Darla Hood


This filmography was made in collaboration with Matthew Lydick.


original full name: Dorla Jeanne Hood
revised full name: Darla Jean Hood
born Nov. 4, 1930, in Leedey, OK
died June 13, 1979, in Los Angeles, CA, of heart failure after contracting Hepatitis C.


Special note: There is some variation on the reports of Darla's birthdate, with Maltin & Bann listing it as Nov. 4, 1931, her grave marker listing it as 1931, the Social Security Index listing it as Nov. 4, 1930, and both Wikipedia and IMDb listing it as Nov. 8, 1931 (a claim corroborated in a few of the late 1935 newspaper articles). Studio publicity, and the resultant newspaper coverage, perpetuates 1931 as the year of birth by consistently reporting Darla's age accordingly. However, several articles in local Oklahoma newspapers remove any doubt that she was born on Nov. 4, 1930, so contrary to what her parents and the studio would have anybody believe, she wasn't three-going-on-four when she joined the Our Gang series, she was four-going-on-five. Darla herself told Earl Wilson of the Tulsa Daily World in 1963 that she spent most of her childhood thinking she was a year younger than she really was.

Also of note: Most sources list Darla's place of death as North Hollywood, but newspaper reports at the time state that she died at a hospital in Canoga Park, which is a Los Angeles neighborhood in the San Fernando Valley. She was reported to have lived in North Hollywood in the late '70s, so perhaps this got conflated with her place of death.

Also of note: Darla's mother reportedly made up the name Dorla, but as the well-known story goes, somebody at the studio misspelled it as Darla, and that name stuck. Since her contract was reportedly signed when she was still in New York, this could have been where the mistake was made, since newspapers began to call her Darla right after the signing. It's also been reported that the misspelling happened at the hospital where she was born, but every reference to her prior to September 1935 (and there are several of them) refer to her as Dorla. Also, the longer spelling of her middle name seems to be accurate, not only because it was consistently spelled this way in the earliest sources, but there was also a 1938 legal notice in the Taloga Times-Advocate of Taloga, OK, which identified her as Dorla Jeanne Hood, suggesting that, at least by that time, this was still her legal name.


1930


1931


1932


1934


1935

untitled (lead role)
prem. Oct. 15, 1935 - screen test
Darla's screen test, shot in New York in August, was givn a private showing at the Rex Theatre in Leedey, OK. Darla sings "I'll Never Say 'Never Again' Again," "You've Got Me Walking On The Tip Of My Toes" and "The Hats On The Side Of My Head."
141. Our Gang Follies Of 1936 (supporting role: Cookie)
prem. Nov. 27, 1935 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-34 - Our Gang series
Filmed Sep. 9 to 14, and Sep. 23 to 28, 1935. ©Oct. 29, 1935. Earliest verified screening: Nov. 4, 1935, in Leedey, OK. Released Nov. 30, 1935. Darla sings "I'll Never Say 'Never Again' Again."
Hearst Metrotone News (appearance)
Dec. 1935 - Hearst - 1 reel - newsreel
Featuring the Our Gang kids.

