumably Pete was there on Friday and Saturday as well. Appropriately enough, the Our Gang short "The Pooch" was showing at the theater, which featured the same dog making the personal appearance that night.
On February 7th, the El Paso Herald-Post reported the following: "'Pete,' the most valuable dog in motion pictures, was an El Paso visitor today. He registered at Hotel Hilton with his owner, Harry Lucenay. Pete has appeared in 'Our Gang,' Buster Brown and Educational comedies. He is 10 years old, weighs 60 pounds, and is the father of 40 pups. Mr. Lucenay says that Pete, who has made more than $20,000 a year, is insured for $25,000. The dog's teeth are brushed twice a day, his claws are manicured, and his diet specially prepared, his owner says. He says that he directs Pete by signs in pictures, because his voice would be recorded if he spoke. Pete and his master are en route to Hollywood from the east, where they appeared in vaudeville."
On February 24th, the Pasadena Star-News reported the following: "The complete program for the children's vaudeville show in the Civic Auditorium tomorrow afternoon was announced today and includes nine acts on the stage, three short comedies and orchestra music . . . Pete, the movie dog from 'Our Gang' comedy fame, will be instantly recognized by the circle around his eye. With the aid of his trainer, Harry Lucenay, Pete will give an entertaining and amusing demonstration of canine intelligence . . . The show starts at 2:15 p. m."
On March 10th, The Southwest Wave of Los Angeles reported the following: "Appearing in person, 'Pete,' stellar dog actor of Our Gang comedies, will be seen on Sunday and Monday (the 12th and 13th) on the stage of the Astor theater in a comedy dog act. The management offers $1000 reward to anyone who can prove that the ring around 'Pete's' eye is not natural."
On March 24th and 25th, Pete performed at the Regent theater in Los Angeles.
On March 26th and 27th, Pete performed at McKinney's Regent Theater in Los Angeles.
On April 22nd and 23rd, Pete performed at the Fox Theatre in San Bernardino as part of the Orpheum Vaudeville Show. He also did a special matinee performance on the 22nd.
On April 28th, the Pasadena Star-News reported the following: "Pete, famous 'Our Gang' comedy dog, is to be at the Market Basket No. 1 Store, 1720 East Colorado street, tomorrow afternoon from 4 to 4:30 o'clock. 'Tex' Maidsen, who is believed to be the tallest man in the world, measuring 7 feet 6 inches, was to be there today and Saturday (the 29th). Pete can justly lay claim to being one of the best known of California's native sons. He was born in Pasadena in April, 1923. His father, Pal, was also a famous movie star and his mother a well known Pasadena society dog of English extraction. Pete started his screen career at the tender age of three months, appearing in support of his father in an Educational Comedy." Sidenote: And now we've got a specific month within Pete's "birth year." But no, the original Pete was born at least a year earlier, and the current Pete hadn't reached his fourth birthday yet.
On April 29th, Pete performed at the Food Show And Circus at the Market Basket grocery store in Pasadena.
On June 8th and 9th, Pete performed at the State theater in Long Beach.
On June 9th, the Morning Sun of Long Beach, CA, published a photo of Pete with the following caption: "Pete, canine star of 'Our Gang' comedies, lived up to his reputation of being a publicity hound when he visited The Sun yesterday. Pete, however, shared things with little Sue Ann Rechtwig, whose father, oddly enough, is a publicity man himself. Pete, who is appearing 'in person' at the State Theater this week, was put through his paces by Harry Lucenay, his owner and trainer. True to the Hollywood code, Pete didn't give the camera a chance to miss - as the picture shows."
Also on June 9th, The St. Joseph News-Press (MO) reported the following: "A big day for St. Joseph's boys and girls is in store tomorrow at Freckles' Picnic at Lake Contrary Park, when Freckles Ray, former Our Gang comedy star, will entertain the youngsters at the park in an all-day picnic from 10 o'clock in the morning until 6 o'clock in the evening . . . There will be numerous added attractions. Pal, the wonder dog of Our Gang comedies, the white bulldog with the ring around his eye, will give a special trick show at 4 o'clock in the afternoon on the motion picture stage at the park." Sidenote: This, of course, was neither Pal nor the dog with the ring around his eye, Pete. But he was a dog that toured around the country during this period, making money off of two other dogs' reputations.
On July 24th, the Atlantic City Press reported the following: "The Steel Pier management is staging a daily show at noon for the kiddies in Ocean Hall. Special attractions are booked for the young folks." Among these was Pete the Pup.
On August 2nd, the Atlantic City Press reported the following: "The 'romance' of a 30-pound bulldog and a seven-ton sea lioness has menagerie attendants on the Steel Pier here all worked up. Pete, the circle-eyed 'Our Gang' dog of the movies, has been making friends with thousands of children on the pier this season as he is photographed with them. But they moved in the huge sea lioness the other day to a tank about thirty feet from Pete's stand. Since then, he has lost interest in kiddies. He keeps slipping his collar to rub noses with the lioness, takes headers into the tank to frolic with his huge affinity, and won't stop whining each night until his kennel is placed beside the tank, then he sleeps peacefully."
On August 12th, The Daily Republican of Phoenixville, PA, reported the following: "Grace Haines, Royersford girl, had her picture taken with a movie star. The movie star was 'Pete,' the dog which plays in 'Our Gang' comedies. The picture was made at Atlantic City where the dog is a feature attraction."
On October 4th, the Daily News of New York reported the following: "Pete, the brindle bulldog with a ring around his eye, who has outlasted a generation of child actors in 'Our Gang' comedies, failed to make much of an impression on Magistrate William A. Farrell yesterday in Yorkville Court. The charge was promenading in Central Park without a muzzle. Pete barged dramatically into court with a briar pipe clamped at a rakish angle in his protruding jaw and tried in vain to jump on a table. 'Why isn't that dog muzzled?' the Magistrate asked Henry Lucenay of 64 W. 70th St., Pete's owner. 'The pipe acts as a muzzle,' Lucenay explained. 'Bosh!' exploded Magistrate Farrell. 'You're violating the law right here in court. Ten dollars fine'."
On October 17th, 18th and 19th, Pete performed at Loew's Gates theatre in Brooklyn.
On November 8th, The Bergen Evening Record of Hackensack, NJ, reported the following about the bill coming to Loew's Jersey Theater starting Friday the 10th: "...and, as an extra added attraction, the personal appearance of that famous canine comedian 'Pete,' the original 'Our Gang' dog. 'Pete' is ten years old and has been featured in the 'Our Gang' comedies for the past five years. The dog is presented by Lieutenant Harry Lucenay, who raised the dog from puppyhood."
On November 9th, The Jersey Journal of Jersey City published an article about Pete that not only repeats many of the things other articles have covered, but sometimes copies entire phrases from those articles. It reports that Lucenay, with Pete, visited the offices of The Jersey Journal, but describes the visit the same way other visits at other newspapers do. It does say, however, that Pete would be appearing the entire week on the stage of Loew's Theater, starting the next day. It also says that Pete was starting a tour of Loew's theatres. It also mentions the following: "In connection with Pete's stay here, Bernstein and Co., 908 Bergen Av., will award a suit or overcoat to the boy who can sketch a good likeness of Pete's head, the picture of which is on display in the Bernstein store window. Send your sketches to Loew's theatre." The next day, the same paper published the following advertisement: "'Pete,' original Our Gang Comedy Dog, appears in person at Loew's Jersey Theatre for one week beginning today, with his master, Lieut. Harry Lucenay. There is a large photograph of 'Pete' in our window. The picture will remain there until 6 p. m. Tuesday. During that time, boys up to sixteen years of age are invited to sketch a likeness of 'Pete's' head. To the boy sketching the most accurate one, we will present a suit or overcoat. The three judged the best will be invited to visit with 'Pete' and his master back stage where Lieut. Lucenay will autograph a photograph of 'Pete,' which will be presented to each of the three winners." Sidenote: The theatre was actually called Loew's Jersey City Theatre at Journal Square. The last day of the engagement was November 16th.
On November 13th, The Bayonne Times (NJ) published a photo of Pete, with the following caption: "Left to right are shown John F. Doolan of Bayonne, past county commander, Hudson County American Legion; Anthony C. Vezzetti, present county commander, and Edward B. Howe, senior vice commander. Doolan is shaking hands with 'Pete,' famous Our Gang Comedies dog, now appearing on the stage of Loew's Jersey Theatre with his master, Lieut. Harry Lucenay, himself an overseas World War veteran. 'Pete' is mascot of Hollywood Post No. 43, American Legion."
On November 22nd, The Jersey Journal of Jersey City reported the following: "Pete, Our Gang Comedy dog, took a slice of the lip of Jim Furman, Loew's publicity agent. It all happened in a playful manner. But Furman is sporting a bandage after having his lip stitched."
On December 2nd, Pete performed at the morning Mickey Mouse Show at the Fox Theatre in Hackensack, NJ. On December 4th, The Bergen Evening Record of Hackensack, NJ, reported the following: "Pete, the monocle-eyed bulldog star of the Our Gang comedies, gave a 'personal appearance' last Saturday morning (the 2nd) at the Hackensack Skouras Fox Theater. His trainer, Harry Lucenay, put the dog through a series of exhibition tricks which Pete has done in various of his most popular comedies. During the early part of the program, several children were called to the platform. Each one was told to perform seven acts. One child walked around a chair, sat down, moved it back, took a glove, walked around, replaced the glove, and walked to a certain spot. When the child had completed these acts, Pete went through almost exactly the same motions and came to where the child was standing."
On December 3rd, Pete performed at the Plaza Englewood theater in Hackensack, NJ.
On December 22nd, Pete performed at Loew's Century theatre in Baltimore, MD. This engagement lasted at least two nights.
On December 30th, the Akron Beacon Journal published an article about the bill at Loew's, which includes a personal appearance by Pete.

Buzzin' Around (role): Feb. 4, 1933 - Vitaphone/Warner Bros. - 2 reels - Big "V" Comedy with Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle; ©Mar. 22, 1933. Costarring Al St. John. Filmed in Brooklyn.

