Charles Oelze

nickname: Charlie
born November 24, 1885, in Brooklyn, NY
died August 2, 1949, in Culver City, CA

1913

After working in a circus and on a cattle ranch, Oelze became one of many extras employed at Universal, which was associated with the Bison company at this early stage. Before long, he became the ranch foreman at the studio and was in charge of the bullpen extras. Among these were Hal Roach (who was actually hired by Oelze), Harold Lloyd and Fred Newmeyer. Eventually, he worked in the Universal property department, where he met Robert McGowan.

1916

Listed below is the only film I've come across from these early days in which Oelze actually appeared, though it's safe to say that he worked on many others for Universal and Bison during this period. At some point, he moved on to the Rolin studio, where he headed Hal Roach's property department, but I don't specifically know when this happened. Maltin & Bann imply that it was at the point when Roach started his company (which would have been 1914), but it looks more like Oelze joined a little later.

The Taint Of Fear (supporting role)

Dec. 16, 1916 - Bison/Universal - 2 reels

1922

In 1922, production on the Our Gang series began, and the payroll summaries begin to list Oelze as a prop man on the Our Gang unit starting the week ending Aug. 5th. Earlier summaries don't name names, so it's highly possible that Oelze was with the unit from the very beginning. A second prop man for the late 1922 dates was Dick Gilbert, who apparently assisted Oelze (judging by the difference in salaries).

1923

Oelze continued to be listed as a prop man for the Our Gang unit until the week ending June 9th, after which he was absent for a few months. Dick Gilbert continued to handle props during this period, with the assistance of L. Barker, and later E. P. Norris. When Oelze reappeared the week ending Sep. 29th, Gilbert switched to acting fulltime, and Norris became Oelze's assistant. They were joined in mid-October by Don Sandstrom, who replaced Norris within a couple of weeks. It's likely that Oelze had no involvement in the making of "Derby Day" (no. 21), "Tire Trouble" (no. 22) or "Big Business" (no. 23), which were made during his absence.

9. The Champeen! (co-prop man)

Jan. 28, 1923 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-9 - Our Gang series

Filmed late August/September 1922. ©Dec. 16, 1922. This credit is based on Oelze's payroll status as Our Gang prop man during this period.

8. The Cobbler (co-prop man)

Feb. 18, 1923 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-8 - Our Gang series

Filmed late August, and perhaps September, 1922. ©Feb. 26, 1923. This credit is based on Oelze's payroll status as Our Gang prop man during this period.

7. The Big Show! (co-prop man)

Feb. 25, 1923 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-7 - Our Gang series

Filmed July 28 to Aug. 15, 1922, with added scenes Sep. 11 to 16, and Sep. 20 to 28, 1922, and retakes Jan. 10 to 11, 1923. ©Feb. 26, 1923. This credit is based on Oelze's payroll status as Our Gang prop man during this period.

11. A Pleasant Journey (co-prop man)

Mar. 18, 1923 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-11 - Our Gang series

Also listed for Mar. 25, 1923. Filmed Oct. 22 to 27, and Nov. 2 to 16, 1922. ©Feb. 26, 1923. This credit is based on Oelze's payroll status as Our Gang prop man during this period.

10. Boys To Board (co-prop man)

Apr. 8, 1923 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-10 - Our Gang series

Filmed Oct. 2 to Nov. 2, 1922. ©Mar. 30, 1923. This credit is based on Oelze's payroll status as Our Gang prop man during this period.

12. Giants Vs. Yanks (co-prop man)

May 13, 1923 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-12 - Our Gang series

Filmed Nov. 20 to Dec. 19, 1922, and Feb. 15, 1923. ©Apr. 27, 1923. This credit is based on Oelze's payroll status as Our Gang prop man during this period.

13. Back Stage (co-prop man)

June 3, 1923 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-13 - Our Gang series

Filmed Dec. 15, 1922, to Jan. 9, 1923. ©June 6, 1923. This credit is based on Oelze's payroll status as Our Gang prop man during this period.

14. Dogs Of War! (co-prop man)

July 1, 1923 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-14 - Our Gang series

Premiered June 10, 1923. Filmed Jan. 12 to Feb. 10, 1923, with retakes Feb. 20 to 23, and Apr. 11, 1923. ©July 19, 1923. This credit is based on Oelze's payroll status as Our Gang prop man during this period.

15. Lodge Night (co-prop man)

July 29, 1923 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-15 - Our Gang series

Filmed Feb. 12 to Mar. 3, 1923. ©Aug. 2, 1923. This credit is based on Oelze's payroll status as Our Gang prop man during this period.

