Matthew "Stymie" Beard

This filmography was made in collaboration with Matthew Lydick.

full name: Matthew Beard, Jr.
family nickname: Junior
professional nickname: Stymie
born Jan. 1, 1925, in Los Angeles, CA
died Jan. 8, 1981, in Los Angeles, CA, of pneumonia

Special note: Regarding Stymie's full name, I'll let Stymie himself explain it, as he did for the Dec. 3, 1979, Chicago Tribune: "My name is Matthew Hercules Beard, but that got changed when 'The Little Rascals' came along. I was an eager little kid, always running around, trying to learn things, and the director could never find me. 'That kid stymies me,' he used to say, and the first thing I knew, they were all calling me Stymie. They even legalized it for me, dropping the Hercules, and the name on my driver's license to this day is Matthew Stymie Beard." I'm a little reluctant to list his name this way, since his birth certificate says Mathew Beard, Jr. However, that's with only one T in Mathew, which isn't the way it was spelled subsequently. The 1950 census spells it with two T's.

Also of note: Stymie's death came five days after he had suffered a stroke, which caused him to fall down a flight of stairs and sustain head injuries.

Also of note: Stymie was the oldest boy in a family of 14 kids, many of whom also worked in show business. In the Our Gang series alone, Betty Jane, Carlena and Bobbie all made occasional appearances, and Renee wound up in the Curley series, which was essentially an Our Gang revival. Even Stymie's mother, Johnnie, made an Our Gang appearance.

1927

Stymie's entrance into the world of movies happened during this year when he was two years old.

My Best Girl (role: child): Oct. 31, 1927 - Pickford/UA - 9 reels - Mary Pickford feature; ©Dec. 22, 1927.
Uncle Tom's Cabin (role: child): prem. Nov. 4, 1927 - Universal - 13 reels - feature; © Nov. 10, 1927. Released Sep. 2, 1928. Starring Margarita Fischer, James B. Lowe and Virginia Grey.

1929

In September of this year, Stymie's little sister Betty Jane made her debut in the Our Gang series, eight months before Stymie made his debut.

Hearts In Dixie (role: child): prem. Mar. 10, 1929 - Fox - 8 reels - feature; ©Mar. 16, 1929. Released in May 1929. Starring Stepin Fetchit, Clarence Muse and Eugene "Pineapple" Jackson.
Show Boat (role: child): prem. Mar. 16, 1929 - Universal - 12 reels - Laura La Plante & Joseph Schildkraut feature; Released July 28, 1929. IMDb states that the film was 14 reels in length. The Copyright Catalogue indicates 12 reels, which might be the shorter, silent version.
Hallelujah (role: child): Aug. 20, 1929 - MGM - 12 reels - feature; ©Sep. 3, 1929. Starring David L. Haynes and Nina Mae McKinney. This film was also released in a 7-reel silent version.

1930

In the spring of this year, Stymie's father learned that Hal Roach was trying out black kids to play Farina's younger brother. Reportedly, 350 kids had already auditioned before Stymie got the part. All he had to do was walk out onto the stage and director Bob McGowan immediately gave him the part. No screen test was necessary.
As the story goes, his signature derby was given to him by Stan Laurel, but it's difficult to see this as anything more than an appealing anecdote. The film made just prior to Stymie's arrival, "Pups Is Pups," featured the Hill Twins, a pair of little black boys who also sported derbies. There's little doubt, however, that Stan and Stymie became fast friends at the studio.
On May 21st, Stymie worked for the first time with the Our Gang series in "Teacher's Pet." They initially used his middle name, Hercules, as his onscreen name. This name was also used in the cutting continuity for "School's Out," though not in the actual dialogue.
On July 28th, filming began for "Helping Grandma." The script for this film identifies Stymie as "Tumble-Weed," but the pressbook and cutting continuity refer to him as "Stymie." The nickname isn't mentioned in the film's dialogue, nor in the followup "Love Business," though the cutting continuity for the latter also refers to him as "Stymie."
On August 11th, Stymie was signed to a long-term contract, effective from that date until August 10, 1935. He initially made $75 a week.
On August 21st, The Tacoma News Tribune (WA) reported the following: "Matthew Beard, new 4-year-old negro in 'Our Gang' comedies, will carry the professional name of 'Stymie.' The kid gets in everybody's way."
On October 3rd, The Hartford Daily Courant (CT) published the following: "A very dark complexioned human grasshopper of four years, bears the peculiar name of "Stymie," a word used upon the golf course in connection with certain cuss words. The little colored lad's real handle is Matthew Beard, but was nicknamed "Stymie" because he is always in the way." It's notable that the first film in which this nickname was used in the dialogue was "Little Daddy," which began filming on October 30th.

Mamba (role: native boy): prem. Mar. 10, 1930 - Color Art/Tiffany - 9 reels - 2-strip Technicolor - feature; ©Mar. 26, 1930. Starring Jean Hersholt and Eleanor Boardman.
101. Teacher's Pet (small part: Hercules): Oct. 11, 1930 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-35 - Our Gang series; Filmed May 21 to 29, 1930. ©Nov. 24, 1930. Also made as Spanish version entitled Comenzo la escuela, which used the English original with full-frame cut-in titles, but wasn't accepted by MGM for release in this format.
102. School's Out (supporting role): Nov. 22, 1930 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-36 - Our Gang series; Filmed June 17 to 25, 1930.

1931

On March 26th of this year, The Northwest Enterprise of Seattle, WA, reported the following: "'Little Farina' has at last outgrown his part and must go the way of all juvenile stars. He has been given a thirty-day notice, during which time he will complete the usual two pictures a month made by 'Our Gang.' Matthew Beard, a talented little find of Central Casting Director Chas. Butler, has been signed up for the part of the universally loved kid star."
On March 31st, Stymie was featured in an article in Vol. 2, No. 10 of Play Mate (a children's publication).
On August 10th, Stymie's salary was raised to $100 a week.

103. Helping Grandma (featured role): Jan. 3, 1931 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-37 - Our Gang series; Filmed July 28 to Aug. 6, 1930. ©Oct. 1, 1930.
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.
105. Little Daddy (featured role: Stymie): Mar. 28, 1931 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-39 - Our Gang series; Filmed Oct. 30 to Nov. 13, 1930. ©Feb. 6, 1931.
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.
106. Bargain Day (featured role: Stymie/speaking voice for the monkey): 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.
107. Fly My Kite (supporting role: Stymie): May 30, 1931 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-41 - Our Gang series; Filmed Mar. 2 to 14, 1931. ©May 7, 1931.
108. Big Ears (featured role: Stymie): 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.
109. Shiver My Timbers (featured role): 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.
110. Dogs Is Dogs (featured role: Stymie): Nov. 21, 1931 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-3 - Our Gang series; Filmed Aug. 12 to 28, 1931. ©Oct. 27, 1931.

1932

On January 25th of this year, Stymie was signed to a new contract, effective from that date until Aug. 10, 1935. Stymie actually signed the contract simply as "Stymie." This contract reflected the cost-cutting measures that were in place during this period, with Stymie's salary returning to its original $75 a week.
In May, Dickie Moore joined the ranks of Our Gang. Stymie and Dickie spent the next year being best buddies, which ended when Dickie's contract was sold.
In August, Stymie's salary was again increased to $100 a week.
During August, Our Gang had an endorsement deal with J.C. Penney's Back To School promotion. Newspapers carried information about each Our Gang kid, with this to say about Stymie: "Stymie (Mathew) Beard, the colored boy of 'Our Gang' is 9 years old and was born in Los Angeles, in a family of eight children. His director, who plays golf, nicknamed him 'Stymie' because he is always in the way. He has real acting ability and knows how to roll his expressive large brown eyes. His great pastime is making airplanes out of anything he can lay his hands on. He won a prize for building one of the best amateur handmade airplanes and his ambition now is to own a real one he can fly himself."
The November 17th "Screen Oddities" newspaper comic by Fawcett reported the following: "Stymie, little Negro actor in "Our Gang" comedies, has a small pet turtle which has lived in the basement of his home for three years. Occasionally the turtle runs away but, as Stymie has his name carved on its back, someone always returns it."

