Jackie Cooper knows little about a real spanking, but there are times when he may be classed as one of the most habitual early retirers among children. Being sent to bed is his greatest punishment.
This is revealed by his mother, Mabel Cooper, as Jackie arrives on the Strand theatre screen today for a continuance of his "Skippy" character in a new Paramount Percy Crosby creation, "Sooky."
Her report on Jackie's chastisement was prompted by his continual statements of which "lickings" are in store for him if he does something.
"Jackie has never been really spanked beyond a few spats where they did most good," the youthful mother says. "That is because he really wouldn't mind a spankiung but loathes being sent to bed.
"Being a kid, he is always open to this punishment.
"I think the worst thing he ever did, was when he kicked his football in the parlor, after being warned not to, and the ball collided with a vase which my mother had cherished for thirty years. That finished the vase.
"When mother and I rushed into the room in response to the crash, Jackie was rapidly undressing."
"But," interpolates the young film star, "I told you all I was awful sorry. I offered all my salary to pay for the vase."