18. July Days (co-prop man)

Aug. 26, 1923 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-18 - Our Gang series

Filmed Apr. 12 to May 2, and May 31, 1923. ©Aug. 2, 1923. This credit is based on Oelze's payroll status as Our Gang prop man during this period.

20. No Noise (co-prop man)

Sep. 23, 1923 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-20 - Our Gang series

Filmed June 1 to 20, 1923. ©Sep. 24, 1923. This credit is based on Oelze's payroll status as Our Gang prop man until the week ending June 9th.

17. Stage Fright (co-prop man)

Oct. 21, 1923 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-17 - Our Gang series

Filmed Mar. 17 to Apr. 11, 1923, with retakes June 21 to July 2, 1923. ©Nov. 9, 1923. This credit is based on Oelze's payroll status as Our Gang prop man until the week ending June 9th.

19. Sunday Calm (co-prop man)

Dec. 16, 1923 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-19 - Our Gang series

Filmed May 4 to 29, 1923, with retakes July 2 to 14, and Oct. 2, 1923. ©Dec. 24, 1923. This credit is based on Oelze's payroll status as Our Gang prop man until the week ending June 9th, and restarted the week ending Sep. 29th.

1924

Sandstrom's name disappears from the payroll summaries in early January, which means that Oelze flew solo for a few films until Sandstrom returned in early June. In mid-December, Sandstrom was replaced by G. D. Abbott.

24. The Buccaneers (co-prop man)

Mar. 9, 1924 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-24 - Our Gang series

Filmed Sep. 28 to Oct. 24, and Oct. 28, 1923. ©Feb. 20, 1924.

25. Seein' Things (co-prop man)

Apr. 6, 1924 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-25 - Our Gang series

Filmed Oct. 25 to Nov. 7, and Dec. 19, 1923, and Jan. 7, 1924. ©May 12, 1924.

26. Commencement Day (co-prop man)

May 4, 1924 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-26 - Our Gang series

Filmed Nov. 9 to Dec. 6, 1923, Jan. 7 to 11, and Jan. 26, 1924. ©May 12, 1924.

28. Cradle Robbers (prop man)

June 1, 1924 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-28 - Our Gang series

Filmed Jan. 28 to Feb. 9, 1924. ©May 12, 1924.

29. Jubilo, Jr. (prop man)

June 29, 1924 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-29 - Our Gang series

Also listed for July 29, 1924. Filmed Feb. 25 to Mar. 8, 1924. ©June 5, 1924.

27. It's A Bear (co-prop man)

July 27, 1924 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-27 - Our Gang series

Filmed Dec. 10 to 26, 1923, Jan. 2 to 7, Jan. 12, and Mar. 7 to 12, 1924. ©June 30, 1924.

Short Kilts (prop man)

Aug. 3, 1924 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. L-12 - Stan Laurel series

Also listed for Aug. 11, 1924. Filmed Jan. 16 to 24, 1924. ©Aug. 2, 1924. This credit is found in Rob Stone's book.

30. High Society (prop man)

Aug. 24, 1924 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-30 - Our Gang series

Filmed Mar. 24 to Apr. 5, 1924. ©May 29, 1924.

31. The Sun Down Limited (prop man)

Sep. 21, 1924 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-31 - Our Gang series

Filmed Apr. 21 to May 1, 1924. ©Aug. 2, 1924.

32. Every Man For Himself (co-prop man)

Oct. 19, 1924 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-32 - Our Gang series

Filmed June 2 to 12, 1924. ©Oct. 2, 1924.

16. Fast Company (co-prop man)

Nov. 16, 1924 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-16 - Our Gang series

Filmed Mar. 5 to 15, 1923, with retakes June 13 to 21, 1924. ©Oct. 2, 1924. This credit is based on Oelze's payroll status as Our Gang prop man during this period.

33. The Mysterious Mystery! (co-prop man)

Dec. 14, 1924 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-33 - Our Gang series

Filmed June 30 to July 19, 1924, with retakes Sep. 9 and 12, 1924, and added scenes Sep. 13 and 15, 1924. ©Dec. 11, 1924.

1925

Abbott's name disappears from the payroll summaries at the end of January, after which Oelze handled the props on his own until the end of March, when Sandstrom returned. Sandstrom disappears again in mid-June, leaving Oelze without an assistant again until mid-July, when Ernest Tucker arrived. Oelze and Tucker were joined once more by Sandstrom in early October, and Tucker's name disappears in early November. By December, the information gets somewhat confusing. Rob Stone's information indicates that Oelze was an assistant director by this time, but the summaries still list him as a prop man.

