Joe Cobb

This filmography was made in collaboration with Matthew Lydick.

full name: Joe Frank Cobb
born Nov. 7, 1916, in Shawnee, OK
died May 21, 2002, in Santa Ana, CA, of natural causes

Special note: Joe's full name as shown above is unusual, since most parents are more apt to name their boys "Joseph," with "Joe" being a nickname. However, this is the way it appears on the contracts signed between Joe and the Roach studio, and these typically used the contractee's full name.

Another special note: Maltin & Bann give Joe's birthdate as Nov. 7, 1917. However, as indicated in the references of his Wikipedia page, the Oklahoma birth index puts it a year earlier. Joe also mentions being 19 years old in the Jan. 24, 1936, letter mentioned below.

And still another special note: The media routinely referred to Joe as "Fatty," not only in newspapers and magazines, but also in the 1953 episode of "You Asked For It." In the Our Gang series itself, this name seems to have never been used, with "Joe" being his name in the vast majority of them. Of course, not all of the silent-era footage is available for viewing, so perhaps there was an inter-title or two that contained the nickname, but otherwise, the only film that ever used it was the Pathé Review segment from 1925 called "Our Gang At Home." Another nickname that routinely turned up in early reviews of the Our Gang films was "Kewpie," though this one also seems to have never been used in the actual series.

Though born in Shawnee, Joe was initially raised in Wewoka, OK. According to The Detroit Free Press of Aug. 19, 1928, his weight was normal until the age of 3, when his avoirdupois set in. They also mention that he made his debut on the legitimate stage in "Tom Thumb's Wedding." It was a local theatre manager who, upon noting Joe's plump physique, recommended that Joe's parents take him to Hollywood and get him into the movies.

1922

Early Sep. 1922: Joe visited the casting director's office at the Roach studio with his father, who brought along a letter of introduction (presumably from the Wewoka theatre manager). The people from the casting department evidently jumped at the chance to put Joe into the movies, quickly giving him a screen test and signing him to a longterm contract for 50 dollars a week. He started off as part of the Our Gang unit, but spent the first couple of weeks working with Snub Pollard. His family moved into a home in Culver City, across the street from Roach transportation director Bob Davis. The two of them continued to live in Culver City well into old age.

1923

Mar. 3, 1923: Joe was signed to a new contract on this date, effective March 5, 1923, to March 4, 1924, and was now making 75 dollars a week.

9. The Champeen! (bit part): Jan. 28, 1923 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-9 - Our Gang series; Filmed late August/September 1922. ©Dec. 16, 1922.
A Tough Winter (supporting role as Marie's kid brother): Feb. 4, 1923 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. B-10 - Snub Pollard series; Filmed Sep. 13 to 23, 1922. ©Dec. 16, 1922.
7. The Big Show! (supporting role): Feb. 25, 1923 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-7 - Our Gang series; Filmed July 28 to Aug. 15, 1922, with added scenes Sep. 11 to 16, and Sep. 20 to 28, 1922, and retakes Jan. 10 to 11, 1923. ©Feb. 26, 1923.
11. A Pleasant Journey (small part): Mar. 18, 1923 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-11 - Our Gang series; Also listed for Mar. 25, 1923. Filmed Oct. 22 to 27, and Nov. 2 to 16, 1922. ©Feb. 26, 1923.
10. Boys To Board (featured role): Apr. 8, 1923 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-10 - Our Gang series; Filmed Oct. 2 to Nov. 2, 1922. ©Mar. 30, 1923.
12. Giants Vs. Yanks (featured role: Squeaky): May 13, 1923 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-12 - Our Gang series; Filmed Nov. 20 to Dec. 19, 1922, and Feb. 15, 1923. ©Apr. 27, 1923.
13. Back Stage (supporting role: Joe): June 3, 1923 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-13 - Our Gang series; Filmed Dec. 15, 1922, to Jan. 9, 1923. ©June 6, 1923.
14. Dogs Of War! (supporting role): July 1, 1923 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-14 - Our Gang series; Premiered June 10, 1923. Filmed Jan. 12 to Feb. 10, 1923, with retakes Feb. 20 to 23, and Apr. 11, 1923. ©July 19, 1923.
15. Lodge Night (featured role: Joe): July 29, 1923 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-15 - Our Gang series; Filmed Feb. 12 to Mar. 3, 1923. ©Aug. 2, 1923.
18. July Days (supporting role): Aug. 26, 1923 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-18 - Our Gang series; Filmed Apr. 12 to May 2, and May 31, 1923. ©Aug. 2, 1923.
20. No Noise (supporting role: Joe): Sep. 23, 1923 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-20 - Our Gang series; Filmed June 1 to 20, 1923. ©Sep. 24, 1923.
17. Stage Fright (featured role): Oct. 21, 1923 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-17 - Our Gang series; Filmed Mar. 17 to Apr. 11, 1923, with retakes June 21 to July 2, 1923. ©Nov. 9, 1923.
21. Derby Day (featured role: Joe): Nov. 18, 1923 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-21 - Our Gang series; Filmed Mar. 11, July 18 to Aug. 13, 1923. ©Nov. 9, 1923.
19. Sunday Calm (supporting role: Joe): Dec. 16, 1923 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-19 - Our Gang series; Filmed May 4 to 29, 1923, with retakes July 2 to 14, and Oct. 2, 1923. ©Dec. 24, 1923.

1924

Mar. 5, 1924: The Roach studio exercised its option to renew Joe's contract, resulting in a salary increase to 100 dollars a week.
Sep. 20, 1924: From Motion Picture News: "Joe Cobb, fat boy of the company, recently appeared in a Seattle theatre while visiting relatives there."

22. Tire Trouble (supporting role: Joe): Jan. 13, 1924 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-22 - Our Gang series; Filmed Aug. 14 to Sep. 4, 1923. ©Dec. 24, 1923.
23. Big Business (featured role: Joe): Feb. 10, 1924 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-23 - Our Gang series; Filmed Sep. 11 to 21, 1923. ©Jan. 26, 1924.
24. The Buccaneers (featured role: Joe): Mar. 9, 1924 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-24 - Our Gang series; Filmed Sep. 28 to Oct. 24, and Oct. 28, 1923. ©Feb. 20, 1924.
The Fraidy Cat (small part: one of the neighborhood boys): Mar. 30, 1924 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. D-45 - Hal Roach series with Charley Chase; Premiered Mar. 10, 1924. Filmed Dec. 4 to 9, 1923. ©Mar. 20, 1924.
25. Seein' Things (supporting role): Apr. 6, 1924 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-25 - Our Gang series; Filmed Oct. 25 to Nov. 7, and Dec. 19, 1923, and Jan. 7, 1924. ©May 12, 1924.
Girl Shy (bit part: boy in tailor shop): Apr. 20, 1924 - Lloyd/Pathé - 8 reels - Harold Lloyd feature; ©Mar. 12, 1924. Joe appears with fellow gangster Jackie Condon.
26. Commencement Day (supporting role: Joe): May 4, 1924 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-26 - Our Gang series; Filmed Nov. 9 to Dec. 6, 1923, Jan. 7 to 11, and Jan. 26, 1924. ©May 12, 1924.
Going To Congress (undetermined role): May 25, 1924 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. R-11 - Will Rogers series; Filmed Jan. 19 to 30, 1924. ©May 12, 1924.
28. Cradle Robbers (lead role: Joe): June 1, 1924 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-28 - Our Gang series; Filmed Jan. 28 to Feb. 9, 1924. ©May 12, 1924.
Rupert Of Hee Haw (bit part: one of the great throng): June 8, 1924 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. L-11 - Stan Laurel series; Also listed for June 24, 1924. Filmed Dec. 20 to 26, 1923, and Jan. 2 to 12, 1924. ©May 12, 1924.
Fast Black (undetermined role): June 15, 1924 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. D-57 - Fite series with Earl Mohan; Filmed Mar. 18 to 25, and Apr. 8, 1924. ©May 28, 1924. Also featuring Billy Engle.
Young Oldfield (small part: sneezing boy outside pharmacy): June 22, 1924 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. D-56 - Hal Roach series with Charley Chase; According to Rob Stone's list, this was filmed Mar. 9 to 17, 1924. According to Anthony & Edmonds, it was filmed Mar. 10 to 17, 1924. ©May 12, 1924.
29. Jubilo, Jr. (supporting role): June 29, 1924 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-29 - Our Gang series; Also listed for July 29, 1924. Filmed Feb. 25 to Mar. 8, 1924. ©June 5, 1924.
27. It's A Bear (featured role: Joe): July 27, 1924 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-27 - Our Gang series; Filmed Dec. 10 to 26, 1923, Jan. 2 to 7, Jan. 12, and Mar. 7 to 12, 1924. ©June 30, 1924.
The Battling Orioles (small part: one of the neighborhood boys): Aug. 24, 1924 - Roach/Associated/Pathé - 5 reels - prod. T-2 - Glenn Tryon feature; Also listed for Oct. 6, 1924. Filmed Feb. 18 to May 20, 1924, with retakes June 16 to 20, 1924. There was also an unspecified Glenn Tryon feature for which retakes were shot from May 22 to June 17, 1924, but it isn't clear whether it was this one or "The White Sheep" or some other film. ©Sep. 25, 1924.
30. High Society (supporting role: Joe): Aug. 24, 1924 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-30 - Our Gang series; Filmed Mar. 24 to Apr. 5, 1924. ©May 29, 1924.
31. The Sun Down Limited (featured role: Joe): Sep. 21, 1924 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-31 - Our Gang series; Filmed Apr. 21 to May 1, 1924. ©Aug. 2, 1924.
32. Every Man For Himself (supporting role: Joe Cobb): Oct. 19, 1924 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-32 - Our Gang series; Filmed June 2 to 12, 1924. ©Oct. 2, 1924.
Accidental Accidents (small part): Nov. 9, 1924 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. D-65 - Hal Roach series with Charley Chase; Filmed May 5 to 9, 1924. ©Dec. 11, 1924.
16. Fast Company (supporting role: Joe): Nov. 16, 1924 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-16 - Our Gang series; Filmed Mar. 5 to 15, 1923, with retakes June 13 to 21, 1924. ©Oct. 2, 1924.
33. The Mysterious Mystery! (featured role: Joe): Dec. 14, 1924 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-33 - Our Gang series; Filmed June 30 to July 19, 1924, with retakes Sep. 9 and 12, 1924, and added scenes Sep. 13 and 15, 1924. ©Dec. 11, 1924.
The Rubber-Neck (bit part): Dec. 28, 1924 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. F-17 - The Spat Family series; Filmed June 23 to July 25, 1924, with retakes Sep. 2 to 4, 1924. ©Dec. 11, 1924.

1925

Early Mar. 1925: Joe's salary was raised to 200 dollars a week.
Aug. 30, 1925: The Long Beach Press-Telegram reported on the Meralta Theater booth operated at the fair in Downey by Pearl Merrill and Laura Peralta, founders of the theater, and both later to be found playing parents in the Our Gang series. The previous day, Joe Cobb had occupied the booth, and various other kid stars were featured on other days.

34. The Big Town (featured role: Joe): Jan. 11, 1925 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-34 - Our Gang series; Filmed Sep. 22 to Oct. 2, 1924. ©Dec. 9, 1924.
35. Circus Fever (featured role: Joe aka Joey): Feb. 8, 1925 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-35 - Our Gang series; Filmed Oct. 20 to 25, and Nov. 1 to 4, 1924. ©Jan. 19, 1925.
36. Dog Days (featured role: Joe): Mar. 8, 1925 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-36 - Our Gang series; Filmed Oct. 29 to Nov. 5, and Nov. 17 to 24, 1924. ©Mar. 5, 1925.
37. The Love Bug (featured role: Joe): Apr. 5, 1925 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-37 - Our Gang series; Filmed Dec. 15 to 31, 1924, and possibly early Jan. 1925. ©Apr. 2, 1925.
39. Shootin' Injuns (featured role: Joe): May 3, 1925 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-39 - Our Gang series; Filmed Jan. 19 to Feb. 5, 1925. ©Apr. 2, 1925.
38. Ask Grandma (supporting role: Joe): May 31, 1925 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-38 - Our Gang series; Probably filmed in early Jan. 1925. ©Apr. 2, 1925. Working title: First Love.
Riders Of The Kitchen Range (undetermined role): June 7, 1925 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. D-59 - "Hunky" Dory series; Also listed for June 13, 1925. Filmed Apr. 2 to 5, 1924. ©May 29, 1925. Featuring Earl Mohan and Billy Engle.
Twinkle, Twinkle (appearance): June 14, 1925 - Pathé - 1 reel - Grantland Rice Sportlight; © May 8, 1925. Featuring the Our Gang kids.
40. Official Officers (featured role: Officer Joe): June 28, 1925 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-40 - Our Gang series; Premiered June 10, 1925. Filmed Feb. 16 to 27, 1925. ©May 18, 1925.
42. Boys Will Be Joys (supporting role): July 26, 1925 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-42 - Our Gang series; Filmed Apr. 13 to 24, 1925. ©July 6, 1925.
Tame Men And Wild Women (undetermined role): Aug. 16, 1925 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. E-8 - Arthur Stone series; Filmed July 22 to 31, 1924, with retakes Sep. 2 to 4, Oct. 9 to 10, 1924, and Jan. 3 to 9, 1925. ©June 23, 1925.
41. Mary, Queen of Tots (supporting role): Aug. 23, 1925 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-41 - Our Gang series; Filmed Mar. 16 to Apr. 1, 1925. ©June 11, 1925.
44. Your Own Back Yard (supporting role: Joe): Sep. 27, 1925 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. K-2 - Our Gang series; Filmed June 30 to July 16, and July 20 to 29, 1925. ©Aug. 28, 1925.
43. Better Movies (featured role): Nov. 1, 1925 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. K-1 - Our Gang series; Filmed May 27 to June 16, 1925. Originally production A-43. ©Aug. 20, 1925.
'Our Gang' At Home (producer): Nov. 8, 1925 - Roach/Pathé - 1/3 reel - Pathé Review series; Our Gang segment filmed Mar. 1 to 14, 1925. ©Oct. 8, 1925. This short film was included in the Pathé Review, a weekly release typically consisting of three segments. This particular release was no. 45 for the year 1925, and Our Gang are featured in the middle segment. The other two segments have no relation to the Roach studios. The first is an episode of "American Wild Flowers" called "The Thistle," and is in color. The final segment is called "Forest Food Supplies."
45. One Wild Ride (supporting role: Joe): Dec. 6, 1925 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. K-3 - Our Gang series; Filmed July 30 to Aug. 4, 1925. ©Nov. 6, 1925.