1936

143. The Pinch Singer (supporting role: Darla)
Jan. 4, 1936 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-35 - Our Gang series
Filmed Dec. 11 to 21, 1935. ©Feb. 6, 1936. Working title: King's Gong. Darla sings "I'm In The Mood For Love."
142. Divot Diggers (supporting role)
Feb. 8, 1936 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-36 - Our Gang series
Filmed Nov. 18 to 25, 1935. ©Feb. 6, 1936.
The Bohemian Girl (supporting role: Arlene as a child)
Feb. 14, 1936 - Roach/MGM - 7 reels - prod. F-8 - Stan Laurel & Oliver Hardy feature
Filmed Oct. 9 to around Nov. 30, 1935, with retakes Dec. 31, 1935, to Jan. 6, 1936. ©Feb. 12, 1936.
144. Second Childhood (small part)
Apr. 11, 1936 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-37 - Our Gang series
Filmed Jan. 1936. ©Mar. 17, 1936.
145. Arbor Day (supporting role)
May 2, 1936 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-38 - Our Gang series
Filmed Feb. 12 to 18, 1936. ©Apr. 9, 1936.
Neighborhood House (featured role: Mary Chase)
May 9, 1936 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. C-39 - Charley Chase series
Previewed in April at 58 minutes, and then cut to 55 minutes before finally being released as a short. Filmed around Mar 9 to 25, 1936. ©July 8, 1936. Working title: Bank Night.
Fox Movietone News (appearance)
1936 - Fox - 1 reel - newsreel
Our Gang's fifteenth anniversary is featured in a Hollywood Spotlight segment with Jimmie Fidler.
146. Bored Of Education (small part)
Aug. 29, 1936 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-1 - Our Gang series
Also listed for Aug. 20, 1936. Filmed July 13 to 16, 1936. ©Sep. 3, 1936. Oscar winner for Best One-Reel Short Subject. Darla, along with the rest of the class, briefly sings "Good Morning To You."
147. Two Too Young (use of photo)
©Oct. 21, 1936 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-2 - Our Gang series
Also listed for Sep. 26, 1936. Filmed Sep. 8 to 12, 1936. During the series' final two years at the Roach studio, the opening credits included photos of all the main players. Darla's photo is shown in all of the one-reelers from "Bored Of Education" to "Hide And Shriek," including films in which she didn't otherwise appear.
148. Pay As You Exit (supporting role: Darla)
©Nov. 17, 1936 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-3 - Our Gang series
Also listed for Oct. 24, 1936. Filmed Oct. 14 to 19, 1936.
149. Spooky Hooky (use of photo)
©Dec. 28, 1936 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-4 - Our Gang series
Also listed for Dec. 5, 1936. Filmed Nov. 11 to 17, 1936.

1937

151. Reunion In Rhythm (supporting role: Darla)
Jan. 9, 1937 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-5 - Our Gang series
Filmed Dec. 9 to 14, 1936. ©Jan. 14, 1937. Darla sings "Baby Face," and joins the other kids for "Auld Lang Syne."
152. Glove Taps (bit part : Darla)
©Mar. 9, 1937 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-6 - Our Gang series
Also listed for Feb. 20, 1937. Filmed Jan. 11 to 30, 1937.
153. Hearts Are Thumps (featured role: Darla)
Apr. 3, 1937 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-7 - Our Gang series
Filmed Feb. 2 to 10, 1937. ©Mar. 24, 1937.
155. Rushin' Ballet (apparent bit part)
Apr. 24, 1937 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-9 - Our Gang series
Filmed Mar. 9 to 13, 1937. ©Apr. 22, 1937.
154. Three Smart Boys (bit part)
May 13, 1937 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-8 - Our Gang series
Also listed as Mar. 13, 1937. Filmed Feb. 15 to 19, 1937. ©Mar. 31, 1937.
156. Roamin' Holiday (bit part)
June 12, 1937 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-10 - Our Gang series
Filmed Apr. 22 to May 3, 1937. ©June 24, 1937.
157. Night 'N' Gales (supporting role: Darla)
July 24, 1937 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-11 - Our Gang series
Filmed June 22 to 30, 1937. ©Aug. 18, 1937.
158. Fishy Tales (extra)
Aug. 28, 1937 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-12 - Our Gang series
Filmed July 26 to Aug. 2, 1937. ©Sep. 8, 1937.
159. Framing Youth (supporting role: Darla)
©Sep. 21, 1937 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-13 - Our Gang series
Also listed for Sep. 11, 1937. Filmed Aug. 19 to 25, 1937.
News Of The Day (appearance)
c. Oct. 1937 - MGM - 1 reel - newsreel
Vol. 9, No. 204. Featuring Our Gang and Vittorio Mussolini, who visited the studio in late September.
160. The Pigskin Palooka (supporting role: Darla)
Oct. 23, 1937 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-14 - Our Gang series
Filmed Sep. 18 to 25, 1937. ©Nov. 2, 1937.
161. Mail And Female (supporting role: Darla)
Nov. 13, 1937 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-15 - Our Gang series
Filmed Oct. 22 to 27, 1937. ©Nov. 17, 1937.
News Of The Day (appearance)
Dec. 1937 - MGM - 1 reel - newsreel
Vol. 9, No. 229. Featuring Our Gang. Darla takes part in singing "Happy New Year To You."
162. Our Gang Follies Of 1938 (supporting role: Darla)
Dec. 18, 1937 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-39 - Our Gang series
Filmed Nov. 3 to 15, 1937. ©Dec. 21, 1937. Marketed by MGM as a "special" two-reeler, independent of the regular Our Gang series. Darla takes part in singing "King Alfalfa" and "The Love Bug Will Bite You (If You Don't Watch Out)."