34. The Big Town (co-prop man)

Jan. 11, 1925 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-34 - Our Gang series

Filmed Sep. 22 to Oct. 2, 1924. ©Dec. 9, 1924.

35. Circus Fever (co-prop man)

Feb. 8, 1925 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-35 - Our Gang series

Filmed Oct. 20 to 25, and Nov. 1 to 4, 1924. ©Jan. 19, 1925.

36. Dog Days (co-prop man)

Mar. 8, 1925 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-36 - Our Gang series

Filmed Oct. 29 to Nov. 5, and Nov. 17 to 24, 1924. ©Mar. 5, 1925.

37. The Love Bug (co-prop man)

Apr. 5, 1925 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-37 - Our Gang series

Filmed Dec. 15 to 31, 1924, and perhaps early Jan. 1925. ©Apr. 2, 1925.

39. Shootin' Injuns (co-prop man)

May 3, 1925 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-39 - Our Gang series

Filmed Jan. 19 to Feb. 5, 1925. ©Apr. 2, 1925.

38. Ask Grandma (co-prop man)

May 31, 1925 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-38 - Our Gang series

Probably filmed in early Jan. 1925. ©Apr. 2, 1925. Maltin & Bann specifically credit Oelze with building the airplane ride seen in this film.

40. Official Officers (prop man)

June 28, 1925 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-40 - Our Gang series

Premiered June 10, 1925. Filmed Feb. 16 to 27, 1925. ©May 18, 1925.

42. Boys Will Be Joys (co-prop man)

July 26, 1925 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-42 - Our Gang series

Filmed Apr. 13 to 24, 1925. ©July 6, 1925.

41. Mary, Queen of Tots (co-prop man)

Aug. 23, 1925 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-41 - Our Gang series

Filmed Mar. 16 to Apr. 1, 1925. ©June 11, 1925.

44. Your Own Back Yard (co-prop man/small role: man with samples)

Sep. 27, 1925 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. K-2 - Our Gang series

Filmed June 30 to July 16, and July 20 to 29, 1925. ©Aug. 28, 1925.

43. Better Movies (co-prop man)

Nov. 1, 1925 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. K-1 - Our Gang series

Filmed May 27 to June 16, 1925. Originally production A-43. ©Aug. 20, 1925.

45. One Wild Ride (co-prop man)

Dec. 6, 1925 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. K-3 - Our Gang series

Filmed July 30 to Aug. 4, 1925. ©Nov. 6, 1925.

1926

The confusion over Oelze's official status with the series ends after the July studio closure when he returns as an assistant director in the payroll summaries. It's likely, though, that he had been an assistant director for about six months, and that the summaries were simply lagging behind and still listing him as a prop man. Oelze shared his assistant directorial duties with Robert A. McGowan, who would soon be directing alternately with his uncle, Robert F. McGowan, but would be credited onscreen as Anthony Mack.

46. Good Cheer (co-prop man)

Jan. 10, 1926 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. K-4 - Our Gang series

Filmed Sep. 3 to 18, 1925. ©Jan. 23, 1926.

47. Buried Treasure (co-prop man)

Feb. 14, 1926 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. K-5 - Our Gang series

Filmed Oct. 1 to 19, 1925. ©Jan. 23, 1926.

48. Monkey Business (co-prop man)

Mar. 21, 1926 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. K-6 - Our Gang series

Filmed Oct. 30 to Nov. 18, 1925. ©Feb. 6, 1926.

49. Baby Clothes (assistant director/co-prop man)

Apr. 25, 1926 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. K-7 - Our Gang series

Filmed Dec. 7 to 20, 1925, with retakes Jan. 11, 1926. ©Mar. 15, 1926.

50. Uncle Tom's Uncle (assistant director/co-prop man)

May 30, 1926 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. K-8 - Our Gang series

Filmed Jan. 12 to Feb. 3, 1926. ©Apr. 28, 1926.

51. Thundering Fleas (co-assistant director/co-prop man)

July 4, 1926 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. K-9 - Our Gang series

Also listed for July 28, 1926. Filmed Mar. 8 to 25, 1926. ©May 26, 1926.