1934

On January 6th to 10th, Pete performed at Loew's Theatre in Montreal.
On January 14th, the Waco Sunday Tribune-Herald reported the following: "Pete, dog star of the movies, who is identified by the natural ring of dark hair growing around one of his eyes, and who belongs to Harry Lucenay, former Wacoan, was a headliner on the Loew vaudeville circuit in Montreal, Canada, last week, according to postcards received by Waco friends from Lucenay. He will also make appearances in Boston, Providence, R. I., and New York."
On January 20th, The Boston Globe reported the following: "By special arrangement, 'Pete,' the canine comedian now appearing daily at Loew's Orpheum, will make a personal appearance at Houghton's on Monday afternoon (the 22nd) at 4:30 in the toy department. 'Pete' is half English bull, half bull terrier - born 10 years ago in Pasadena, Calif. His owner, Harry Lucenay, also owned his father. Mr. Lucenay has but to nod his head slightly or move a finger for 'Pete' to understand what he means - it is in this manner that he performs the many stunts in 'Our Gang' comedies where it was impossible to direct him by the use of the voice. The dog is easy to photograph, He poses naturally, does not mind the lights and remains quiet until he hears the click of the camera. 'Pete's' manners are perfect. He lives at the best hotels. This canine star has a circle around his eye, a natural freak of nature which brings his master $500 a week, brings the dog a value of $25,000 and brings to Houghton's the fact that 'Pete'has chosen that store as the place to receive his thousands of movie fans, both grown-ups and children."
On January 25th, Pete performed his final show at Loew's Orpheum in Boston.
On February 8th, The Reading Times (PA) reported the following: "Johnny Marvin, famous 'Lonesome Singer,' will be the headliner at the Rajah theatre for three days beginning today. On the same program will be Pete, the ring-eyed, super-intelligent dog of the 'Our Gang' comedies, in an act that is bound to prove highly popular with both young and old patrons of the Rajah."
On March 13th, The Poughkeepsie Eagle-News (NY) reported the following: "Pete's in town. Pete, of course, is the canine gentleman of the movies with the big circle around his left eye, who is a star of Hal Roach's Our Gang comedies. He dropped in last night with his boss, Harry Lucenay, to pay a call on the boys at The Eagle-News office before opening today at the State theatre on his six months' personal appearance tour. After a friendly 'howdy' bark and a hand-paw shake, Pete looked the office over while his boss chatted with the boys. Pete is a fellow with plenty of personality and a winning way. He is modest about his accomplishments, but will display some of his skill if you ask him. He showed the boys how he can take oral orders or, as when working in sound pictures, commands given by a mere turn of Lucenay's hand. Pete, who is ten years old, is half English bull and half bull terrier. He was raised and trained by Lucenay who also trained Pete's father, Pal. Pete's mother had a whole set of gold teeth before she died. His father lived to be 18 and Pete expects to be in the show business a long while. Just to show that he is a perfect gentleman, Pete kissed the society editor's hand in taking his leave." Sidenote: So now, Pete's floating birthdate has moved up into 1924, at least two years after the original Pete was born. And Pal lived to be 13, not 18.
From March 13th to 15th, Pete performed at the State theatre in Poughkeepsie, NY.
On March 21st, Pete performed at the Fox theatre in Washington, DC.
On March 24th, Pete performed at the Fox theatre in Washington, DC, as an extra added attraction from 2:00 to 2:30.
On March 25th, The Sunday Star of Washington, DC, ran an ad which stated the following: "World-Famous Motion Picture Dog, 'Pete' of 'Our Gang Comedies' - is to be presented in a new series of comedies. The producers are extending an opportunity to the parents of some child with picture possibilities to be featured with 'Pete' in these comedies. Investment required. For appointment write to 'Pete,' care Harry Lucneay, Loew Fox Theatre."
On March 27th, the Muskogee Times-Democrat published a photo of Pete with the following caption: "Canine callers, even as famous as 'Pete' of the barking pictures, aren't admitted to the White House proper. So when Pete called to pay his respects to the president, he got the gate . . . but did manage to have his greetings conveyed to Mr. Roosevelt through White House attendants."
On March 29th, the Washington Herald (DC) reported the following: "'Pete,' the famous 'Our Gang' dog, featured in the stage show at Loew's Fox, had luncheon with the Young Democrats at the Madrillon yesterday. He sat between Vice President Ruth Lockett and Katherine Tobias. Pete was on a diet and wasn't supposed to have anything but spinach, but it seems to us that we saw Katherine slip him a bit of filet mignon. To date, Pete has been invited to even more parties than was Sophie Tucker last week."
From March 30th to April 2nd, Pete performed at Loew's Bay Ridge theatre in Brooklyn.
From May 11th to 19th, Pete performed at the State-Lake theatre in Chicago.
On May 23rd, The Waco Times-Herald reported the following: "Harry de Lucenay, former Wacoan, whose wife is Tom Dilworth's sister, has been injured in an automobile accident in Connecticut, and has been taken to Johns Hopkins hospital at Baltimore, Md., for treatment, Dilworth has been informed. His spine was hurt, how serious is not yet known. Waco friends have followed the career of De Lucenay and his dog Pal, motion picture animal actor, with interest. He has been on a vaudeville tour with the dog lately."
On May 23rd and 24th, Pete performed at the Lido theatre in Maywood as part of the Firemen's Benefit Show.
On May 25th, The Hammond Times (IN) reported that Pete would be making a personal appearance at the Parthenon theater on the 26th and 27th. It also states: "He made his screen debut at the tender age of three months, appearing in an Educational comedy. When he was six months old he signed his first contract, appearing in twenty-four episodes of the Fighting Blood series . . . He is fond of applause, and while working in pictures, demands recognition from the director upon completion of every scene in which he appears."
On May 26th, The Hammond Times reported the following: "More than 950 boy and girl members of the Hammond school patrol were rewarded for their contribution to the safety of Hammond children during the last year, with a picnic in Turner field yesterday afternoon. The affair was sponsored by the Hammond Safety Council . . . Pete, the 'Our Gang Comedy' movie dog, was on hand with his master to put on a few stunts."
Also on May 26th, The Hammond Times published an article about Pete, which can be accessed by clicking here.
On June 16th, the Wisconsin News of Milwaukee reported the following: "Peter, the original 'Our Gang' dog, whose antics on the screen have been enjoyed by thousands, will make a stage appearance in Milwaukee at the Modjeska theater today. Tomorrow he will appear at the Garfield and Uptown afternoon and evening."
Also on June 16th, the Appleton Post-Crescent (WI) reported the following: "Pete, the dog with a monocle who has been nationally famous through his appearance in Our Gang Comedies, is to make a personal appearance in Appleton at the Rio Theatre. Like most people, we always thought that the monocle was painted on his face to give him an unusual appearance. But believe it or not, it is not removable, even with the world's best eradicator. The distinguishment is a natural 'monocle,' with the marking handed down through many generations and largely responsible for Pete's picture career . . . Pete will appear at a special morning show on Tuesday (the 19th) at 10:30 a. m. at the Rio Theatre. The box office will open at 10 a. m." The article also refers to the current vaudeville tour as a brief one, and that Lucenay and Pete would be returning to Hollywood afterward.
Also on June 16th, The Oshkosh Northwestern (WI) reported the following: "Pete, the world's most famous dog, it coming to the Oshkosh theater for one day only, Wednesday, June 20."
On June 21st, the Kenosha Evening News (WI) reported the following: "Looking at 'Our Gang' comedies at the movies, you have probably been delighted and amused by the acting of a canine member of the cast - Pete, the white-and-brindle dog whose wistful look wins your heart, while the irregular dark marking that forms a circle around one of his eyes, lends a ludicrous touch to the wistfulness . . . Pete came to town today, and before going to the theater where he is making personal appearances, he paid a visit this morning to the Kenosha Evening News office, where he demonstrated some of his accomplishments before an admiring group that gathered to 'shake hands' with him . . . Just at present, Pete is taking a vacation from movies and touring about the country, making appearances at various theaters."
Also on June 21st, Pete performed at the Orpheum theatre in Kenosha, WI.
On June 24th, Pete performed four times at the Capitol theatre in Madison, WI.
On July 1st, Pete performed at the Fargo Theatre in De Kalb, IL, and at the Sycamore Fargo Theatre in Sycamore, IL.
On July 4th and 5th, Pete performed at the Ironwood theatre in Ironwood, MI.
On August 9th, the Atlantic City Press ran an ad for the Steel Pier which verifies that Pete was one of the attractions during this summer season.
Of the many tourists who stopped to have their photo taken with the famous Pete at the Steel Pier this year, one was Fred Rogers, later of "Mr. Roger's Neighborhood," who was still a boy at the time.
On October 8th and 9th, Pete performed at the Capitol theatre in Sayre, PA.
On October 24th, the Geneva Daily Times (NY) reported the following: "'Pete,' the Our Gang Comedy dog, whose antics on the screen have been witnessed by almost every Genevan who is a movie fan, will appear at the Geneva Theater in person Friday and Saturday (the 26th and 27th). 'Pete' and his act will headline the 5-act R. K. O. Vaudeville show booked for this week-end." Specifically, the theater was called Schine's Geneva Theater.
During the week following November 11th, Pete performed at the Fays theatre in Philadelphia.
On December 14th, the Associated Press published a photo of Pete, with the following caption: "Life looked pretty good to 'Goldie,' this calf, on the opening day of the Pet, Poultry and Tropical Fish Show at Madison Square Garden, New York City, Wednesday (the 12th), when 'Pete' called. For 'Pete,' owned by Harry Lucenay, of Hollywood, Cal., brought a bottle of milk for 'Goldie' to enjoy during his informal visit."
On December 24th, The Richmond News Leader (VA) reported the following: "What movie stars eat for Christmas is seldom news unless they spring something very new - but because a movie star will eat turkey, sweet potatoes and the rest of the trimmings, this story is written - you see, the star is 'Pete,' the dog star of Our Gang comedies, who is in town today. Pete came to The News Leader today with his master and trainer, Harry Lugenay(sic), sat very quietly through the interview and 'woofed' a goodbye. He will appear on the stage of the Lyric theatre, starting tomorrow, and will be seen there for a week in a comedy skit. Pete broke into the movies back in 1924 when he was only three months old, and when he was six months old, received his first real contract. He has played in all types of shows, and even had a part with Harold Lloyd in the 'Freshman.' For the past several years, he has appeared in the Hal Roach comedies with 'Our Gang.' Mr. Lugenay and Pete have been on the road for the past nine months, appearing all over the country. From here they will go to Norfolk. Incidentally, Pete is a Southerner - his sire was raised in Knoxville, Tenn."
On December 29th, The Richmond News Leader published a photo with the following caption: "Pete, the 'Our Gang' comedy dog, appearing at the Lyric this week, entertained the little folks at the Crippled Children's hospital. He was presented by Manager Nowitsky of the Colonial."