111. Readin' And Writin' (featured role): 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.
112. Free Eats (featured role: Stymie): 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.
113. Spanky (featured role: Stymie): Mar. 26, 1932 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-6 - Our Gang series; Filmed Dec. 14 to 22, 1931. ©Mar. 29, 1932.
114. Choo-Choo! (supporting role): May 7, 1932 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-7 - Our Gang series; Filmed Jan. 25 to Feb. 4, 1932. ©May 2, 1932.
115. The Pooch (lead role: Stymie): 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.
116. Hook And Ladder (featured role: Stymie): Aug. 27, 1932 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-9 - Our Gang series; Filmed May 18 to 28, 1932. ©Sep. 14, 1932.
118. Birthday Blues (featured role: Stymie): 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.
117. Free Wheeling (featured role: Stymie): Nov. 1932 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-10 - Our Gang series; Listed for both Oct. 1 and Nov. 12, 1932. Filmed July 19 to 27, 1932, with retakes Sep. 3, 1932. ©Nov. 7, 1932. Earliest verified screening took place on Nov. 12, 1932. Stymie sings a bit of "Carolina Moon" in this short.
119. A Lad An' A Lamp (featured role: Stymie): Dec. 17, 1932 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-12 - Our Gang series; Filmed Sep. 3 to 10, 1932. ©Dec. 12, 1932.

1933

During this year, a Brazilian children's magazine called O Tico-Tico ran a multi-part comic strip featuring the Our Gang kids, and included Stymie among them.
On July 21st, Stymie was signed to a new contract, retroactively effective from June 26th of this year until June 25, 1938. His salary was once again reduced to $75 a week.
On August 5th, the Los Angeles Times reported the following: "After being assured that their 'pitchurs' would go all over the world and perhaps even to the moon, tow-headed Tommie Bond, 6 years of age, and kinky-haired Matthew (Stymie) Beard, consented to have their photographs made in Superior Judge Wood's court yesterday. The youngsters went to court to have contracts with the Hal Roach Studios, Inc., approved, but the cases were continued until Tuesday (the 8th)." Stymie, of course, has a shaved head in the accompanying photo, despite the physical description.
On November 5th, The Charleston Daily Mail reported the following: "When three principal members of 'Our Gang' - Spanky McFarland, Stymie Beard and Tommy Bond - were drafted for minor parts in a Charley Chase comedy, they seriously objected for two reasons. First, they asserted, they were stars in their own right. Second, the scene they were asked to work in was a school room. Their objections were overruled with the promise of a picnic with pony rides."

120. Fish Hooky (featured role: Stymie): Jan. 28, 1933 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-13 - Our Gang series; Filmed Oct. 17 to 22, 1932. ©Jan. 16, 1933.
121. Forgotten Babies (small part: Stymie): Mar. 11, 1933 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-14 - Our Gang series; Filmed Dec. 3 to 10, 1932. ©Mar. 13, 1933.
122. The Kid From Borneo (featured role: Stymie): Apr. 15, 1933 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-15 - Our Gang series; FIlmed Jan. 9 to 16, 1933. ©Mar. 13, 1933.
123. Mush and Milk (featured role: Stymie): May 27, 1933 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-16 - Our Gang series; Filmed Jan. 27 to Feb. 3, 1933. ©Apr. 17, 1933.
124. Bedtime Worries (supporting role: Stymie): ©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.
125. Wild Poses (small part: Stymie): Oct. 28, 1933 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-18 - Our Gang series; Filmed Aug. 18 to 23, 1933. ©Oct. 20, 1933.

1934

A news item from January 8th of this year mentions a 20th anniversary party for Hal Roach Studios, which was to include Stymie on its guest list.
On February 14th, the Brooklyn Times Union (NY) reported the following: "Undeterred by wholesale visions of damage suits for shattered windows, Comedy Producer Hal Roach blithely announces plans for the national mobilization of 1,000 juvenile 'Our Gang' baseball teams. With 1,000 dozen uniforms already manufactured, and with Master Spanky McFarland, 'Our Gang' star, as national honorary president, Hal Roach's army of diminutive ball players will go into action the major leagues' opening day." On February 22nd, The Montclair Times (NJ) carried the same story, but added: "In the fall, if all goes well, an 'Our Gang' world series is a Hollywood possibility." Publicity photos include Stymie with the rest of the boys, all in uniform.
On March 15th, The Northwest Enterprise of Seattle, WA, reported the following: "In appreciation of the joy he has given to countless thousands of youngsters through his screen and radio performances, Matthew (Stymie) Beard, six-year-old member of Hal Roach's 'Our Gang,' was made an honorary member of the Junior Explorers Club last week. This is an organization founded by 'Congo' Bartlett, internationally known explorer and adventurer."
On August 16th, a loan-out contract was signed, allowing Stymie to work in the Eddie Cantor feature "Kid Millions." Stymie's salary had recently been raised to $100 a week.

The Cracked Iceman (small part: student): Jan. 27, 1934 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. C-20 - Charley Chase series; Filmed in Oct. 1933. ©Dec. 13, 1933.
126. Hi'-Neighbor! (supporting role: Stymie): Mar. 3, 1934 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-19 - Our Gang series; Filmed Jan. 20 to 30, 1934. ©Feb. 24, 1934.
Four Parts (small part: boy who loses penny): Mar. 17, 1934 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. C-21 - Charley Chase series; Filmed circa Dec. 1933/Jan. 1934. ©Feb. 21, 1934.
127. For Pete's Sake! (featured role: Stymie): Apr. 14, 1934 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-20 - Our Gang series; Filmed Feb. 23 to Mar. 3, 1934. ©Apr. 4, 1934.
128. The First Round-Up (featured role: Stymie): May 5, 1934 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-21 - Our Gang series; Filmed Mar. 19 to 24, 1934. ©May 1, 1934.
129. Honky-Donkey (supporting role): June 2, 1934 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-22 - Our Gang series; Filmed Apr. 2 to 7, 1934. ©May 25, 1934.
130. Mike Fright (supporting role: Stymie): 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. Stymie takes part in singing "The Man On The Flying Trapeze."
Kid Millions (small part): Nov. 10, 1934 - Goldwyn/UA - 10 reels - Eddie Cantor feature; Filmed mid-Aug. to early Sep. 1934. ©Dec. 8, 1934. Partially filmed in 3-strip Technicolor.
131. Washee Ironee (supporting role: Stymie): ©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.

1935

On March 16th and 17th of this year, Stymie took part in the Gilmore Circus at the Ambassador Auditorium of the Los Angeles Orphans' Home. Also present were Jackie Cooper, Buckwheat Thomas, Jackie Lynn Taylor and Jerry Tucker.
On March 30th, Stymie received his final paycheck as a regular member of Our Gang, a week after the completion of "Teacher's Beau." As he told Dick Moore in 1980: "I wasn't going to the barbershop regular anymore, getting my head shaved. You could see it in some of the later comedies. And I was getting pretty tall. I outgrew the other kids and that didn't work....It felt very bad, 'cause nobody explained to me what happened. They'd brought Buckwheat in when I started getting too large, just as they brought me in when Farina started getting too large; and I knew that Farina had had the same feeling when I took his place." He would return for one last Our Gang film over a year and a half later, but otherwise kept fairly busy over the next several years playing small parts in feature films.
On September 16th, Stymie performed a ten-minute song and dance skit with his 12-year-old sister, Tharen, at the first annual Y.M.C.A. amateur show in Whittier.