52. Shivering Spooks (assistant director/co-prop man)

Aug. 8, 1926 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. K-10 - Our Gang series

Premiered July 4, 1926. Filmed Apr. 7 to 28, 1926. ©July 26, 1926.

53. The Fourth Alarm! (assistant director/co-prop man)

Sep. 12, 1926 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. K-11 - Our Gang series

©Filmed May 24 to June 14, 1926. ©Sep. 17, 1926.

54. War Feathers (assistant director)

Nov. 21, 1926 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. K-12 - Our Gang series

Filmed Aug. 5 to Sep. 4, 1926. ©Dec. 13, 1926.

56. Telling Whoppers (assistant director/animal trainer)

Dec. 19, 1926 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. K-14 - Our Gang series

Also listed for Dec. 29, 1926. Filmed Sep. 10 to 18, 1926. ©Nov. 11, 1926. The dog used in this film was the Oelze family dog, Diamond, and Charlie Oelze placed a little piece of baloney in Jay R. Smith's ear to get the dog to lick him.

1927

In January, Oelze began to co-direct the Our Gang films with Anthony Mack, an arrangement that was reflected in onscreen credits for three films. The studio datebooks, however, list Mack as the sole director. The payroll summaries cease to group crew members with their respective filming units beginning the week ending May 14th. There's little doubt that Oelze continued on as an Our Gang assistant director through the remainder of the silent era. Nevertheless, this filmography will credit him only with the late silent films for which he has been credited by one source or another.

57. Bring Home The Turkey (assistant director)

Jan. 26, 1927 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. K-15 - Our Gang series

Filmed Sep. 29 to Oct. 15, 1926. ©Jan. 14, 1927.

55. Seeing The World (co-assistant director)

Feb. 13, 1927 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. K-13 - Our Gang series

Filmed Oct. 29 to Nov. 15, 1926. European footage shot July and Aug. 1926. ©Jan. 14, 1927.

58. Ten Years Old (assistant director)

Mar. 13, 1927 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. K-16 - Our Gang series

Filmed Nov. 24 to Dec. 14, 1926. ©Feb. 14, 1927.

59. Love My Dog (co-assistant director)

Apr. 10, 1927 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. K-17 - Our Gang series

Also listed for Apr. 17, 1927. Filmed Dec. 21, 1926, to Jan. 4, 1927. ©Apr. 11, 1927.

60. Tired Business Men (co-director)

May 15, 1927 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. K-18 - Our Gang series

Also listed for May 21, 1927, and May 22, 1927. Filmed Jan. 18 to Feb. 3, 1927. ©Apr. 11, 1927. Rob Stone's list mentions Anthony Mack as the sole director.

61. Baby Brother (co-director)

June 26, 1927 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. K-19 - Our Gang series

Filmed Feb. 17 to Mar. 14, 1927. ©May 18, 1927. Rob Stone's list mentions Anthony Mack as the sole director.

63. Olympic Games (assistant director)

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.

62. Chicken Feed (co-director)

Nov. 6, 1927 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. K-20 - Our Gang series

Filmed Mar. 28 to Apr. 15, 1927. ©June 9, 1927. Rob Stone's list mentions Anthony Mack as the sole director.

70. Dog Heaven (uncredited co-director)

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. Jean Darling's mother noted that Oelze was one of the directors of this short, but not only did he not receive onscreen credit, but the studio datebook for 1927 doesn't mention him.

1928

At the beginning of this year, "Fair And Muddy" (no. 75) was filmed, the only Our Gang film in which Oelze received sole directorial credit.

65. Playin' Hookey (small role: property man at studio)

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.

72. Rainy Days (uncredited co-director)

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. Jean Darling's mother noted that Oelze was one of the directors of this short, but not only did he not receive onscreen credit, but the studio datebook for 1927 doesn't mention him. Maltin & Bann specifically credit Oelze with the 'technical wizardry' in this film.

75. Fair And Muddy (director)

May 5, 1928 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-9 - Our Gang series

Filmed Jan. 16 to Feb. 8, 1928. ©May 5, 1928.

Two Tars (co-props)

Nov. 3, 1928 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. L-13 - Laurel & Hardy series

Filmed June 22 to July 3, 1928. ©Nov. 3, 1928. A photograph taken on location reveals Oelze to have been present on at least one day of filming.

1929

After the week ending January 5th, Oelze's name is no longer listed in the payroll summaries for 1929. Later summaries are not available for research. The studio datebook for 1929, though, indicates that Oelze co-directed the Our Gang unit on Nov. 29th, so it's likely that he was involved throughout this period.