1938

163. Canned Fishing (use of photo)
Feb. 12, 1938 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-16 - Our Gang series
Filmed Jan. 10 to 25, 1938. ©Feb. 16, 1938.
164. Bear Facts (supporting role: Darla)
Mar. 5, 1938 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-17 - Our Gang series
Filmed Jan. 26 to Feb. 4, 1938. ©Mar. 8, 1938.
165. Three Men In A Tub (featured role: Darla)
Mar. 26, 1938 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-18 - Our Gang series
Filmed Feb. 9 to 18, 1938. ©Apr. 1, 1938.
166. Came The Brawn (supporting role: Darla)
Apr. 16, 1938 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-19 - Our Gang series
Filmed Feb. 21 to 25, 1938. ©Apr. 12, 1938.
167. Feed 'Em And Weep (supporting role: Darla)
May 7, 1938 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-20 - Our Gang series
Filmed Apr. 4 to 7, 1938. ©May 11, 1938.
168. The Awful Tooth (use of photo)
May 28, 1938 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-21 - Our Gang series
Filmed Apr. 12 to 16, 1938. ©May 26, 1938.
169. Hide And Shriek (small part)
June 18, 1938 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-22 - Our Gang series
Filmed May 11 to 14, 1938. ©June 16, 1938.
170. The Little Ranger (supporting role: Darla)
Aug. 6, 1938 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2566 - Our Gang series
Filmed June 20 to 25, 1938. ©Aug. 10, 1938.
171. Party Fever (supporting role: Darla)
Aug. 27, 1938 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2568 - Our Gang series
Filmed July 5 to 9, 1938. ©Aug. 25, 1938.
172. Aladdin's Lantern (supporting role: Darla)
Sep. 17, 1938 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2573 - Our Gang series
Filmed July 20 to 26, 1938. ©Sep. 14, 1938. Darla sings "Your Broadway And Mine."
173. Men In Fright (supporting role: Darla Hood)
Oct. 15, 1938 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2580 - Our Gang series
Filmed Aug. 15 to 20, 1938. ©Oct. 21, 1938.
174. Football Romeo (supporting role: Darla)
Nov. 12, 1938 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2589 - Our Gang series
Filmed Sep. 19 to 24, 1938. ©Nov. 16, 1938.
175. Practical Jokers (featured role: Darla)
Dec. 17, 1938 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2595 - Our Gang series
Filmed Oct. 24 to 27, 1938. ©Dec. 20, 1938.

1939

177. Tiny Troubles (supporting role)
Feb. 18, 1939 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2606 - Our Gang series
Filmed Jan. 9 to 13, 1939. ©Mar. 1, 1939.
178. Duel Personalities (supporting role: Darla Hood)
Mar. 11, 1939 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2610 - Our Gang series
Filmed Jan. 22 to 26, 1939. ©Mar. 9, 1939.
179. Clown Princes (supporting role: Darla Hood)
Apr. 15, 1939 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2613 - Our Gang series
Filmed Feb. 13 to 17, 1939. ©Apr. 12, 1939.
180. Cousin Wilbur (small part)
Apr. 29, 1939 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2618 - Our Gang series
Filmed Mar. 13 to 17, 1939. ©May 4, 1939.
182. Dog Daze (supporting role)
July 1, 1939 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2631 - Our Gang series
Filmed May 1 to 5, 1939. ©July 13, 1939.
183. Auto Antics (supporting role: Darla)
July 22, 1939 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2632 - Our Gang series
Filmed May 15 to 19, 1939. ©July 26, 1939.
184. Captain Spanky's Show Boat (featured role: Darla)
Sep. 9, 1939 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2640 - Our Gang series
Filmed June 19 to 23, 1939. ©Sep. 6, 1939. Darla sings "Good Evening, Caroline."
186. Time Out For Lessons (supporting role: Darla)
Dec. 2, 1939 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2655 - Our Gang series
Filmed Sep. 25 to 28, 1939. ©Dec. 5, 1939. Darla sings "Swingin' The Jinx Away." Working title: Learn To Play.

