Janet Burston

This filmography was made in collaboration with Matthew Lydick.

full name: Janet Elizabeth Burston
married names: Janet Pankratz, Janet Clark, Janet Fuller, and Janet Foy
born Jan. 11, 1935, in Alameda, CA
died Mar. 3, 1998, in Fresno, CA, of cancer

1938

Around September of this year, Janet began taking dancing lessons, as the Apr. 15, 1939, Oakland Post-Enquirer later reported.
On December 15th, The Post Enquirer of Oakland, CA, reported on the free Christmas show at the Oakland Municipal Auditorium being staged by The Post Enquirer between 10 a.m. and 12 noon on Saturday, December 17th. Noted in the article is the following: "Through the courtesy of the Roosevelt theater, Scotty Weston and his clever dancing and singing child stars, Betty Garcia, Janet Burston and Patsy and Marilyn Domingo, will give us a 'preview' of the act they will open Saturday afternoon at the Roosevelt."

1939

On April 10th of this year, The San Francisco News (CA) reported on the official opening of Children's Village at the Golden Gate International Exposition on April 15th. Among the entertainment were Scotty Weston's Stars Of Tomorrow, a revue featuring 150 kids. As the article says: "Star of the revue is Janet Burston, 3-year-old tap dancer, who will do five routines!" It should be noted, though, that Janet was four by this time.
On April 15th, the Oakland Post-Enquirer (CA) reported the following: "Almost any girl summoned to Hollywood to take part in a forthcoming picture would be thrilled to pieces. But not Janet Burston, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lester F. Burston, 3366 Herrier street. Janet, a talented dancer, is just three and a half, and to her, 'Hollywood,' 'fame' and 'fortune' are just so many big words. After her appearance late today at the Children's village on Treasure Island, Janet will leave with her parents for Hollywood, where she will be given a role in a Paramount picture. And to Janet, all that means is that she will have an opportunity to dance, which is the thing she likes to do most. A pupil of Scotty Weston, Oakland dancing teacher, Janet starred in the last Post-Enquirer Christmas show for Metropolitan Oakland children. She has been dancing for seven months."
On September 2nd, the Hollywood Citizen-News carried an advertisement for the Rubens Musical Workshop of Theatrical Arts, which was a school that taught children dancing and other entertainment skills. Janet is mentioned as among the kids who worked in "Babes In Arms."
On December 9th, the Hollywood Citizen-News reported that the Rubens Musical Workshop would be staging a musical production called Santa Claus Lives Forever at The Broadway-Hollywood at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 16th. Janet was among the kids listed that would be performing.
On December 27th, the Hollywood Citizen-News reported on the recent Citizen-News Carriers' Christmas Party held at the Citizen-News Auditorium. Among the entertainment were the kids from the Ruben school, which included Janet.
On December 29th, the Hollywood Citizen-News reported on a New Year's "Revusical" being presented the next day at 2:30 p.m. in the Little Theater of The Broadway-Hollywood by the Rubens Musical Workshop Players. The revue was called Let's Start The New Year Right. Janet was among the kids listed.

Babes In Arms (undetermined role): prem. Sep. 15, 1939 - MGM - 10 reels - Mickey Rooney & Judy Garland feature; ©Sep. 15, 1939. Released Oct. 13, 1939.