1926

Early Mar. 1926: Joe's salary was raised to 250 dollars a week.
1926: Debuting this year, and continuing into 1927, was an Our Gang comic strip called La Pandilla, which included Joe among the characters.

46. Good Cheer (featured role): Jan. 10, 1926 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. K-4 - Our Gang series; Filmed Sep. 3 to 18, 1925. ©Jan. 23, 1926.
47. Buried Treasure (supporting role): Feb. 14, 1926 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. K-5 - Our Gang series; Filmed Oct. 1 to 19, 1925. ©Jan. 23, 1926.
48. Monkey Business (supporting role): Mar. 21, 1926 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. K-6 - Our Gang series; Filmed Oct. 30 to Nov. 18, 1925. ©Feb. 6, 1926.
49. Baby Clothes (featured role: Joe): Apr. 25, 1926 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. K-7 - Our Gang series; Filmed Dec. 7 to 20, 1925, with retakes Jan. 11, 1926. ©Mar. 15, 1926.
50. Uncle Tom's Uncle (featured role: Joe): May 30, 1926 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. K-8 - Our Gang series; Filmed Jan. 12 to Feb. 3, 1926. ©Apr. 28, 1926.
51. Thundering Fleas (supporting role): July 4, 1926 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. K-9 - Our Gang series; Also listed for July 28, 1926. Filmed Mar. 8 to 25, 1926. ©May 26, 1926.
52. Shivering Spooks (featured role): Aug. 8, 1926 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. K-10 - Our Gang series; Premiered July 4, 1926. Filmed Apr. 7 to 28, 1926. ©July 26, 1926.
53. The Fourth Alarm! (featured role: Joe): Sep. 12, 1926 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. K-11 - Our Gang series; Filmed May 24 to June 14, 1926. ©Sep. 17, 1926.
54. War Feathers (featured role): Nov. 21, 1926 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. K-12 - Our Gang series; Filmed Aug. 5 to Sep. 4, 1926. ©Dec. 13, 1926.
56. Telling Whoppers (featured role: Joe): Dec. 19, 1926 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. K-14 - Our Gang series; Also listed for Dec. 29, 1926. Filmed Sep. 10 to 18, 1926. ©Nov. 11, 1926.
45 Minutes From Hollywood (appearance): Dec. 26, 1926 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. H-3 - Glenn Tryon series; Also featuring Stan Laurel, Oliver Hardy, Theda Bara and Our Gang. Filmed Oct. 27 to Nov. 8, 1925, with added scenes Nov. 16, 1925, and retakes Mar. 27, and Apr. 5 and 6, 1926. ©Dec. 13, 1926. A clip from "Thundering Fleas" is briefly seen in this film.

1927

Early Mar. 1927: Joe's salary was raised to 400 dollars a week.
Apr. 2, 1927: The Los Angeles Record reported that Joe had been signed to a new long-term contract.
June 18, 1927: From the Los Angeles Record: "Hal Roach today did something which he has been fighting for a long time. He let the noted group of kid players better known as 'Our Gang' sign a vaudeville contract for several weeks. Ever since the youngsters made good in the movies, offers have been coming in for their appearance upon the stage, and Roach would never permit it except at benefit performances. Now the old tradition is broken and the kids open at the San Francisco Orpheum on July 2, under the management of Harry Weber. A special act written by George Waggner is in the stages of rehearsing now with a complete cast of the 'baby stars,' including Farina, Aroma, Joe Cobb, J. R. Smith, Jean Darling, Jackie Condon and Harry Spears(sic). Roach said early this morning that he permitted the vaudeville engagement because his studio will start its annual vacation on July 2 and this would be a good time for them to do a turn or so before the footlights. It is said that a record price has been paid for the ususual act."
June 28, 1927: From The San Francisco Call and Post: "Beginning at the Saturday matinee, the entire group of 'Our Gang' kiddies, otherwise known as Hal Roach's Rascals, make their debut on the speaking stage in a comedy playlet, Acting Out. Harry Weber, the well known producer, is the person responsible for this event, and he is bringing these kiddies, including Joe Cobb, Farina, Jean Darling, Jackie Condon, Ray(sic) R. Smith, Mango and Harry Spear, to San Francisco to make their first appearance on the speaking stage."
July 1, 1927: From The San Francisco Examiner: "A reception is to be tendered 'Our Gang' Kiddies when they arrive in town this morning on the Lark from Los Angeles to fulfill an engagement of one week only at the Orpheum beginning tomorrow afternoon. Each section of San Francisco will be represented by six or seven of 'kiddie groups' from South of Market gang, North Beach, Chinatown, the Potrero, Ocean View, Sunset, Richmond and Fillmore. They will greet Joe Cobb, Farina, Jean Darling, Jackie Condon, Jay Smith, Mango and Harry Spear when they step off the train from Los Angeles. City officials and theatrical representatives will be on hand to greet them. 'Our Gang' Kiddies have arranged to hold a reception on the stage of the Orpheum after each matinee for all the youngsters attending the performances." The San Francisco Chronicle added the Mission, North of the Slot and Western Addition districts to the list. On July 10th, the Examiner published an article about this reception, a thinly-veiled advertisement focusing on the fleet of Studebaker and Erskine cars used to transport the kids from the train station to City Hall.
July 1, 1927: From The San Francisco Call and Bulletin: "'Our Gang' Kiddies, who are Hal Roach's Rascals of screen comedy fame, who arrived in San Francisco this morning to fulfill an engagement of one week only at the Orpheum, beginning with the matinee tomorrow, will hold a reception on the stage after each matinee for the children attending the performance."
July 2, 1927: The San Francisco Chronicle published an article about the Gang's visit to the city, which can be accessed by clicking here.
July 2, 1927: The San Francisco Examiner published an article about the Gang's visit to the city, which can be accessed by clicking here.
July 3, 1927: From the San Francisco Chronicle: "The biggest treat and the biggest party ever given for the orphans of San Francisco will be The Chronicle-Orpheum Theater party next Wednesday morning (the 6th) at 10:30. The treat will be the appearance of 'Our Gang,' that lively bunch of youngsters from the Hal Roach studios at Culver City. Every boy and girl knows this 'gang' they have seen in motion pictures this many moons, and when the orphans assemble at the Orpheum as The Chronicle's guests, it will be a regular get-together party of old friends. The entire personnel of 'Our Gang' will be on hand, and they will not only help entertain the orphans, but will mingle with the crowd and shake hands with everybody . . . The Market Street Railway has joined in the spirit of the occasion by planning to provide free street car tickets for conveying the guests to the Orpheum and to assign an inspector to supervise their travels with the most careful attention. Written invitations have been sent to each institution and judging from the acceptances, the Orpheum will fairly bulge with youngsters. In addition to the orphans, the junior salesmen of The Chronicle will also be guests, and can each bring a friend. The only grown-ups will be the attendants in charge of the orphans and the people in charge of the big party for the youngsters, with the big feature of the entertainment another bunch of youngsters. The official song for the occasion will be 'Hail, Hail, the Gang's All Here'."
July 4, 1927: The Bulletin of San Francisco published an article about the Gang's visit to the city, an excerpt of which can be accessed by clicking here.
July 4, 1927: From the San Francisco Chronicle: "To start the show, Cliff Work, manager of the Orpheum, has arranged to show one of the newest of the 'Our Gang' pictures produced at the Culver City film studios. As soon as the picture is finished, the curtain will go up and there, big as life, will be Joe Cobb, the fat boy of the gang; Farina, the pickaninny with the roly-poly eyes; Farina's sister, Mango; Jean Darling, Jackie Condon, Jay Smith and Robert McGowan, their director. Following introductions, the whole gang will go out in the audience for a chat with the children guests."
July 4, 1927: From the San Francisco Chronicle: "Harry Weber, manager and director of the Rascals, calls attention to the fact that they can weep real tears in a tense dramatic moment. The moment arrives in a scene from 'Uncle Tom's Cabin,' when Jean as Little Eva lies on her death bed, and the rest gather round and implore her not to leave them. And it's perfectly true. They can all cry."
July 4, 1927: From The San Francisco Examiner: "These youngsters put on a sort of revue, with musical comedy in it, a tabloid drama and a burlesque on 'Uncle Tom's Cabin'."
July 5, 1927: The San Francisco Examiner published an article abuot the Gang's visit to the city, which can be accessed by clicking here.
July 5, 1927: From The San Francisco Examiner: "Before leaving their Hal Roach Studios in Culver City for this four weeks theatrical trip, 'Our Gang' went into executive session, and elected Joe Cobb their treasurer, he having been reputed to boast of a bit of Scotch blood and being well known as a saving young person; Farina was nominated the reception committee, as everyone wants to shake hands with him, anyway; Jay Smith was made business manager, Jackie Condon stage manager, while Jean Darling and Mango, being the only representatives of the fair sex, were named the 'ofishul helpers'."
July 7, 1927: From the San Francisco Chronicle: "'Ain't we got fun? Yes!' Children's voices in lusty chorus rang to the rafters in the Orpheum Theater yesterday morning as the youngsters at The Chronicle-Orpheum theater party expressed their joy and approval with three cheers and a tiger. On one side of the footlights were seven famous 'movie' kids and on the other 700 San Francisco orphan youngsters brought in from the various homes, nurseries and orphanages for the party at which they were guests and the stage children hosts. While 'Our Gang' romped through its stage antics with the spontaneous abandon of kids at a party, their little guests registered delight with laughter and shrieks and whistles and applause. And to cap the climax of the joy when the show was over, the audience was invited to the stage to shake hands with the very children they had watched so many times upon the silver screen. 'Aw, gee, I shook hands with Farina,' gleefully recounted one orphan lad to a pal who had been too timid to venture to the unaccustomed side of the footlights. 'He rolled his funny eyes at me and he gave me a little kick on the shin with one of his big shoes.' 'Aw, that's nothing!' interrupted another. 'Leonore sat on Joe Cobb's knee. You know, Joe the fat boy. And all the gang yelled, "Joe's got a girl".' Farina's little sister Aroma, a small replica of himself, little Jean Darling, golden-haired fairy child, Jackie Condon, a repetition of the Coogan legend; Jay Smith and Harry Spear all did their bit in the gang's jolly program of stunts. Jean starred as Little Eva and Farina as Uncle Tom in a modern travesty in three scenes on Uncle Tom's Cabin'."
July 7, 1927: From The Oakland Post-Enquirer regarding Our Gang's upcoming visit: "They all will be in Oakland Saturday morning at 11 o'clock. The Post-Enquirer is arranging a great, rousing reception and every girl and boy in the metropolitan area is invited to be on the job. The reception will begin officially at 9:30 when the child artists arrive at Seventh and Broadway and are greeted by Mayor John L. Davie and other city dignitaries. Under an honorary police escort, the 'Gang' will then ride to the 'Post-Enquirer' building."
July 9, 1927: The Gang began a week's engagement at the Orpheum Theatre in Oakland, CA. As they did across the bay in San Francisco, the Gang held a reception on the stage for all of the kids attending the matinee.
July 9, 1927: The Oakland Post-Enquirer (CA) devoted an entire page to articles about the Gang's visit to their city, which can be accessed by clicking here.
July 10, 1927: The Oakland Tribune reported that the Our Gang kids would soon make a personal appearance in that city to perform for some orphans.
July 12, 1927: From the Oakland Tribune: "Rooms of the Press Club of Oakland will be turned into a filmdom rendezvous tomorrow at luncheon when the organization is to be host to Hal Roach's 'Our Gang' . . . Joe Cobb will head the aggregation. Joe, everyone knows, is that rotund youngster who cuts up so many capers that even the rest of the 'gang' cannot keep straight faces. Then there is Farina, the ebony boy of rags and tags. With them will be Farina's sister, Mango, Jay Smith, Jean Darling and Jackie Condon. James Cobb, dad of Joe, will be a guest as will Charles Olzey(sic), assistant film director, and Jack Wall, representing Harry Weber, producer of the act for Hal Roach. Luncheon will begin at 12:15, according to President Luther W. Rood, and members have been urged to be present at that hour in order that the little funmakers may get back to their Orpheum matinee act."
July 12, 1927: From The San Francisco Examiner: "'Our Gang,' Hal Roach's beloved rascals, and the best known group of kiddies on the stage, will appear at the Golden Gate in person next week. Farina, Joe Cobb, Harry Spear, Jackie Condon, Jean Darling, Jay R. Smith and Mango, the whole gang, whose funny antics in the 'Our Gang' comedies have made you laugh, will be on hand. For five weeks the kiddies have a vacation from the movie lot and Hal Roach and their director, Robert McGowan, decided it would be a great idea to let the gang take a whirl at vaudeville. For the past two weeks their engagements have broken records and the Golden Gate is the third week of the five that they are permitted to play. The third part of the gang's act and the part that proves so popular to children is a reception on the stage following every matinee except Sunday when the children in the audience are permitted to come upon the stage and meet the gang."
July 13, 1927: The Oakland Tribune published an article about Our Gang, which can be accessed by clicking here.
July 15, 1927: From The San Francisco Examiner regarding Our Gang: "They come to town again tomorrow, appearing on the new Golden Gate bill . . . They will put on a sort of revue, a tabloid burlesque of 'Uncle Tom's Cabin,' and hold a stage reception for young persons of their own age after each matinee, with the exception of Sunday."
July 18, 1927: From The San Francisco Call and Post: "Joe Cobb, the fat boy and 'heavy' in the act, has a friend in every policeman in town. Riding around the downtown streets with the rest of the gang in the Erskine tourer from Chester N. Weaver Company showrooms, Joe hails every traffic officer on duty and invariably receieves a return wave of the hand and a cheery hello."
July 20, 1927: From the San Francisco Chronicle: "Jean Darling, leading woman, and Joe Cobb, the genial fat boy of Hal Roach's movie troupe, disporting themselves daily at the Golden Gate Theater, paid a visit to The Chronicle yesterday. They are bright and happy looking children, interested in their acting and interested, too, in the lessons that form a part of their daily routine . . . Joe likes the movies, but he doesn't know about making them a life work. The Oakland police force issued Joe a badge recently, and Joe isn't sure he wouldn't like to be a regular cop. Joe, whose curves are as famous in their way as Gilda Gray's, is beginning to think he would like to reduce. 'I tried eating bread that costs 30 cents a loaf, and it's supposed to get you thin. But I gained. Every year I gain eleven pounds. When I came into the gang I was 5 years old and I weighed fifty-five pounds. By my next birthday I weighed sixty-six pounds, and the year after that seventy-seven, and right on like that. I weigh 110 pounds now, and I'm 10 years old'." Later in the article, Joe says: "At the studio, if one of us kids thinks of a gag, we get 50 cents. If we think of a really good gag, one that they can use, we get $5. I've made 50 cents lots of times."
July 22, 1927; From the Los Angeles Illustrated Daily News: "'Our Gang,' with Farina, Joe Cobb and other funmakers in Hal Roach comedies, will top the new bill which comes to the Orpheum Sunday (the 24th). 'Our Gang' will appear in person for the first time in Los Angeles in a specially written offering entitled 'Acting Out.'...'Our Gang' will not only offer their act, but will hold a reception after each matinee for the children in the audience."
July 22, 1927: From the Los Angeles Times: "The 'Our Gang Kiddies' went to the Orpheum in San Francisco and Oakland and broke every record for attendance in both theaters, a report says."
July 23, 1927: The Our Gang kids performed at a Saturday matinee at the California theater in Salinas.
July 24, 1927: The Gang began a one-week engagement at the Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles. As The Los Angeles Record of the 21st reported: "Every youngster in Los Angeles has seen the 'Our Gang Comedy Kiddies' on the screen and has probably wished many times that he could meet them. Now this wish is to be granted, for next week when the famous Hal Roach aggregation of youthful funmakers makes its bow in person at the Orpheum, it will hold a reception every afternoon immediately following the last act in the foyer of the Orpheum. Every child attending will have a chance to shake hands with Farina, Joe Cobb and the other 'kids' of the 'Gang.'"
July 25, 1927: From the Los Angeles Times: "There are seven happy 'kids' in town this morning! And there are seven happier dogs! Our Gang and its canine friends were reunited yesterday morning at Central Station. The Gang has been away, appearing in vaudeville, and its paramount worry has been that 'Ducky,' 'Spot,' 'Woolly' and the other dogs were not being fed properly, but yesterday, when the collection of dogs met the gang at the depot, it was sure everything was all right. The Gang has been quite successful on its vaudeville tour. The Gang's appearance at the Orpheum here this week concludes the tour. It includes Joe Cobb, Farina, Jean Darling, Jackie Condon, Aroma, Harry Speers(sic) and Jay Smith."
Circa 1927: The Our Gang kids, as well as Laurel & Hardy, were sent to the TeeVee studio to do an experimental broadcast.