132. Mama's Little Pirate (supporting role: Stymie): ©Jan. 5, 1935 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-25 - Our Gang series; Also listed for Nov. 3, 1934. Filmed Nov. 15 to 24, 1934.
133. Shrimps For A Day (supporting role): ©Feb. 20, 1935 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-26 - Our Gang series; Also listed for Dec. 8, 1934. Filmed Dec. 15 to 22, 1934.
134. Anniversary Trouble (supporting role: Stymie): ©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.
135. Beginner's Luck (supporting role): ©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.
136. Teacher's Beau (supporting role): Apr. 27, 1935 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-29 - Our Gang series; Filmed Mar. 13 to 20, 1935. ©May 1, 1935.
The Littlest Rebel (role: black boy): prem. Dec. 19, 1935 - 20th Century-Fox - 8 reels - Shirley Temple feature; ©Dec. 27, 1935. Released Dec. 27, 1935.
Captain Blood (role: governor's attendant): prem. Dec. 19, 1935 - Cosmopolitan/Warner Bros. - 12 reels - Errol Flynn & Olivia de Havilland feature; Released Dec. 28, 1935. ©Dec. 31, 1935.

1936

On December 9th and 10th of this year, Stymie worked for the final time with the Our Gang unit in "Reunion In Rhythm."

142. Divot Diggers (archival sound): Feb. 8, 1936 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-36 - Our Gang series; Filmed Nov. 18 to 25, 1935. ©Feb. 6, 1936. The sounds of the kids yelling near the end of this short derive from "Washee Ironee," so presumably we're hearing Stymie somewhere in the chaos.
The Prisoner Of Shark Island (role: boy seeking Dr. Mudd): prem. Feb. 12, 1936 - 20th Century-Fox - 10 reels - Warner Baxter feature; ©Feb. 21, 1936. Released Feb. 28, 1936. Also starring Gloria Stuart.
Grand Jury (role: Marshmallow): prem. July 31, 1936 - RKO - 7 reels - Fred Stone feature; ©July 31, 1936. Released Aug. 7, 1936. Also starring Owen Davis, Jr., and Louise Latimer.
Camp Meetin' (role: church boy): Oct. 9, 1936 - RKO - 2 Reels - Radio Musicals series; ©Oct. 9, 1936.
Rainbow On The River (role: Lilybell Jones): Dec. 18, 1936 - Breen/Principal/RKO - 87 min. - Bobby Breen feature; It was reported that Stymie was making $205 a week while making this film. Reissued in 1947 as It Happened In New Orleans.

1937

The California Eagle (Los Angeles) of March 19th of this year, reported that Stymie was currently being represented by talent agent Ben Carter.

151. Reunion In Rhythm (small part): Jan. 9, 1937 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-5 - Our Gang series; Filmed Dec. 9 to 14, 1936. ©Jan. 14, 1937.
Penrod And Sam (role: Buzz): Feb. 28, 1937 - Warner Bros. - 7 reels - Billy Mauch feature; &169;Feb. 2, 1937.
A Day At Santa Anita (role: Eclipse): May 22, 1937 - Vitaphone/Warner Bros. - 2 reels - Technicolor - Broadway Brevity series; ©Aug. 2, 1937. Starring Sybil Jason and Marcia Ralston.
Slave Ship (role: boy on pier): prem. June 16, 1937 - 20th Century-Fox - 10 reels - Warner Baxter & Wallace Beery feature; ©July 2, 1937.

1938

It's evident that Stymie was supplementing his income during this period with live performances. The Jackson Sun (of Jackson, TN) ran an ad for the State Theater on April 30th of this year. On the bill was "Stymie, of Our Gang Comedies."
During this year, the British publication Radio Fun began printing a comic strip entitled Stymie And His Magic Wishbone. The only example I've seen is from December 22, 1945, which includes a photo of Stymie (in his Our Gang days) at the top of the page, so presumably this provided a few extra dollars for the former Gangster.

Jezebel (role: Ti Bat): prem. Mar. 10, 1938 - Warner Bros. - 12 reels - Bette Davis feature; Credited as Stymie Beard. ©Jan. 26, 1938. Released Mar. 26, 1938.
The Beloved Brat (role: Pinkie White): Apr. 30, 1938 - Warner Bros. - 6 reels - Bonita Granville feature; Credited as Stymie Beard. ©Jan. 27, 1938.
Two-Gun Man From Harlem (role: Jimmy Thompson): May 1, 1938 - Merit/Sack Amusement - 65 min. - feature; Credited as Stymie Beard. Starring Herbert Jeffrey, Clarence Brooks and Marguerite Whitten.
Kentucky (role: black child): prem. Dec. 24, 1938 - 20th Century-Fox - 11 reels - Loretta Young & Richard Greene feature; © Dec. 30, 1938. Released Dec. 30, 1938. Also starring Walter Brennan.

1939

On October 29th of this year, Stymie was on the bill of the C.U.C. Broadcast put on by Collins Utility club of the First A.M.E. church.

The Great Man Votes (role:: Davy's friend): Jan. 13, 1939 - RKO - 8 reels - John Barrymore; ©Jan. 19, 1939.
Outside These Walls (role: Penny): May 4, 1939 - Columbia - 6 reels - feature; ©Apr. 18, 1939. Starring Michael Whalen, Dolores Costello and Virginia Weidler.
Way Down South (role: Gumbo): July 21, 1939 - Breen/Principal/RKO - 63 min. - Bobby Breen feature; Credited as Stymie Beard. ©July 21, 1939. Also starring Clarence Muse. Stymie joins Muse, Ralph Morgan and Bobby Breen in singing "Oh, Dem Golden Slippers!"
Swanee River (role: black boy): prem. Dec. 29, 1939 - 20th Century-Fox - 84 min. - Technicolor - feature; ©Dec. 13, 1939. Released Jan. 5, 1940. Starring Don Ameche, Andrea Leeds and Al Jolson.

It should also be noted that Stymie at some point appeared on both Lux Radio Theatre and Silver Screen Theatre, though I've yet to nail down any dates for these.

1940

The Los Angeles Times of Feb. 15th of this year reported the following: "Following a preliminary hearing before Municipal Judge Joseph F. Chambers, Matthew Beard, Negro minister of 3507 Staunton St., and his wife, Johnnie, were ordered to stand trial in Superior Court for grand theft. Testimony revealed that during a period between Sept. 30, 1937, and Jan. 18, 1938, when the couple accepted nearly $300 from the State Relief Administration their 15-year-old son, Stymie Beard, earned $2098 while working as a film actor at a Hollywood studio. The youth testified that the studio paid his wages to his mother." The "nearly $300" was more specifically $292.48.

Broken Strings (role: Dickey Morley): 1940 - Goldport/Borden - 6 reels - Clarence Muse feature; Credited as Stymie Beard.
The Return Of Frank James (role: Mose): prem. Aug. 10, 1940 - 20th Century-Fox - 10 reels - Henry Fonda feature; Credited as Stymie Beard. ©Aug. 16, 1940. Released Aug. 16, 1940. Also starring Gene Tierney, Jackie Cooper and Henry Hull.

1941

It was at the age of 16 that Stymie tried marijuana for the first time. To support his habit, he got into petty crimes and spent a lot of his time in jail. He dropped out of school during the 11th grade.

Belle Starr (role: young Jake): prem. Sep. 5, 1941 - 20th Century-Fox - 9 reels - Technicolor - Randolph Scott & Gene Tierney feature; ©Sep. 12, 1941. Released Sep. 12, 1941.

1942

On February 22nd of this year, Stymie was one of many performers who took part in a gathering at the home of Mrs. Mabel White Howard, in honor of her son, Paul White. Stymie sang "This Love Of Mine."
On April 26th, the BTU of Second Baptist Church presented the Jefferson High A Capella choir, which sang many Negro spirituals, with Stymie being among the soloists.
On June 14th, Stymie was among about 65 volunteer performers to take part in the AWVS Camp show at Camp Haan, CA, attended by at least 2000 officers and soldiers. This was just one of many such "camp shows" Stymie participated in during WWII.

1943

At the age of eighteen, Stymie was arrested and spent sixty days in jail. During his incarceration, he was introduced to heroin, which led to an addiction that lasted for the next two decades.

Stormy Weather (role: stagehand): prem. July 21, 1943 - 20th Century-Fox - 78 min. - feature; ©July 16, 1943. Starring Lena Horne, Bill Robinson and Cab Calloway.

1944

The Bridge Of San Luis Rey (role: Pancho): Feb. 11, 1944 - Bogeaus/UA - 107 min. - Lynn Bari feature; ©Feb. 11, 1944.