1940

187. Alfalfa's Double (supporting role: Darla)
Jan. 20, 1940 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2656 - Our Gang series
Filmed Oct. 2 to 6, 1939. ©Dec. 29, 1939.
189. The Big Premiere (featured role: Darla)
Mar. 9, 1940 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2669 - Our Gang series
Filmed Dec. 11 to 14, 1939. ©Mar. 13, 1940.
190. All About Hash (featured role: Darla)
Mar. 30, 1940 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2674 - Our Gang series
Filmed Jan. 10 to 13, 1940. ©Apr. 5, 1940.
191. The New Pupil (featured role: Darla Hood)
Apr. 27, 1940 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2677 - Our Gang series
Filmed Feb. 7 to 10, 1940. ©Apr. 22, 1940.
188. Bubbling Troubles (supporting role: Darla)
May 25, 1940 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2668 - Our Gang series
Filmed Nov. 8 to 17, 1939. ©May 29, 1940. Working title: In Love Again.
194. Waldo's Last Stand (supporting role: Darla)
Oct. 5, 1940 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2686 - Our Gang series
Filmed Apr. 22 to 25, 1940. ©Oct. 2, 1940. Darla sings "My Wonderful One, Let's Dance."
195. Kiddie Kure (supporting role)
Nov. 23, 1940 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2687 - Our Gang series
Filmed May 27 to 31, 1940. ©Nov. 11, 1940.

1941

198. Ye Olde Minstrels (supporting role: Darla)
Mar. 18, 1941 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2716 - Our Gang series
Filmed Jan. 13 to 16, 1941. ©Mar. 13, 1941. Darla takes part in singing "Carry Me Back To Old Virginny" and "Auld Lang Syne."
201. Robot Wrecks (supporting role)
July 12, 1941 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2732 - Our Gang series
Filmed May 6 to 9, 1941. ©July 15, 1941.
202. Helping Hands (supporting role: Darla)
Sep. 27, 1941 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2744 - Our Gang series
Filmed July 24 to Aug. 1, 1941. ©Oct 5, 1941. Darla sings "He's My Uncle."
199. Come Back, Miss Pipps (featured role: Darla)
Oct. 25, 1941 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2720 - Our Gang series
Filmed Jan. 28 to 31, 1941. ©Oct. 14, 1941.
203. Wedding Worries (supporting role: Darla)
Dec. 13, 1941 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2751 - Our Gang series
Filmed Sep. 29 to Oct. 3, 1941. ©Dec. 22, 1941.

1942

Born To Sing (small part: Quiz Kid)
Feb. 18, 1942 - MGM - 82 min. - feature
Filmed in late 1941. ©Jan. 20, 1942. Starring Virginia Weidler, Ray McDonald, Leo Gorcey, "Rags" Ragland and Douglas McPhail. Working title: Ballad For Americans. Darla sings "Here I Am, Eight Years Old." In an article about Darla, The Sayre Daily Headlight-Journal stated that the film was first released on Jan. 20.
Your Air Raid Warden (undetermined role)
July 25, 1942 - MGM/OCD/AMPAS/20th Century-Fox/WAC - 1 reel - documentary short

1943

Happy Land (role: Lenore Prentiss at age 12)
Nov. 10, 1943 - 20th Century-Fox - 73 min. - feature
©Dec. 3, 1943. Filmed June 1943. Starring Don Ameche, Frances Dee, Harry Carey and Ann Rutherford. This film also includes Dickie Moore in the cast.