57. Bring Home The Turkey (supporting role): Jan. 16, 1927 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. K-15 - Our Gang series; Filmed Sep. 29 to Oct. 15, 1926. ©Jan. 14, 1927.
55. Seeing The World (supporting role): Feb. 13, 1927 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. K-13 - Our Gang series; Filmed Oct. 29 to Nov. 15, 1926. European footage shot July and Aug. 1926. ©Jan. 14, 1927.
58. Ten Years Old (lead role: Joe): Mar. 13, 1927 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. K-16 - Our Gang series; Filmed Nov. 24 to Dec. 14, 1926. ©Feb. 14, 1927.
59. Love My Dog (supporting role): Apr. 10, 1927 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. K-17 - Our Gang series; Also listed for Apr. 17, 1927. Filmed Dec. 21, 1926, to Jan. 4, 1927. ©Apr. 11, 1927.
60. Tired Business Men (lead role: Joe): May 22, 1927 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. K-18 - Our Gang series; Also listed for May 15, 1927, and May 21, 1927. Filmed Jan. 18 to Feb. 3, 1927. ©Apr. 11, 1927.
61. Baby Brother (lead role: Joe aka Joseph): June 26, 1927 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. K-19 - Our Gang series; Filmed Feb. 17 to Mar. 14, 1927. ©May 18, 1927.
64. The Glorious Fourth (featured role: Joe): July 31, 1927 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. K-22 - Our Gang series; Also listed for June 26, 1927, and July 30, 1927. Filmed May 10 to 21, 1927. ©July 22, 1927.
63. Olympic Games (supporting role: Joe): Sep. 11, 1927 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. K-21 - Our Gang series; Also listed for Sep. 10, 1927. Filmed Apr. 22 to May 6, 1927. ©July 8, 1927.
67. Yale Vs. Harvard (featured role: Joe): Sep. 24, 1927 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-1 - Our Gang series; Filmed June 13 to 24, 1927. ©Aug. 17, 1927.
68. The Old Wallop (featured role: Joe): Oct. 22, 1927 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-2 - Our Gang series; Filmed Aug. 8 to 20, 1927. ©Oct. 22, 1927.
62. Chicken Feed (supporting role): Nov. 6, 1927 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. K-20 - Our Gang series; Filmed Mar. 28 to Apr. 15, 1927. ©June 9, 1927.
69. Heebee Jeebees (featured role): Nov. 19, 1927 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-3 - Our Gang series; Also listed for Nov. 29, 1927. Filmed Aug. 29 to Sep. 13, and Sep. 30, 1927. ©Nov. 1, 1927.
70. Dog Heaven (lead role: Joe): Dec. 17, 1927 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-4 - Our Gang series; Filmed Sep. 15 to Oct. 13, 1927, with retakes Nov. 1, 1927. ©Nov. 26, 1929.