1940

On January 13th of this year, the Hollywood Citizen-News reported on the recent movie activity of the Rubens kids: " . . . Four year old Janet Burston was signed by M-G-M to sing in a gangster film." She had turned five just two days earlier, incidentally.
On March 8th, the Hollywood Citizen-News reported the following: "Elongated waistlines, soft-muted colors and slimly-fitted coats such as grownups wear but adapted to tiny tots and 14-year-old misses will be shown in a parade of Easter Fashions for children on the fifth floor at The Broadway-Hollywood tomorrow at 2:30 p.m. Smart garb for the 'young blade,' copied after dad's and older brother's clothes, will also be shown. Models will be clever youngsters of Rubens' Musical Workshop who will also present a variety show at tomorrow's fashion matinee." Janet was listed as part of the stage revue.
On March 30th, the Hollywood Citizen-News reported on the recent movie activity of the Rubens kids, with Janet being listed among the kids working in "Cinderella's Feller," as well as appearing in the new Shirley Temple picture.
On May 11th, the Hollywood Citizen-News reported on rehearsals for a musical revue to be given by the Rubens kids at a local theater in the near future.
On May 26th, the pupils of Rubens Musical Work Shop gave a recital at the Troupers Theater in the afternoon. Janet was listed among the "Floradora" girls. Also mentioned were the "Our Gang Rubenettes." Both of these references strongly suggest that the two Rubens performances from "Waldo's Last Stand" were among the acts performed as part of this recital. Virtually all of the kids listed in these acts also appeared in the film.
On July 10th, Janet, along with Patsy McCartney, Clyde Willson, Dolores Dian, Bobby Sommers and Marcia Beach of the Rubens Musical Work Shop, performed on the Los Angeles Breakfast Club at 8 a.m. on KFWB. This according to the July 9th Hollywood Citizen-News.
On July 13th, the Hollywood Citizen-News reported that Janet had taken the role of Shirley Temple at the age of four in "Young People."
On July 26th, the Evening Vanguard of Venice, CA, reported on an upcoming "all-star children's musical program" which would be presented by the Rubens Musical Work Shop "as the entertainment portion of next Monday (the 29th) evening's community sing, held in the municipal auditorium in Ocean Park." Janet is listed among the kids.
On November 7th, The News of Los Angeles shared the following tidbit: "There'll be romantic interest for Larry (Baby Dumpling) Simms in 'Blondie Goes Latin.' Little Janet Burston is Larry's cinema girl friend."
On November 16th, the Hollywood Citizen-News reported on the involvement of the Rubens Musical Work Shop in the film "You're The One," and included Janet on its list of names. It also shared the following: "The children of the school are active doing their bit for all sorts of charity shows for the Christmas holiday."
On December 11th, The News of Los Angeles reported the following: "Children may be no harder to direct than grownups, but they present their own problems to movie directors. Frank R. Strayer, who handles Columbia's 'Blondie' series, had this truism driven home the other day when he filmed a scene in 'Blondie Goes Latin' which shows 5-year-old Janet Burston singing a duet with 6-year-old Larry Simms. In the middle of rehearsal Janet lost one of her front teeth, leaving a noticeable gap in her mouth. This, in itself, wouldn't have been a serious matter, but Strayer had already directed five scenes in which little Miss Burston figured prominently, and with a complete set of front teeth. There was only one alternative. The five scenes must be remade."
On December 17th, the Los Angeles Times reported the following: "Los Angeles Breakfast Club members will observe their annual Christmas festivities tomorrow morning with motion picture actors and actresses and the club's own Boy Scout troop participating. Included in the list of honor guests are Jackie Cooper, Bonita Granville, Sidney Miller, Janet Burston, Sonny Carpenter, Janet Chapman and Alicia Adams."
On December 23rd, the Hollywood Citizen-News reported on that night's Christmas parade, which would arrive in front of the El Capitan Theater. Scheduled to ride with Santa Claus along Santa Claus Lane were Joe E. Brown, Gale Page, Jim Ameche, Franklin J. Potter, Charles Smith, Edgar Kennedy, and Janet Burston. The following day, the Citizen-News reported that the previous night's parade had been rained out. Another one was scheduled for December 24th, but Janet wasn't on the list.

190. All About Hash (small part: Mary Swivens): Mar. 30, 1940 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2674 - Our Gang series; Filmed Jan. 10 to 13, 1940. ©Apr. 5, 1940. Janet sings "Tippi Tippi Tin."
Cinderella's Feller (small part: girl in bunny suit): June 8, 1940 - Vitaphone/Warner Bros. - 2 reels - Technicolor Specials series; Filmed Mar. 1940. ©May 31, 1940. Starring Juanita Quigley and Scotty Beckett. This was no. 6 in the series.
Young People (small part: Wendy as a small child): prem. Aug. 23, 1940 - 20th Century-Fox - 9 reels - feature; Released Aug. 30, 1940. Starring Shirley Temple, Jack Oakie and Charlotte Greenwood. According to the Citizen-News of Oct. 4, 1941, Janet played Shirley Temple's role in the scenes in which she's 4 years old. In the "Baby Take A Bow" scene, footage of Shirley from "Stand Up And Cheer" was used for the close-ups, but Janet would have been used for the longshots, and probably appeared in the following train scene, where we only see the top of her head as she's sleeping.
194. Waldo's Last Stand (small part: Jeanette): Oct. 5, 1940 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2686 - Our Gang series; Filmed Apr. 22 to 25, 1940. ©Oct. 2, 1940. Janet takes part in the performance of "On A Sunday Afternoon."