1945

On August 16th of this year, the Daily News of Los Angeles reported that Stymie was among the cast in an upcoming PRC film called "How Do You Do?" which was eventually released as "How DOooo You Do." It isn't clear if Stymie actually wound up in the film.

Fallen Angel (role: shoeshine boy): prem. Nov. 7, 1945 - 20th Century-Fox - 11 reels - feature; ©Nov. 7, 1945. Starring Alice Faye, Dana Andrews and Linda Darnell.

1946

Stymie arranged for his little brother Renee to play a part in the Hal Roach film "Curley," which went into production in April of this year. Renee also worked in the followup film "Who Killed Doc Robbin?"

1947

Dead Reckoning (role: bellboy): prem. Jan. 11, 1947 - Columbia - 100 min. - Humphrey Bogart & Lizabeth Scott feature; ©Feb. 15, 1947. Released in Feb. 1947.
The Burning Cross (role: shoeshine boy): prem. Aug. 28, 1947 - Somerset/Screen Guild - 77 min. - Hank Daniels & Virginia Patton feature; ©Sep. 1, 1947. Released Sep. 1, 1947.

1948

At this point, Stymie started a nine-year period in which he was in and out of county jail for varying lengths of time, ranging from 90 days to a year. He was also put into a couple of different institutions for drug addicts.

1953

The Vanquished (role: Dr. Colfax's stableboy): June 3, 1953 - Pine-Thomas/Paramount - 9 reels - Technicolor - feature; ©June 1, 1953. Starring John Payne, Jan Sterling, Coleen Gray and Lyle Bettger.

1957

Around this time, Stymie was sent to the Federal Public Health Service Hospital in Fort Worth, presumably to treat his addiction.
During this year, Stymie was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for the sale and possession of heroin.

1963

During this year, Stymie was released from prison after serving six years of his twenty-year sentence. He set up residence in Pasadena, and managed to stay clean for two years. (According to Julia Lee's book, this happened in 1965, but it doesn't leave any room for the two-year period in which Stymie was "clean," during which he was reacquainted with Stan Laurel.)

1965

Stan Laurel died on February 23rd of this year. Stymie had visited him at his Santa Monica home over the last two years.
On June 29th, Stymie pleaded guilty to petty theft. He had stolen a woman's purse which contained $6 in cash and a ring valued at $200. He was currently on parole, but found himself sinking into drug addiction once again. It was at this time that he entered Synanon, a center for drug rehabilitation. He intended to stay for two weeks, but ended up staying for seven or eight years. He learned to drive a Greyhound bus and became the center's head of transportation. He was also the head of the Synanon Gospel Family Choir, which would sometimes perform at the church where his father preached. Stymie also talked to groups of kids about the dangers of narcotics.
It was at Synanon that Stymie met the woman he eventually married. Their marriage ended in divorce and no children came out of it.

1973

During this year, Stymie emerged into the public eye again, initially turning up in local Little Rascals commercials.
Talking about his return to show business in a 1976 interview, Stymie said "I started back playing school assemblies and kids' birthday parties for $75. I still do that. I sing a few songs and show some old films and the kids love it."
On November 22nd, the Los Angeles Times reported the following about Stymie's return to acting: "One of them, however, a short, stocky man wearing a maroon cloth cap, was extremely nervous, slowly pacing by himself at the rear of the enormous studio dwarfed by a full color painting of Foxx and co-star Demond Wilson painted on a 40-foot-high stage door. There was good reason for his nervousness: This was his first dramatic part - all nine lines and 45 seconds of it - in nearly 30 years. But even more, it was another chance at a career he thought buried under 25 years of drug addiction, jail and disgrace. 'I wish my mother could see me now,' sighed Matthew Beard Jr., who played Stymie in the 'Our Gang' comedy series. 'She'd be glad to see me come back.' He shook his head slowly from side to side, his hands rolling and unrolling the show script. 'It's the first time in a long time. I'd like to be asked to come back again.' The audience roared at a warm-up joke. Beard said, quietly, 'All I got is a few lines. I got to make the most of them.'
Elsewhere, the article talks about Stymie's life in recent years: "Beard lives at Synanon, the community and alternative lifestyle for drug addicts and other troubled people where he heads the team of drivers who wheel the community's highway buses between Synanon's Northern and Southern California facilities. His new show business career, however, is not incompatible with his Synanon life - at least not yet. He sees it instead as a way to tell more people his story of addiction and despair, and of the community which he credits with saving his life...Over the past year, Beard has found his normally placid life pleasantly ruffled by interviews and speaking engagements. But the Sanford show marks his return to legitimate show business, and a crack at a kind of a career he could never have before. 'It was mammy this and mammy that in those days,' he said in a disgusted voice. Onstage TV cameras slid silently across the floor while members of the cast rehearsed. Beard fell silent, watching, then screwed up his face, looking like a middle-aged version of Rodney Allen Rippy: 'Mah pappy was a crap-shootin' fool' and stuff like that we used to say. There's no lines like that in this show, thank Jesus. We don't have to do that anymore.' "
On November 23rd, the Independent-Gazette of Berkeley, CA, quoted Stymie about his years of drug abuse: "It would be easy to blame Hollywood for my problem, but I don't. It was just the experiences of youth. The same thing could have happened to me anywhere."

Sanford And Son episode: A House Is Not A Pool Room (role: Otis Littlejohn): Nov. 23, 1973 - Tandem/NBC - 30 min. - TV episode; Credited as Stymie Beard.

1974

On May 5th of this year, Stymie attended the fifth annual Celebrity Golf Classic in Marion, IN. Also in attendance was Spanky McFarland.
On October 15th, Marilyn Beck reported the following in her syndicated column: "Matthew Beard, who played Stymie in the old 'Our Gang Comedies,' is writing a book about his childhood in the business, his fight with heroin, and his later comeback into what he calls 'real life.' Stymie supports himself these days working as Redd Foxx's 'Sanford and Son' series stand-in."
On November 21st, the Los Angeles Times reported the following: "Original members of the 'Little Rascals' and 'Our Gang' comedies recently crowned the first Little Miss Century City November 10...Seated at the judges table were: Mary Ann Jackson, Buckwheat Thomas, Junior Coghlan and our dynamic master of ceremonies, Lucky Brown. 'Spanky' McFarland and 'Stymie' Beard were tied up at Los Angeles International Airport. All contestants received 'Alfalfa' t-shirts and our winners were showered with gifts from Century Square merchants."
On November 12th, Stymie appeared on "Tomorrow" with Tom Snyder. Also present were Spanky McFarland, Buckwheat Thomas and Darla Hood. Stymie and Buckwheat socialized on a regular basis after this, until Buckwheat's death in October 1980.
In December, the fifth of Richard Lamparski's book series Whatever Became Of... was published, this time with a segment devoted to Stymie. In the book, Stymie says "We knew even then that Stymie was an insult to our race, but it was the Depression and I had seven sisters and six brothers at home." The book also mentions that Stymie was touring grammar schools, showing his old films and talking to kids about drug abuse.
On December 20th, Stymie appeared at the Capitol Theater in Passaic, NJ, along with Spanky McFarland.

Sanford And Son episode: Fred Sanford, Legal Eagle (role: Otis Littlejohn): Jan. 11, 1974 - Tandem/NBC - 30 min. - TV episode; Credited as Stymie Beard.
Hawkins episode: Murder On The Thirteenth Floor (role: Gus): Feb. 5, 1974 - Arena/MGM/CBS - 73 min. - TV episode
Good Times episode: Too Old Blues (role: Monty): Feb. 8, 1974 - Tandem/CBS - 30 min. - TV episode; Credited as Stymie Beard.
Good Times episode: Getting Up The Rent (role: Monty): Feb. 22, 1974 - Tandem/CBS - 30 min. - TV episode; Credited as Stymie Beard.
It's Good To Be Alive (role: Stymie): Feb. 22, 1974 - Harmon/MPC/CBS - 100 min. - TV movie; Credited as Stymie Beard. Starring Paul Winfield and Louis Gossett, Jr.
The First Woman President (undetermined role): Apr. 14, 1974 - CBS - 60 min. - TV movie; Starring Eva Marie Saint and Richard Basehart.
Truck Turner (role: jail guard): Prev. Apr. 19, 1974 - Sequoia/AIP - 91 min. - Isaac Hayes feature; Credited as Stymie Beard. Premiered June 26, 1974.
Good Times episode: J.J. Becomes A Man (role: Monty): Sep. 17, 1974 - Tandem/CBS - 30 min. - TV episode; Credited as Stymie Beard.
Tomorrow episode: The Little Rascals (appearance): Nov. 12, 1974 - NBC - 60 min. - TV episode; Also featuring Spanky McFarland, Darla Hood, and Buckwheat Thomas.
Sanford And Son episode: A Little Extra Security (role: Otis Littlejohn): Dec. 13, 1974 - Tandem/NBC - 30 min. - TV episode; Credited as Stymie Beard.