1928

Jan. 1928: By this time, Bishop's Jelly Joe's jelly beans came into existence. An arrangement was made for Joe Cobb's image to be used in the advertisements.
Feb. 3, 1928: From the Los Angeles Evening Express: "Those clever little youngsters, known to the world of film fans as 'Our Gang,' will make their first and only 1928 personal appearance at the Wampas ball and frolic February 27 in the Ambassador Hotel, it was announced today. Every one of Hal Roach's famous rascals will dash onto the stage in the Ambassador ballroom. They will enliven the already diversified program which the publicity men have planned for their annual frolic."
Early Mar. 1928: Joe's salary was raised to 500 dollars a week.
Mar. 24, 1928: More than 60 of Hollywood's screen children attended the "Screen Kiddies Premiere" of Charlie Chaplin's "The Circus" at Grauman's Chinese Theater. Among those invited were the nine kids and one dog from the 'Our Gang' series.
Summer 1928: The Our Gang kids were visited at the studio by Frances Juliet Douglas of The Piqua Daily Call (OH), who described her meeting with them in an article dated August 29th. They were taking publicity stills in preparation for their upcoming cross-country tour. She says that Joe "is affable and courteous and quite willing to talk - to tell you anything you want to know."
Aug. 14, 1928: The Our Gang kids departed Los Angeles on the California Limited for a personal appearance tour, which was scheduled to take them to Chicago, Detroit, New York, Newark, Boston, St. Louis and other cities, all on the Balaban & Katz Loop. This turned out to be not quite true, though, as they never made it to Newark or Boston. On their way east, they briefly stopped at various locations to greet their fans. One of these was a 3 p.m. stop on this day at San Bernardino.
Aug. 14, 1928: The Gang's train passed through Needles, CA, at 10:15 p.m. As The Needles Nugget of August 17th put it: "These famous young folks have many ardent friends and admirers in our town and some of them tried to catch a glimpse of the celebrities while the train stopped, but the 'Gang' had already retired."
Aug. 15, 1928: The Gang's train stopped in Albuquerque, NM. The Albuquerque Journal of the following day reported the following: "A crowd of several hundred people, adults and children, was on hand at the Santa Fe station to greet the little actors. While here the young stars renewed their acquaintance with Ershel Redd, an Albuquerque boy who took part with them in two comedies at the studio at Culver City, Calif., last spring. Young Redd lives at 206 South Broadway. Ray Coffin, director of publicity of the Hal Roach studios, who was in charge of the children, found himself in the role of peacemaker a short distance west of Albuquerque when Harry Spears(sic), 6 years old, and Farina, 7-year-old colored boy, got into a fight. 'Yeh, Farina got a black eye, but it didn't show up,' said Joe 'Fatty' Cobb, 11, in telling of the trouble. Mayor Clyde Tingley introduced 'Our Gang' and Mr. Coffin to the fans from the platform of the train...After the youngsters had been introduced and Mr. Coffin had made a short talk about them, they were urged to take a little exercise on the brickwalk, but the suggestion didn't meet with the approval of 'Fatty.' 'Naw, I want to eat,' he objected and made his way toward the diner, where he waited to be served."
Aug. 16, 1928: The Gang's train passed through Hutchinson, KS. As The Hutchinson News reported the previous day: "What ho! 'Our Gang' is going through tomorrow...They will be through at 4:30 sharp on the Santa Fe California Limited, headed for Detroit...Surely one of them will condescend to step out on the observation platform and give the kiddies of Hutchinson a wave. At any rate Roy Coffin, Hal Roach's publicity man, who is accompanying them, will be sure to be there - publicity men always are."
Aug. 16, 1928: The Gang's train passed through Emporia, KS, at 7:20 p.m. As The Emporia Daily Gazette reported the following day: (The Our Gang kids) "made a personal appearance Thursday night before a full house at the Santa Fe station, with the rear platform of the California Limited for a stage. Fully half an hour before the train was due, Emporia movie fans of all ages began to line up under the station pillars, and by the time the huge engine roared by, the crowd had become a swarming mob of 3,000 admirers, anxious to meet informally the youthful stars...The gang evidently was expecting to meet their Emporia friends for when the train stopped, they were on the observation platform ready to be introduced...As the fans moved to the platform, the Gang smiled approvingly at the cheers and handclaps they received...The introductions were made by Ray Coffin...who presented each in turn." About Joe, it says that he "hitched up his belt, grasped the rail with his fat pudgy hands, and bowed. Cobb thinks much of his name sake Ty Cobb, and he goes to every baseball game in Los Angeles. When he is working on the lot, and has a rest period he sits with his ears glued to a radio set waiting for the big league hits and runs. Cobb laboriously autographed a book for an Emporian and gladly told fans that his age was 11, his weight 115, and he was not a matrimonial prospect as yet."
Aug. 16, 1928: The Gang's train stopped at the Union Station in Kansas City, MO, at 10:30 p.m. for half an hour. The Kansas City Post of the previous day reported the following: "I have a wire from their publicity director this morning. 'Will shoot kids immediately on arrival up to lobby of the station and they are yours to do as you will for the next thirty minutes.' A platform will be standing at the curb of the station plaza. The Gang will hop up there and will be plainly seen by the crowd. The platform will be lighted and the Gang will do its stuff in the way of meeting their gang of fans in Kansas City. Motion pictures of the crowd and the gang, and photographs of both will be taken. The motion pictures will be shown at Loew's Midland." On the 16th, the Kansas City Journal had this to say: "Harry Kessel, popular community song leader and representative of the Feist Publishing company, will be master of ceremonies at the Union station at 10:30 o'clock tonight when Our Gang arrives from Hollywood for a half hour's visit with Kansas City fans. He will lead the crowd in singing Hail, Hail, Our Gang's All Here and popular songs of the day. He also will introduce each of the Hal Roach gangsters. Dick O'Kane will accompany on the piano, which will be on the station plaza platform constructed for the gang." The following day, the Kansas City Journal published an article about the visit, which can be accessed by clicking here.
Aug. 17, 1928: From the Kansas City Post: "Chicago, quiet little city on the shores of Lake Michigan, today was all set to quell a riot when a certain Santa Fe train from Kansas City arrived there at noon. A Chicago newspaper, according to a message received by The Post today, had been 'reliably informed' a mob had attacked the train upon its arrival here at 10:30 o'clock last night and the Santa Fe officials had found it necessary to call out police reserves to break up the riot. The newspaper was quite serious. Moreover, the Chicago newspaper informed The Post that in view of last night's 'riot' in Kansas City, the railroad officials were taking no chances and had requested police protection for the train upon its arrival there today...It was a well ordered reception the little movie stars were accorded here last night by 'their public' - possibly the greatest reception ever given any movie star here - and the police were there to aid in keeping order and protecting the thousands of small Kansas Cityans who were on hand to greet Our Gang. Exaggerated reports of last night's enthusiastic reception here probably were forwarded to Chicago by unknowing passengers on the train."
Aug. 17, 1928: The Gang's train arrived in Chicago, where they would perform for one week at the Chicago Theater starting the next day. On the 18th, the Chicago Daily Tribune reported the following: "All of 'Our Gang' of the movies, who arrived yesterday on the Santa Fe for an appearance at the Chicago theater, were special guests at a party in the Hotel Sherman bungalow yesterday...Fatty Cobb and Harry Spear, the 'mean guy' with the freckles and the frown, were interested in the mechanics of the phonograph." On August 19th, this same paper corrected themselves, stating that the party took place at the Morrison Hotel.
Aug. 18, 1928: The Our Gang kids began performing at the Chicago Theater. The Forest Park Review that day explained that the kids "will come down upon the Chicago theater for their first and only appearance, their manager, Hal Roach, having notified Balaban & Katz, that the proximity of school days in Hollywood would make engagements at the Tivoli and Uptown theaters impossible."
Aug. 20, 1928: From the Chicago Daily Tribune regarding the Gang's stage show: "This will probably be a record week at the Chicago, what with all the mammas and papas in town bringing their kids to see the 'Our Gang' kids. And it's no wonder, for Hal Roach's famous youngsters are as funny and lovable in this personal appearance as they have been on the screen. It's refreshing to learn that working under Kleig lights has not spoiled these children and that the studio atmosphere, instead of taking the bloom off of their childish charm, has been conducive to preserving it. They are appealingly natural and unself-conscious, which is more than can be said for the infant prodigies of the stage. Here's hoping their tour across the country will be a merry and successful one."
Aug. 24, 1928 From The St. Joseph News-Press (IL): "By special arrangement with Hal Roach and M. G. M., Publix Theaters Corporation are presenting the original members of Our Gang comedies. The popular kids...are making personal appearances in the de luxe picture houses of both Publix and Loew key city theaters. Our Gang is now appearing in Chicago theaters. The attraction has drawn considerable crowds in all the theaters they have played so far."
Aug. 25, 1928: The Gang arrived in Detroit in the morning, and did their first performances at the Michigan Theater that day.
Aug. 26, 1928: From The Detroit Free Press: "The Our Gang Kids have been looking over some of the sketches in the WCX-Our Gang contest, and they were so pleased with them that they have asked The Free Press to extend the time limit for 12 hours so that the last minute entrants will also have a chance. So the contest will close at 12 o'clock tomorrow instead of midnight tonight. Your drawing of Pete, the famous dog mascot of the Our Gang Kids must be in the editors hands before noon Monday (the 27th), if it is to be considered for ticket prizes to see the Our Gang Comedy Kids show at the Michigan this week. The Our Gang Kids will judge the sketches, you know, at the WCX studio Monday afternoon during Skeezix Time at 5:30 o'clock, and you'll hear them over the air."
Aug. 27, 1928: From The Detroit Free Press in an article about the zoo that had just opened in Detroit: "The children comprising the 'Our Gang' troupe of movie actors are to be special guests of the zoo management today at 10:30. The elephant and the camel will be ready for them to ride and the other animals have been instructed to show their best behavior for the occasion."
Aug. 27, 1928: The Our Gang kids put in a personal appearance at the Franklin street settlement in Detroit. This according to The Detroit Free Press of September 2nd.
Aug. 27, 1928: From The Detroit Free Press: "The Our Gang Comedy Kids and their famous mascot Pete will announce the winners of the WCX-Our Gang contest over WCX during the Skeezix Hour this evening at 5:30. Tune in! Fatty, Farina, Freckles, Wheezer, Jean Darling, Mary Ann Jackson and Pete - the whole gang - who are appearing on the Michigan stage this week, will be there. Because an extra show has been added to the theater bill the 'kids' will greet the radio audience first direct from the Michigan stage, where microphones will be installed to pick up their part of the theater's program. Later, appearing with Chief Neal Tomy in the special radio studio back stage, they will announce the contest winners." This contest was open to kids 15 and under. Skeezix Time was a local program in Detroit based on the character from the popular comic strip Gasoline Alley. The following day, The Detroit Free Press reported the following about the contest: "Jean Darling, Mary Ann Jackson, Wheezer, Fatty, Freckles, Farina and 'Pete' himself, announced the awards over WCX at Skeezix Time last night. They were gathered with 'Chief' Tomy, Dorothy and Loraine in the studio above the stage at the Michigan theater, where they are appearing before record crowds this week. Skeezix Time was transferred to the theater because Our Gang was scheduled for a stage appearance at 5:30 o'clock. After the opening songs the stage microphones were turned on and the radio audience heard the members introduced to the visible crowd which packed every nook and corner of the theater. Then the scene was shifted back to the studio for the birthday party and to await the coming of the gang. It was the kiddies' first appearance before the 'mike' and Fatty was a bit uspicious. It had to be explained to him before he was willing to say a word. It was a great occasion for the gang as well as for the thousands of their small friends who listened in." The birthday party mentioned in this article was a regular feature on the radio show.
Aug. 27, 1928: From The Detroit Free Press regarding the Gang's stage show: "Our Gang, those inimitable comedy kids who are here in person, are sure to be a tremendous drawing card, this week. They are the most natural acting and vivacious youngsters imaginable and the fun and play they get out of their appearance on the stage shows how little all their popularity has spoiled them. 'Fatty' and 'Freckles' and 'Pete' the dog, and all the rest of the gang are even more appealing in real life than on the screen."
Aug. 28, 1928: From The Detroit Free Press: "All Saturday and Sunday records of the Michigan theater were shattered last week-end! The Our Gang comedy kids, in their first stage appearance east of Hollywood, are proving themselves the most sensational theatrical attraction in the last ten years, according to local showmen. The Michigan theater filled up at noon Saturday (the 25th) and remained filled until close to midnight. Then it repeated that record Sunday. The records established by Mae Murray, Paul Whiteman, Vincent Lopez, John Philip Sousa, Gertrude Ederle were exceeded so far that it is probable the Our Gangsters will forever be the Michigan's greatest attraction. Extra shows are being planned for around 5 p.m. each day during the week. In Chicago the children appeared at 35 shows during the week - five each day - and set an almost unbelievable record for attendance."
Aug. 29, 1928: The Border Cities Star of Windsor, Ontario, reported on the visit to their city the previous day by Joe Cobb, Mary Ann Jackson and Harry Spear. Joe expressed a wish to have a souvenir pennant from Windsor. They visited the offices of the Star. "Fatty - rather Joe Cobb, who says he wrote to Ty Cobb and didn't get an answer - ran untethered in the composing room at The Star yesterday, operating the linotype with piano technique and registering dissatisfaction when an operator set his name 'Fatty' on a slug instead of 'Joe Cobb.' And he indicated that his avoirdupois is legitimate and unfaked." On the topic of someday returning to Windsor, Joe had this to say: "I want some more of those slugs with my name on - and not Fatty."
Sep. 1, 1928: The Gang arrived in Cleveland, and did their first performances at the State Theater that day. The kids also got to view a special screening of the locally made Our Gang film featuring their Cleveland lookalikes.
Sep. 1, 1928: Radio listings for Detroit's WBMH indicated that they were broadcasting a program called "Our Gang" from 9:00 to 9:30pm and again from 11:15pm to midnight. The Gang was no longer in Detroit by this evening, so if these programs had anything to do with them, then they must have been pre-recorded.
Sep. 1, 1928: The Cleveland Press published an article about Our Gang, which can be accessed by clicking here.
Sep. 2, 1928:; The Cleveland Plain Dealer published an article about Our Gang, which can be accessed by clicking here.
Sep. 2, 1928: From the Muskogee Daily Phoenix (OK): "'Our Gang' is touring the country and making personal appearances in the large cities. They travel in a specially equipped Pullman coach with sound-proof walls, unbreakable furniture and all kinds of shock absorbers. This is their first glimpse of the country outside of California."
Sep. 5, 1928: At noon, Joe was the guest of the Seckatary Hawkins Club at an informal reception in the Boys' Department of the W. B. Davis company. All Cleveland boys were invited to come and meet him. The following day, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported the following: "Several hundred of Cleveland's younger citizens cheered plump Joe Cobb, distinguished member of 'Our Gang,' yesterday when he made a personal appearance in the boys' furnishing department of the W. B. Davis Co., 327 Euclid Avenue. 'He looks just like his pictures!' they approved. They clapped loudly when Joe recited a touching poem about: 'I know how dirt lands on my face and hands, But how does it get on my neck?' Joe and his father, who also spoke, came up on the freight elevator - not because of Joe's size exactly. The boys were just so enthusiastic that they wouldn't let him by any other way."
Sep. 5, 1928: From INS out of Cleveland: "'Our Gang,' Hal Roach's well known group of child movie performers, may have to discontinue their performances in vaudeville here, else the theatre management will be prosecuted for violation of the Ohio child labor laws. Miss Lauretta P. Bean, of the state industrial commission, has sworn out an affidavit charging George Drummond, theatre manager, with violating the law which prohibits children under 14 years from appearing on the stage, it became known today. The juvenile troupe arrived here Sunday from Hollywood and had been booked to play the rest of the week." Slight correction: the Gang had arrived on Saturday. The Associated Press reported Bean as saying that Drummond had "agreed to appear for arraignment before a justice of the peace today."
Sep. 7, 1928: The Gang spent their last night in Cleveland. A few days later, on September 11th, the Cleveland Plain Dealer published the following anecdote from Eleanor Clarage: "And speaking of Maurice Spitalny...the writer and several of her friends had tried all last week to get into the State to see Hal Roach's gang in the flesh, but all to no avail. Lines stood out almost to 14th Street every time we went near the theater, and at last we gave it up as a bad job. Then, Friday night (the 7th), a few of us wandered into the Statler for dinner and got a table over in a quiet corner, next to a table evidently decorated for a dinner party, with floral centerpiece, fancy melons ready at each plate and so on. We wondered idly what kind of a party it was going to be, and before we had the words out of our mouths, Mr. and Mrs. Russell Keith were coming into the dining room with 'Our Gang' and their mamas in tow, with a curious crowd pushing around the doorway stretching their necks to get a better look at them. This, after we had been turned away from the theater all week! Fate is sometimes almost too good to one." She then describes her impressions of each kid, with this to say about Joe: "Joe...seems to be the most urbane of the lot. He was perfectly at ease and talked vivaciously to Mrs. Keith." She also mentions Joe giving Maurice Spitalny "ringing applause" when he leads his orchestra into "Hail, Hail, the Gang's All Here."
Sep. 8, 1928: The Gang returned to Chicago, this time to perform at the Norshore Theater for six days. The previous day, the Cook County Herald of Arlington Heights, IL, reported the following: "Hal Roach's comedy rascals, having broken every existing record for attendance at the Chicago theater, have been prevailed upon by Balaban & Katz to return to Chicago for an engagement at the Norshore theater starting Saturday, Sept. 8. The 'Gang' was scheduled for just one week in each city but by schedules it was found possible to return for six days between their Cleveland and New York appearances. The demands of North Shore theatergoers who failed to see the child stars during their recent engagement were so insistent that Balaban & Katz have decided to present them at the Norshore theater, due to its excellent transportation facilities...To accommodate the throngs who failed to see the 'Gang' at the Chicago theater, Balaban & Katz have announced special matinee performances at the Norshore theater daily during the six day engagement. The program offered by the child-stars will be the same as that presented downtown."
Sep. 14, 1928: From the Cleveland Plain Dealer: "George Dumond, manager of Loew's State Theater, yesterday was fined $25 and costs in each for four cases charging him with violation of the child labor laws in connection with the appearance here of Hal Roach's 'Our Gang.' Justice of the Peace Myron J. Penty dropped two similar additional cases pending against Dumond on his appearance yesterday."
Sep. 15, 1928: From the Daily News of New York: "There'll be great commotion at Grand Central terminal today! Won't there, though! 'Our Gang' arrives. Seven members, counting Pete, the dog who has the black ring around his eye. They are traveling in movie splendor, all dressed up in their Saturday and Sunday clothes. Pete, Fatty Joe Cobb, Freckles Harry Spear, Jean Darling, Mary Ann Jackson, Wheezer and last, but certainly not least Master Alan Hoskins, known throughout the world as Farina. Hal Roach, who started 'Our Gang' on its road to fame just ten years ago, will be at the station to meet the Twentieth Century. Also, Maj. Edward Bowes, managing director of the Capitol theatre, where the youngsters will make their first personal appearance this afternoon. The starlets together with their mammas, daddies, or whichever grown up members of their respective families are accompanying them, will journey from the train straight to the suites at the Park Central hotel and get washed up and ready for their Capitol engagement. Miss Fern Carter, Our Gang's teacher, accompanies them as well. We're assured that the parent committee will keep their charges away from night clubs and escort them back to the coast at the end of next week all set to resume work on their next season's output of two-reelers."
Sep. 19, 1928: From the Standard Union of Brooklyn regarding the Gang's appearance at the Capitol: "At least as amusing as 'The Cameraman' for the brief time they're on stage are Hal Roach's pint-size gangsters...They have a war episode to go through, and they do so with great good will, looking no bigger than grasshoppers. They are most unaffected kids. Yesterday afternoon down in a locker room under the stage Miss Jennie Madden, the wardrobe mistress, gave them a party. Ice cream and small cakes. They enjoyed it wholeheartedly. Farina was busy telling about their trip to Chinatown yesterday. Joe Cobb, the fat boy, discussed the relative merits of Chop Suey and Chow Mein. Didn't know the difference, but knew he didn't like Chop Suey. They'll be in Brooklyn next week, incidentally, at Loew's Metropolitan." The Standard Union of September 24th also mentioned the party under the stage, but gave Miss Madden's first name as Minnie. It also mentioned that Jean Darling wasn't feeling well, so Joe was able to have two portions.
Sep. 19, 1928: The Brooklyn Daily Times published a column by Elsie Jean, which apparently was aimed at kids. She tells her readers that all of the Our Gang kids had joined her Happy Times Club, which also included many local children among its members. On September 21st, she announced that 50 Happy Timers would be chosen to be guests of the Our Gang kids the following Tuesday (the 25th) at the Metropolitan Theatre in Brooklyn.
Sep. 21, 1928: The Gang visited the New York city hall. As The Washington Herald described it the following day: "Joe Cobb, the fat boy, was dolled up to represent Herbert Hoover, while Harry Spear impersonated Governor Smith. Jean Darling adopted the role of Texas Guinan, while Marie(sic) Jackson carried padlocks in her role of Mrs. Mabel Willebrandt. The gang, now playing at local theaters, were received by Mayor Walker, who shook hands all around." Sidenote: Herbert Hoover and Al Smith, incidentally, were the two major party presidential candidates in the current election, which was ultimately won by Hoover.
Sep. 23, 1928: The Gang talked over the radio from station WEAF, introduced by Maj. Edward Bowes, managing director of the Capitol. This was an NBC musical series called Major Bowes' Family, which regularly broadcasted from the Capitol Theatre.
Sep. 24, 1928: The Brooklyn Citizen published an article on the Gang's arrival in Brooklyn, which can be accessed by clicking here.
Sep. 24, 1928: From the Standard Union of Brooklyn: "Joe Cobb still talks about Chinatown and dissertates with authority on the relative merits of Chow Mein and Chop Suey." Also: "The youngsters have finished a busy week, what with being guests of the Mayor at City Hall, and with doing their turns and sightseeing, but they don't have all the luck some of the youngest fans may imagine, for despite their ability to duck school on the screen, they're taking their lessons, grand tour or no grand tour. At least Joe Cobb and Farina are. They are the only ones old enough. Their term opened Sept. 11, the official beginning of the school year in California. Their teacher, principal and dean, Fern Carter, is strict, and Joe Cobb and Farina labor over their reading, writing, spelling, English, geography and arithmetic with the knowledge they'll get extra work if they slip up. Both passed their examinations last June with good marks. They also passed psychological tests, although Joe Cobb is reported to have breathed something that sounded like 'baloney,' when asked of his opinion on putting square pegs into round holes."
Sep. 24, 1928 From the Cleveland Plain Dealer: "From the Union Trust Teller the following is clipped: 'The Main Street Meditator of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, after devoting a couple of paragraphs to the youngsters who took Cleveland and the State Theater by storm, concludes with the frantic query: "And oh, dear, dear - do they have the good sense to put their money in the bank while it's still rolling in?"' To a certain extent, we can satisfy her worries along this line by telling her that during their stay here in Cleveland, 'Our Gang' visited our juniors' department, and savings accounts were opened for each one of them..."
Sep. 24, 1928: The Boston Globe published an article on the Gang's school lessons while on the movie lot, stating that these lessons were continuing during their personal appearance tour. It mentions that Joe was taking lessons suitable for the 7th grade.
Sep. 25, 1928: From The Brooklyn Citizen: "Adult interest in 'Our Gang' is as great as the kids'. This was demonstrated at Loew's Metropolitan last night when the shouts of their elders drowned those of the youngsters accompanying them. The familiar faces stood in reality stronger than they do in the pictures. There was the same action seen, but it appeared more realistic as the little fellows hopped about the stage. Joe Carr(sic) was there, fat and saucy. Farina, too, and Mary Ann Jackson, and above all Pete, the dog. 'Our Gang' gave four performances yesterday to capacity houses, and were tired little rascals when they returned to their quarters in Leverich Towers."
Sep. 26, 1928: The Brooklyn Citizen reported that the Gang were guests of honor the previous night at the Hotel Leverich Towers. The article describes the Gang's act this way: "They presented a war play, in which Heavyweight Joe is the spy, Farina is the valiant soldier, who fights a terrible sword duel with Joe, the spy; Beautiful Jean is the Red Cross nurse, Mary Ann is another spy, Harry Spear is a soldier, Wheezer is the general of the army who comes riding in on a hobby horse, which is his prancing white steed and Pete, the dog, is also a soldier."
Sep. 26, 1928: From The Brooklyn Daily Eagle: "'Freckles,' the 65-pound sorrel-topped member of the well-known band of back-alley screen stars dubbed 'Our Gang,' won the titular leadership of the 'gang' in a fistic encounter with 'Tubby,' 115 pounds, atop the Leverich Towers Hotel yesterday. Eddie Forbes, who refereed the Tunney-Heeney battle, was to referee this bout. With the other members of the gang looking on and movie cameras set to record the latest 'Battle of the Century' - for inclusion in some future screen comedy - Forbes called the contestants to the center of the improvised ring and gave instructions. At the conclusion of this formality the referee turned to address some one at the ringside. A sharp 'smack' snapped his attention back to the prospective battlers. Tubby was already stretched flat on the canvas and Freckles was bowing grandly to the audience. Tubby complained later that he was floored by a foul blow while he wasn't looking. A return bout should be in prospect."
Sep. 26, 1928: The Brooklyn Daily Times published an article about the Gang, which can be accessed by clicking here.
Sep. 27, 1928: The Standard Union of Brooklyn published an article about the Gang, which can be accessed by clicking here.
Sep. 29, 1928: The St. Louis Star reported on the Gang's upcoming engagement at Loew's State Theater, mentioning that they "shattered every record at the Capitol Theater in New York."
Sep. 30, 1928: From the Sunday News of New York: "Hal Roach's 'Our Gang' kiddies will visit thirty-one Loew theatres tomorrow, Tuesday, and Wednesday, making ten personal appearances a day." The Kansas City American of October 11th elaborated by saying: "Little time is allotted for their individual house howtow, just long enough to be whisked in for an introduction from the stage or pit and out." Ultimately, the Gang was scheduled to visit 32 theaters.
Oct. 1, 1928: The Gang began three days of whirlwind activity, making personal appearances at 32 different theaters. On this day, they made eleven stops, all in Manhattan and all Loew's theatres. They were scheduled to be at the Sheridan at 1:00 p.m., the Greeley Square at 1:45 p.m., the Lincoln at 2:30 p.m., the 83rd Street at 3:15 p.m., the 7th Ave. at 4:00 p.m., and the Victoria at 4:30 p.m. After this was a 3-and-a-half hour break for dinner. Then they appeared at the Canal at 8:00 p.m., the Delancey at 8:30 p.m., the Avenue B at 9:15 p.m., the Commodore also at 9:15 p.m. (these times were approximations), and the American at 10:00 p.m.
Oct. 2, 1928: From United Press out of Brooklyn: "Ray Coffin, manager of members of the 'Our Gang' comedies, making a personal appearance at a theatre here, was arrested here because the 'gang' 'worked' Sunday (Sep. 30th). Shortly after they left the stage, after their Sunday performance, Coffin was handed a summons charging him with violation of a penal law which requires a permit for the appearance of children under 16. When they appeared again at night he was handed another."
Oct. 2, 1928: The Gang moved their whirlwind tour to the Loew's theaters of the Bronx, this time making appearances at nine of them. They were scheduled to be at the Victory at 1:00 p.m., the Burland at 1:45 p.m., the Spooner at 2:30 p.m., the Elsmere at 3:15 p.m., and the Burnside at 4:00 p.m. After this, they took a four-hour break for dinner. Then they moved on to the National at 8:00 p.m., the Boulevard at 8:45 p.m., the Grand at 9:30 p.m., and the Fairmount at 10:00 p.m.
Oct. 3, 1928: The Gang finished off their whirlwind tour of New York City theaters, this time visiting 12 Loew's theaters in Brooklyn and Queens. The Brooklyn Daily Eagle of October 1st and the Standard Union of October 2nd each filled in the following details. Their schedule initially had them as luncheon guests of Major Benjamin H. Namm, president of the Namm's department store. This took place in the Mirror Room on the third floor. At noon, they were to make a personal appearance in the toy department of the store. As the Standard Union reported, "The gang has been touring the theatres throughout the East, but their appearance at Namm's marks their first appearance off the stage." (A perusal of this page, though, shows that this isn't quite true.) Their tour of theaters was to begin in Brooklyn with the Brevoort at 1:00 p.m., followed by the Bedford at 1:30 p.m., the Kameo at 2:15 p.m., the Broadway at 3:00 p.m., the Gates at 3:30 p.m., the Premier at 4:15 p.m., and the Palace at 4:30 p.m. After this, they took a three-and-a-half break for dinner, and then proceeded to Queens, appearing at the Willard in Woodhaven at 8:00 p.m., the Hillside in Jamaica at 8:45 p.m., the Prospect in Flushing at 9:30 p.m., the Plaza in Corona at 10:00 p.m., and the Woodside in Woodside at 10:30 p.m.
Oct. 3, 1928: The Standard Union of Brooklyn published an article on Ray Coffin, who had been arrested for having the kids work on a Sunday. It can be accessed by clicking here.
Oct. 5, 1928: From the Standard Union of Brooklyn: "Hal Roach's 'Our Gang' bade Brooklyn farewell yesterday and departed for St. Louis, where Fat Joe Cobb, Jean Darling, Mary Ann Jackson, 'Wheezer,' Harry Spear and Farina, will hold for a week before going to Kansas City. They more than enjoyed Brooklyn."
Oct. 6, 1928: The Gang began their engagement at Loew's State Theater in St. Louis.
Oct. 6, 1928: From The Afro-American of Baltimore regarding the Gang's act: "Efforts of members of 'Our Gang' to get their speeches across the footlights effectively, are not so successful, except that of 'Fatty' Cobb. Part of their act consisted of depicting the way they would enact a bit of war drama after the same story had been thrown upon the screen."
Oct. 7, 1928: The St. Louis Daily Globe-Democrat reported on a promotion called Candy Week. In connection with this, the Candy Club would be distributing 5000 boxes of candy to the inhabitants of various children's and old people's homes in St. Louis. Entertainment at several of these parties would be provided by the Our Gang kids.
Oct. 8, 1928: From the St. Louis Daily Globe-Democrat regarding the Gang's act at the State: "The children are as delightful off the screen as they are on. One nice thing about these kiddies, they are all kid. And, wisely, their manager sends them clamoring out on the stage like the bunch of healthy, tumbling youngsters that they are. They aren't made to struggle with jokes beyond their comprehension nor contort their little bodies in ridiculous dances. They come out one by one and make funny kid bows and enact one of their comedy scenes as they do on the sets in the Hal Roach studio. Even Pete, the dog, isn't held to any set schedule. He comes out and wuff, wuffs a bit and calls it a day."
Oct. 12, 1928: The Gang made a personal appearance in the Junior Section of Boyd's department store in St. Louis at 5 p.m.
Oct. 13, 1928: The Gang arrived in Kansas City and began their engagement at Loew's Midland Theater.
Oct. 13, 1928: The Kansas City Journal-Post published an article about the Gang, which can be accessed by clicking here.
Oct. 18, 1928: From the Kansas City Journal-Post: "The Our Gang comedy kids are for the Charities drive. They visited Mercy hospital yesterday and now they know why Kansas City has a charities drive. They found Bobbie in a wheel chair and Ralph's little feet all bandaged. So they held out their hands to the big hearted people of Kansas City."
Oct. 18, 1928: From The Emporia Daily Gazette (KS): "The 'Our Gang' comedy cast will pass through Emporia Saturday afternoon (the 20th) on No. 23, westbound California limited. The train will arrive in Emporia at 1:40 o'clock and will remain for five minutes. Many Emporia kids are expected to be at the station when these youthful movie stars arrive. Emporians gave the 'Our Gang' troupe a great ovation when they passed through two months ago going east."
Oct. 21, 1928: The Gang's train made a stop in Albuquerque, NM. According to the Albuquerque Journal of the following day: "'Our Gang' came through Albuquerque shortly before noon Sunday (the 21st) en route to the west coast after a successful trip in the east, where they made vaudeville appearances in some of the leading theaters...The Gang filed into the Alvarado coffee shop for their noonday luncheon and were the center of attraction." Elsewhere in the same paper: "The members had previously announced their coming as Monday (the 22nd) and few persons were on the station platform to give them a greeting. Junior Redd, 206 South Broadway, a former member of the gang, was at the station to renew his acquaintanceship with the juvenile actors."
Oct. 22, 1928: The Gang's train went through San Bernardino. According to the San Bernardino Daily Sun from the previous day, it was scheduled to stop for 10 minutes at 12:40 in the afternoon. Presumably they made it back home later in the day.
Nov. 28, 1928: From United Press regarding the recent influenza epidemic: "Four members of 'Our Gang' were recuperating. Harry Spear, the tough boy, was still a sick youngster. Mary Ann Johnson(sic), the 'coquette,' Bobbie Hutchins, known as 'Wheezer,' and Joe Cobb, the fat boy, also were recovering."

