Darla Jean Hood, Leedey youngster may be a rising starlet in Hollywood but to home folk she is still a baby, the vivacious daughter of Banker and Mrs. Claud Hood.
This was demonstrated last night when the Leedey Lions and their ladies entertained with a special New Years eve banquet in honor of Darla and her mother who are spending the holidays at home. Muddy roads and foggy weather were forgotten as club members and wives filled the banquet hall.
Lee Boyer, school superintendent, was toastmaster and in well chosen words welcomed the honored guests from California. Little Darla, garbed in a special Hollywood costume and running over with pep and personality, was given a big ovation when she was lifted to a table and presented.
The little lady went through several of her song and tap routines and mimicked the other children in "Our Gang" comedies of which she is a part. She gave the favorite sayings of Spanky, Alfalfa, Buckwheat and other youngsters while on the set.
Miss Darla admitted she liked Alfalfa, the cowboy, best because "he was nice." She thinks Spanky is an old meanie because he teases her so much.
Just before coming to Leedey the group completed "King's Gone," a burlesque on amateur hours in which Spanky handles the gong. Darla has a prominent part, giving one of her best routines in a close-up.
The home folk didn't want the little lady to stop and it was only after she was nearly exhausted that the banquet proceeded. Boys quartet sang and Clarence Paden of Woodward, district Lions governor, spoke. Mr. and Mrs. Henry Bowman and Mrs. Paden, also of Woodward, were presented. Group singing completed the program with "Wimpy" McKinney pantomiming to close the evening with a wow.
Mrs. Hood and Darla are leaving tomorrow for Hollywood, being called back for re-takes in a feature length picture which was started with Thelma Todd in a leading role. Darla has the part of the little princess and will re-act scenes with the successor to Miss Todd.
Four pictures already have been completed by Darla and her mother says that she will be even busier during the new year. "Our Gang" comedies are produced in the Hal Roach Studios and released through M.G.M.
Mrs. Hood has a full time job keeping Darla healthy, training her for her appearances and getting her to the set on time.