1944


1945


1946


1947


1948

Bill And Coo (underscore vocals as member of the Enchanters)
Mar. 28, 1948 - Murray/Republic - 61 min. - Trucolor - Ken Murray feature
©Feb. 17, 1948. Starring George Burton's Birds.
The Street With No Name (underscore vocals as member of the Enchanters)
prem. June 25, 1948 - 20th Centry-Fox - 10 reels - Mark Stevens & Richard Widmark feature
©June 25, 1948.
Texas, Brooklyn & Heaven (underscore vocals as member of the Enchanters)
July 16, 1948 - Golden/UA - 76 min. - Guy Madison & Diana Lynn feature
©Aug. 27, 1948.
Apartment For Peggy (underscore vocals as member of the Enchanters)
prem. Oct. 1, 1948 - 20th Century-Fox - 10 reels - Technicolor - Jeanne Crain & William Holden feature
©Sep. 30, 1948.

1949

A Letter To Three Wives (underscore vocals as member of the Enchanters)
prem. Jan. 20, 1949 - 20th Century-Fox - 11 Reels - feature
©Jan. 20, 1949. Released Feb. 3, 1949. Starring Jeanne Crain, Linda Darnell, and Ann Sothern. The Enchanters provide the vocals for the "Crazy Eddie" radio ad.
Mother Is A Freshman (underscore vocals as member of the Enchanters)
prem. Mar. 12, 1949 - 20th Century-Fox - 8 reels - Technicolor - Loretta Young & Van Johnson feature
©Mar. 8, 1949.
Paul Whiteman's Goodyear Revue series (featured vocalist)
starting Nov. 6, 1949 - ABC - 30 min. - TV series
Darla appeared heading a vocal quartet (The Enchanters), which "audition" for Whiteman. They appeared in two productions: "Valencia" and "Harp Fantasy." This was the debut episode of the series.

1950

The Ken Murray Show episode (appearance)
Jan. 7, 1950 - CBS - 60 min. - TV episode
The Ken Murray Show episode (appearance)
Jan. 21, 1950 - CBS - 60 min. - TV episode>
The Ken Murray Show episode (appearance)
Feb. 4, 1950 - CBS - 60 min. - TV episode
The Ken Murray Show episode (appearance)
Feb. 18, 1950 - CBS - 60 min. - TV episode
The Ken Murray Show episode (appearance)
Mar. 4, 1950 - CBS - 60 min. - TV episode
Darla reportedly sang "Come Away With Me," "Lucille," and "In My Merry Oldsmobile" in this episode.
Nancy Goes To Rio (underscore vocals as member of the Enchanters)
Mar. 10, 1950 - MGM - 100 min. - Technicolor - Jane Powell & Ann Sothern feature
©Jan. 31, 1950 (in notice: 1949). Scotty Beckett is featured in this film.
The Ken Murray Show episode (appearance)
Mar. 18, 1950 - CBS - 60 min. - TV episode
Darla reportedly sang "Cecilia" in this episode.
The Ken Murray Show episode (appearance)
Apr. 1, 1950 - CBS - 60 min. - TV episode
Darla reportedly sang "Rose Of Washington Square" in this episode.
The Ken Murray Show episode (appearance)
Apr. 15, 1950 - CBS - 60 min. - TV episode
The Ken Murray Show episode (appearance)
Apr. 29, 1950 - CBS - 60 min. - TV episode
The Ken Murray Show episode (appearance)
May 13, 1950 - CBS - 60 min. - TV episode
The Ken Murray Show episode (appearance)
May 27, 1950 - CBS - 60 min. - TV episode
"Peggy O'Neil" was the Girl Of The Week production in this episode.
The Ken Murray Show episode (appearance)
June 10, 1950 - CBS - 60 min. - TV episode
Toni Twin Time episode (guest appearance)
June 14, 1950 - CBS - 30 min. - TV episode
Hosted by Jack Lemmon. Darla appeared with The Enchanters.
The Ken Murray Show episode (appearance)
June 24, 1950 - CBS - 60 min. - TV episode
The Ken Murray Show episode (appearance)
Oct. 7, 1950 - CBS - 60 min. - TV episode
The Ken Murray Show episode (appearance)
Oct. 14, 1950 - CBS - 60 min. - TV episode
The Ken Murray Show episode (appearance)
Oct. 21, 1950 - CBS - 60 min. - TV episode
The Ken Murray Show episode (appearance)
Nov. 4, 1950 - CBS - 60 min. - TV episode
"Paddlin' Madeline Home" was the Girl Of The Week production in this episode.
The Ken Murray Show episode (appearance)
Nov. 11, 1950 - CBS - 60 min. - TV episode
The Ken Murray Show episode (appearance)
Nov. 18, 1950 - CBS - 60 min. - TV episode
The Ken Murray Show episode (appearance)
Nov. 25, 1950 - CBS - 60 min. - TV episode
Darla reportedly sang "Mimi" in this episode.
The Ken Murray Show episode (appearance)
Dec. 2, 1950 - CBS - 60 min. - TV episode
The Ken Murray Show episode (appearance)
Dec. 9, 1950 - CBS - 60 min. - TV episode
Darla reportedly sang "The Pocahontas Song" in this episode.
The Ken Murray Show episode (appearance)
Dec. 16, 1950 - CBS - 60 min. - TV episode
The Ken Murray Show episode (appearance)
Dec. 23, 1950 - CBS - 60 min. - TV episode
The Ken Murray Show episode (appearance)
Dec. 30, 1950 - CBS - 60 min. - TV episode