65. Playin' Hookey (lead role: Joe): Jan. 1, 1928 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. K-24 - Our Gang series; Filmed June 27 to 29, and Aug. 1 to 6, 1927. ©Feb. 6, 1928.
71. Spook-Spoofing (featured role: Joe): Jan. 14, 1928 - Roach/MGM - 3 reels - prod. G-5 - Our Gang series; Filmed Oct. 11 to 27, 1927. ©Jan. 14, 1928.
72. Rainy Days (featured role: Joe): Feb. 11, 1928 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-6 - Our Gang series; Filmed Nov. 4 to Dec. 28, 1927. ©Feb. 11, 1928, and Sep. 4, 1929.
66. The Smile Wins (supporting role): Feb. 26, 1928 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. K-23 - Our Gang series; Filmed May 24 to June 7, 1927. ©Sep. 2, 1927.
73. Edison, Marconi & Co. (supporting role): Mar. 10, 1928 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-7 - Our Gang series; Also listed for Mar. 9, 1928. Filmed Dec. 16 to 22, and Dec. 28, 1927. ©Mar. 10, 1928.
74. Barnum & Ringling, Inc. (featured role): Apr. 7, 1928 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-8 - Our Gang series; Filmed Dec. 21, 1927, to Jan. 9, 1928. ©Apr. 7, 1928. Released with a synchronized soundtrack.
75. Fair And Muddy (featured role): May 5, 1928 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-9 - Our Gang series; Filmed Jan. 16 to Feb. 8, 1928. ©May 5, 1928.
76. Crazy House (featured role: Joe): June 2, 1928 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-10 - Our Gang series; Filmed Feb. 10 to 24, 1928. ©May 16, 1928.
MGM News (appearance): Aug. 26, 1928 - MGM - 1 reel - newsreel; This was reviewed the following day, so I'm going with the copyright date that comes closest. Featured is footage of the Our Gang troupe during their cross-country tour.
77. Growing Pains (supporting role): Sep. 22, 1928 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-11 - Our Gang series; Filmed Feb. 27 to Mar. 15, 1928. ©Sep. 22, 1928.
78. The Ol' Gray Hoss (featured role): Oct. 20, 1928 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-12 - Our Gang series; Filmed May 7 to 26, 1928, with retakes Aug. 16, 1928. ©Oct. 20, 1928. Released with a synchronized soundtrack.
79. School Begins (featured role: Joe aka Joseph): Nov. 17, 1928 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-13 - Our Gang series; Premiered Sep. 16, 1928. Filmed June 7 to 28, 1928. ©Nov. 17, 1928. Released with a synchronized soundtrack.
80. The Spanking Age (supporting role): Dec. 15, 1928 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-14 - Our Gang series; Filmed July 2 to 14, 1928. ©Dec. 15, 1928. Released with a synchronized soundtrack.

1929

Apr. 6, 1929: The Associated Press reported that Joe was currently in the sixth grade.
1929: Joe and his fellow Gangsters were featured in a picture book called A Story Of Our Gang, written by Eleanor Lewis Packer.
Late May, 1929: Joe left the Our Gang series upon the completion of "Boxing Gloves."
Mid-June, 1929: Joe returned to work in "Lazy Days," after which he was more permanently retired from the series.
Oct. 10, 1929: Joe had teamed up with Scooter Lowry in a vaudeville act called Two Kids Kidding.
Nov. 5, 1929: From United Press: "Joe Cobb, 122 pound, 12-year-old fat boy of the movies, announced here that he has 'quit' pictures because of the talkies and is going into vaudeville. He was a member of the 'Our Gang Comedy Kids'."
Nov. 18, 1929: A letter from this date to a local theater manager in Indianapolis points out the availability of Joe and Scooter the week of January 25th of the following year, and states that they were currently "doing exceptionally well in the South."