1935

From January 11th to 14th, Pete performed at the Colonial theatre in Allentown, PA. There were four performances, at 2:30, 5:15, 7-45 and 10:00.
On January 10th, the Harrisburg Telegraph (PA) reported that Pete would be performing at the Victoria theatre on January 15th. On the 12th, the same paper reported that this performance had been delayed. Pete wound up at the State Theater on the 15th.
On January 15th, The Patriot of Harrisburg reported the following: "The theatergoers of Harrisburg are in for a fine treat on the stage: Pete, the movie dog, known to his many friends from his fine performances in the 'Our Gang Comedies.' Pete will be on the stage both matinee and night peforming his many stunts . . . We invite the inaugural visitors to the city and the State Theater. Pete will be on the stage for four days only, starting today."
On January 18th, the Harrisburg Telegraph reported the following occurrence from January 15th: "Harry Lucenay brought Pete the 'Our Gang' dog in for a visit . . . The circle on his eye is real . . . Pete obligingly imitated a police reporter coming home after a tough night, smoked our pipe and pounded out a piece on the typewriter . . . Some dog! . . . Pete's still at the State!"
Also on January 18th, Pete put in his final performance at the State theatre in Harrisburg.
On January 19th, The Reading Times reported the following: "Pete will appear on the State stage Saturday, Monday and Tuesday (the 19th, 21st and 22nd)." Saturday was to be five stage shows.
On January 22nd, The Reading Times reported the following: "Lieut. Harry Lucenay, a member of the Military Intelligence corps for the allied forces during the World War, is the owner of 'Pete,' the famous dog featured in Our Gang comedies, and 'Pete' and his owner appeared on the State stage Saturday afternoon (the 19th) to a crowd that stretched far out beyond the box office. In the theatre, they sat two and three on a seat, and the reception that the youngsters of the town gave the famous dog was one that will not soon be forgotten by 'Pete' and Lieutenant Lucenay. The dog went through his stunts and his capers to the delight of everyone. Boys came from the audience and did a few stunts, and 'Pete' followed and imitated them without a miss. He goes through his routine without the usual ringmaster's whip and the lieutenant's kindness alone is responsible for his display of intelligence. The kiddies all fell for the hoop gag, and 'Pete' only licked his jaws and winked, as he finally was unharnessed and leaped through the ring to the entire satisfaction of the crowd."
On January 30th, the Harrisburg Telegraph reported the following: "Pete the Dog, recently at the State, is slated for a part in the next Shirley Temple flicker (after 'The Little Colonel')." This would presumably be talking about "Our Little Girl," a film Pete didn't wind up appearing in.
On February 1st, the Altoona Tribune (PA) reported the following: "Pete, the world's most famous dog, is coming to the State theatre Saturday, Monday and Tuesday (the 2nd, 4th, and 5th) in addition to a swell picture program." Ads for the Monday and Tuesday appearances indicate start times of 2:10, 4:20, 7:30 and 9:40.
On February 6th, The Richmond News Leader (VA) reported that Pete would soon be coming to the Colonial theatre.
On February 7th, Pete performed at the Strand theatre in Norfolk, VA.
On February 18th, The Daily Argus of Mount Vernon, NY, published an article about Pete, which can be accessed by clicking here.
On March 30th, Pete performed at the at the Strand theatre in Clifton, NJ.
On April 2nd, The Herald-News of Passaic, NJ, reported the following: "Pete, famous movie dog, is coming to the Palace Theatre in Passaic tomorrow for all performances."
On April 6th, Pete performed at the Hawthorne Theatre in Hawthorne, NJ, matinee only.
On April 18th, 19th and 20th, Pete performed at the Roth-Park Theatre in Morristown, NJ.
On April 20th, The Herald-News of Passaic, NJ, reported the following: "Pete, famous movie dog, will appear on the stage of the Ritz Theatre, Garfield, tomorrow and Monday (the 22nd)." Pete also performed there on the 23rd.
On May 4th, the Canadian Press reported the following out of New York: "Pete, the dog who acts in the 'Our Gang' comedies in the movies, had his paw prints taken and filed away at police headquarters yesterday. Pete's master, Harry Lucenay, explained he was taking advantage of Police Commissioner Valentine's invitation to fingerprint any New York citizens who would come down to headquarters."
On May 17th, The Post-Star of Glens Falls, NY, reported the following: "Opening today and continuing through Thursday, May 23, a special feature at the Royal Pines Inn on the Glens Falls-Lake George road will be Pete, the famous 'Our Gang' comedy dog, himself . . . In an article in a recent issue of Liberty magazine, Lucenay tells of his dog's career and explains how the animal is trained for his appearances in the movies. Pete, according to its owner, is the only one of fifteen movie dogs which managed to survive the change from the silent screen to the talkies."
On June 1st, The Billboard (Vol. XLVII, No. 22) reported the following out of New York, dated May 25th: "Pete, the dog actor from the Our Gang film comedy kids' gang, is falling into the regular Hollywood class and is making night club personal appearances. First date was played recently at Toney Reid's Lake George, N.Y., night spot, Royal Pines Inn. Reid claims the dog is bringing plenty of business, with repeats. Stanley Willis' office, of New York, is booking the canine."
Also on June 1st, the Chicago Daily Tribune published a photo with the following caption: "Pete, dog which has appeared in many movie comedies, taking bone instead of cake to celebrate 10th birthday at party in Park Central hotel, New York."
On June 29th, the Atlantic City Press reported the following: "The Summer season is now officially open. Pete's here! Lest you fail to recognize our distinguished visitor by name, we hasten to remind you that Pete is the famous dog who clowns through reels of Our Gang Comedies. Pete paid a visit to the Press-Union editorial office last night and demonstrated a number of tricks learned since his last appearance. He followed his trainer's oral instructions minutely, exhibiting almost human intelligence. And like all other celebrities, Pete posed for pictures. To catch the newspaper atmosphere, he was 'shot' sitting at a typewriter, one paw on the keys, the other up in the air - like all two-fingered reporters. He next posed with headphones over his ears taking a story for the sports department. After the ordeal of being photographed, Pete answered a number of questions with loud, soft and semi-baritone barks. The editorial staff then began telling Pete of their problems and seeking his mature advice. After answering most of 'em, the famous dog let go four barks - evenly spaced - which seemed to spell N-U-T-S. Pete will make his home on the Steel Pier for the Summer."
On August 14th, the Atlantic City Press reported the following: "Pete, beloved by the children everywhere 'Our Gang' comedies are shown on the screen, is spending his third Summer season on the Steel Pier where, under the watchful eye of his master Harry Lucenay, he willingly poses before the camera with juvenile patrons of the pier." Sidenote: This was actually Pete's fourth summer at the pier.
On August 17th, The Evening News of Harrisburg, PA, published a photo with the following caption: "'Pete,' movie dog of Our Gang comedies, and Muriel Page, flame dancer of the Chicago World's Fair, put on act on Atlantic City Steel Pier."

Watch The Birdie (role): Aug. 10, 1935 - Vitaphone/Warner Bros. - 2 reels - Big "V" Comedy with Bob Hope; ©Aug. 19, 1935.