1941

On March 13th of this year, the Evening Vanguard of Venice, CA, reported the following: "Dian Vail, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Vail of 225 Fifth avenue, Venice, entertained for many of her small friends at a novel party given last Saturday in her home celebrating her fifth birthday anniversary. . . The guests, classmates of the hostess at dancing school, provided their own entertainment with a unique broadcast program which was recorded." Among the soloists listed was Janet.
On April 10th, the Hollywood Citizen-News reported on an Easter party hosted by Helen Wendt, mother of one of the Rubens kids. Janet was in attendance.
On July 12th, the Hollywood Citizen-News reported the following: "The Rubens Musical Workshop will present a group of one-act plays and monologues for three nights, next Wednesday, Thursday and Friday (the 16th to 18th), at the Pelican Theater, 8533 Santa Monica Blvd., at La Cienega. Among the plays presented will be 'The Two-Faced Slave,' 'In Arcady,' 'Topsy and Eva,' and 'The Dyspeptic Ogre'." Janet is listed among the kids participating.
On August 8th, the Hollywood Citizen-News reported the following: "A group of playlets, including 'The Birthday of the Infanta,' 'Anne and the Princess Elizabeth,' 'In Arcady,' and 'The Fairy Riddle,' will be presented tomorrow at 2 p.m. in the Little Theater of The Broadway-Hollywood by children of the Rubens Musical Workshop." Janet is listed among the cast members.
On September 13th, the Hollywood Citizen-News reported that the Rubens Musical Work Shop had staged their third annual production of Cavalcade Of Youth the previous week. "Two shows were presented - the first at the Wilshire Ebell Theater, the second, a benefit for Bay Cities Post No. 123, American Legion, at the the Santa Monica High School Auditorium. Janet, along with John Calkins, performed a travesty of "Romeo And Juliet." There were also a couple of ensemble numbers that may have included her, "The Last Time Is Saw Parie" and "South American Way."
On November 8th, the Hollywood Citizen-News reported the following: "Gladys and Maurie Rubens announce that students of Ada Bowman Woerz will appear in a piano recital tomorrow at 3 p.m. at the Rubens Musical Workshop, 7039 Sunset Blvd . . . Their program will include numbers from Chopin, F. Behr, L. Stilwell, F. Burgmuller, Franz Liszt and Pieozonka." Among the students set to perform was Janet.
On November 15th, the Hollywood Citizen-News reported the following: "The Rubens' Starlets were again acclaimed last week when 24 boys and girls from Rubens' Musical Workshop of Theatrical Arts, were selected to do two song and dance routines for the M-G-M picture, 'Good Old Days.' The featured song in the production, 'When Ma Wore a Bustle,' was especially written for the film by Maurie Roberts, head of the workshop and for many years general musical director for the Shubert shows on Broadway, in collaboration with George Grandee. Gladys Rubens directed the young group in the songs, while Steve Grainger, dance instructor, directed the routines . . . The numbers were led by Janet Burston, 6, who is already a veteran film player, having appeared in more than 15 motion pictures." "Good Old Days" was the working title for "Melodies Old And New."
On December 27th, the Hollywood Citizen-News reported the following: "Having already been acclaimed for their Christmas show, Keep 'Em Dancing, at the Orpheum, the Starlets from Rubens' Musical Workshop of Theatrical Arts will add further cheer to the holiday season by their appearance in M-G-M's 'Good Old Days,' which will be released soon." This article repeats much of what was said in the November 15th article, but it does mention "Cadet Girl" as one of the films Janet worked in.

197. Baby Blues (small part: Mamie): Feb. 15, 1941 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2706 - Our Gang series; Filmed Oct. 31 to Nov. 4, 1940. ©Feb. 24, 1941.
You're The One (role: dancer): Feb. 19, 1941 - Paramount - 83 min. - Bonnie Baker & Orrin Tucker feature; Filmed Nov. 1940. ©Feb. 7, 1941. Janet was part of a child ensemble from the Rubens Musical Work Shop.
Blondie Goes Latin (small part: little girl): Feb. 27, 1941 - Columbia - 7 reels - Blondie feature; Filmed Dec. 1940. ©Feb. 7, 1941. Starring Penny Singleton, Arthur Lake, and Larry Simms. Janet and Larry sing "I Hate Music Lessons" together as Janet plays the piano. UK title: Conga Swing.
Cadet Girl (undetermined role): Nov. 28, 1941 - 20th Century-Fox - 7 reels - Carole Landis & George Montgomery feature; ©Nov. 28, 1941.