Hollywood - The Movieland Of The World (appearance): c. early 1929 - California Scenics - 2 reels - travelogue film; Joe and the rest of the Gang are shown posing for photos on the set of "Rainy Days." This footage was shot in Dec. 1927, though other footage in the travelogue was shot as late as Nov. 1928. Raw footage taken for this film, including being-the-scenes footage of the making of "Rainy Days," can be found on YouTube.
81. Election Day (supporting role: Joe Cobb): Jan. 12, 1929 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-15 - Our Gang series; Filmed July 19 to Aug. 4, 1928, with retakes Aug. 22 to 24, 1928. ©Dec. 10, 1928.
82. Noisy Noises (lead role: Joe): Feb. 9, 1929 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-16 - Our Gang series; Filmed Oct. 29 to Nov. 10, 1928. ©Mar. 5, 1929. Released with a synchronized soundtrack.
83. The Holy Terror (featured role: Joe Cobb): Mar. 9, 1929 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-17 - Our Gang series; Filmed Nov. 19 to 28, 1928. ©July 11, 1929.
84. Wiggle Your Ears (supporting role: Joe aka Joseph): Apr. 6, 1929 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-18 - Our Gang series; Filmed Dec. 4 to 12, 1928. ©Mar. 5, 1929. Released with a synchronized soundtrack.
85. Fast Freight (featured role): May 4, 1929 - Roach/MGM - silent - 2 reels - prod. G-19 - Our Gang series; Filmed Dec. 10 to 27, and Dec. 29, 1928. ©Apr. 1, 1929.
89. Small Talk (supporting role: Joe aka Joseph): May 18, 1929 - Roach/MGM - talkie - 3 reels - prod. G-23 - Our Gang series; Also listed for Apr. 18, 1929. Filmed Mar. 25 to Apr. 6, 1929. ©July 30, 1929.
86. Little Mother (supporting role: Joe): June 1, 1929 - Roach/MGM - silent - 2 reels - prod. G-20 - Our Gang series; Filmed Feb. 4 to 13, 1929. ©June 3, 1929.
90. Railroadin' (featured role: Joe aka Jody): June 15, 1929 - Roach/MGM - talkie - 2 reels - prod. G-24 - Our Gang series; Filmed Apr. 17 to 25, 1929. ©Dec. 9, 1929.
92. Lazy Days (supporting role: Joe): Aug. 24, 1929 - Roach/MGM - talkie - 2 reels - prod. G-26 - Our Gang series; Also listed for Aug. 15, 1929, and Oct. 24, 1929. Filmed June 10 to 20, 1929. ©Aug. 26, 1929.
91. Boxing Gloves (featured role: Joe Cobb): Sep. 9, 1929 - Roach/MGM - talkie - 2 reels - prod. G-25 - Our Gang series; Filmed May 13 to 25, 1929. ©Sep. 9, 1929.
87. Cat, Dog & Co. (featured role: Joe): Sep. 14, 1929 - Roach/MGM - silent - 2 reels - prod. G-21 - Our Gang series; Filmed Feb. 20 to Mar. 2, 1929. ©Sep. 3, 1929. Released with a synchronized soundtrack.
88. Saturday's Lesson (featured role: Joe aka Joseph): Nov. 9, 1929 - Roach/MGM - silent - 2 reels - prod. G-22 - Our Gang series; Filmed Mar. 5 to 11, 1929. ©Sep. 9, 1929. Released with a synchronized soundtrack.

1930

Jan. 14, 1930: On this date at the earliest, Joe's act with Scooter Lowry came to an end. By February 18th, Scooter had started a solo act. Presumably, Joe did likewise.
May 13, 1930: The Bradford Evening Star and Daily Record (PA) published an article on the physical welfare of the Our Gang kids. It mentioned that Joe "who likes milk and could get along very well without it, can drain a quart bottle with a meal." Of course, since he had been out of the Gang for a year at this point, this is probably outdated information.
Sep. 20, 1930: Joe, along with Jackie Cooper and Mary Ann Jackson, was among the fifty guests at the surprise birthday party of twins Harold and Gerald Morris, given by their mother Elsie in the Blossom Room of the Roosevelt Hotel.

The Voice Of Hollywood Series 1, No. 15 (appearance as host): Jul. 12, 1930 - Lewyn/Tiffany - 1 reel; ©July 22, 1930. Motion Picture News created a bit of confusion over this item for modern researchers. Their Aug. 9th release chart credited Joe with appearing in no. 14 of this series, while crediting Ruth Roland with no. 15. Elsewhere in the same issue is a review crediting Joe with no. 15, and backtracking to the July 12th issue reveals a review crediting Roland with no. 13. Issues subsequent to Aug. 9th clear up the mess by consistently crediting Joe with hosting no. 15.

1932

Aug. 11, 1932: In a Cleveland Plain Dealer article from this date about Scooter Lowry, Joe was said to have become a vaudevillian. Presumably, this means he was still active on the stage in 1932.
Oct. 1932: Joe returned to the Our Gang series, working for two days in "Fish Hooky," the first of two reunion films in the series.

1933

Sep. 4, 1933: The Indianapolis News reported that Joe had lost his long-earned fortune in a bank failure. It also states that he was currently going to high school and selling newspapers.

120. Fish Hooky (small part: Joe): Jan. 28, 1933 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-13 - Our Gang series; Filmed Oct. 17 to 22, 1932. ©Jan. 16, 1933.

1934

Jan. 8, 1934: A news item from this date mentions a 20th anniversary party for Hal Roach Studios, which was to include Joe on its guest list.

1936

Late 1935/Early 1936: Joe, along with Mary Kornman and Johnny Downs, visited Bob McGowan while the latter was directing "Too Many Parents."
Jan. 21, 1936: A press photo was circulated showing Joe visiting the Our Gang kids on the set of "Second Childhood."
Jan. 24, 1936: A letter written by Joe on this date describes how he had just returned to Los Angeles after finishing a post graduate course at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. The letter was written to somebody named Mr. Starr, with Joe letting him know that he's interested in getting back into movies. He also mentions that, in between school work, he had been working in vaudeville with some success.
Circa 1936: A Roach studio press release mentioned that at least on some occasions, Joe's vaudeville activities had involved other former Our Gang members.
Apr. 4, 1936: Joe, acting as master of ceremonies, appeared along with the current crop of Our Gang kids at the Fox Arlington theater in Santa Barbara for afternoon and evening performances. This was no doubt in preparation of an Our Gang publicity tour which would take place in April and May, and which would also feature Joe as MC.
Apr. 8, 1936: The Our Gang entourage, including Joe, left in a private train car for destinations east.
Apr. 9, 1936: The entourage stopped in Ogden, UT, on their way to the first stop in their personal appearance tour: Duluth.
Apr. 10, 1936: In the evening, the Our Gang entourage stopped briefly at the Union Station in Omaha, NE, where they took questions from reporters.
Apr. 12, 1936: The Our Gang kids opened their personal appearance tour in Duluth, MN, where they performed for three days. As the Sayre Daily Headlight-Journal (OK) reported on April 22nd: "The group makes five appearances daily, in a vaudeville act of 23 minutes."
Apr. 16, 1936: The Our Gang kids performed at the Palace theater in Superior, WI, for one day only.
Apr. 17, 1936: The Our Gang entourage arrived in Minneapolis in the morning for a week's engagement at the Minnesota Theater.
Apr. 19, 1936: The Daily Oklahoman of Oklahoma City reported that the Gang's 2-month tour was being extended to three months.
Apr. 24, 1936: It appears that the Our Gang entourage arrived in Chicago on this date and stayed until the end of the month. The Chicago Daily Tribune ran ads during the week for the Chicago State theater, which featured the kids in person. Oddly, one of these ads was for May 1st, but it's pretty clear that they were no longer in town on that date.
Apr. 22, 1936: The Minneapolis Journal published a version of Merle Potter's column in which the various Our Gang kids filled in for him. This is what Joe had to say: "Being a graduate of Our Gang is not near as nice as being one of the Gang. However, I'm happy to return as master of ceremonies for their stage tour; and, true to the best in m.c. form, I'll introduce another and the last of the 'gangsters' our canine pal - " After this, we get a very brief quote from Pete the Pup.
May 1, 1936: The Our Gang entourage arrived in Detroit in the morning for a week's engagement at the Michigan Theatre.
May 5, 1936: The Detroit Free Press ran an ad for their Michigan theater engagement, mentioning Alfalfa, Harold, Pete, Buckwheat and Joe, but not Spanky or Darla. This was due to an outbreak of the measles, which ultimately brought the tour to a premature end.
July 18, 1936: The Our Gang series celebrated its 15th anniversary at the Roach studio, and Joe was among the former members who took part in the festivities.
Oct. 1936: Joe spent four days back with the Our Gang unit, working in "Pay As You Exit."
Oct. 23, 1936: Joe attended Porky Lee's 3rd birthday party at the Our Gang Cafe.
Nov. 1, 1936: Alma Whitaker reported that Joe had graduated from high school a year ahead of schedule.
Dec. 1936: Joe worked with the Our Gang unit again, this time for two days in "Reunion In Rhythm."

Fox Movietone News (appearance): 1936 - Fox - 1 reel - newsreel; Our Gang's 15th anniversary is featured in a Hollywood Spotlight segment with Jimmie Fidler.
148. Pay As You Exit (small part): ©Nov. 17, 1936 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-3 - Our Gang series; Also listed for Oct. 24, 1936. Filmed Oct. 14 to 19, 1936.

1937

Mar. 31, 1937: The Hollywood Citizen-News reported that Joe had attended the recent birthday party of Baby Patsy May, which was modified to include presents for Alfalfa Switzer and Buckwheat Thomas, both of whose parties had been cancelled due to a wave of influenza.

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.

1938

A Yank At Oxford (small part: short drummer): Feb. 18, 1938 - MGM - 9 reels - Robert Taylor feature; ©Feb. 8, 1938. There is some question as to Joe's involvement in this film, since it was a production of the UK branch of MGM. It should be noted, though, that the scene in question takes place in the US with a bunch of American characters. One of these is the newsboy, who's played by peripheral Our Gang kid Roger McGee. So either they shot the scene in the US, or transported at least one bit player to the UK.

1941

Where Did You Get That Girl? (supporting role: Tubby): Jan. 3, 1941 - Universal - 7 reels - feature; © Dec. 26, 1940. Featuring Leon Errol, Helen Parrish, Charles Lang and Eddie Quillan.
Tuxedo Junction (bit part: migrant boy): Nov. 25, 1941 - Republic - 7 reels - Weaver Brothers feature; © Dec. 4, 1941. UK title: The Gang Made Good.

1942

1942: Leaving the movie business, Joe went to work for North American Aviation as an assembler.

1953

You Asked For It episode (appearance): Jul. 27, 1953 - ABC - 30 min. - TV episode; Hosted by Art Baker. Featuring a reunion of the silent-era Our Gang kids, along with Bob McGowan, Fern Carter and Art Lloyd.

1955

May 14 to 20, 1955: For the TV Guide issue of this week, Joe took part in an Our Gang reunion, which was the subject of an article in the May 14th to 20th issue, complete with photos.

1978

Rascal Dazzle (archival): 1978 - King World/Picture Scores - 93 min. - documentary feature; ©1978. Seems to have debuted on TV, followed by a theatrical release in late 1979. Includes footage from "Reunion In Rhythm."

1980

July 30 to Aug. 3, 1980: Joe was a member of the Way Out West tent of Sons Of The Desert, the Laurel & Hardy appreciation society. On these dates, the Way Out West tent hosted the Sons of the Desert Second International Convention (or "Hollywood '80") at the Los Angeles Hilton, which included the largest Our Gang reunion to ever take place. Joe, of course, was in attendance.

1981

1981: After 39 years, Joe retired from Rockwell International (previously North American Aviation).

1982

Hollywood's Children (archival): Feb. 24, 1982 - Wombat/Janson - 60 min. - TV documentary; Included is footage from "Jubilo, Jr."
Hollywood: The Gift Of Laughter (archival): May 16, 1982 - Wolper/Haley/MPA/ABC - 135 min. - TV movie; Includes footage from "Monkey Business."

1984

Our Gang: Inside The Clubhouse (archival): May 8, 1984 - Lang/Camellia City Telecasters - 93 mins. - TV documentary; Includes footage from "The Big Show," "Thundering Fleas," "Boxing Gloves" and "You Asked For It." Also includes footage from Art Lloyd home movie showing Joe during the 1930s.

1988

Muppet Babies episode: Is There A Muppet In The House? (archival): Oct. 1, 1988 - Henson/CBS - 30 min. - TV episode; Includes footage from "Shivering Spooks."

1994

The Our Gang Story (archival): 1994 - Film Shows/GoodTimes - 120 min. - video documentary; Includes footage from "The Champeen!" "Giants Vs. Yanks," "Dogs Of War!" "The Sun Down Limited," "Monkey Business," "Shivering Spooks," "Fox Movietone News," "Reunion In Rhythm" and "You Asked For It."

1998

Hal Roach: The Lot Of Fun (archival): June 27, 1998 - Film Preservation Associates/Kino Lorber - 133 min. - video documentary; Released on "Slapstick Encyclopedia Vol. 6."

1999

Laugh? I Thought I'd Die! (archival): 1999 - Reader's Digest - 112 min. - video; Includes footage from "Pay As You Exit."

2002

2002: After Jay R. Smith's tragic death in October of this year, the Way Out West tent (of Sons of the Desert) held memorial services for both him and the recently-departed Joe Cobb.

E! True Hollywood Story episode: Curse Of The Little Rascals (archival): Nov. 24, 2002 - E! Entertainment Television - 60 min. - TV documentary

2014

Hollywoods Spaßfabrik - Als die Bilder Lachen lernten (archival): May 29, 2014 - Exit Film-und Fernsehproduktion-ZDF/ARTE - 90 min. - TV documentary; Also released in English as Hal Roach - The Lot Of Fun: Where The Movies Learned To Laugh. Includes footage from "Barnum & Ringling, Inc.," "Fast Freight" and "Cat, Dog & Co.."

Joe Cobb's payroll history

The following is a list of Joe'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.

Special note: Production A9 (The Champeen!), Production A38 (Ask Grandma), and Production K3 (One Wild Ride) are missing from this list. It appears that in each case, they started off as the previous production, which then got divided into two films.

Sep. 9, 1922 - 50.00 charged to prod. A7 (The Big Show)
Joe was immediately put under longterm contract. The rest of the Our Gang kids' salaries were charged to "The Cobbler" during this week, a film Joe didn't appear in.
Sep. 16, 1922 - 50.00 - 8.33 charged to prod. A7, 41.67 charged to prod. B10 (A Tough Winter)
Sep. 23, 1922 - 50.00 - 33.33 charged to prod. A7, 16.67 charged to prod. B10
Sep. 30, 1922 - 50.00 - 20.83 charged to prod. A7, 29.17 charged to prod. A8 (The Cobbler)
Part of Joe's salary was charged to A8, in spite of his absence from that film.
Oct. 7, 1922 - 50.00 charged to prod. A10 (Boys To Board)
Oct. 14, 1922 - 50.00 charged to prod. A10
Oct. 21, 1922 - 50.00 charged to prod. A10
Oct. 28, 1922 - 50.00 charged to prod. A10
Nov. 4, 1922 - 50.00 - 29.17 charged to prod. A10, 20.83 charged to prod. A11 (A Pleasant Journey)
Nov. 11, 1922 - 50.00 charged to prod. A11
Nov. 18, 1922 - 50.00 - 33.33 charged to prod. A11, 16.67 charged to prod. A12 (Giants Vs. Yanks)
Nov. 25, 1922 - 50.00 charged to prod. A12
Dec. 2, 1922 - 50.00 charged to prod. A12
Dec. 9, 1922 - 50.00 charged to prod. A12
Dec. 16, 1922 - 50.00 - 33.33 charged to prod. A12, 16.67 charged to prod. A13 (Back Stage)
Dec. 23, 1922 - 50.00 - 4.17 charged to prod. A12, 45.83 charged to prod. A13
Dec. 30, 1922 - 50.00 charged to prod. A13
Jan. 6, 1923 - 50.00 charged to prod. A13
Jan. 13, 1923 - 50.00 - 16.67 charged to prod. A13, 16.66 charged to prod. A14 (Dogs Of War!), 16.67 charged to prod. A7
Jan. 20, 1923 - 50.00 charged to prod. A14
Jan. 27, 1923 - 50.00 charged to prod. A14
Feb. 3, 1923 - 50.00 charged to prod. A14
Feb. 10, 1923 - 50.00 charged to prod. A14
Feb. 17, 1923 - 50.00 - 4.17 charged to prod. A12, 45.83 charged to prod. A15 (Lodge Night)
Feb. 24, 1923 - 50.00 - 20.83 charged to prod. A14, 29.17 charged to prod. A15
Mar. 3, 1923 - 125.00 - 8.33 charged to prod. A13, 41.67 charged to prod. A15, 75.00 charged to prod. A16 (Fast Company)

Oddly, Joe wasn't given a paycheck for the week ending Mar. 10th, even though "Fast Company" was in production.