Sometime during the mid '70s, Stymie made personal appearances, along with Jackie Lynn Taylor, at schools and churches, in addition to co-hosting an episode of Jackie's TV show.
Sometime during the latter half of the '70s (judging by the background music), Stymie appeared in a cheaply-made TV advertisement for Uppers and Downers bikinis.

1975

The January 1975 issue of Ebony showed a photo of Stymie on the set of a Disney production called The Pond, which was probably a working title for The Secret Of The Pond, a two-part episode of The Wonderful World Of Disney that aired on Oct. 5th and 12th. Stymie was said to have played a character named "Moss," but neither Stymie nor this character seemed to have wound up in the finished product.
According to a 1975 issue of Ebony magazine, Stymie acted as Redd Foxx's stand-in during rehearsals for Sanford And Son
On April 26th, Stymie attended the 6th annual Spanky McFarland Celebrity Golf Classic at the Elks Country Club in Marion, IN.
On July 21st, Stymie appeared in person as part of An Evening With Spanky, Darla, Stymie at the Uptown Theater in Minneapolis, MN.
On July 22nd, Stymie appeared in person as part of An Evening With Spanky, Darla, Stymie at the Orpheum Theater in St. Paul, MN.
On December 4th, the NBC TV series The Cop And The Kid debuted, and lasted for one season. Stymie made an appearance in at least one episode.

The Little Rascals Family Theater episode (appearance): Circa 1975. During this year (by the end of May), The Little Rascals Family Theater debuted in sydication. It was hosted by Jackie Lynn Taylor and her husband, Jack Fries, and featured Little Rascals episodes interspersed with interview segments. It was still airing in the early 1980s, but this was after it had ceased production. One of the episodes was co-hosted by Stymie, probably in 1975.
Gallery episode: Whatever Became Of Hollywood? (appearance): Jan. 3, 1975 - CBC - 30 min. - TV episode; Made in Canada. Darla Hood also appeared on this program.
Huckleberry Finn (role: Jeremiah): Mar. 25, 1975 - ABC Circle/ABC - 78 min. - TV movie; Starring Ron Howard and Donny Most.
Maude episode: Consenting Adults (role: Stymie): Sep. 15, 1975 - Tandem/CBS - 30 min. - TV episode
Maude episode: Rumpus In The Rumpus Room (role: Stymie): Sep. 22, 1975 - Tandem/CBS - 30 min. - TV episode

1976

On April 18th of this year, The South Bend Tribune (IN), writing about the whereabouts of the former Little Rascals, mentioned that Stymie was making personal appearances for the Jack-in-the-Box food chain.
On May 8th, Stymie signed autographs and screened an Our Gang film at Betsy Ross Elementary School in Culver City as part of its Bicentennial Fair.
On August 1st, the Fort Lauderdale News and Sun-Sentinel published an article about Stymie. Talking about his experiences in Our Gang, he said: "It was like going on a pier and enjoying yourself in the fun house. We had our little fights but we were a close group. We went to school together three hours a day. The little spats we had, like all kids do, were forgotten. We got it together in time for the camera." On the subject of racism, he said: "If it came up, I didn't see it. It could have been there. But I was so young. With the Rascals, they must have had a meeting or something before I started, but I never knew about it. I was treated as an equal on and off the set." About his future plans, he had this to say: "Soon I'm going to interview for a film about Muhammmad Ali. And I'd like to talk to Norman Lear about a new 'Our Gang' show. It's going to be a good year. It's time for me now. I'm 51. And I'm happier than I've ever been in my life."

Emergency! episode: The Nuisance (role: bar owner): Mar. 6, 1976 - Mark VII/Emergency/Universal/NBC - 60 min. - TV episode
Starsky And Hutch episode: The Las Vegas Strangler, Part 1 (role: Duke): Sep. 25, 1976 - Spelling-Goldberg/ABC - 120 min. - TV episode; Credited as Stymie Beard.
Good Times episode: The Big Move: Part 2 (role: Monty): Sep. 29, 1976 - Tandem/CBS - 30 min. - TV episode; Credited as Stymie Beard.

1977

During this year, two pilots were made for "The Little Rascals," aka "Norman Lear's New Little Rascals." They were never picked up. Among the characters was Stymie, played by Gary Coleman.

The New Little Rascals (undetermined role): unaired - Tandem - 30 min. - TV pilot; This credit is based on anecdotal evidence from an actor who claimed to have worked on the pilot.
Disco 2000 (role: Harold Jackson): prem. July 27, 1977 - Lone Star & Yellow Rose/Choice & Cosmo - 101 min. - feature; Starring John Poole.
Good Times episode: The Evans Get Involved: Part 2 (role: Mr. Edwards): Sep. 21, 1977 - Tandem/CBS - 30 min. - TV episode; Credited as Stymie Beard.
Good Times episode: Penny's Christmas (role: party guest): Dec. 21, 1977 - Tandem/CBS - 30 min. - TV episode

1978

The Buddy Holly Story (role: Luther): prem. May 18, 1978 - Innovisions/ECA/Columbia - 114 min. - feature; Credited as Stymie Beard. Starring Gary Busey.
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 "Choo-Choo!" "The Pooch," "Free Wheeling," "Birthday Blues," "Fish Hooky," "Mush And Milk," "Hi'-Neighbor!" "For Pete's Sake!" "Mike Fright," "Washee Ironee," "Mama's Little Pirate," "Shrimps For A Day," "Anniversary Trouble," "Beginner's Luck" and "Reunion In Rhythm."

1979

On June 18th of this year, Stymie attended the funeral of Darla Hood.
On November 27th, the Daily News of New York mentioned an appearance Stymie had recently made on the television newsmagazine 20/20.
On December 1st, The Atlanta Journal and Constitution (GA), in an article about The Little Rascals, included this quote from Stymie: "We grew up in a very protective environment. We weren't allowed to mingle with other kids. So it was difficult when we went to public school. The kids would jab me about being a big Hollywood star. In some ways it was a healthy childhood, but in other ways it wasn't. You miss the kid next door, the park down the street, the church on the corner."
On December 3rd, the animated TV special "The Little Rascals' Christmas Special" debuted. Among the characters was Stymie, voiced by Philip Tanzini. The real Stymie also got involved, providing one of the adult voices.

Backstairs At The White House episode (role: Luke Henry): Feb. 12, 1979 - Friendly/NBC - TV episode; Credited as Stymie Beard. Episode 3 of a nine-hour miniseries. Starring Olivia Cole, Leslie Uggams, and Louis Gossett, Jr.
The Jeffersons episode: A Short Story (role: small businessman #1): Sep. 30, 1979 - Tandem/CBS - 30 min. - TV episode; Credited as Stymie Beard. Also appearing in this episode was Ernie "Sunshine Sammy" Morrison.
Diff'rent Strokes episode: The Adoption: Part 1 (role: The Man): Oct. 31, 1979 - Tandem/NBC - 30 min. - TV episode; Credited as Stymie Beard.
The Little Rascals' Christmas Special (role: voice of Mr. Kluger): Dec. 3, 1979 - King World/Muller-Rosen/Murakami-Wolf-Swenson/NBC - 30 min. - animated TV special; Credited as Stymie Beard.