1930

Doris Oelze related a story about an Our Gang still photo session in which Jackie Cooper wouldn't stay still. Charlie Oelze told him he'd have to nail his shoes to the floor if he didn't quit moving around, and this bit of psychology worked. Maltin & Bann specifically attribute the mechanical contraptions in "Little Daddy" (no. 105, filmed in late 1930) to Oelze.

97. When The Wind Blows (uncredited co-director)

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. Oelze co-directed with James Horne on the first day of filming.

1931

109. Shiver My Timbers (supporting role: one of the crew)

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. Oelze plays the pirate with the funny glasses that puts a scare into Stymie. He actually replaced another actor who was too effective in scaring the kids. Since they knew Oelze, they weren't afraid of him. Thereafter, they joked about the 'skinny legged' pirate. Oelze removed a partial so he would look scarier in this film.

At this point, lack of studio documentation makes it difficult to connect Oelze to any specific film prior to 1936. It's probable that Oelze served as assistant director to the Our Gang series off and on during this period, especially in light of the frequency with which he's given this credit during earlier and later periods. His involvement in the property department seems to have continued unabated. Stymie Beard remembered that Oelze had built the taxi in "Free Wheeling" (no. 117, filmed in mid 1932). In the Cabin Fever video series, Leonard Maltin credits Oelze with building the fire engine in "Hi'-Neighbor!" (no. 126, filmed in early 1934).

1936

Studio documentation becomes readily available at the point at which the Our Gang series downsized to the one-reel format. Oelze resumed his duties as assistant director in October of 1936.

148. Pay As You Exit (assistant director)

©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 (assistant director)

©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

Oelze continued as the assistant director for the Our Gang series until May of 1937.

151. Reunion In Rhythm (assistant director)

Jan. 9, 1937 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-5 - Our Gang series

Filmed Dec. 9 to 14, 1936. ©Jan. 14, 1937.

152. Glove Taps (assistant director)

©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 (assistant director)

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 (assistant director)

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 (assistant director)

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 (assistant director)

June 12, 1937 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-10 - Our Gang series

Filmed Apr. 22 to May 3, 1937. ©June 24, 1937.

1947

Hal Roach Comedy Carnival

part 1: Curley (props)

part 2: The Fabulous Joe

Aug. 23, 1947 - Roach/UA - 112 min. - Cinecolor - prod. F-54/56 - streamliner package

©Aug. 29, 1947. Starring Frances Rafferty, Larry Olsen, Walter Abel, Margot Grahame. Part 1 went into production on Apr. 11, 1946, and is 6 reels. The two halves were subsequently released separately. "Curly" was combined with "Who Killed Doc Robbin" in the '80s to create two new films: The Adventures Of Curly And His Gang and Curley And His Gang In The Haunted Mansion. Oelze was involved in building the little race car seen in "Curley," as well as the electrical device that causes Speck's hair to stand on end.

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 "When The Wind Blows," "Pay As You Exit," "Spooky Hooky," "Reunion In Rhythm," "Hearts Are Thumps," "Rushin' Ballet" and "Roamin' Holiday."

1984

Our Gang: Inside The Clubhouse (archival)

May 8, 1984 - Lang/Camellia City Telecasters - 93 mins. - TV documentary

Includes footage from "The Champeen!" "The Big Show," "The Sun Down Limited," "Thundering Fleas," "Spooky Hooky," "Reunion In Rhythm," "Glove Taps," "Hearts Are Thumps" and "Rushin' Ballet."

1994

Hal Roach: Hollywood's King Of Laughter (archival)

Apr. 7, 1994 - RHI/Disney Channel - 49 min. - TV documentary

Includes footage from "Hearts Are Thumps."

The Our Gang Story (archival)

1994 - Film Shows/GoodTimes - 120 min. - video documentary

Includes footage from "The Champeen!" "Giants Vs. Yanks," "Dogs Of War!" "The Sun Down Limited," "Monkey Business," "Shivering Spooks," "Reunion In Rhythm" and "Curley."

1998

Hal Roach: The Lot Of Fun (archival)

June 27, 1998 - Film Preservation Associates/Kino Lorber - 133 min. - video documentary

Released on "Slapstick Encyclopedia Vol. 6."

2002

Added Attractions: The Hollywood Shorts Story (appearance)

Feb. 5, 2002 - Jones/TCM - 89 min. - TV documentary

Includes footage from "The Fourth Alarm!"

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 "Pay As You Exit."

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

© Robert Demoss.