1942

On January 3rd of this year, the Hollywood Citizen-News reported the following: "Gala opening of the Rubens' Starlet Theater, located in the new Beverly Hills Branch of the Rubens' Musical Workshop of Theatrical Arts, at Robertson and Wilshire, has been set with a three-day Revusical and dramatic Festival on Jan. 16, 17 and 18. More than 100 stage and screen artists who have already made names for themselves in the Orpheum Christmas show, "Keep 'Em Dancing,' and in many screen productions . . . will appear, under the supervision of Maurie and Gladys Rubens, who also head the Rubens' Workshop at Sunset and La Brea." Janet was listed among the performers for the first two nights. On January 17th, the Hollywood Citizen-News confirmed Janet's involvement on the 16th and listed her again for the program on the 17th.
On February 6th, the Lynwood Press (CA) reported the following: "The American Legion of Lynwood, in co-operation with other Service Clubs, will entertain the 'fighting men' of Uncle Sam's Army at the Legion Hall on Sunday, February 8th, 1942 . . . There will be two shows, one starting at 6 p.m. sharp and the other at 8 p.m. in order to accomodate all of the boys." Upon listing the acts that were to perform, first was "glamorous Janet Burston, MGM's newest starlet," suggesting pretty strongly that she was now a contracted member of Our Gang. On February 11th, the Los Angeles Times confirmed that Janet had replaced Darla Hood in Our Gang.
On February 15th, the Los Angeles Times reported on the previous night's Valentine party hosted by Leon Tyler. Janet was in attendance.
On March 21st, the Hollywood Citizen-News reported the following: "Approval of her new seven-year contract with M-G-M studios in Superior Court yesterday made little Janet Burston the second pupil of Rubens Musical Workshops of Theatrical Arts, to be signed by a major studio within 10 days. Bobby Shearer was given a Universal contract. Janet was picked for a film contract as the result of her work in the musical shows given recently by the Rubens Workshop group at the Starlet Theater in Beverly Hills. She has studied for the past two years under the direction of Maurie and Gladys Rubens."
On March 28th, the Hollywood Citizen-News reported the following: "Although she was signed on a seven-year M-G-M film contract last week, Janet Burston, 7, protegee of the Rubens Workshops, checked in at the school again this week to have Maurie Rubens, her instructor and discoverer, prepare her for her first screen role under the new contract. Little Miss Burston has just received her first assignment. It will be in 'Doing Our Bit.' Rubens is to instruct Janet in the song and dance number she will do."
On May 26th, the Contra Costa Gazette of Martinez, CA, reported the following out of Pittsburg, CA: "Plans were completed today for the Bay Division Civil Service Rally and informal dinner of the Peace Officers Civil Service association of California, Inc., scheduled for the Pittsburg Junior High school at 7 o'clock Friday night (the 29th) . . . A special feature of entertainment will be provided by Janet Burston, new starlet of M.G.M., known as the sweetheart of 'Our Gang' comedies, and Delores Diane, who was featured in 'Girl's Town'." It's apparent from this article that Janet was visiting the Bay Area, which is where she lived earlier in life.
During this year, Dell Publishing Co. debuted Our Gang Comics, which included Janet among its characters. She was dropped from the lineup after issue no. 40 in 1947.
On July 31st, the Lynwood Press (CA) reported the following: "Approximately 100 persons representing all units of Civilian Protection in district number 2 met at the City Park site Saturday evening (the 25th) and paraded to the City Hall where they participated in an interesting and instructive program . . . Entertainment featured a reading and two piano solos by seven-year-old Janet Burston, leading lady in the 'Our Gang' comedies."
On August 7th, The News of Van Nuys, CA, reported the following: "Irene McCloskey was a little dubious when her hubby, Delamere Francis (yes your Councilman) decided to build one of those western-type barbecue pits that are all underground. It went down six feet deep and was meticulously walled with the bricks left over from the patio which is now completely paved the entire length of the house. Well, the pit could take 20 pounds of meat at one cooking and the family tried it out for a big barbecue recently. They invited Janet Burston, sweetheart of 'Our Gang' comedies and a large group of friends, all of them anxious to sample the western barbecue."
On September 4th, NANA published an article about movie kids returning to school, except that their schools are on movie lots. Mentioned in the article is the MGM school, which had the largest enrollment. Janet, of course, was among the pupils.

Blondie Goes To College (role: young girl): Jan. 15, 1942 - Columbia - 8 reels - Blondie feature; ©Jan. 15, 1942. Starring Penny Singleton, Arthur Lake, and Larry Simms. Working title: The Boss Said 'No'.
204. Melodies Old And New (featured role: Janet): Jan. 24, 1942 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2755 - Our Gang series; Filmed Oct. 29 to 31, 1941. ©Dec. 23, 1941. Janet sings "Those Were The Good Old Days."
207. Surprised Parties (supporting role: Janet): May 30, 1942 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2770 - Our Gang series; Filmed Feb. 5 to 10, 1942. ©May 28, 1942.
208. Doin' Their Bit (featured role): July 18, 1942 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2771 - Our Gang series; Filmed Mar. 27 to 31, 1942. ©July 9, 1942. Janet sings "I Love A Man In A Uniform."
209. Rover's Big Chance (supporting role: Janet): Aug. 22, 1942 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2780 - Our Gang series; Filmed Apr. 25 to 29, 1942. ©Aug. 25, 1942.