1980

During this year, several PSAs were made for television using the animated characters from the previous year's Christmas special, including Stymie.
On May 3rd, the 11th Annual Spanky McFarland Celebrity Golf Classic was held at the Elks Country Club in Marion, IN. Stymie was scheduled to appear, but I haven't verified whether or not he made it.
In December of this year, three weeks before his death, Stymie was reunited with his childhood pal, Dickie Moore.

Visions segment: Strings (lead role): Jan. 12, 1980 - KCET/PBS - 90 min. - TV episode; This episode was divided into two segments, with Stymie starring in the second one, which was possibly called String.
Sanford episode: Dinner At George's (appearance): Apr. 5, 1980 - Tandem/NBC - 30 min. - TV episode
Sanford episode: Retrospective: Part 2 (archival): Apr. 15, 1980 - Tandem/NBC - 30 min. - TV episode; Stymie appears as himself, so presumably this contains footage from the episode from 10 days earlier.

1981

Stymie was also credited in Part 1 of the three-part East Of Eden, even though he didn't appear in that episode. It aired on Feb. 8, 1981.
Stymie was slated to play a small role in the 1982 film "Penitentiary II," but backed out due to health issues.

East Of Eden episode: Part 2 (role: Cotton Eye): Feb. 9, 1981 - Mace Neufeld/ABC - 90 min. - TV episode; Credited as Stymie Beard. Part of a TV mini-series.
East Of Eden episode:: Part 3 (role: Cotton Eye): Feb. 10, 1981 - Mace Neufeld/ABC - 90 min. - TV episode; Credited as Stymie Beard. Part of a TV mini-series.
Pray TV (role: Willie Washington, usher): Apr. 2, 1981 - Filmways/ABC - 87 min. - TV movie; Starring Dabney Coleman.
Palmerstown, U.S.A. episode: The Suitor (undetermined role): June 2, 1981 - TAT/Haley/CBS - 60 min. - TV episode
The Sophisticated Gents episode (role: Mickey Mouse): Sep. 29, 1981 - Wilson/NBC - 60 min. - TV episode; Episode 1 of a TV mini-series. An article from November 1979 states that Stymie was slated to soon work in this series, suggesting that it was filmed in early 1980.
The Sophisticated Gents episode: (role: Mickey Mouse): Sep. 30, 1981 - Wilson/NBC - 60 min. - TV episode; Episode 2 of a TV mini-series.
The Sophisticated Gents episode: (role: Mickey Mouse): Oct. 1, 1981 - Wilson/NBC - 60 min. - TV episode; Episode 3 of a TV mini-series.

1982

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

1984

By September of this year, Dick Moore's book, Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star (But Don't Have Sex Or Take The Car), was published. He interviewed several child stars for the book, including Stymie.

Our Gang: Inside The Clubhouse (archival): May 8, 1984 - Lang/Camellia City Telecasters - 93 mins. - TV documentary; Includes footage from "Teacher's Pet," "School's Out," "Bargain Day," "Dogs Is Dogs," "Readin' And Writin'," "Free Eats," "The Pooch," "Hook And Ladder," "Free Wheeling," "Mush And Milk," "Hi'-Neighbor!" "For Pete's Sake!" "Mike Fright," "Mama's Little Pirate," "Anniversary Trouble" and "Teacher's Beau."
Going Hollywood: The '30s (archival): 1984 - Castle Hill - 76 min. - TV documentary

1986

Classic Comedy Teams (archival): 1986 - Bergamn-Harris/Movietime/GoodTimes - video documentary; Includes footage from "School's Out" and "The Stolen Jools."

1987

During this year, a stage musical called "The Little Rascals" debuted. Among the characters was Stymie, played by Dulé Hill.

1994

On August 5th of this year, a feature film caled "The Little Rascals" was released. Among the characters was Stymie, played by Kevin Jamal Woods.

Hal Roach: Hollywood's King Of Laughter (archival): Apr. 7, 1994 - RHI/Disney Channel - 49 min. - TV documentary; Includes footage from "School's Out."
The Our Gang Story (archival): 1994 - Film Shows/GoodTimes - 120 min. - video documentary; Includes footage from "School's Out," "The Stolen Jools," "Fly My Kite," "Dogs Is Dogs," "Hook And Ladder," "The Kid From Borneo," "Hi'-Neighbor!" "Shrimps For A Day," "Beginner's Luck," "Reunion In Rhythm" and a TV clip from the '70s.

1995

On September 24th of this year, an episode of "The Simpsons" called "Radioactive Man" was aired. Contained within it was a parody of The Little Rascals, including a caricature of Stymie.

1997

On September 1st of this year, a children's novel by Dav Pilkey called The Adventures Of Captain Underpants was first published, leading to an entire series of Captain Underpants novels. The two main characters are a couple of 4th graders named George Beard and Harold Hutchins. Pilkey, being a fan of the Our Gang series, named them after Stymie and Wheezer.

2000

E! Mysteries & Scandals episode: The Little Rascal: Stymie (archival): Apr. 24, 2000 - E! Entertainment Television - 30 min. - TV episode
Bamboozled (archival): Oct. 20, 2000 - 40 Acres/New Line - 135 min. - color - Dolby; Includes footage from "School's Out."

2002

Added Attractions: The Hollywood Shorts Story (appearance): Feb. 5, 2002 - Jones/TCM - 89 min. - TV documentary; Includes footage from "The Pooch" and "Hi'-Neighbor!"
E! True Hollywood Story episode: Curse Of The Little Rascals (archival): Nov. 24, 2002 - E! Entertainment Television - 60 min. - TV documentary
That's Black Entertainment episode: Westerns (archival): Dec. 6, 2002 - Starz! Encore - 50 min. - TV episode; This was a TV documentary mini-series. Stymie appears in footage from "Two-Gun Men From Harlem."

2014

On March 25th of this year, a feature film called "The Little Rascals Save The Day" was released. Among the characters was Stymie, played by Connor Berry.

Stymie Beard's payroll history

The following is a list of most of Stymie's history at the Roach studio, with the amounts he was making from week to week. The dates given are Saturdays, the last day of each week at the studio. The only exceptions would be Saturdays that were also holidays, in which case the Friday date is used for those weeks.

May 24, 1930 - 30.00 charged to prod. G35 (Teacher's Pet)
Starting as a day worker, Stymie was paid $7.50 a day on May 21st, 22nd, 23rd and 24th.
May 31, 1930 - 22.50 charged to prod. G35
Stymie was paid $7.50 a day on May 26th, 27th and 28th.

After this, it was nearly three weeks before Stymie returned to the studio.

June 21, 1930 - 37.50 charged to prod. G36 (School's Out)
Stymie was paid $7.50 a day on June 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th and 21st.
June 28, 1930 - 22.50 charged to prod. G36
Stymie was paid $7.50 a day on June 23rd, 24th and 25th.

After this, it was over a month before Stymie returned to the studio.

Aug. 2, 1930 - 45.00 charged to prod. G37 (Helping Grandma)
Stymie was paid $7.50 a day for all six shooting dates during this week.
Aug. 9, 1930 - 22.50 charged to prod. G37
Stymie was paid $7.50 a day on Aug. 4th, 5th and 6th.
Aug. 16, 1930 - 25.00 charged to prod. G37
Starting this week, Stymie was under longterm contract. He now made $75 a week while the Our Gang unit was active and $25 a week while it was between films.
Aug. 23, 1930 - 25.00 charged to prod. G37
Aug. 30, 1930 - 25.00 charged to prod. G37
Sep. 6, 1930 - 75.00 charged to prod. G38 (Love Business)
Sep. 13, 1930 - 75.00 charged to prod. G38
Sep. 20, 1930 - 25.00 charged to prod. G38
Sep. 27, 1930 - 25.00 charged to prod. G38
Oct. 4, 1930 - 25.00 charged to prod. G38
Oct. 11, 1930 - 25.00 charged to prod. G38
Oct. 18, 1930 - 25.00 charged to prod. G38
Oct. 25, 1930 - 25.00 charged to prod. G38
Nov. 1, 1930 - 75.00 charged to prod. G39 (Little Daddy)
Nov. 8, 1930 - 75.00 charged to prod. G39
Nov. 15, 1930 - 75.00 charged to prod. G39
Nov. 22, 1930 - 25.00 charged to prod. G39
Nov. 29, 1930 - 25.00 charged to prod. G39
Dec. 6, 1930 - 25.00 charged to prod. G39
Dec. 13, 1930 - 25.00 charged to prod. G39

Much of the week ending Dec. 20th and the entirety of the week ending Dec. 27th are missing from the payroll ledger, but filming began on Bargain Day during this period.