Mar. 17, 1923 - 75.00 - 62.50 charged to prod. A16, 12.50 charged to prod. A17 (Stage Fright)
Mar. 24, 1923 - 75.00 charged to prod. A17
Mar. 31. 1923 - 75.00 charged to prod. A17
Apr. 7, 1923 - 75.00 charged to prod. A17
Apr. 14, 1923 - 75.00 - 37.50 charged to prod. A17, 37.50 charged to prod. A18 (July Days)
Apr. 21, 1923 - 75.00 charged to prod. A18
Apr. 28, 1923 - 75.00 charged to prod. A18
May 5, 1923 - 75.00 - 37.50 charged to prod. A18, 37.50 charged to prod. A19 (Sunday Calm)
May 12, 1923 - 75.00 charged to prod. A19
May 19, 1923 - 75.00 charged to prod. A19
May 26, 1923 - 75.00 charged to prod. A19
June 2, 1923 - 75.00 - 15.00 charged to prod. A18, 30.00 charged to prod. A19, 30.00 charged to prod. A20 (No Noise)
June 9, 1923 - 75.00 charged to prod. A20
June 16, 1923 - 75.00 charged to prod. A20
June 23, 1923 - 75.00 - 25.00 charged to prod. A17, 50.00 charged to prod. A20
June 30, 1923 - 75.00 charged to prod. A17
July 7, 1923 - 75.00 - 15.00 charged to prod. A17, 60.00 charged to prod. A19
July 14, 1923 - 75.00 charged to prod. A19
July 21, 1923 - 75.00 charged to prod. A21 (Derby Day)
July 28, 1923 - 75.00 charged to prod. A21
Aug. 4, 1923 - 75.00 charged to prod. A21
Aug. 11, 1923 - 75.00 charged to prod. A21
Aug. 18, 1923 - 75.00 - 12.50 charged to prod. A21, 62.50 charged to prod. A22 (Tire Trouble)
Aug. 25, 1923 - 75.00 charged to prod. A22
Sep. 1, 1923 - 75.00 charged to prod. A22
Sep. 8, 1923 - 75.00 - 30.00 charged to prod. A22, 45.00 charged to prod. A23 (Big Business)
Sep. 15, 1923 - 75.00 charged to prod. A23
Sep. 22, 1923 - 75.00 charged to prod. A23
Sep. 29, 1923 - 75.00 - 37.50 charged to prod. A23, 37.50 charged to prod. A24 (The Buccaneers)
Oct. 6, 1923 - 75.00 charged to prod. A24
Oct. 13, 1923 - 75.00 charged to prod. A24
Oct. 20, 1923 - 75.00 charged to prod. A24
Oct. 27, 1923 - 75.00 - 37.50 charged to prod. A24, 37.50 charged to prod. A25 (Seein' Things)
Nov. 3, 1923 - 75.00 charged to prod. A25
Nov. 10, 1923 - 75.00 - 42.86 charged to prod. A25, 32.14 charged to prod. A26 (Commencement Day)
Nov. 17, 1923 - 75.00 charged to prod. A26
Nov. 24, 1923 - 75.00 charged to prod. A26
Dec. 1, 1923 - 75.00 charged to prod. A26
Dec. 8, 1923 - 75.00 - 37.50 charged to prod. A26, 37.50 charged to prod. A27 (It's A Bear)
Dec. 15, 1923 - 75.00 charged to prod. A27
Dec. 22, 1923 - 75.00 - 10.71 charged to prod. A25, 64.29 charged to prod. A27
Dec. 29, 1923 - 75.00 charged to prod. A27
Jan. 5, 1924 - 75.00 charged to prod. A27
Jan. 12, 1924 - 75.00 - 4.16 charged to prod. A25, 54.17 charged to prod. A26, 16.67 charged to prod. A27
Jan. 19, 1924 - 75.00 - 62.50 charged to prod. A27, 12.50 charged to prod. L12 (Short Kilts)
Note: this probably pertains to L11 (Rupert Of Hee Haw)
Jan. 26, 1924 - 75.00 - 50.00 charged to prod. A26, 25.00 charged to prod. R11 (Going To Congress)
Feb. 2, 1924 - 75.00 charged to prod. A28 (Cradle Robbers)
Feb. 9, 1924 - 75.00 charged to prod. A28
Feb. 16, 1924 - 75.00 charged to prod. A28
Feb. 23, 1924 - 75.00 - 50.00 charged to prod. A28, 25.00 charged to prod. T2 (The Battling Orioles)
Mar. 1, 1924 - 75.00 charged to prod. A29 (Jubilo, Jr.)
Mar. 8, 1924 - 91.67 - 25.00 charged to prod. A27, 66.67 charged to prod. A29
Mar. 15, 1924 - 100.00 - 50.00 charged to prod. A27, 50.00 charged to prod. A29
Mar. 22, 1924 - 100.00 - 83.33 charged to prod. A29, 16.67 charged to prod. D57 (Fast Black)
Mar. 29, 1924 - 100.00 charged to prod. A30 (High Society)
Apr. 5, 1924 - 100.00 charged to prod. A30
Apr. 12, 1924 - 100.00 charged to prod. A30
Apr. 19, 1924 - 100.00 - 83.33 charged to prod. A30, 16.67 charged to prod. D59 (Riders Of The Kitchen Range)
Apr. 26, 1924 - 100.00 charged to prod. A31 (The Sun Down Limited)
May 3, 1924 - 100.00 charged to prod. A31
May 10, 1924 - 100.00 charged to prod. A31
May 17, 1924 - 100.00 - 83.33 charged to prod. A31, 16.67 charged to prod. D59
May 24, 1924 - 100.00 charged to prod. A31
May 31, 1924 - 100.00 charged to prod. A31
June 7, 1924 - 100.00 charged to prod. A32 (Every Man For Himself)
June 14, 1924 - 100.00 - 33.33 charged to prod. A16 (Fast Company), 66.67 charged to prod. A32
June 21, 1924 - 100.00 charged to prod. A16
June 28, 1924 - 100.00 - 16.67 charged to prod. A16, 83.33 charged to prod. F17 (The Rubber-Neck)
July 5, 1924 - 100.00 charged to prod. A33 (The Mysterious Mystery!)
July 12, 1924 - 100.00 charged to prod. A33
July 19, 1924 - 100.00 charged to prod. A33
July 26, 1924 - 100.00 - 83.33 charged to prod. A33, 16.67 charged to prod. E8 (Tame Men And Wild Women)
Aug. 2, 1924 - 100.00 charged to prod. A33
Aug. 9, 1924 - 100.00 - 50.00 charged to prod. A33, 50.00 charged to prod. A34 (The Big Town)
Aug. 16, 1924 - 50.00 charged to prod. A34
The studio was closed for three weeks in August 1924, resulting in a lower rate for Joe.
Aug. 23, 1924 - 50.00 charged to studio overhead
Aug. 30, 1924 - 50.00 - 25.00 charged to prod. A33, 25.00 charged to prod. A34
Sep. 6, 1924 - 100.00 charged to prod. A34
Sep. 13, 1924 - 100.00 - 83.33 charged to prod. A33, 16.67 charged to prod. A34
Sep. 20, 1924 - 100.00 - 16.67 charged to prod. A33, 83.33 charged to prod. A34
Sep. 27, 1924 - 100.00 charged to prod. A34
Oct. 4, 1924 - 100.00 charged to prod. A34
Oct. 11, 1924 - 100.00 charged to prod. A34
Oct. 18, 1924 - 100.00 charged to prod. A34
Oct. 25, 1924 - 100.00 charged to prod. A35 (Circus Fever)
Nov. 1, 1924 - 100.00 - 41.67 charged to prod. A35, 58.33 charged to prod. A36 (Dog Days)
Nov. 8, 1924 - 100.00 - 83.33 charged to prod. A35, 16.67 charged to prod. A36
Nov. 15, 1924 - 100.00 charged to prod. A35
Nov. 22, 1924 - 100.00 charged to prod. A36
Nov. 29, 1924 - 100.00 charged to prod. A36
Dec. 6, 1924 - 100.00 charged to prod. A36
Dec. 13, 1924 - 100.00 charged to prod. A36
Dec. 20, 1924 - 100.00 charged to prod. A37 (The Love Bug)
Dec. 27, 1924 - 100.00 charged to prod. A37
Jan. 3, 1925 - 100.00 charged to prod. A37
Jan. 10, 1925 - 100.00 charged to prod. A37
Jan. 17, 1925 - 100.00 charged to prod. A37
Jan. 24, 1925 - 100.00 charged to prod. A39 (Shootin' Injuns)
Jan. 31, 1925 - 100.00 charged to prod. A39
Feb. 7, 1925 - 100.00 charged to prod. A39
Feb. 14, 1925 - 100.00 charged to prod. A39
Feb. 21, 1925 - 100.00 charged to prod. A40 (Official Officers)
Feb. 28, 1925 - 100.00 charged to prod. A40
Mar. 7, 1925 - 150.00 charged to prod. A40
Mar. 14, 1925 - 200.00 charged to prod. A40
Mar. 21, 1925 - 200.00 charged to prod. A41 (Mary, Queen Of Tots)
Mar. 28, 1925 - 200.00 charged to prod. A41
Apr. 4, 1925 - 200.00 charged to prod. A41
Apr. 11, 1925 - 200.00 charged to prod. A41
Apr. 18, 1925 - 200.00 charged to prod. A42 (Boys Will Be Joys)
Apr. 25, 1925 - 200.00 charged to prod. A42
May 2, 1925 - 200.00 charged to prod. A42
May 9, 1925 - 200.00 charged to prod. A42
May 16, 1925 - 200.00 charged to prod. A42
May 23, 1925 - 200.00 charged to prod. A42
May 30, 1925 - 200.00 - 80.00 charged to prod. A42, 120.00 charged to prod. A43 (Better Movies)
June 6, 1925 - 200.00 charged to prod. A43
June 13, 1925 - 200.00 charged to prod. A43
June 20, 1925 - 200.00 charged to prod. A43
June 27, 1925 - 200.00 charged to prod. A43
Note: This production was subsequently renumbered K1, as the Animal Co. was renamed the Kid Co.
July 4, 1925 - 200.00 charged to prod. K2 (Your Own Back Yard)
July 11, 1925 - 200.00 charged to prod. K2
July 18, 1925 - 200.00 charged to prod. K2
July 25, 1925 - 200.00 charged to prod. K2
Aug. 1, 1925 - 200.00 charged to prod. K2
Aug. 8, 1925 - 200.00 charged to prod. K2
Aug. 15, 1925 - 200.00 charged to prod. K2
Aug. 22, 1925 - 25.00 charged to prod. K2
The studio was closed for two weeks, resulting in a reduced salary for Joe.
Aug. 29, 1925 - 25.00 charged to prod. K4 (Good Cheer)
Sep. 5, 1925 - 200.00 charged to prod. K4
Sep. 12, 1925 - 200.00 charged to prod. K4
Sep. 19, 1925 - 200.00 charged to prod. K4
Sep. 26, 1925 - 200.00 charged to prod. K4
Oct. 3, 1925 - 200.00 - 100.00 charged to prod. K4, 100.00 charged to prod. K5 (Buried Treasure)
Oct. 10, 1925 - 200.00 charged to prod. K5
Oct. 17, 1925 - 200.00 charged to prod. K5
Oct. 24, 1925 - 200.00 charged to prod. K5
Oct. 31, 1925 - 200.00 - 166.67 charged to prod. K5, 33.33 charged to prod. K6 (Monkey Business)
Nov. 7, 1925 - 200.00 charged to prod. K6
Nov. 14, 1925 - 200.00 charged to prod. K6
Nov. 21, 1925 - 200.00 charged to prod. K6
Nov. 28, 1925 - 200.00 charged to prod. K6
Dec. 5, 1925 - 200.00 charged to prod. K6
Dec. 12, 1925 - 200.00 charged to prod. K7 (Baby Clothes)
Dec. 19, 1925 - 200.00 charged to prod. K7
Dec. 26, 1925 - 200.00 charged to prod. K7

There were no ledger sheets for the week ending Jan. 2nd, due to the studio being closed, but Joe was still paid his $200.

Jan. 9, 1926 - 200.00 charged to prod. K7
Jan. 16, 1926 - 200.00 - 33.33 charged to prod. K7, 166.67 charged to prod. K8 (Uncle Tom's Uncle)
Jan. 23, 1926 - 200.00 charged to prod. K8
Jan. 30, 1926 - 200.00 charged to prod. K8
Feb. 6, 1926 - 200.00 charged to prod. K8
Feb. 13, 1926 - 200.00 charged to prod. K8
Feb. 20, 1926 - 200.00 charged to prod. K8
Feb. 27, 1926 - 200.00 charged to prod. K9 (Thundering Fleas)
Mar. 6, 1926 - 216.67 charged to prod. K9
Mar. 13, 1926 - 250.00 charged to prod. K9
Mar. 20, 1926 - 250.00 charged to prod. K9
Mar. 27, 1926 - 250.00 charged to prod. K9
Apr. 3, 1926 - 250.00 charged to prod. K9
Apr 10, 1926 - 250.00 charged to prod. K10 (Shivering Spooks)
Apr. 17, 1926 - 250.00 charged to prod. K10
Apr. 24, 1926 - 250.00 charged to prod. K10
May 1, 1926 - 250.00 charged to prod. K10
May 8, 1926 - 250.00 charged to prod. K10
May 15, 1926 - 250.00 charged to prod. K10
May 22, 1926 - 250.00 charged to prod. K10
May 29, 1926 - 250.00 charged to prod. K11 (The Fourth Alarm!)
June 5, 1926 - 250.00 charged to prod. K11
June 12, 1926 - 250.00 charged to prod. K11
June 19, 1926 - 250.00 charged to prod. K11
June 26, 1926 - 250.00 charged to prod. K11
July 3, 1926 - 500.00 - 250.00 charged to prod. K11 (War Feathers), 250.00 vacation pay

For four weeks during July, the studio was closed for summer vacation, resulting in a lower rate for Joe, though he did get the extra $250 the week before the hiatus.