1936

On January 2nd of this year, the Chillicothe Missouri Constitution reported the following: "If you saw 'Pete,' a bull dog with a black eye, on the streets this morning, you probably thought, as we, that the dog looked exactly like the pooch that made a name for himself in yesterday's 'Our Gang' comedies. 'Pete' is a famous stage and screen dog and was here with his owner, Harry Lucenay, who also trains the dog. And 'Pete' is said to be one of the most highly trained dogs in the country."
From January 3rd to 9th, Pete performed at the Tower theatre in Kansas City, MO.
On January 12th, Ripley's Believe It Or Not featured an illustration of Pete, where it was once again claimed that the ring around his eye was real. The dog in the illustration was Pete III.
On January 16th, E. V. Durling of the Illustrated Daily News of Los Angeles shared the following: "Harry Lucenay. Dog trainer. Owner of the acting pup, Pete, which for a long while earned $250 a week playing in 'Our Gang' comedies. Pete broke into Ripley's strip the other day and is said to be all puffed up about it."
On January 22nd, the Rochester Times-Union (NY) reported the following: "Pete, the original bull's-eye bulldog of the Our Gang Comedies, is suing Pete his successor on a charge of unfair trade competition. It seems that when the contract of Pete the original for $250 a week expired after five years, the Roach studios substituted Pete the second, using the make-up of Pete the original. Harry Lucenay, owner of Pete the original, recently has been sending his dog on a personal appearance tour, and contends that he is injured to the extent of $100,000 by Roach's use of Pete, second, in Pete the original's characteristic facial make-up."
On March 13th, The Telegraph of Sidney, NE, reported the following: "Sidney had a distinguished visitor Wednesday night, a movie star of first rank that every youngster in the country would love to meet. No, it wasn't Mickey Mouse, Buck Jones or Tom Mix. It was Pete, the famous Our Gang comedy dog with the conspicuous ring around his eye. Pete visited the Fox theatre while in town and went through a few of his tricks, just to show the boys that he really belongs in Hollywood. Pete, to all appearances, is smarter than most human beings and he knows it. Pete is on his way back to Hollywood to make some more pictures. He had been in the east on a well earned vacation. Incidentally, his owner was along, too."
On April 4th, Pete, along with Spanky, Alfalfa, Buckwheat, Darla, Harold Switzer and MC Joe Cobb, appeared at the Fox Arlington theater in Santa Barbara for afternoon and evening performances.
On April 8th, the Evening Vanguard of Venice, CA, reported the following: "Culver City loses part of its population tonight when the members of 'Our Gang' leave on their private car for a personal appearance tour. They open in Duluth Sunday (Apr. 12th). Those going include Spanky McFarland, Darla Hood, 'Alfalfa' and Harold Switzer, Buckwheat Thomas, and Pete the dog. Joe Cobb, the former fat boy, will act as master of ceremonies. They will be accompanied by their parents, their teacher Mrs. Fern Carter, who has been the Gang teacher for fifteen years, and Jack Sidney, company manager. All of the old-timers of the Gang who are in Southern California will be on hand to wish them luck including Johnny Downs, Mary Kornman, Farina and Mickey Daniels." On April 12th, The Davenport Democrat and Leader (IA) added that the kids would have their own special "play-car" on the train.
On April 9th, the Our Gang entourage stopped in Ogden, UT, on their way to the first stop in their personal appearance tour: Duluth.
On the evening of April 10th, the Our Gang entourage stopped briefly at the Union Station in Omaha, NE, where they took questions from reporters.
On April 12th, the Our Gang kids opened their personal appearance tour in Duluth, MN, where they performed for three days. As the Sayre Daily Headlight-Journal (OK) reported on Apr. 22nd: "The group makes five appearances daily, in a vaudeville act of 23 minutes. During this short time each member of the cast makes three changes in costumes."
On April 14th, Louella Parsons reported the following: "Even Greta Garbo herself could not have brought a bigger crowd to the Duluth movie theater than the members of the Our Gang comedy troupe who are making a personal appearance. The Duluth youngsters were so delighted with Spanky McFarland, Darla Hood, Alfalfa Switzer, Billy (Buckwheat) Thomas and Fatty Joe Cobb, master of ceremonies, that they came to the theater early and stayed late. Hal Roach's celebrated infants will be gone most of the Summer on tour."
On April 16th, the Our Gang kids performed at the Palace theater in Superior, WI, for one day only.
Also on April 16th, The Evening Telegram of Superior, WI, published a photo with the following caption: "'Pete, meet Bud!' This introduction was in order when 'Pete,' famous dog of the movies, met 'Bud,' owned by Police Chief Art Buchanan, Wednesday night (the 15th). Pete, renowned for his natural be-monocled eye, who appeared here Thursday on the Palace stage with 'Our Gang,' condescended between puffs on his favorite pipe to chat with Bud. Bud showed little tendency toward returning the compliment, however, and sulkingly allowed the 'green-eyed monster' within his usually sweet soul to get the best of him. He finally consented to pose with his master, Robert Buchanan, Mayor Bryn Ostby and Pete, under protest."
On April 17th, the Our Gang kids arrived in Minneapolis in the morning for a week's engagement at the Minnesota Theater. The act was described as mostly consisting of songs by the various kids.
On April 19th, The Daily Oklahoman of Oklahoma City reported that the Gang's 2-month tour was being extended to three months.
On April 22nd, The Minneapolis Journal published a version of Merle Potter's column in which the various Our Gang kids filled in for him. This is what Pete had to say: "Gr-r-rr-r, woof, woof!"
It appears that the Our Gang kids arrived in Chicago on April 24th and stayed until the end of the month. The Chicago Daily Tribune ran ads during the week for the Chicago State theater, which featured the kids in person. Oddly, one of these ads was for May 1st, but it's pretty clear that they were no longer in town on that date.
On May 1st, the Our Gang kids arrived in Detroit in the morning for a week's engagement at the Michigan Theatre. Spanky stayed in his hotel bed this evening with a cold, according to reports. Turned out it was the measles.
On May 4th in Detroit, the Associated Press reported the following: "Measles invaded 'Our Gang,' child motion picture troupe making a personal appearance at a theater here, and three members were in quarantine today. 'Spanky' McFarland, the 7-year-old 'leading man,' has the disease, and Darla Hood, 4, and William (Buckwheat) Thomas Jr., 4, were quarantined for lack of immunity. The remainder of the cast, including the dog, Pete, will continue their performance."
On May 5th, The Detroit Free Press ran an ad for the Gang's Michigan theater engagement, mentioning Alfalfa, Harold, Pete, Buckwheat and Joe, but not Spanky or Darla.
On May 7th and 8th, Pete broke away from the tour to make a personal appearance at the Riverside theatre in Milwaukee, WI. It appears that the tour came to a premature end at about this time, due to the disruption caused by the measles outbreak.
On May 24th, the Los Angeles Times published the following in their want ads: "PETE. Famous 'Our Gang' dog now available for stud purposes for limited time only. Pete is a P. R. Am. bull terrier. Phone Lucenay. HI. 9998." This ad continued until May 30th.
On May 27th, the Hollywood Citizen-News reported the following: "Vine St. P.T.A. is completing elaborate plans for the school carnival tomorrow from 3 to 10 p. m. at the school." Among quite a few attractions featured for this carnival was the following: "Pete, the original 'Our Gang' dog, will appear with Lieut. Harry Lucenay."
On May 30th, The Ottawa Journal (ON) published an article about dogs written by Bob Becker. It's pretty clear this came out of Chicago and was describing Pete's visit to the city on the recent Our Gang tour. It says: "One of Chicago's most distinguised recent visitors was a dog that earns a good salary every year. The dog's name is Pete, and he is the animal which movie fans know as 'the dog with the ring around his eye.' This dog, according to its owner and trainer, has earned as much as $20,000 a year through its performances on the screen and stage. The dog appears in the 'Our Gang' comedies and was recently with the gang at a Chicago theatre . . . Lucenay owned Pete's sire, also a dog actor. He knows Pete's ancestors and was present when Pete was whelped. The 'monocle' may be due to the fact that Pete's dam was a pure-bred English bulldog . . . Pete is now 12 years of age and has been appearing in movies since he was three months old."
On June 3rd, the Hollywood Citizen-News reported the following: "Rising young film players became honorary colonels of the American Legion last night when Hollywood post conducted special ceremonies for them before a crowd of more than 1000 persons. George Zaback, commander of the post, was in charge of the program, during which the girls were instructed in the ideals of the Legion and were given sheepskin certificates indicative of their rank . . . A feature was the appearance of Pete, motion picture dog, owned by Harry Lucenay."
The June 6th issue of Popular Mechanics published an article called "Secrets Of Famous Dog Trainers," which gave a decent amount of space to Pete, particularly the camera tricks that aided in his movie acting. It claims that Pete had been in more than 200 comedies and features.
On June 10th, the Hollywood Citizen-News published a photo with the following caption: "Following the farewell breakfast tendered Jimmie Wallington (with camera) at the Hollywood Knickerbocker Hotel, the radio announcer made a picture of members of the party. Holding the match is Harry Lucenay, with Pete at his side, while seated are Miss Bunny Waters and Miss Jean Rogers, film actress and fiancee of Mr. Wallington."
On June 17th, The Morning Oregonian of Portland published a photo with the following caption: "Maybe it wasn't official, but 'Pete,' mascot of Hollywood post, American Legion, received bonus bonds in behalf of his master, Harry S. Lucenay."
On June 18th, The Arcadia Tribune of Duarte, CA, reported the following: "Featured four footed film favorites of Hollywood are to ride a special float provided in the Elks Motion Picture Electric Pageant, to be held here in connection with the 72nd National convention next month to entertain the 35,000 Elks expected here. The parade will be held in the Coliseum, July 16. Pete, the be-spectacled pooch of the 'Our Gang' comedies, was the first to sign the animal register when he appeared at convention headquarters to volunteer his services - and he put down an enthusiastic paw, too! The canine was brought to the Elks Temple by Harry Lucenay, his owner, to 'strut his stuff'." It appears, based on the next couple of items, that Pete didn't make it to the parade.
On July 16th, The Daily Mail of Hagerstown, MD, reported the following: "Harry Lucenay and his dog 'Peter,' featured in 'Our Gang' comedies, passed through Hagerstown yesterday, stopping for gas at a Virginia avenue filling station."
On July 17th, the Atlantic City Press ran an ad for the Steel Pier which listed Pete among the various attractions.
On July 30th, the Los Angeles Times ran the same ad seen in May, only now the phone number was GR 6825. This ad was repeated on August 1st
On September 4th, The Meriden Daily Journal (CT) reported the following: "Have you ever murmured 'impossible' while watching the antics of famous dog performers at the theatre or on the screen? If so, were you correct in your assumption? It all depends on the stunt and who was doing it, says Popular Mechanics. In 'movie' comedies, dogs frequently are called upon to do the 'impossible,' according to Harry Lucenay, who has spent fifteen years in training canine 'movie' stars, including the renowned Pete of 'Our Gang' comedy fame. Veteran of more than 200 comedies and feature pictures, this dog has made a fortune before Hollywood cameras. But natural born actor and comedian though he is, Pete himself would be amazed at some of his screen antics. For example, Pete frequently is called upon to register astonishment by putting his paw behind his ear while sitting up on his hind legs. Due to a dog's physical make-up, this is virtually an impossibility. How is it accomplished? Simply by having the trainer place the dog's paw behind the ear before starting the cameras and then shooting the scene in reverse action. A shot then is made of him sitting up in a natural position. In the cutting room, the two shots are matched so the action appears to be simultaneous. When a comedy script called for Pete to smoke a pipe, several plans were tried without success. Finally, a profile shot of the dog was made, the cameras being so arranged as to cut out a small portion at the rear. A strip of copper tubing was then fashioned into a Z-shape so one end could be placed between the dog's teeth, and the other on the outside of his jaw on the side hidden from the camera. To this end was attached a rubber hose that ran along the hidden side to the trainer beyond the camera lines. A pipe was then placed in the dog's mouth and his trainer, blowing smoke through the tube, supplied realistic puffs."
On September 10th, The Day of New London, CT, reported the following: "Mr. and Mrs. Colin Campbell and two children have returned from a week's visit in Philadelphia and Atlantic City. While there, Lee and Ann Elizabeth were photographed with Pete, the dog famous in the movies." September 10th is the last confirmed Pete appearance of the year at the Steel Pier.
On October 11th, The State Journal of Lansing, MI, reported the following: "The fighting pit bull terrier has been elevated to royalty and has gone very much 'high hat' and why not? For years, the American Kennel club refused to recognize this breed or to establish a classification in order that he might be entered in licensed shows. But, the dog had many friends, among them Jack Dempsey, who until recently owned a large kennel of these dogs. Joining forces with W. T. Brandon, president of the Staffordshire Terrier Club of America, Camden, N. J., and J. Maurice Wheeler, secretary of the club, Saginaw, both breeders of this popular dog, a concerted effort was made to influence the American Kennel club to recognize the breed. After a persistent campaign, the point was won and in June 1936, a classification was established for the breed, to be known as 'Staffordshire terriers,' and registrations were accepted. The first dog to be registered under this new breed name was 'Pete,' the famous 'Our Gang' comedy dog, well known to movie patrons, especially the children, for the unique marking of a circle completely around the right eye. This is a natural marking and is not painted on as many suppose. It was this distinctive marking that brought fame to this almost human dog and fortune to his master, Harry Lucenay of Hollywood." Maltin & Bann state that this happened in 1935, and that Pete wasn't the first to be registered as a Staffordshire Terrier, though he would have been among the first.
Somewhere along the line, Lucenay appeared with Pete III in a newsreel, probably made for Paramount, in which Pete plays hide-and-go-seek with some kids. This ended up becoming a film called Camera Hound, which was released to TV as a UM&M Pictorial.

Broadway Highlights #7 (appearance): Sep. 4, 1936 - Paramount - 1 reel - Broadway Highlights series; ©Sep. 4, 1936. Newsreel; part of the Paramount Varieties series. Pete the Pup is seen attending an event at the Lambs Club.

1937

On January 29th of this year, The Age of Melbourne, Australia, published an article on dogs with some input from Harry Lucenay. It can be accessed by clicking here.
On July 10th, Pete began another summer engagement at the Steel Pier in Atlantic City.
On August 9th, the Atlantic City Press shared the following tidbit: "In front of Hyman's, the Our Gang comedy dog looks longingly at a nice chunk of fish, but no can have, because the film canine is on a diet as all good actors are."
In early September, Pete's engagement at the Steel Pier came to an end for the summer.
On September 22nd, The News-Journal of Mansfield, OH, reported the following: "An internationally known 'actor' visited in Mansfield last night on his way back to Hollywood. It was Pete, the wise-looking dog of Our Gang comedies, whose ringed eye is as much a trade mark as Clark Gable's mustache. Harry Lucenay, owner of Pete, Mrs. Lucenay and their son, spent the night at Morton's tourist home on West Fourth street, and left this morning for California."
On October 26th, the Atlantic City Press published a letter from a Hollywood correspondent that mentioned that Pete "just got back to town."

1938

On July 15th of this year, Pete began another summer season at the Steel Pier in Atlantic City.
On August 3rd, The Washington Daily News (DC) published a photo with the following caption: "You can tell by the expression of Pete, the dog, that he thinks the doughnut-dunking trick, which Comedian Red Skelton is trying to teach him, is bad manners. But he and Mr. Skelton both are in acts on Atlantic City's Steel Pier, and the boss said it was good publicity."
On August 7th, the Atlantic City Press reported the following: "The bodies of a young woman, who turned out to be Mrs. Ann Bowman, a widow, and that of her sweetheart, James Murray, were found in a trailer parked near Allegheny Airport. A suicide note related that she had shot her lover and then turned the gun on herself. In the trailer, police found one picture of the couple, posed with 'Pete.' A check of records of Central Studios here showed that it had been taken on the Pier on July 26th while they were having a happy outing at the shore. A few days later came the tragedy and the picture received wide circulation."
On September 2nd, Pete ended his final season at the Steel Pier.
On December 2nd, the Rochester Times-Union (NY) published an article on movie dogs, which included the following: "Then there were the rival 'bull's eye' bull dogs, who played Pete of the Our Gang comedies. Harry Lucenay, owner of the Pete who figured in the Gang comedies for five years prior to 1936, went to law against the Hal Roach Studios, Inc. in that year, seeking an injunction against another bull dog which Roach had decorated with the well known bull's eye insignia and was using in the comedies instead of the original Pete."