1943

On January 22nd of this year, The Van Nuys News and Valley Green Sheet (CA) reported on the birthday party of Mike McCloskey, taking place the following day. As it says: "Among those coming are Mike's 'girl friend' (by mutual agreement) Janet Burston, lovely blonde 'sweetheart' of 'Our Gang' Comedies."
On February 6th, The Albertan of Calgary reported the following: "Seven-year-old Janet Burston, of Our Gang, does an Argentine dancer impersonation in MGM's juvenile musical, 'Calling All Kids.' Since an elaborate hairdress was required, Janet sacrificed considerable time while her 'crowning glory' went through the primping process. After a particularly long session with the coiffurist, Janet, a bit impatient, said, 'Millie, I love you but you sure get in my hair!'"
On May 31th, The Daily Report of Ontario, CA, reported the following: "A meeting of the board of directors of California Peace Officers Civil Service association was the occasion yesterday for an all day outing and barbecue at the Upland home of Chief of Police Eugene L. Mueller, who is vice-president of the association, with directors acting as hosts to their families and friends and guests, numbering over 100, who were present to enjoy the event . . . Entertainment preceeding the barbecue dinner was staged by the Maury Rubins 'Rubinettes,' singing and dancing juvenile movie starlets, headed by Janet Burston, little 8-year-old leading lady of 'Our Gang Comedies'."
On June 19th, The Daily Report of Ontario, CA, reported the following: "Several thousands of soldiers were royally entertained at Pomona motor base last night by an all-starlet troop of Hollywood motion picture youngsters, the program being sponsored as a tribute to Col. Benjamin J. Mesick, base commandant, and his men by the California Peace Officers Civil Service association. Troops packed the race track grandstand to be captured by little Janet Burston, 8-year-old leading lady of 'Our Gang' comedies, and the troop of 40 singing and dancing starlets."
On June 25th, the Los Angeles Times reported the following: "Joining the Times carrier boys in their 'All Out for Navy' Bond and Stamp sales drive Saturday (the 26th) at Victory House, Pershing Square, will be the stars of that screen perennial, M.G.M.'s 'Our Gang' kids, all of whom will entertain in person. The rally is especially significant since several of the Gang alumni are now in the Navy. The carriers' campaign to sell enough Stamps and Bonds to complete five motor torpedo boats is regarded as a 'swell cause' by the juvenile film group.
On July 27th, The Pittsburgh Press reported the following out of Hollywood: "Despite their mischievous pranks on the screen, the Our Gang kids in private life have settled down to the serious business of aiding the war effort. Recently, they joined the Junior American Red Cross. One of their first assignments was to mount 100 puzzles on cardboard for shipment overseas. Other activities of the junior program have Janet Burston and Bobby Blake collecting mirrors and ash trays, while Froggy and his pal, Buckwheat, are compiling large scrapbooks of cartoons and jokes. Soon the Gang will start production on 'Home Front Commandos.'" By the time the Our Gang series came to its end later in the year, "Home Front Commandos" hadn't gotten past the script stage.
On November 21st, Jimmie Fidler shared the following in their syndicated column: "Picked up a chuckle in the MGM cafe today during a conversation with seven-year-old Janet Burston of the 'Our Gang' comedies. Having heard that she and her mama drive miles out of their way every day to pick up a couple of boys who work in the same series, I congratulated Janet on the good deed. 'You're a very patriotic little girl to let others share your car,' I said. 'Oh, yes,' beamed Janet, 'I'm VERY patriotic - and besides, the boys have bicycles at the studio. They let me ride their bikes every noon'."
On November 26th, the Our Gang unit had their final day of shooting, which brought an end to Janet's time with the series.

212. Benjamin Franklin, Jr. (featured role: Janet): Jan. 30, 1943 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2795 - Our Gang series; Filmed Aug. 3 to 6, 1942. ©Jan. 28, 1943.
213. Family Troubles (lead role: Janet Burston): Apr. 3, 1943 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2798 - Our Gang series; Filmed Aug. 12 to 17, 1942 ©Apr. 1, 1943.
215. Calling All Kids (supporting role): Apr. 24, 1943 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2810 - Our Gang series; Filmed Dec. 28 to 31, 1942. ©Apr. 13, 1943. Janet impersonates Carmen Miranda as she sings "I, Yi, Yi, Yi, Yi (I like You Very Much)."
214. Election Daze (supporting role: Janet aka President Janet): July 31, 1943 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2805 - Our Gang series; Filmed Feb. 1 to 4, 1943. ©July 30, 1943.
217. Little Miss Pinkerton (featured role: Janet): Sep. 18, 1943 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2830 - Our Gang series; Filmed Mar. 3 to 16, 1943. ©Sep. 14, 1943.
218. Three Smart Guys (small part: Janet): Oct. 23, 1943 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2844 - Our Gang series; Filmed May 13 to 18, 1943. ©Oct. 20, 1943.

1944

On October 16th of this year, the Valley Times of San Fernando, CA, reported the following: "Gaining momentum as the minutes rolled by, the American Legion program presented by North Hollywood Post 307 at its dinner meeting Wednesday night (the 11th) turned out to be another memorable occasion . . . As a preview of a Boy Scout benefit show to be given in North Hollywood in November, Gladys and Maurie Rubens presented several acts from their annual production, Cavalcade Of Youth, which includes many talented youngsters." Among these was Janet, listed as a singer and dancer.
On November 6th, the Valley Times of San Fernando, CA, reported the following: "Rehearsals for the scintillating production, Cavalcade Of Youth, Legion-sponsored show featuring talented young performers, are now in final stages. This musical, singing and dancing production, which will be presented in the North Hollywood high school auditorium Friday, Nov. 24, is sponsored by American Legion post 307 for the benefit of Boy Scout troop 47 . . . North Hollywood is fortunate to have a preview performance before Cavalcade Of Youth is presented at the Wilshire Ebell, where it is an annual headline attraction of the club." Janet was among those kids having leading roles.
On December 9th, the Citizen-News of Hollywood reported that the sixth annual Cavalcade Of Youth would be presented that night at the Wilshire Ebell Theater. It also listed several entertainers from this show, including Janet, who were signed for Roland Reed Productions' "Youth Of The Kingdom." This seems to refer to "Youth For The Kingdom," which came out in February of 1945.