July 17, 1926 - 25.00 charged to studio overhead
July 24, 1926 - 25.00 charged to studio overhead
July 31, 1926 - 25.00 charged to studio overhead
Aug. 7, 1926 - 250.00 charged to prod. K12
Aug. 14, 1926 - 250.00 charged to prod. K12
Aug. 21, 1926 - 250.00 charged to prod. K12
Aug. 28, 1926 - 250.00 charged to prod. K12
Sep. 4, 1926 - 250.00 charged to prod. K12
Sep. 11, 1926 - 250.00 - 150.00 charged to prod. K13 (Seeing The World), 110.00 charged to prod. K14 (Telling Whoppers)
Sep. 18, 1926 - 250.00 charged to prod. K14
Sep. 25, 1926 - 250.00 charged to prod. K14
Oct. 2, 1926 - 250.00 - 83.33 charged to prod. K14, 166.67 charged to prod. K15 (Bring Home The Turkey)
Oct. 9, 1926 - 250.00 charged to prod. K15
Oct. 16, 1926 - 250.00 charged to prod. K15
Oct. 23, 1926 - 250.00 - 208.33 charged to prod. K15, 41.67 charged to prod. K13
Oct. 30, 1926 - 250.00 - 166.67 charged to prod. K13, 83.33 charged to prod. K15
Nov. 6, 1926 - 250.00 charged to prod. K13
Nov. 13, 1926 - 250.00 charged to prod. K13
Nov. 20, 1926 - 250.00 charged to prod. K13
Nov. 27, 1926 - 250.00 - 83.337 charged to prod. K13, 166.67 charged to prod. K16 (Ten Years Old)
Dec. 4, 1926 - 250.00 charged to prod. K16
Dec. 11, 1926 - 250.00 charged to prod. K16
Dec. 18, 1926 - 250.00 charged to prod. K16
Dec. 25, 1926 - 250.00 charged to prod. K17 (Love My Dog)
Jan. 1, 1927 - 250.00 charged to prod. K17

The payroll ledger for 1927 has gone missing, which makes some of the details for these dates unavailable. There are, however, datebooks and payroll summaries that have survived, and these verify most of the information about Joe's salary that would be found in the ledger. The main exception is that, during the interim between films, it isn't clear which production the player's salary is being charged to.

Jan. 8, 1927 - 250.00 charged to prod. K17
Jan. 15, 1927 - 250.00
Jan. 22, 1927 - 250.00 charged to prod. K18 (Tired Business Men)
Jan. 29, 1927 - 250.00 charged to prod. K18
Feb. 5, 1927 - 250.00 charged to prod. K18
Feb. 12, 1927 - 250.00
Feb. 19, 1927 - 250.00 charged to prod. K19 (Baby Brother)
Feb. 26, 1927 - 250.00 charged to prod. K19
Mar. 5, 1927 - 300.00 charged to prod. K19
Mar. 12, 1927 - 400.00 charged to prod. K19
Mar. 19, 1927 - 400.00 charged to prod. K19
Mar. 26, 1927 - 400.00
Apr. 2, 1927 - 400.00 charged to prod. K20 (Chicken Feed)
Apr. 9, 1927 - 400.00 charged to prod. K20
Apr. 16, 1927 - 400.00 charged to prod. K20
Apr. 23, 1927 - 400.00 charged to prod. K21 (Olympic Games)
Apr. 30, 1927 - 400.00 charged to prod. K21
May 7, 1927 - 400.00 charged to prod. K21
May 14, 1927 - 400.00 charged to prod. K22 (The Glorious Fourth)
May 21, 1927 - 400.00 charged to prod. K22
May 28, 1927 - 400.00 charged to prod. K23 (Playin' Hookey)
June 4, 1927 - 400.00 charged to prod. K23
June 11, 1927 - 400.00 charged to prod. K23
June 18, 1927 - 400.00 charged to prod. G1 (Yale Vs. Harvard)
June 25, 1927 - 400.00 charged to prod. G1
July 2, 1927 - 400.00 charged to prod. K24 (The Smile Wins)

As distribution was shifting from Pathé to MGM, the Kid Co. transitioned into the Gang Co. During the weeks ending July 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th, the studio was closed. The datebooks indicate that Joe wasn't paid during this stretch, but the payroll summaries indicate that he was.

Aug. 6, 1927 - 400.00 charged to prod. K24
Aug. 13, 1927 - 400.00 charged to prod. G2 (The Old Wallop)
Aug. 20, 1927 - 400.00 charged to prod. G2
Aug. 27, 1927 - 400.00
Sep. 3, 1927 &#$5; 400.00 charged to prod. G3 (Heebee Jeebees)
Sep. 10, 1927 - 400.00 charged to prod. G3
Sep. 17, 1927 - 400.00 charged to prod. G3 and G4 (Dog Heaven)
It isn't clear whether Joe's salary was split in half between the two productions, or perhaps 1/3 for G3 and 2/3 for G4.
Sep. 24, 1927 - 400.00 charged to prod. G4
Oct. 1, 1927 - 400.00 charged to prod. G3 and G4
It isn't clear whether Joe's salary was split 5/6 for G4 and 1/6 for G3, or 11/12 for G4 and 1/12 for G3.
Oct. 8, 1927 - 400.00 charged to prod. G4
Oct. 15, 1927 - 400.00 charged to prod. G4 and G5 (Spook-Spoofing)
It appears that Joe's salary was probably split 5/12 for G4 and 7/12 for G5.
Oct. 22, 1927 - 400.00 charged to prod. G5
Oct. 29, 1927 - 400.00 charged to prod. G5
Nov. 5, 1927 - 400.00 charged to prod. G4 and G6 (Rainy Days)
It appears that Joe's salary was probably split 1/3 for G4 and 2/3 for G6.
Nov. 12, 1927 - 400.00 charged to prod. G6
Nov. 19, 1927 - 400.00 charged to prod. G6
Nov. 26, 1927 - 400.00 charged to prod. G6
Dec. 3, 1927 - 400.00 charged to prod. G6
Dec. 10, 1927 - 400.00 charged to prod. G6
Dec. 17, 1927 - 400.00 charged to prod. G6 and G7 (Edison, Marconi & Co.)
It appears that Joe's salary was probably split 5/6 for G6 and 1/6 for G7.
Dec. 24, 1927 - 400.00 charged to prod. G6, G7 and G8 Barnum & Ringling, Inc.)
It appears that Joe's salary was probably split 14/36 for G6, 11/36 for G7 and 11/36 for G8
Dec. 31, 1927 - 400.00 charged to prod. G6, G7 and G8
It appears that Joe's salary was probably split 1/6 for G6, 1/6 for G7 and 4/6 for G8

With the start of 1928, we can return to the payroll ledgers for a more accurate picture of Joe's history.

Jan. 7, 1928 - 400.00 charged to prod. G8
Jan. 14, 1928 - 400.00 charged to prod. G8
Jan. 21, 1928 - 400.00 charged to prod. G9 (Fair And Muddy)
Jan. 28, 1928 - 400.00 charged to prod. G9
Feb. 4, 1928 - 400.00 charged to prod. G9
Feb. 11, 1928 - 400.00 - 266.67 charged to prod. G9, 133.33 charged to prod. G10 (Crazy House)
Feb. 18, 1928 - 400.00 charged to prod. G10
Feb. 25, 1928 - 400.00 charged to prod. G10
Mar. 3, 1928 - 400.00 charged to prod. G11 (Growing Pains)
Mar. 10, 1928 - 500.00 charged to prod. G11
Mar. 17, 1928 - 500.00 charged to prod. G11
Mar. 24, 1928 - 500.00 charged to prod. G11

The studio was closed during the spring, resulting in Joe not being paid for the week ending Mar. 31st, and then receiving a lower salary for the rest of the break.

Apr. 7, 1928 - 50.00 charged to studio overhead
Apr. 14, 1928 - 50.00 charged to studio overhead
Apr. 21, 1928 - 50.00 charged to studio overhead
Apr. 28, 1928 - 50.00 charged to studio overhead
May 5, 1928 - 500.00 charged to prod. G12 (The Ol' Gray Hoss)
May 12, 1928 - 500.00 charged to prod. G12
May 19, 1928 - 500.00 charged to prod. G12
May 26, 1928 - 500.00 charged to prod. G12
June 2, 1928 - 500.00 charged to prod. G12
June 9, 1928 - 500.00 - 250.00 charged to prod. G12, 250.00 charged to prod. G13 (School Begins)
June 16, 1928 - 500.00 charged to prod. G13
June 23, 1928 - 500.00 charged to prod. G13
June 30, 1928 - 500.00 charged to prod. G13
July 7, 1928 - 500.00 charged to prod. G14 (The Spanking Age)
July 14, 1928 - 500.00 charged to prod. G14
July 21, 1928 - 500.00 - 250.00 charged to prod. G14, 250.00 charged to prod. G15 (Election Day)
July 28, 1928 - 500.00 charged to prod. G15
Aug. 4, 1928 - 500.00 charged to prod. G15
Aug. 11, 1928 - 500.00 charged to prod. G15
Aug. 18, 1928 - 500.00 charged to Gang Tour
Joe and his fellow Gangsters spent a couple of months on a personal appearance tour.
Aug. 25, 1928 - 500.00 charged to Gang Tour
An unusual situation, since this was the only week in which Jackie Condon and Jay R. Smith worked in "Election Day," and yet the regular members of the troupe were still apparently on tour.
Sep. 1, 1928 - 500.00 charged to Gang Tour
Sep. 8, 1928 - 500.00 charged to Gang Tour
Sep. 15, 1928 - 500.00 charged to Gang Tour
Sep. 22, 1928 - 500.00 charged to Gang Tour
Sep. 29, 1928 - 500.00 charged to Gang Tour
Oct. 6, 1928 - 500.00 charged to Gang Tour
Oct. 13, 1928 - 500.00 charged to Gang Tour
Oct. 20, 1928 - 500.00 charged to Gang Tour
Oct. 27, 1928 - 500.00 charged to prod. G16 (Noisy Noises)
Nov. 3, 1928 - 500.00 charged to prod. G16
Nov. 10, 1928 - 500.00 charged to prod. G16
Nov. 17, 1928 - 500.00 charged to prod. G16
Nov. 24, 1928 - 500.00 charged to prod. G17 (The Holy Terror)
Dec. 1, 1928 - 500.00 charged to prod. G17
Dec. 8, 1928 - 500.00 charged to prod. G18 (Wiggle Your Ears)
Dec. 15, 1928 - 500.00 - 125.00 charged to prod. G18, 375.00 charged to prod. G19 (Fast Freight)
Dec. 22, 1928 - 500.00 charged to prod. G19
Dec. 29, 1928 - 500.00 charged to prod. G19
Jan. 5, 1929 - 50.00 charged to studio overhead
The studio was closed during January, resulting in a lower rate for Joe.
Jan. 12, 1929 - 50.00 charged to studio overhead
Jan. 19, 1929 - 50.00 charged to studio overhead
Jan. 26, 1929 - 50.00 charged to studio overhead
Feb. 2, 1929 - 500.00 charged to prod. G20 (Little Mother)
Feb. 9, 1929 - 500.00 charged to prod. G20
Feb. 16, 1929 - 500.00 charged to prod. G20
Feb. 23, 1929 - 500.00 charged to prod. G21 (Cat, Dog & Co.)
Mar. 2, 1929 - 500.00 charged to prod. G21
Mar. 9, 1929 - 500.00 charged to prod. G22 (Saturday's Lesson)
Mar. 16, 1929 - 500.00 charged to prod. G22
Mar. 23, 1929 - 500.00 charged to prod. G22
Mar. 30, 1929 - 500.00 charged to prod. G23 (Small Talk)
Apr. 6, 1929 - 500.00 charged to prod. G23
Apr. 13, 1929 - 500.00 charged to prod. G23
Apr. 20, 1929 - 500.00 - 166.67 charged to prod. G23, 333.33 charged to prod. G24 (Railroadin')
Apr. 27, 1929 - 500.00 charged to prod. G24
May 4, 1929 - 500.00 charged to prod. G24
May 11, 1929 - 500.00 charged to prod. G24
May 18, 1929 - 500.00 charged to prod. G25 (Boxing Gloves)
May 25, 1929 - 500.00 charged to prod. G25

For the weeks ending June 1st and 8th, Joe wasn't given a check, suggesting that he had actually left the series at this time. However, he was soon brought back for one final Our Gang short.

June 15, 1929 - 250.00 charged to prod. G26 (Lazy Days)
June 22, 1929 - 750.00 charged to prod. G26

After nearly seven years, Joe was now no longer an active member of Our Gang. It would be over three years before he worked at the studio again.

Oct. 22, 1932 - 30.00 charged to prod. G13 (Fish Hooky)
Joe worked as a day player on Oct. 20th and 21st, earning $15 a day.

It would be roughly three and a half years before Joe worked with the Our Gang unit again.

Apr. 18, 1936 - 75.00 charged to Gang Tour
At this point, Joe became Master of Ceremonies for the Gang's personal appearance tour.
Apr. 25, 1936 - 75.00 charged to Gang Tour
May 2, 1936 - 75.00 charged to Gang Tour
May 9, 1936 - 75.00 - charged to Gang Tour

After another five months, Joe was working with the Gang again. In the interim, the Gang Co. reverted to the Kid Co.

Oct. 17, 1936 - 45.00 charged to prod. K3 (Pay As You Exit)
Joe worked as a day player on Oct. 15th, 16th and 17th, earning $15 a day.
Oct. 24, 1936 - 15.00 charged to prod. K3
Joe worked as a day player on Oct. 19th.

After another interim of a month and a half, Joe worked at the Roach studio for the final time.

Dec. 12, 1936 - 53.13 charged to prod. K5 (Reunion In Rhythm)
Joe worked as a day player on Dec. 9th and 10th, earning $25 a day. He then received an overtime check on Dec. 11th.

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