1940

On October 30th of this year, The San Francisco Examiner reported the following: "Pete, the English bulldog with the circle around his eye, is celebrating his sixteenth year in motion pictures on the set of Republic's 'Barnyard Follies.' Pete was a highlight of the Buster Brown and Our Gang comedies for years. He's been a grandfather many times and many of his sons and daughters are now playing in the films. In fact, Pete is one of the few screen luminaries to bridge the jump from silents to talkies. He's getting tired now - he's 18 - and according to his owner, Harry Lucenay, he will retire soon." Sidenote: Lucenay was still passing the current Pete off as the original Pete, who would have indeed been about 18 years old by this time, but was in movies only a few months after his birth.
On November 1st, the Albuquerque Journal reported the following: "'Pete,' the original 'Our Gang' dog who played for years in the juvenile screen comedies, arrived here Thursday (Oct. 31st), and the four youngsters who compose the 'gang' are due to get in Friday for personal appearances on the KiMo stage. Accompanying 'Pete' were Harry Lucenay, his owner and trainer, and Jack Pepper, who will act as master of ceremonies for the children's act. They are staying at El Fidel Hotel. The members of 'Our Gang,' who will make four appearances daily on Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, are Alfalfa Carl Switzer, Muggsy Shirley Coates, Waldo Darwood Kaye and Darleena Anita Gordon." Sidenote: Also in the cast was Marilyn Kay as "Sugar."
On November 2nd, the Albuquerque Journal reported the following: "If the audiences like the personal appearances staged by the 'Our Gang' kids as well as the children enjoy giving them, the KiMo Theater is going to be a very happy spot the next four days. Four of the quintet arrived early Friday evening, with 8-year-old Sugar Marilyn Kay, youngest of the company, due to arrive with her parents later. Alfalfa Carl Switzer, with freckles as large as his movie ones - and twice as natural - headed the group at El Fidel Hotel, which included Muggsy Shirley Coates, Waldo Darwood Kaye and Darleena Anita Gordon. They love personal appearances, because they mean travel."
From November 2nd to 5th, Pete and the former Our Gang members performed at the KiMo Theater in Albuquerque, NM.
On November 3rd, the Albuquerque Journal reported the following: "The 'Our Gang' kids, appearing at the KiMo Theater, will entertain patients at the Veterans Hospital Monday morning (the 4th), William P. Erxleben of the American Legion said Saturday. 'Pete,' the dog appearing with the children, is the mascot of the Hollywood American Legion, and will accompany the group to the hospital. The children also will visit Isleta Monday, according to Erxleben."
On November 6th, The Amarillo Globe reported the following: "Gang way, boys and girls! Amarillo will be invaded by Hollywood's most famous gang of movie stars headed by that great screen lover, Alfalfa Switzer. They are none other than the celebrated Our Gang comedy kids who have left the great Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer studios in Hollywood to appear here in person on the stage of the Paramount Theater for three days beginning today. Yes, sir! folks, carrot-topped, abundantly freckled Alfalfa has practically all of his famous gang with him. There's Waldo, Sugar, Darleena, Muggsy and the celebrated Hollywood canine, Pete. And as all followers of the Our Gang boys and girls know, Pete is just about one of the cleverest dogs in the world. Genial Jack Pepper, only adult member of the troupe, will act as master of ceremonies. Jack, a native of Dallas, Texas, has headlined hundreds of vaudeville bills throughout the country and also has appeared in the Ziegfeld Follies. The M-G-M Our Gang Comedy series in its eighteenth year is perhaps the most successful in the history of the motion picture industry. For eighteen years various groups of the inimitable little pranksters have delighted audiences, young and old alike, throughout the world whenever motion pictures are shown. The famous juvenile funsters who are starred in the present series need little introduction. Alfalfa Switzer has just about achieved stardom and is considered by many to be the outstanding boy comedian of the screen. In addition to his work in the Our Gang comedies, he has played in several full length features. One was 'Wild and Woolly' in which Jane Withers was starred. Then there's Muggsy, the little Sis Hopkins; Waldo, the poor little rich boy; Darleena, Our Gang's baby vamp; Sugar, sweet and cute, and Pete the pup. Pete is a veteran of Hollywood and has been seen in many hundreds of pictures for the past eighteen years. According to advance reports received by Manager Fred Palterson of the Paramount Theater, the youngsters have put together a great show that is sure to please everyone from six to sixty."
During the Amarillo visit, Pete fell ill and was taken back to California, ending his participation in the tour. This was reported in the Wichita Falls Record News (TX) of December 21st. The San Antonio Light of December 29th reported that he came down with influenza. This also seems to have essentially ended his professional career, as we've yet to find any subsequent film or stage appearances.

Barnyard Follies (role): Oct. 6, 1940 - Republic - 8 reels - Mary Lee feature; ©Dec. 6, 1940. Also featuring Alfalfa Switzer, Darwood Kaye, and Shirley Coates.

1941

On May 10th of this year, The Berkshire Evening Eagle of Pittsfield, MA, reported the following: "Mike, the only copyrighted dog in the world, is spending a few days at the Otis Hotel while his owners, Mr. and Mrs. George Foster of Newton, whip the adjacent trout streams. Mike is known to millions as the 'Our Gang Comedies' dog. He is in semi-retirement now, having reached the venerable dogs' age of 17 years on April 4. Like many another who has reached fame and fortune, Mike had first to overcome a serious handicap. He is deaf and dumb. Necessarily, his training was done entirely by signs and pressure of his owner's fingers. Mr. Foster estimates that his canine movie star has so far earned $138,000 . . . The copyright covers his distinctive markings - a black circle around one eye. No other dog may carry this trade-mark, even though Nature herself stepped in and produced a duplicate of Mike. And while he has had imitators in Hollywood, none has approached the popularity of the original." Accompanying this article is a photograph, which makes it clear that Mike never appeared in the Our Gang series, in spite of the ring around his eye.

1943

On March 1st of this year, the Associated News reported the following out of Newton, MA: "A comedian of the silent films has won a hero's spot in the hearts of animal lovers. 'Mike,' the dog with a black circle around his eye in the Our Gang comedies produced by Hal Roach, yesterday led George F. Foster to an abandoned well in which he found a trapped mongrel, Foster reported. Fashioning a noose from 'Mike's' leash, Foster pulled the frightened animal from the depths. 'Mike' is now 19 years old." Sidenote: Normally, one would think of a story like this as being part of the "And now for some good news" segment of the news, but considering the fradulent way this dog was being marketed, it's difficult not to be skeptical about whether this rescue ever happened at all.

1944

On April 6th of this year, the United Press reported the following from Boston: "'Mike,' the English bull terrier with a black-ring eye who frolicked through countless 'Our Gang' comedies, observed his twentieth birthday yesterday in a hospital recovering from injuries suffered in an automobile accident on Monday (the 3rd). The dog's owner, George F. Foster of West Newton, had planned a birthday cake made from dog biscuits and topped by 20 candles yesterday." Sidenote: And again, Mike makes it into the news for something that has nothing to do with his "career." Perhaps business was slow.
On May 28th, Harry Lucenay was shot to death.
On May 29th, The San Francisco News published an article about the shooting, and included this odd detail: "Lucenay, a former wrestler, was the owner of 'Spot,' a dog that performed for several years in 'Our Gang' movie comedies."
On June 5th, The Post-Star of Glens Falls, NY, reported on Harry's death, and mentioned this: "Lucenay was known in Glens Falls, having entertained at the Royal Pines for several weeks a few years ago. He also returned here for visits on several occasions." Pete had performed at the Royal Pines in May 1935, but apparently, that wasn't the only time.
On October 25th, the St. Louis Globe-Democrat reported the following: "Maggie, 16-year-old bull terrier, who was a star in the old 'Our Gang' comedies, and its 2-year-old master, R. Warren Harding of Hollywood, visited Mayor Kaufmann yesterday to urge adoption of an ordinance to exempt war dogs from licensing provisions of the city. Mrs. Ralph T. Harding, mother of the youngster, said they are on a tour of the country in behalf of dogs that have been in active service . . . The tour, she said, is sponsored by the Returning War Dogs Association, of which her husband is president. She is secretary of the organization." Sidenote: This is a tricky one, since the claim isn't that Maggie was Pete, or that Maggie had a ring around her eye. However, she is claimed to be a bull terrier and a star of the Our Gang series.

1946

According to Wikipedia, Pete died on January 28th of this year. What the source is for this date remains to be found out. The year of his death, however, is corroborated by the Apr. 9, 2001, Waco Tribune-Herald in an article in which they interviewed Lucenay's son, Ted. There's a grave marker at Los Angeles Pet Memorial Park that is said to be Pete's, and it indicates that Pete lived to be 16 years old, which matches the age he would have been if he died in 1946.

1951

On July 5th of this year, the Shamokin News-Dispatch (PA) reported the following: "Pete, famous Our Gang comedy dog, is one of the added attractions in the Republic re-release, 'Barnyard Follies' . . . When he was a mere pup, Pete was heralded as one of the seven wonders of dogdom because of his distinguished black ringed eye, and he made his debut in films in the Educational picture, 'Dog Sense.' After stealing the show in a number of films, Pete was grabbed up by the Our Gang comedies and they held on to him for a long time. Then suddenly, Pete became a national figure. Fan letters poured in asking if the black ring was a fake, how Pete was trained, what he ate for breakfast and if he could spare one of his puppies. It seems Pete has hundreds of children, grandchildren and great-grands, so he has been able to spare many puppies and there are a number of them in small boys' homes over the United States."

1955

On June 22nd of this year, the Courier-Post of Camden, NJ, reported the following: "Dr. Thomas J. McConaghey, Woodbury veterinarian, has been treating a direct descendant of a motion picture celebrity of yesteryear. Remember Pete, the dog with the circled eye featured in 'Our Gang' films? Tippy, a great-grandson of Pete, was struck by a car recently and has undergone major leg surgery. His master, J. F. Adkins, also of Woodbury, states Tippy is a Staffordshire terrier, with the movie star as a grand pop."

1976

On November 27th of this year, the Mobile Register/Press (AL) published a retropective article about Our Gang, and reported the following about Pete: "Pete the Pup was the only actor in the series who ever wore make-up: the ring around his eye. He lived to the ripe old age of 16, and was a born ham."

1978

In March of this year, Hudson's Bay Company introduced a line of Little Rascals play wear in Canada. Many of these had an illustration of Pete on the front. Also available from the company were Pete the Pup plush toys. Over the next few years, the company also held promotions where kids could meet a costumed Pete the Pup in person.

Rascal Dazzle (archival): 1978 - King World/Picture Scores - 93 min. - documentary feature; ©1978. Seems to have debuted on TV, followed by a theatrical release in late 1979. Includes footage from "When The Wind Blows," "Readin' And Writin'," "Choo-Choo!" and "The Pooch."

1982

Hollywood: The Gift Of Laughter (archival): May 16, 1982 - Wolper/Haley/MPA/ABC - 135 min. - TV movie; Includes footage from "The Pooch."

1984

Our Gang: Inside The Clubhouse (archival): May 8, 1984 - Lang/Camellia City Telecasters - 93 mins. - TV documentary; Includes footage from "Bouncing Babies," "Bargain Day," "Readin' And Writin'," "Free Eats," "Choo-Choo!" and "The Pooch."

1994

Hal Roach: Hollywood's King Of Laughter (archival): Apr. 7, 1994 - RHI/Disney Channel - 49 min. - TV documentary; Includes footage from "Bear Shooters" and "School's Out."
The Our Gang Story (archival): 1994 - Film Shows/GoodTimes - 120 min. - video documentary; Includes footage from "The First Seven Years," "Bear Shooters," "School's Out," "The Stolen Jools," "Fly My Kite" and "Broadway Highlights #7."

2001

On April 9th of this year, the Waco Tribune-Herald published an article about Pete the Pup and Ted Lucenay, which can be accessed by clicking here.

2004

50 Greatest Movie Animals (archival): Feb. 28, 2004 - Prometheus/Animal Planet - 90 min. - TV documentary; Includes footage from "The Pooch."

2006

Waco Remembers episode: Our Gang - A Visit With Ted Lucenay (archival): Jan. 8, 2006 - WCCC-10 - 8 min. - documentary TV special; The broadcast date is the earlier we've been able to find, but the copyright notice says 2004.