219. Radio Bugs (featured role: Janet): Apr. 1, 1944 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2860 - Our Gang series; Filmed Sep. 22 to 25, 1943. ©Mar. 19, 1944.
221. Tale Of A Dog (supporting role: Janet): Apr. 15, 1944 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2866 - Our Gang series; Filmed Oct. 4 to 7, 1943. ©Apr. 13, 1944. Released as an MGM Miniature.
220. Dancing Romeo (supporting role): Apr. 29, 1944 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2861 - Our Gang series; Filmed Nov. 18 to 26, 1943. ©Apr. 29, 1944.
In The Meantime, Darling (role: Cathy Reid): Sep. 22, 1944 - 20th Century-Fox - 72 min. - Jeanne Crain feature; Filmed in mid-1944. &169;Sep. 13, 1944. Working title: Army Wives.

1945

On June 20th of this year, The Hayward Review (CA) reported the following: "The Misses Norma and Roberta Knepp of Pinedale court, left for Hollywood yesterday. Norma will accompany her niece, Miss Janet Burston, to Colorado Springs for three months. She will also visit her uncle who is in the medical corps at an army hospital in Denver."

Forever Yours (role: Ruth): Jan. 26, 1945 - Monogram - 8 reels - Gale Storm feature; Filmed mid-1944. ©Dec. 22, 1944. Working titles: They Shall Have Faith and They Shall Walk. Also appearing were 23 other Rubens kids.
Youth For The Kingdom (undetermined role): Feb. 1945 - Reed/Lutheran Laymen's League - 60 min. - feature; Filmed in late 1944. Reissued as The Delinquents.
Winky The Watchman (supporting role: Mary): Jun. 1945 - Harman/Tennessee Dept. of Public Health - Technicolor - 1 reel - educational short; ©Oct. 31, 1945. Animated cartoon bookended by live-action segments.

1946

On August 19th of this year, The Hollywood Starlight Theater, Inc., presented The Wizard Of Oz at the Greek Theater in Griffith Park, Los Angeles. This was part of a series of light operas and musicals the company was producing over the course of 12 weeks starting on July 8th. Each production lasted for two weeks, boasted a company of about 150 people, and was budgeted at $75.000. Rehearsals were underway in early August. The Rubens Musical Workshop provided 32 of its pupils for the Munchkinland sequence. Sources for this information are the Hollywood Citizen-News of May 20th, Aug. 9th and Aug. 17th, the Pasadena Star-News of June 23rd, the Daily News (of Los Angeles) of June 25th, and the Valley Times of Aug. 20th - all 1946. According to IMDb, Janet performed as one of the Dipperettes for this musical. The Dipperettes was one of the dance groups at the Rubens school, much like the Rubinettes.
On October 12th, the Valley Times of North Hollywood reported the following: "Seventy-five children, nearly all of them professional performers in screen and radio work, will go on the stage of North Hollywood high school auditorium tonight in the eighth annual Cavalcade of Youth, a $75,000 production. Sponsored by the American Legion post 307 for benefit of its rehabilitation fund and Boy Scout troop, the show is actually a premiere of the 'Cavalcade' which is scheduled to run at Wilshire Ebell theater and possibly go on a road tour. Curtain time is set for 8:15 p.m. The children range in age from six to twenty years and many are Valley residents. A staff of twenty coaches and directors have instructed them in dramatic, tap dance, ballet, music and voice routines under Gladys and Maurie Rubens, producers. Each year the Legion obtains a premiere performance of Cavalcade Of Youth through Maurie Rubens and Gene Hornbostel, the Legion post's chairmen of special events." Accompanying this article is a photograph of five girls in sequined costumes worn for their tapdancing routine. Janet is among them.
On December 3rd, the Evening Vanguard of Venice reported the following: "The Cavalcade Of Youth stage revue presented by Gladys and Maurie Rubens a few weeks ago at the Wilshire-Ebell theatre, was again presented at the Veterans Facility theatre in Sawtelle recently, under the sponsorship of Joy De Castro and the MGM Women's auxiliary." Janet was listed among the kids who participated.

Ginger (role: "Butch" Sullivan): prem. Nov. 20, 1946 - Parsons/Monogram - 7 reels - feature; ©Nov. 30, 1946. Released Jan. 4, 1947. Starring Frank Albertson and Barbara Reed.