Jan. 3, 1931 - 25.00 charged to prod. G40 (Bargain Day)
Jan. 10, 1931 - 25.00 charged to prod. G40
Jan. 17, 1931 - 25.00 charged to prod. G40
Jan. 24, 1931 - 25.00 charged to prod. G40
Jan. 31, 1931 - 75.00 charged to prod. G40
Feb. 7, 1931 - 75.00 charged to prod. G40
Feb. 14, 1931 - 25.00 charged to prod. G40
Feb. 21, 1931 - 25.00 charged to prod. G40
Feb. 28, 1931 - 25.00 charged to prod. G41 (Fly My Kite)
Mar. 7, 1931 - 75.00 charged to prod. G41
Mar. 14, 1931 - 75.00 charged to prod. G41
Mar. 21, 1931 - 25.00 charged to prod. G41
Mar. 28, 1931 - 25.00 charged to prod. G41
Apr. 4, 1931 - 25.00 charged to studio overhead
Apr. 11, 1931 - 25.00 charged to studio overhead
Apr. 18, 1931 - 25.00 charged to studio overhead
Apr. 25, 1931 - 25.00 charged to studio overhead
May 2, 1931 - 25.00 charged to studio overhead
May 9, 1931 - 25.00 charged to prod. G1 (Big Ears)
May 16, 1931 - 25.00 charged to prod. G1
May 23, 1931 - 125.00 charged to prod. G1
An odd amount, which seems to indicate that Stymie was supposed to be making his full salary the previous week.
May 30, 1931 - 75.00 charged to prod. G1
June 6, 1931 - 75.00 charged to prod. G1
June 13, 1931 - 75.00 charged to prod. G1
June 20, 1931 - 75.00 charged to prod. G2 (Shiver My Timbers)
June 27, 1931 - 75.00 charged to prod. G2
July 4, 1931 - 75.00 charged to prod. G2
July 11, 1931 - 75.00 charged to prod. G2
July 18, 1931 - 75.00 charged to prod. G2
July 25, 1931 - 75.00 charged to prod. G2
Aug. 1, 1931 - 75.00 charged to prod. G3 (Dogs Is Dogs)
Aug. 8, 1931 - 75.00 charged to prod. G3
Aug. 15, 1931 - 100.00 charged to prod. G3
Aug. 22, 1931 - 100.00 charged to prod. G3
Aug. 29, 1931 - 100.00 charged to prod. G3
Sep. 5, 1931 - 25.00 charged to prod. G3
Sep. 12, 1931 - 25.00 charged to prod. G4 (Readin' And Writin')
Sep. 19, 1931 - 25.00 charged to prod. G4
Sep. 26, 1931 - 25.00 charged to prod. G4
Oct. 3, 1931 - 100.00 charged to prod. G4
Oct. 10, 1931 - 100.00 charged to prod. G4
Oct. 17, 1931 - 25.00 charged to prod. G4
Oct. 24, 1931 - 25.00 charged to prod. G5 (Free Eats)
Oct. 31, 1931 - 25.00 charged to prod. G5
Nov. 7, 1931 - 100.00 charged to prod. G5
Nov. 14, 1931 - 100.00 charged to prod. G5
Nov. 21, 1931 - 100.00 charged to prod. G5
Nov. 28, 1931 - 25.00 charged to prod. G5
Dec. 5, 1931 - 25.00 charged to prod. G6 (Spanky)
Dec. 12, 1931 - 25.00 charged to prod. G6
Dec. 19, 1931 - 100.00 charged to prod. G6
Dec. 26, 1931 - 100.00 charged to prod. G6
Jan. 2, 1932 - 25.00 charged to prod. G6
Jan. 9, 1932 - 25.00 charged to prod. G6
Jan. 16, 1932 - 25.00 charged to prod. G7 (Choo-Choo!)
Jan. 23, 1932 - 25.00 charged to prod. G7
Jan. 30, 1932 - 75.00 charged to prod. G7
Feb. 6, 1932 - 75.00 charged to prod. G7
Feb. 13, 1932 - 25.00 charged to prod. G7
Feb. 20, 1932 - 25.00 charged to prod. G7
Feb. 27, 1932 - 25.00 charged to prod. G8 (The Pooch)
Mar. 5, 1932 - 25.00 charged to prod. G8
Mar. 12, 1932 - 75.00 charged to prod. G8
Mar. 19, 1932 - 75.00 charged to prod. G8
Mar. 26, 1932 - 25.00 charged to prod. G8
Apr. 2, 1932 - 25.00 charged to prod. G8
Apr. 9, 1932 - 25.00 charged to prod. G8
Apr. 16, 1932 - 25.00 charged to prod. G9 (Hook And Ladder)
Apr. 23, 1932 - 25.00 charged to prod. G9
Apr. 30, 1932 - 25.00 charged to prod. G9
May 7, 1932 - 25.00 charged to prod. G9
May 14, 1932 - 25.00 charged to prod. G9
May 21, 1932 - 75.00 charged to prod. G9
May 28, 1932 - 75.00 charged to prod. G9
June 4, 1932 - 25.00 charged to prod. G9
June 11, 1932 - 25.00 charged to prod. G9
June 18, 1932 - 75.00 charged to prod. G9
June 25, 1932 - 75.00 charged to prod. G9
July 2, 1932 - 75.00 charged to prod. G9
July 9, 1932 - 75.00 charged to prod. G10 (Free Wheeling)
July 16, 1932 - 75.00 charged to prod. G10
July 23, 1932 - 75.00 charged to prod. G10
July 30, 1932 - 75.00 - 37.50 charged to prod. G10, 37.50 charged to prod. G11 (Birthday Blues)
Aug. 6, 1932 - 75.00 charged to prod. G11
Aug. 13, 1932 - 50.00 charged to prod. G11
Aug. 20, 1932 - 25.00 charged to prod. G11
Aug. 27, 1932 - 25.00 charged to prod. G11
Sep. 3, 1932 - 100.00 charged to prod. G12 (A Lad An' A Lamp)
Sep. 10, 1932 - 100.00 charged to prod. G12
Sep. 17, 1932 - 25.00 charged to prod. G12
Sep. 24, 1932 - 25.00 charged to prod. G12
Oct. 1, 1932 - 25.00 charged to prod. G12
Oct. 8, 1932 - 25.00 charged to prod. G12
Oct. 15, 1932 - 25.00 charged to prod. G13 (Fish Hooky)
Oct. 22, 1932 - 100.00 charged to prod. G13
Oct. 29, 1932 - 25.00 charged to prod. G13
Nov. 5, 1932 - 25.00 charged to prod. G13
Nov. 12, 1932 - 25.00 charged to prod. G13
Nov. 19, 1932 - 25.00 charged to prod. G13
Nov. 26, 1932 - 25.00 charged to prod. G14 (Forgotten Babies)
Dec. 3, 1932 - 25.00 charged to prod. G14
Dec. 10, 1932 - 100.00 charged to prod. G14
Dec. 17, 1932 - 25.00 charged to prod. G14
Dec. 24, 1932 - 25.00 charged to prod. G14
Dec. 31, 1932 - 25.00 charged to prod. G14
Jan. 7, 1933 - 25.00 charged to prod. G14
Jan. 14, 1933 - 100.00 charged to prod. G15 (The Kid From Borneo)
Jan. 21, 1933 - 25.00 charged to prod. G15
Jan. 28, 1933 - 100.00 charged to prod. G16 (Mush And Milk)
Feb. 4, 1933 - 100.00 charged to prod. G16
Feb. 11, 1933 - 25.00 charged to prod. G16
Feb. 18, 1933 - 25.00 charged to prod. G16
Feb. 25, 1933 - 25.00 charged to prod. G16
Mar. 4, 1933 - 25.00 charged to prod. G16
Mar. 11, 1933 - 25.00 charged to prod. G16
Mar. 18, 1933 - 25.00 charged to prod. G16
Mar. 25, 1933 - 25.00 charged to prod. G17 (Bedtime Worries)