2014

Hollywoods Spaßfabrik - Als die Bilder Lachen lernten (archival): May 29, 2014 - Exit Film-und Fernsehproduktion-ZDF/ARTE - 90 min. - TV documentary; Also released in English as Hal Roach - The Lot Of Fun: Where The Movies Learned To Laugh. Includes footage from "Rainy Days," "Fast Freight" and "Semps d'hiver."

2015

On December 20th of this year, the Courier-Post of Camden, NJ, reported the following: "It is rumored that Petey the Pup from the 'Little Rascals' comedies is buried at Clara-Glen, but nobody has ever found a headstone for the dog with one beringed eye. Pete DID appear in New Jersey: The Tribune-Herald out of Waco, Texas published an interview with area resident Ted Lucenay - the son of Pete's trainer, Harry Lucenay - in which he confirmed that his father would bring Pete to the Steel Pier in Atlantic City to meet with fans and pose for pictures with them. There is some controversy over Pete's final resting place, and the proximity of Clara-Glen to the Steel Pier might have led some to assume that it was a natural choice for Pete, who died in 1946 of old age. Ted Lucenay, who died in December 2004, knew where Pete the Pup is buried, but he wasn't telling the Tribune-Herald anything at the time of the interview."

Pete the Pup IV

(and Pete the Pup V)

owner: Hal Roach (presumably)
trainer: Tony Campanaro

As far as can be ascertained, Hal Roach owned the post-Lucenay Petes, and Tony Campanaro, who apparently lived at the Roach Ranch, was in charge of training them, in addition to most of the other animals seen in the Roach films. It appears that Pete the Pup IV was the version of Pete we see from 1932 to 1938, but there was also a Pete the Pup V, who was the son of Pete IV, and who was being trained to eventually replace his father in the Our Gang series. But since Pete IV was still the Our Gang dog near the end of 1937, it's not too much of a stretch to figure that he hung in there until the middle of 1938 when the Pete character was retired from the series. Consequently, it's not likely that Pete V was ever used.

1932

Around April, Harry Lucenay broke his ties with the Roach studio and took the current version of Pete on the road for personal appearances. It was now up to Campanaro to train a new version of Pete for the Our Gang series, and it was this dog that debuted in "Hook And Ladder." There was some publicity about Roach purchasing one of Pete's puppies to inherit the role, or that the new dog was a great-grandson of the original Pete, but Maltin & Bann state that he was unrelated.
On May 5th, the Waterbury Evening Democrat (CT) reported the following: "Hal Roach is looking for new faces for 'Our Gang' comedies. Even Pete, the dog, is to be replaced."
From July 19th to 27th, the Our Gang short "Free Wheeling" was filmed, with additional footage shot on September 3rd. Pete wasn't in this film, but he was present, as revealed in at least one publicity photo.
From July 30th to August 14th, the 1932 Summer Olympics were held in Los Angeles. As reported in the Nov. 17, 1984, Irish Independent of Dublin, many movie stars, which included "Spanky McFarland and the entire Our Gang cast, including Pete, the dog with the 'monocle' painted around one eye, all were seen at Olympic events."

116. Hook And Ladder (small part: Pete): Aug. 27, 1932 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-9 - Our Gang series; Filmed May 18 to 28, 1932. ©Sep. 14, 1932. Pete activates the gang's alarm system.
118. Birthday Blues (small part): Oct. 1932 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-11 - Our Gang series; Listed for both Oct. 1 and Nov. 12, 1932. Filmed July 30 to Aug. 4, 1932. ©Oct. 24, 1932. Earilest verified screening took place on Oct. 14, 1932. Pete's seen taking sausages from Dickie until Spanky takes his place.
119. A Lad An' A Lamp (small part): Dec. 17, 1932 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-12 - Our Gang series; Filmed Sep. 3 to 10, 1932. ©Dec. 12, 1932. Pete's seen early in the film, but isn't given much to do.

1933

On May 6th of this year, the Kentucky Advocate of Danville reported the following about Our Gang's break from their film schedule: "Pete, the dog, is browsing among the cows and chickens at the Hal Roach ranch."
During 1933, a Brazilian children's magazine called O Tico-Tico ran a multi-part comic strip featuring the Our Gang kids. Also included in the cast was Pete.
From August 18th to 23rd, the Our Gang short "Wild Poses" was filmed. Even though Pete wasn't in this one, a publicity photo reveals that he was present on at least one of the shooting dates.
On August 19th, The Los Angeles Times carried a photo of Patsy Kelly in the hospital after surviving a car accident that killed the driver, Gene Mallin. The photo shows Spanky visiting Patsy in the hospital. Another photo, published on the 22nd, shows Pete the Pup IV with them.
On October 15th, the Los Angeles Times published an article written by Bob McGowan. He had this to say about Pete: "In the beginning, we used several animals with the children. Gradually, we thinned them out until only Pete the Pup remained. Pete is an unusual dog. He has a rare type of canine intelligence. He seems able to understand and figure out things for himself, and he loves to work in pictures. He is lost when the kids are on vacation. He never needs to be bribed to do what he does. Praise for work well done is enough for him. When the camera is grinding, he never looks toward either his trainer or the camera. He seems to understand that he should not do this. He reflects the mood that the children are in. If the kids are gay, he romps along with them. If they seem sad, he is too. He is the ideal movie dog and fan letters come to him from all over the world asking for photos and paw prints of him." Sidenote: McGowan's comments could probably apply to the previous Petes just as much as the current one, if not moreso.
On October 29th, the Waco Sunday Tribune-Herald published a photo of Pete with three puppies. The caption read: "A son and three grandchildren of a former Wacoan, Pal, who moved on up to movie stardom after leaving this city, are shown here. They are Pete, successor to his late father in film popularity, and Pete's offspring. Pal belonged to Harry de Lucenay, who married Miss Marion Dilworth, sister of Tom G. Dilworth of Waco, and who is living in Hollywood, Calif., now. Pal, who died four or five years ago, had the ring around his eye - a natural coloration - that Pete and the three pups have inherited, although in two cases it has moved to the opposite eye." Sidenote: There's a lot wrong with this caption, including the idea that Pal had a ring around his eye, that the current Pete was the same as the original Pete, and that the eye rings were natural. But the whole thing is rendered moot when realizing that the Pete in the photo is Pete the Pup IV, Tony Campanaro's dog, who was the dog currently appearing in the Our Gang series.
On December 18th, Captain Roscoe Fawcett, in his Screen Oddities comic panel, featured Pete and said this about him: "'Pete the Pup,' in 'Our Gang' Comedies, is the third of a succession of ring-eyed terriers to bear that name. The dogs had a striking resemblance to each other but were unrelated." The illustration resembles Pete the Pup IV.

120. Fish Hooky (small part): Jan. 28, 1933 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-13 - Our Gang series; Filmed Oct. 17 to 22, 1932. ©Jan. 16, 1933. Pete accompanies Joe and Farina and is only seen in the scenes next to the creek.
121. Forgotten Babies (supporting role): Mar. 11, 1933 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-14 - Our Gang series; Filmed Dec. 3 to 10, 1932. ©Mar. 13, 1933. Pete's present throughout the babysitting sequence, but isn't given that much to do.
122. The Kid From Borneo (small part): Apr. 15, 1933 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-15 - Our Gang series; Filmed Jan. 9 to 16, 1933. ©Mar. 13, 1933. Pete's seen with the kids on the sidewalk and is chased along with them by Bumbo, but disappears halfway through the film.
123. Mush and Milk (small part: Pete): May 27, 1933 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-16 - Our Gang series; Filmed Jan. 27 to Feb. 3, 1933. ©Apr. 17, 1933. Pete's seen off and on, but isn't given much to do aside from tipping over the milk.
124. Bedtime Worries (supporting role: Pete): ©Sep. 26, 1933 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-17 - Our Gang series; Also listed for Sep. 9, 1933. Filmed July 20 to 31, and Aug. 12, 1933. The gang tries to get Spanky to take Pete, and later bring him to the house, where they sick him on the burglar.

1934

126. Hi'-Neighbor! (supporting role: Pete): Mar. 3, 1934 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-19 - Our Gang series; Filmed Jan. 20 to 30, 1934. ©Feb. 24, 1934. Pete's present throughout most of the film, and is given a few comic bits of business.
127. For Pete's Sake! (featured role: Pete): Apr. 14, 1934 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-20 - Our Gang series; Filmed Feb. 23 to Mar. 3, 1934. ©Apr. 4, 1934. Pete's the subject of the film, being traded in for a doll, but ultimately saving the day.
128. The First Round-Up (supporting role: Pete): May 5, 1934 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-21 - Our Gang series; Filmed Mar. 19 to 24, 1934. ©May 1, 1934. Pete accompanies the little kids, and brings fleas to the campsite with him.
130. Mike Fright (bit part): Aug. 25, 1934 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-23 - Our Gang series; Also listed for Feb. 25, 1934. Filmed May 29 to June 7, 1934. ©July 25, 1934. Pete's shown outside the window as Tommy announces to the gang that they're going on the radio.
131. Washee Ironee (supporting role: Pete): ©Nov. 13, 1934 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-24 - Our Gang series; Also listed for Sep. 29, 1934. Filmed Oct. 1 to 9, 1934. Pete swallows Spanky's whistle.

1935

On May 21st of this year, The Pittsburgh Press ran an ad for Our Gang Sun Suits which stated that each suit had a Pete button on it. In the ad, Pete the Pup IV is shown.
On November 20th, the Evening Vanguard of Venice, CA, published an article about a meeting of the Culver City grammar school Fathers' Council, to take place the following evening. The program would include entertainment and refreshments. As the article reports: "Tony Compenerro(sic), director of trained animals for the Hal Roach studios, will present his famous trick dog, Pete, of 'Our Gang' fame."
On December 8th, the Los Angeles Times published an article about movie dogs, finishing up by saying this: "Nor must one omit the two dogs, Pete the Pup and Laughing Gravy, which work in Our Gang Comedies and are owned by Hal Roach."
A press release for "The Pinch Singer" (no. 143), filmed Dec. 11th to 21st, reveals that Pete the Pup IV was still the dog used in the Our Gang series, but that his son, Pete the Pup V, visited the set to watch his father in action. The object was to ready number five to replace number four sometime in the future. It appears, however, that number four continued until the departure of Pete from the series in 1938. However, in an article about Spanky published on Aug. 24, 1988, by The Houston Chronicle, it's mentioned that there were two dogs that played Pete. Presumably this is something that Spanky told the reporter, but it could mean more than one thing. For instance, maybe it means that Pete V occasionally appeared in place of his father in the films. Or perhaps Spanky was just recognizing that Pete III (Lucenay's dog) had been there when Spanky first joined the Gang, but that another dog, Pete IV, was there later on. Or maybe he was just misremembering what others had said over the years about the multiple Petes.

134. Anniversary Trouble (small part): ©Mar. 13, 1935 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-27 - Our Gang series; Also listed for Jan. 1, 1935, and Jan. 19, 1935. Filmed Jan. 25 to Feb. 1, 1935. Pete's seen during the club meeting.
135. Beginner's Luck (bit part): ©Apr. 8, 1935 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-28 - Our Gang series; Also listed for Feb. 23, 1935. Filmed Feb. 20 to 28, 1935. Pete can be seen at the fence when the gang first appears on screen.
136. Teacher's Beau (small part): Apr. 27, 1935 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-29 - Our Gang series; Filmed Mar. 13 to 20, 1935. ©May 1, 1935. Pete attends class as well as the party for Miss Jones.
137. Sprucin' Up (small part): June 1, 1935 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-30 - Our Gang series; Filmed Apr. 2 to 9, and May 7, 1935. ©June 12, 1935. Pete's Spanky's dog, and is present in his bedroom, as well as on the sidewalk.