1947

On January 18th of this year, the Shamokin News-Dispatch stated that "Eleven-year-old Janet Burston enacts a good tom-boy" in her role as Butch Sullivan in "Ginger." This was the only film Janet did in which her name is shown in the newspaper ads.
On January 25th, the Record-Eagle of Traverse City, MI, reported the following: "Johnny Calkins, Janet Burston and Gene Collins, aged twelve, eleven and fourteen, respectively, who are seen in Monogram's 'Ginger,' all play the piano. The juveniles had their own concert when they performed between scenes for the other members of the cast, including co-stars Frank Albertson and Barbara Reed. The entire concert was devoted to classical music."
On June 12th, The Opp News (AL) reported the following: "Twelve-year-old Johnny Calkins and eleven-year-old Janet Burston had a gala reunion ice cream party when they met on the set of Monogram's 'Ginger,' a drama of a boy and his dog. Johnny and Janet, who have important roles in the film, played the title roles in "Romeo and Juliet," playing opposite each other in a stage production of the famous Shakespearian drama at the Los Angeles Wilshire Ebell theatre. At that time Johnny was seven years old, and Janet was a mere six."

The Farmer's Daughter (role: girl): prem. Mar. 25, 1947 - Vanguard/Schary Productions/RKO - 97 min. - feature; ©Mar. 25, 1947. Released Mar. 26, 1947. Starring Loretta Young, Joseph Cotton, and Ethel Barrymore. Working title: Katie For Congress.

1948

On April 27th of this year, the Pasadena Independent (CA) reported the following: "World premiere of Judith Kandel's drama of youth, This Young World, comes to the Pasadena Playhouse stage from May 5 to 16, to tell a punch-packed story of a country schoolhouse . . . Arthur Lubin is co-producer . . . with Marcella Cisney as director." Among the all-juvenile cast was Janet.
On May 6th, Robert O. Foote of the Pasadena Star-News (CA) reviewed This Young World, saying "A theatrical novelty, a wholly juvenile play of entirely adult implications, was brought to the stage for its world premiere last night by Pasadena Playhouse, in association with Arthur Lubin. Playwright Judith Kandel presents 'This Young World' as a 'microcosm of the turbulent and complex world we live in' and voices a plea for tolerance and love among mortals. In basing her drama upon the seldom-disputed theory that the seed becomes the tree, she runs slap-dab into pedagogical doubts of the old conception that children are, psychologically, adults in miniature. While challenging credulity, the play compels suspense and has its spectators sitting on the edges of their chairs most of the time with its gripping tension. Its 'lesson' is almost lost in its sheer melodramatic grasp . . . It is all beautifully acted by the entirely juvenile cast, directed with precision and grasp of essentials by Marcella Cisney."
On August 4th of this year, Janet's mother, Ann Burston, remarried following her divorce from Janet's father John Burston. This marriage brought Janet, along with her siblings Jill and Jack, into the household of Clayton Dunlap.

1949

On March 17th of this year, The Van Nuys News and Valley Green Sheet (CA) reported on two glee clubs organized at Van Nuys Junior High School, one for boys and the other for girls. After listing the many members of each club, it mentions Janet as the accompanist for the Boys' Glee Club.
On March 28th, The Van Nuys News and Valley Green Sheet (CA) reported the following: "The Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Alfred Wallenstein visited Van Nuys High School and presented a fine program of classic music." The article then lists the students who "enjoyed this unusual opportunity," one of whom was Janet.
On June 16th, The Van Nuys News and Valley Green Sheet (CA) reported the following regarding Van Nuys Junior High School: "Sunday, June 5, a group of our teachers at the suggestion of Miss Lehman took a group from her dramatic class to entertain the members of the Pasadena Home for Retired Teachers. Robert Halfhill talked about our new school, Jay Smith acted as master of ceremonies. Earl Garcia, Marion Oles, Nancy Hiles, Janet Burston, Ann Lampkin, and Joyce Baldwin entertained."

1950

On April 17th of this year, Janet and her family were recorded in the census. Oddly, it reveals that they were living in a place called Eden in Alameda County at the time. So they moved from Van Nuys to Alameda County at some point since June 1949, but were living in Van Nuys again by May 1952. Eden was an unincorporated area that was later mostly absorbed into San Leandro, Hayward, Castro Valley and San Lorenzo. FamilySearch.org states that Janet lived in Hayward during this year.

1951

On November 26th of this year, The Van Nuys News and Valley Green Sheet reported that Van Nuys High School would be presenting Young Man Of Today in the Donna H. Hubbard Auditorium at 8:15 p.m. on December 6th, and that there would also be two student performances given during the school day on both December 5th and 6th. On December 6th, the same newspaper gave a list of the students performing in the play which included Janet, who played "Muggins."
On December 20th, Kay E. Kuter of The Van Nuys News and Valley Green Sheet had this to say: "This thought struck me the other night, as I sat in a half-filled auditorium to watch a cast of well-directed high school students go through their paces in a play called 'Young Man of Today.' Anyone expecting Broadway drama and Theatre Guild performances was surely disappointed: such things can happen only rarely in high school productions. But then, I think only the unfortunate half of the audience who stayed away would have expected that. Those who attended were parents, teachers and friends, and all of them entered into the spirit of amateurism and had a wonderful evening."