Apr. 1, 1933 - 25.00 charged to prod. G17
Apr. 8, 1933 - 25.00 charged to prod. G17
Apr. 15, 1933 - 25.00 charged to prod. G17
Apr. 22, 1933 - 137.50 charged to prod. G17
Judging by the amount, it would seem that Stymie was back to work on Apr. 14th, but hadn't received his due pay for that week. Strangely, he continued to make his full pay over the next couple of months, even though G17 wasn't being filmed yet.
Apr. 29, 1933 - 100.00 charged to prod. G17
May 6, 1933 - 100.00 charged to prod. G17
May 13, 1933 - 100.00 charged to prod. G17
May 20, 1933 - 100.00 charged to prod. G17
May 27, 1933 - 100.00 charged to prod. G17
June 3, 1933 - 100.00 charged to prod. G17
June 10, 1933 - 100.00 charged to prod. G17
June 17, 1933 - 100.00 charged to prod. G17
June 24, 1933 - 100.00 charged to prod. G17
July 1, 1933 - 25.00 charged to prod. G18 (Wild Poses )
July 8, 1933 - 25.00 charged to prod. G18
July 15, 1933 - 25.00 charged to prod. G18
July 22, 1933 - 75.00 charged to prod. G17
July 29, 1933 - 75.00 charged to prod. G17
Aug. 5, 1933 - 75.00 charged to prod. G17
Aug. 12, 1933 - 25.00 charged to prod. G18
Aug. 19, 1933 - 75.00 charged to prod. G18
Aug. 26, 1933 - 75.00 charged to prod. G18
Sep. 2, 1933 - 25.00 charged to prod. G18
Sep. 9, 1933 - 25.00 charged to prod. G19 (Hi'-Neighbor!)
Sep. 16, 1933 - 25.00 charged to prod. G19
Sep. 23, 1933 - 25.00 charged to prod. G19
Sep. 30, 1933 - 25.00 charged to prod. G19
Oct. 7, 1933 - 25.00 charged to prod. G19
Oct. 14, 1933 - 25.00 charged to prod. G19
Oct. 21, 1933 - 75.00 charged to prod. C20 (The Cracked Iceman)
Oct. 28, 1933 - 25.00 charged to prod. G19
Nov. 4, 1933 - 25.00 charged to prod. G19
Nov. 11, 1933 - 25.00 charged to prod. G19
Nov. 18, 1933 - 25.00 charged to prod. G19
Nov. 25, 1933 - 25.00 charged to prod. G19
Dec. 2, 1933 - 75.00 charged to prod. C21 (Four Parts)
Dec. 9, 1933 - 25.00 charged to prod. G19
Dec. 16, 1933 - 25.00 charged to prod. G19
Dec. 23, 1933 - 25.00 charged to prod. G19
Dec. 30, 1933 - 25.00 charged to prod. G19
Jan. 6, 1934 - 25.00 charged to prod. G19
Jan. 13, 1934 - 25.00 charged to prod. G19
Jan. 20, 1934 - 75.00 charged to prod. G19
Filming finally began on this production, after Stymie's salary had been charged to it for the last four months.
Jan. 27, 1934 - 75.00 charged to prod. G19
Feb. 3, 1934 - 75.00 charged to prod. G19
Feb. 10, 1934 - 75.00 charged to prod. G19
Feb. 17, 1934 - 25.00 charged to prod. G20 (For Pete's Sake!)
Feb. 24, 1934 - 75.00 charged to prod. G20
Mar. 3, 1934 - 75.00 charged to prod. G20
Mar. 10, 1934 - 25.00 charged to prod. G20
Mar. 17, 1934 - 25.00 charged to prod. G21 (The First Round-Up)
Mar. 24, 1934 - 75.00 charged to prod. G21
Mar. 31, 1934 - 25.00 charged to prod. G21
Apr. 7, 1934 - 75.00 charged to prod. G22 (Honky-Donkey)
Apr. 14, 1934 - 25.00 charged to prod. G22
Apr. 21, 1934 - 75.00 charged to prod. G22
Apr. 28, 1934 - 75.00 charged to prod. G22
May 5, 1934 - 75.00 charged to prod. G22
May 12, 1934 - 75.00 charged to prod. G22
May 19, 1934 - 75.00 charged to prod. G22
May 26, 1934 - 75.00 charged to prod. G23 (Mike Fright)
June 2, 1934 - 75.00 charged to prod. G23
June 9, 1934 - 75.00 charged to prod. G23
June 16, 1934 - 75.00 charged to prod. G23
June 23, 1934 - 75.00 charged to prod. G23
June 30, 1934 - 95.83 charged to prod. G23
July 7, 1934 - 25.00 charged to prod. G23
July 14, 1934 - 25.00 charged to prod. G24 (Washee Ironee)
July 21, 1934 - 25.00 charged to prod. G24
July 28, 1934 - 25.00 charged to prod. G24
Aug. 4, 1934 - 25.00 charged to prod. G24
Aug. 11, 1934 - 25.00 charged to prod. G24
Aug. 18, 1934 - 25.00 charged to prod. G24
Aug. 25, 1934 - 100.00 charged to Goldwyn (Kid Millions)
Sep. 1, 1934 - 100.00 charged to Goldwyn
Sep. 8, 1934 - 100.00 charged to Goldwyn
Sep. 15, 1934 - 25.00 charged to prod. G24 (Washee Ironee)
Sep. 22, 1934 - 25.00 charged to prod. G24
Sep. 29, 1934 - 25.00 charged to prod. G24
Oct. 6, 1934 - 100.00 charged to prod. G24
Oct. 13, 1934 - 100.00 charged to prod. G24
Oct. 20, 1934 - 25.00 charged to prod. G24
Oct. 27, 1934 - 25.00 charged to prod. G25 (Mama's Little Pirate)
Nov. 3, 1934 - 25.00 charged to prod. G25
Nov. 10, 1934 - 25.00 charged to prod. G25
Nov. 17, 1934 - 100.00 charged to prod. G25
Nov. 24, 1934 - 100.00 charged to prod. G25
Dec. 1, 1934 - 25.00 charged to prod. G25
Dec. 8, 1934 - 25.00 charged to prod. G26 (Shrimps For A Day)
Dec. 15, 1934 - 100.00 charged to prod. G26
Dec. 22, 1934 - 100.00 charged to prod. G26
Dec. 29, 1934 - 25.00 charged to prod. G26
Jan. 5, 1935 - 25.00 charged to prod. G26
Jan. 12, 1935 - 25.00 charged to prod. G27 (Anniversary Trouble)
Jan. 19, 1935 - 25.00 charged to prod. G27
Jan. 26, 1935 - 100.00 charged to prod. G27
Feb. 2, 1935 - 100.00 charged to prod. G27
Feb. 9, 1935 - 25.00 charged to prod. G28 (Beginner's Luck)
Feb. 16, 1935 - 25.00 charged to prod. G28
Feb. 23, 1935 - 100.00 charged to prod. G28
Mar. 2, 1935 - 100.00 charged to prod. G28
Mar. 9, 1935 - 25.00 charged to prod. G28
Mar. 16, 1935 - 100.00 charged to prod. G29 (Teacher's Beau)
Mar. 23, 1935 - 100.00 charged to prod. G29
Mar. 30, 1935 - 25.00 charged to prod. G29

After this, it would be over a year and a half before Stymie worked at the studio again.

Dec. 12, 1936 - 74.38 charged to prod. K5 (Reunion In Rhythm)
Stymie was given $35 checks on both Dec. 9th and 10th, and a $4.38 OT check on Dec. 11th.

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