1936

On January 22nd of this year, the Rochester Times-Union (NY) reported the following: "Pete, the original bull's-eye bulldog of the Our Gang Comedies, is suing Pete his successor on a charge of unfair trade competition. It seems that when the contract of Pete the original for $250 a week expired after five years, the Roach studios substituted Pete the second, using the make-up of Pete the original. Harry Lucenay, owner of Pete the original, recently has been sending his dog on a personal appearance tour, and contends that he is injured to the extent of $100,000 by Roach's use of Pete, second, in Pete the original's characteristic facial make-up."
On March 1st, United Newspapers Magazine Corporation published an article about movie animals, and had this to say about Pete: "So far as animals are concerned, perpetual motion has been discovered by the 'Our Gang' comedies. They have been in existence for more than fifteen years. Pete the Pup would naturally grow old in that time. A descendant takes his place. As there was a circle around the eye of the great pioneer, each Pete the Pup must have the same circle. Thousands of movie fans have asked about the circle. Here's the answer: It is painted around the eye of each puppy."
During 1936, Pete's appearances in the Our Gang series became more sporadic, but starting with the debut of the one-reelers during the summer, his photo was shown at the start of each episode along with those of the regular kids.
Also during 1936, an ad for Royal Cherry Gelatin included an Our Gang comic strip. Among the characters was Pete.
On July 18th, the Associated Press reported on the Our Gang reunion that took place that day at Hal Roach Studios. It mentioned that Pete the Pup was the "great-grandson of the first dog actor with the gang," and was also there.
On August 6th, The Queenslander of Brisbane reported the following: "Performing dogs in a circus are taught to follow a routine, but dogs acting in films have to be able to understand quickly what they are told. They do it so naturally, too. For the last 15 years, at least, I have watched Pete, the Pup, getting into scrapes with the members of Our Gang on the films, and he never appears to be acting. It puzzled me also, because he never grew older; he was always the same intelligent dog with the comic circle around one eye. During these years, other doggy friends of mine grew old and tired, but Pete seemed to have found the secret of perpetual youth. At last I have solved the mystery: a descendant takes his place. Pete's puppies have been trained to act exactly as their father and, to accentuate the likeness, a circle is painted around the eye of each puppy - not always the same eye, though, you will notice."
In December, the Our Gang film "Reunion In Rhythm" was being shot. During that time, Patience, Richard, and Johnny Abbe visited the Roach studio. In 1937, they published their memories of visiting Hollywood in a book called Of All Places! Here's what they had to say about Pete: "Pete, the pup, was hanging around with his trainer, an Italian man. He is a calm dog and lets anyone pet him, but he does not act as though he would ask you for a pat. He is an actor, so hangs around with his trainer like something special, but at the same time he is not stuck up. He acts as though he is used to all this."

143. The Pinch Singer (supporting role): Jan. 4, 1936 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-35 - Our Gang series; Filmed Dec. 11 to 21, 1935. ©Feb. 6, 1936. Working title: King's Gong. Pete handles the gong during the auditions.
142. Divot Diggers (supporting role: Pete): Feb. 8, 1936 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-36 - Our Gang series; Filmed Nov. 18 to 25, 1935. ©Feb. 6, 1936. Pete can't resist chasing the ball.
138. The Lucky Corner (bit part): Mar. 14, 1936 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-31 - Our Gang series; Filmed May 13 to 20, 1935. ©Feb. 19, 1936. Pete's shown in the parade, but doesn't seem to be in any other part of the film.
Fox Movietone News (appearance): 1936 - Fox - 1 reel - newsreel; Our Gang's fifteenth anniversary is featured in a Hollywood Spotlight segment with Jimmie Fidler.
146. Bored Of Education (bit part): Aug. 29, 1936 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-1 - Our Gang series; Also listed for Aug. 20, 1936. ©Sep. 3, 1936. Filmed July 13 to 16, 1936. Oscar winner for Best One-Reel Short Subject. Pete's shown outside the school at the beginning of the film.
147. Two Too Young (use of photo): ©Oct. 21, 1936 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-2 - Our Gang series; Also listed for Sep. 26, 1936. Filmed Sep. 8 to 12, 1936. Alfalfa recites "The Charge Of The Light Brigade."
148. Pay As You Exit (use of photo): ©Nov. 17, 1936 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-3 - Our Gang series; Also listed for Oct. 24, 1936. Filmed Oct. 14 to 19, 1936.
149. Spooky Hooky (use of photo): ©Dec. 28, 1936 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-4 - Our Gang series; Also listed for Dec. 5, 1936. Filmed Nov. 11 to 17, 1936.

1937

On January 13th of this year, Pete was due to work in the Our Gang film "Glove Taps," but filming was postponed and he didn't wind up in the film. There was also an unspecified dog used on the 25th and 26th, but even this one, Pete or otherwise, does not appear in the film.
During 1937, a comic book featuring the Our Gang kids called The Dandy debuted. Among the characters was Pete.
On October 19th, the Portland Press Herald published an article about Vittorio Mussolini's visit to the Roach studio, which took place in late September. Here's an excerpt: "On the studio premises, we saw Tony. On a leash he led Pete, the pup that is frequently seen in the 'Our Gang' comedies. He has a ring painted around his eye. Pete loves children and is a very friendly if sprightly dog. There was a kitten in the environment, and that disturbed Pete no little. Tony trains animals on a ranch he owns. Then he 'leases out' the animals for pictures. He understands animal training thoroughly. The day we saw him, he was quite proud. He had had his picture taken with Vittorio Mussolini and it was being delivered to him that day in a handsome enlargement that he was going to hang in his living room. He was the happiest man in Hollywood."

151. Reunion In Rhythm (bit part): Jan. 9, 1937 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-5 - Our Gang series; Filmed Dec. 9 to 14, 1936. ©Jan. 14, 1937. Pete's shown at the beginning drinking a toast.
152. Glove Taps (use of photo): ©Mar. 9, 1937 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-6 - Our Gang series; Also listed for Feb. 20, 1937. Filmed Jan. 11 to 30, 1937.
153. Hearts Are Thumps (use of photo): Apr. 3, 1937 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-7 - Our Gang series; Filmed Feb. 2 to 10, 1937. ©Mar. 24, 1937.
155. Rushin' Ballet (use of photo): Apr. 24, 1937 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-9 - Our Gang series; Filmed Mar. 9 to 13, 1937. ©Apr. 22, 1937.
154. Three Smart Boys (use of photo): May 13, 1937 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-8 - Our Gang series; Also listed as Mar. 13, 1937. Filmed Feb. 15 to 19, 1937. ©Mar. 31, 1937.
156. Roamin' Holiday (supporting role: Pete): June 12, 1937 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-10 - Our Gang series; Filmed Apr. 22 to May 3, 1937. ©June 24, 1937. Pete's Spanky's dog, and is the means by which the boys gets their dog biscuits.
157. Night 'N' Gales (use of photo): July 24, 1937 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-11 - Our Gang series; Filmed June 22 to 30, 1937. ©Aug. 18, 1937.
158. Fishy Tales (use of photo): Aug. 28, 1937 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-12 - Our Gang series; Filmed July 26 to Aug. 2, 1937. ©Sep. 8, 1937.
159. Framing Youth (use of photo): ©Sep. 21, 1937 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-13 - Our Gang series; Also listed for Sep. 11, 1937. Filmed Aug. 19 to 25, 1937.
160. The Pigskin Palooka (bit part): Oct. 23, 1937 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-14 - Our Gang series; Filmed Sep. 18 to 25, 1937. ©Nov. 2, 1937. Pete's seen as the kids are walking onto the football field.
161. Mail And Female (use of photo): Nov. 13, 1937 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-15 - Our Gang series; Filmed Oct. 22 to 27, 1937. ©Nov. 17, 1937.

1938

In June, the Our Gang series moved to MGM, and it appears that Campanaro went along with them, at least temporarily. Pete's appearances in the series were getting to be few and far between. His only Roach appearance during 1938 was in "The Awful Tooth." However, he returned in the second Metro-produced episode, "Party Fever," which proved to be his last appearance in the series.
On July 3rd, James Watt of the New York Times shared the following in a syndicated article: "Pete, the pup with the encircled eye, one of whose grandsons perpetuates him in current Gang releases, was another member of that initial 1921." This is in reference to the debut of the Our Gang series, and is completely false.
From July 20th to 26th, the Our Gang short "Aladdin's Lantern" was shot. Pete the Pup IV had already made his final appearance in the series in the previous film, but there is a photo of him with the Our Gang kids in costume for "Aladdin's Lantern."
On December 2nd, the Rochester Times-Union (NY) published an article on movie dogs, which included the following: "Then there were the rival 'bull's eye' bull dogs, who played Pete of the Our Gang comedies. Harry Lucenay, owner of the Pete who figured in the Gang comedies for five years prior to 1936, went to law against the Hal Roach Studios, Inc. in that year, seeking an injunction against another bull dog which Roach had decorated with the well known bull's eye insignia and was using in the comedies instead of the original Pete."

163. Canned Fishing (use of photo): Feb. 12, 1938 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-16 - Our Gang series; Filmed Jan. 10 to 25, 1938. ©Feb. 16, 1938.
164. Bear Facts (use of photo): Mar. 5, 1938 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-17 - Our Gang series; Filmed Jan. 26 to Feb. 4, 1938. ©Mar. 8, 1938.
165. Three Men In A Tub (use of photo): Mar. 26, 1938 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-18 - Our Gang series; Filmed Feb. 9 to 18, 1938. ©Apr. 1, 1938.
166. Came The Brawn (use of photo): Apr. 16, 1938 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-19 - Our Gang series; Filmed Feb. 21 to 25, 1938. ©Apr. 12, 1938.
167. Feed 'Em And Weep (use of photo): May 7, 1938 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-20 - Our Gang series; Filmed Apr. 4 to 7, 1938. ©May 11, 1938.
168. The Awful Tooth (small part): May 28, 1938 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-21 - Our Gang series; Filmed Apr. 12 to 16, 1938. ©May 26, 1938. Pete's with the boys at the beginning of the film.
169. Hide And Shriek (use of photo): June 18, 1938 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-22 - Our Gang series; Filmed May 11 to 14, 1938. ©June 16, 1938.
171. Party Fever (small part): Aug. 27, 1938 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2568 - Our Gang series; Filmed July 5 to 9, 1938. ©Aug. 25, 1938. Pete's seen during Alfalfa's street-sweeping scene.

1939

On February 5th of this year, Feg Murray included Pete the Pup in his Seein' Stars panel cartoon, stating that the ring was painted on. The dog illustrated is Pete the Pup IV.

1941

On March 7th of this year, Feg Murray once again featured Pete the Pup IV in his Seein' Stars panel cartoon. And again, it has to do with the ring around his eye being painted on.