1952

On May 15th of this year, The Van Nuys News and Valley Green Sheet (CA) reported the following: "Pink Magic, that certain allure that makes girls desirable, is an all-important aspect in the Van Nuys High School class senior production to be presented Friday evening, May 23 . . . in Donna H. Hubbard Auditorium." Janet was included in the cast.
On May 22nd, The Van Nuys News and Valley Green Sheet (CA) reported the following: "After many weeks of hard work, the senior play, Pink Magic is ready for presentation. The stage crew, make-up crew, and the cast have put in much time and effort to make this production a success. The performances started yesterday. The adult performance has been scheduled for tomorrow evening. The admission will be 75 cents for reserved seats and 50 cents for unreserved seats . . . Janet Burston and Pat Roy are double cast in the lead as Lambie Prowder. Janet has had some previous experience in drama having had the part 'Muggins' in the play 'Young Man of Today'."
On June 8th, The Van Nuys News and Valley Green Sheet (CA) reported the following: "Largest Awards Assembly in history of the school was held Friday at Van Nuys High School when members of the graduating class received trophies, pins, plaques and other testimonials to their individual proficiencies in scholarship, sports, home economics, agriculture and numerous other fields of accomplishment." Receiving the "Tahitian" Award for Drama was Janet, the only student to win this particular award.
On June 15th, The Van Nuys News and Valley Green Sheet (CA) reported the following: "Third largest class in Los Angeles City High Schools system will be graduated at Van Nuys High School in Commencement exercises scheduled Thursday, June 19, at 7:30 p.m. on Nathan F. Smith Field, when admission will be by ticket only." Janet Elizabeth Burston was one of 457 names on the provisional list of candidates for high school diplomas.
On September 16th, The Ventura County Star-Free Press (CA), in its Vital Statistics section, reported on the following marriage license: "Jimmie Howard Pankratz, 19, of North Hollywood; Janet Elizabeth Burston, 17, of North Hollywood."

Janet had two children, Randy and Donette. However, I've yet to figure out which of her husbands was the father.

1956

On November 5th of this year, a marriage license was issued to Carl Leslie Clark and Janet Elizabeth Burston in Los Angeles County. At the time, both of them were divorced and living at 1507C Dixon St. in Glendale.
On November 10th of this year, Janet married Carl Leslie Clark in Los Angeles.

1959

On January 25th of this year, the Daily News published an article on the whereabouts of former Our Gang members. About Janet, it said that she was currently a housewife.

1961

On December 22nd of this year, the Santa Cruz Sentinel published the following marriage license notice in their vital statistics section: "In Santa Cruz, December 14, 1961, Richard Milus Fuller, 34, San Jose, a native of California, and Janet Elizabeth Clark, 26, Hayward, a native of California."

1962

On March 7th of this year, Janet and Richard got married in Santa Clara.

1970s

Shanana Rain Golden-Bear, commenting on Brad Farrell's blog at "The Terrible Catsafterme" on July 31, 2016, wrote: "In the '70's, I was honored to work with Janet (Burston) Foy at Denny's in Gilroy, Ca. She was a great lady! She taught me about always smiling at customers no matter how I was feeling. Great memories!" This suggests that Janet was already on her fourth marriage by this time, and maybe even divorced a fourth time.

1984

Our Gang: Inside The Clubhouse (interview appearance/archival): May 8, 1984 - Lang/Camellia City Telecasters - 93 mins. - TV documentary; Includes footage from "Tale Of A Dog."

1986

On January 17th of this year, Janet's stepfather, Clayton Dunlap, died. His obituary mentions Janet as a survivor, and reveals that she was still in Gilroy as of this date.

1994

The Our Gang Story (use of photo): 1994 - Film Shows/GoodTimes - 120 min. - video documentary

1995

On July 1st of this year, Janet was visited by Brad Farrell and Bob Satterfield at her home in Fresno. She was Janet Foy during this period, and she and Brad had talked on the phone numerous times leading up to this meeting. Brad wrote an account of this get-together on his blog, "The Terrible Catsafterme." At the time, she worked at a Denny's restaurant in Fresno. When asked about her acting style in the Our Gang series, she said: "Oh, what a ham I was! But that's what the studio wanted . . . the hammier the better!"

1997

George J. West, commenting on "The Terrible Catsafterme" blog on Oct. 13, 2010, shared the following: "I met Janet summer/autumn 1997. I was the security chief at the Oakville Parkade downtown Oakville Ontario Canada. A very affluent area. Janet worked as Sunday evening radio host at AM740, a station still on the air that is dedicated to golden oldies. Janet autographed a B/W still of her with Robert Blake and 2 other Little Rascals. Janet was very funny and I enjoyed listening to her stories about how she was born in Canada, moved to L.A. during the war and became a child actor. I miss her." This would explain why some sources say Janet was born in Canada, a detail that is contradicted by various other sources.

Wikipedia states that Janet attended a few Our Gang reunions, but I've yet to verify that.

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