1946

On April 6th of this year, the Los Angeles Times reported the following from Norco: "Pete, the big white bulldog favorite of Our Gang Comedies for a number of years, was shot and killed here today. He was found a short distance from the J. M. Robertson residence at 550 E. Fourth St. where he was living his last years in comfortable retirement. A trail of blood indicated he died trying to get back to his home. Distinguished in Hal Roach productions by his perpetual 'black eye,' Pete was given to E. R. Lloyd, of 650 Temescal Road, when pensioned. Lloyd was a veteran of 14 years at the studios." The same day, Associated Press described it this way: "A veteran movie actor died today from a charge of buckshot fired at close range . . . Pete was pensioned by the Hal Roach studio after 14 years of service as an actor and went to live with E. R. Lloyd. Pete's killer is unknown." Documentation found at FamilySearch.org corroborates Edward Richard Lloyd living in Norco. The Roach payroll ledgers also list E. R. Lloyd as a driver, and later Dick Lloyd, also a driver and probably the same guy. His 1942 draft registration card gives his address as 630 Temescal, which is close enough, and lists his employer as Hal Roach Studios. Under "person who will always know your address," the name given is Capt. Arthur R. Lloyd, Signal Corp. Photograph Div., Fort Monmouth, New Jersey. So he was related to Roach cinematographer Art Lloyd. The 1950 census reveals that he was a farmer, which makes pretty good sense if a studio wanted to retire an old movie dog. The question is: Which Pete is this? Since the first three Petes were Lucenay dogs (though the second one isn't so certain), it stands to reason that this is either Pete the Pup IV or Pete the Pup V.

1978

Rascal Dazzle (archival): 1978 - King World/Picture Scores - 93 min. - documentary feature; ©1978. Seems to have debuted on TV, followed by a theatrical release in late 1979. Includes footage from "Hi'-Neighbor!" "For Pete's Sake!" "Washee Ironee," "Anniversary Trouble," "Sprucin' Up," "Divot Diggers," "The Pinch Singers," "Bored Of Education," "Reunion In Rhythm," "Roamin' Holiday" and "The Pigskin Palooka."

1984

Our Gang: Inside The Clubhouse (archival): May 8, 1984 - Lang/Camellia City Telecasters - 93 mins. - TV documentary; Includes footage from "Hook And Ladder," "Forgotten Babies," "For Pete's Sake!" and "Sprucin' Up."

1994

On September 14th, the Associated Press published an article about Tommy Bond and his recent book release. Of relevance to Pete is the following: "One tidbit that didn't make the book, because he didn't hear it until recently, came from Gordon 'Porky' Lee. He offered Bond the name of the then-obscure makeup man who painted the circle around Pete the dog's eye - Max Factor." If there's any truth to this factoid, then it would most likely refer to Pete IV.

The Our Gang Story (archival): 1994 - Film Shows/GoodTimes - 120 min. - video documentary; Includes footage from "Hook And Ladder," "The Kid From Borneo," "The Pinch Singer," "Reunion In Rhythm," "News Of The Day" clip with Vittorio Mussolini, and "Fox Movietone News."

2002

Added Attractions: The Hollywood Shorts Story (archival): Feb. 5, 2002 - Jones/TCM - 89 min. - TV documentary; Includes footage from "Hi'-Neighbor!"

2014

Hollywoods Spaßfabrik - Als die Bilder Lachen lernten (archival): May 29, 2014 - Exit Film-und Fernsehproduktion-ZDF/ARTE - 90 min. - TV documentary; Also released in English as Hal Roach - The Lot Of Fun: Where The Movies Learned To Laugh. Includes footage from "Sprucin' Up."

and the rest . . .

This section covers miscellaneous Petes, some of which are live-action, while others are animated. And there's a few fake ones, too.

1952

On November 29th of this year, The San Francisco News reported on the passing of Major, a dog that had been passed off as one of the Petes of Our Gang. Photographs of the dog show that this is false. Here's what the story said: "Veterinarians had warned recently that Major, at 60 pounds, should go on a diet. But the day before Thanksgiving, Major managed to get at a 22-pound batch of horse meat at the pet shop, and devoured it all. He died the following night (the 27th) in a Berkeley dog hospital. Major actually was the third of the 'Our Gang' dogs. The original was Pete, his grandfather and a dog which bore the 'black eye' marking subsequently applied with paint to Mike and Major, Mike's son, as each succeeded to Pete's film role." Sidenote: Presumably, this is supposed to be one of the later Petes, but it has all the hallmarks of being completely made up.

1955

In July of this year, ads began to appear in newspapers for Little Rascals Dog Food, which featured an image of Pete on the can. The ads grew sparse into 1956 and were gone by the end of that year.

1956

During 1956, Dell Publishing introduced a comic book called The Little Rascals. The first issue included Pete in the cast, but he disappeared after that.

1976

It's Showtime (archival): Apr. 1976 - Weintraub-Heller/UA 85 min. - documentary feature; Reissued as Paws, Claws & Jaws. Also known as Crazy Animals and Wonderful World Of Those Cuckoo Animals. IMDb lists Pete, but on the list of "connections," none of Pete's films are mentioned. There are, however, non-Pete Our Gang films listed.

1979

On December 3rd of this year, an animated TV special called "The Little Rascals' Christmas Special" was first aired. Among the animated characters was Pete.

1981

The Wonderful World Of Those Cuckoo, Crazy Animals (archival): Aug. 5, 1981 - CBS - 60 min. - TV special; This special included footage of Pete, but it isn't clear which dog is shown.

1982

On September 5th of this year, an animated TV series called "The Little Rascals" made its debut, and continued for roughly one year. Pete was voiced by Peter Cullen.
On November 13th, "Saturday Night Live" aired the latest of their Buckwheat sketches featuring Eddie Murphy. This one involved a Little Rascals reunion, complete with guest host Robert Blake. Julia Louis-Dreyfus plays Darla, who's now a prostitute and wears Pete the Pup as her shawl.

1984

In June of this year, newspaper ads for Jell-O Gelatin Pops began to appear, featuring a group of kids playing the Little Rascals, as well as a dog playing Pete. TV ads with these same kids began airing around this same time as well.

1986

On September 2nd of this year, the McCreary County Record of Stearns, KY, reported the following: "A recently completed video shoot for 'Let My People Go-Go,' the exciting first single from the debut album by the Rainmakers, has produced one of the few all-digital audio music video clips . . . In addition to Rainmakers' (members), a featured video performer is 'Petey' the dog who is a direct descendant of the original Petey in the 'Little Rascals' comedies." The cinematographer for this video was named Steve Ramsey. The dog in the video has a ring around his eye.

1987

On March 29th, of this year, The Marion Star (OH) published an article about a Staffordshire terrier named Raisin, who was the great-great-great granddaughter of Petie.
On May 26th, the Los Angeles Times Service reported the following out of Hollywood: "Spanky, Alfalfa, Buckwheat and Farina are coming back in a new, contemporized 'Our Gang' sitcom for cable. So is Pete the Pup - remember his black eye? - but he will be called Walter. Richmel Productions will produced the '80s version of the classic comedies from the '20s and '30s this summer. Richmel owner Richard Malcombe, also a vice president at Ted Turner's WTBS, said there is hope that the Superstation will be able to air the 30-minute shows sometime in 1988. He is searching for seven 'Little Rascals,' but rather than recruit them from playgrounds and schools (as did 'Our Gang' creator Hal Roach for many of the originals), Melcombe's looking for pros. 'It won't be your typical sitcom,' he said." Sidenote: This series was never produced.
On September 20th, The Sunday Post of Bridgeport, CT, reported the following: "There are kids swarming all over the Goodspeed Opera House this week as a cast of 22 is now in rehearsal for 'Little Rascals,' the musical based on the popular 'Our Gang' comedy. It plays Oct. 7-Dec. 20 on the Goodspeed's mainstage in East Haddam. Actually, there are only seven kids. You'll remember their names, Spanky, Alfalfa, Stymie, Buckwheat, Scottie, Porkie and Darla (the only girl). But they are there with their mothers and their tutors. Open any door, and you'll find kids deep in school work. They have to keep up their grades even when they are performing. There's also a dog, named Jake, who will retain his own name when he is playing Pete the Pup. It's the premiere of a new musical with music and lyrics by Grammy-Award winner Joe Raposo, one of the creators of television's 'Sesame Street.' The book is by Michael Loman, who won an Emmy Award for co-producing and writing the Cosby series in its first season. This season, he is co-producer and author of the 'Newhart' series on TV. In this musical, the 'Our Gang' kids of the '30s and '40s movies plot to save their clubhouse from demolition by the local bad-guy politicians of Maribelle Corner."

1991

On June 20th of this year, Newsday of Melville, NY, shared the following tidbit: "Petey, the dog with one black eye from the 'Our Gang' series, is buried in Silver Spring, Md."

1994

On April 4th of this year, the Chicago Tribune reported the following: "The White Sox recently unveiled commercial spots featuring several players that will air throughout the season." Among these, was "Catcher Mike 'Spanky' LaValliere made up as all of the members of the old 'Our Gang,' including Petey the Dog."
On April 16th, an episode of the animated TV series "Duckman" called "Ride The High School" was aired. In it, Duckman encounters two gangs, one of which is the Jets from "West Side Story," and the other of which is Our Gang, with Pete among them.
Around this time, there was a restaurant in Lynchburg, VA, called Spanky's, which had a sandwich made of knockwurst, sauerkraut and melted Swiss cheese called the "Pete the Pup."
On August 2nd, United Press International shared the following quote from director Penelope Spheeris talking about the upcoming feature "The Little Rascals": "Easiest casting was for Petey, the dog. The original was a pit bull, a breed that has a bad reputation now. So I found an American bulldog."
On August 5th of this year, a feature film called "The Little Rascals" was released. The character "Petey" in this film was played by a dog named Petey.

1995

On September 24th of this year, an episode of "The Simpsons" called "Radioactive Man" was first aired. Within it was a brief parody of The Little Rascals in which Moe the bartender, as a child, played the character Smelly. Pete is also among the characters.

1997

In August of this year, the Cabin Fever VHS called "For Pete's Sake" was released, featuring Our Gang films that focus on Pete. An introductory segment featured Tommy Bond, along with Pete, who appears to be the dog from the 1994 feature.
On September 14th, Tommy and Pete made a personal appearance together at the Mall of America in Bloomington, MN.

1999

During 1999, Target introduced their mascot, Bullseye, in one of their TV commercials. He couldn't help but remind people of Pete the Pup.

2014

On March 25th of this year, a feature film called "The Little Rascals Save The Day" was released. The character "Petey" was played by a dog named Jules.
During this period, there was a restaurant in East Naples, FL, called Spanky's Speakeasy & Spirits. Included on the lunch menu were "Pete the Pup" hot dogs.

See anything that needs changing? Contact me at BtheW@aol.com.

Pete the Pup

This filmography was made in collaboration with Matthew Lydick.

Pete

(the original)

1922

1923

1924

1925

1926

1927

1928

1929

1930

Pete the Pup II

1930

Pete the Pup III

1929

1930

1931

1932

1933

1934

1935

1936

1937

1938

1940

1941

1943

1944

1946

1951

1955

1976

1978

1982

1984

1994

2001

2004

2006

2014

2015

Pete the Pup IV

(and Pete the Pup V)

1932

1933

1934

1935

1936

1937

1938

1939

1941

1946

1978

1984

1994

2002

2014

and the rest . . .

1952

1955

1956

1976

1979

1981

1982

1984

1986

1987

1991

1994

1995

1997

1999

2014

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