1951

The Ken Murray Show episode (appearance)
Jan. 6, 1951 - CBS - 60 min. - TV episode
Darla reportedly sang "I Miss My Swiss" in this episode.
The Ken Murray Show episode (appearance)
Jan. 13, 1951 - CBS - 60 min. - TV episode
Darla reportedly sang "Kokomo, Indiana" in this episode.
The Ken Murray Show episode (appearance)
Jan. 20, 1951 - CBS - 60 min. - TV episode
The Ken Murray Show episode (appearance)
Jan. 27, 1951 - CBS - 60 min. - TV episode
The Ken Murray Show episode (appearance)
Feb. 3, 1951 - CBS - 60 min. - TV episode
Darla reportedly sang "The Sheik Of Araby" in this episode.
The Ken Murray Show episode (appearance)
Feb. 10, 1951 - CBS - 60 min. - TV episode
The Ken Murray Show episode (appearance)
Feb. 17, 1951 - CBS - 60 min. - TV episode
The Ken Murray Show episode (appearance)
Feb. 24, 1951 - CBS - 60 min. - TV episode
The Ken Murray Show episode (appearance)
Mar. 3, 1951 - CBS - 60 min. - TV episode
The Ken Murray Show episode (appearance)
Mar. 10, 1951 - CBS - 60 min. - TV episode
The Ken Murray Show episode (appearance)
Mar. 17, 1951 - CBS - 60 min. - TV episode
Darla reportedly sang "Peggy O'Neill" in this episode.
The Ken Murray Show episode (appearance)
Mar. 24, 1951 - CBS - 60 min. - TV episode
The Ken Murray Show episode (appearance)
Mar. 31, 1951 - CBS - 60 min. - TV episode
The Ken Murray Show episode (appearance)
Apr. 7, 1951 - CBS - 60 min. - TV episode
The Ken Murray Show episode (appearance)
Apr. 14, 1951 - CBS - 60 min. - TV episode
Darla reportedly sang "Oh Susanna" in this episode.
The Ken Murray Show episode (appearance)
Apr. 21, 1951 - CBS - 60 min. - TV episode
The Ken Murray Show episode (appearance)
Apr. 28, 1951 - CBS - 60 min. - TV episode
The Ken Murray Show episode (appearance)
May 5, 1951 - CBS - 60 min. - TV episode
The Ken Murray Show episode (appearance)
May 12, 1951 - CBS - 60 min. - TV episode
The Ken Murray Show episode (appearance)
May 19, 1951 - CBS - 60 min. - TV episode
The Ken Murray Show episode (appearance)
May 26, 1951 - CBS - 60 min. - TV episode
The Ken Murray Show episode (appearance)
June 2, 1951 - CBS - 60 min. - TV episode
Cavalcade Of Stars (guest appearance)
Sep. 7, 1951 - Drugstore/DuMont - 60 min. - TV episode
Hosted by Jackie Gleason.

1952

Panorama Pacific series (co-host)
1952 - KNXT - 60 min. - TV series
The Spade Cooley Show episode (appearance)
July 26, 1952 -KTLA/PTN - 60 min. - TV episode
The Spade Cooley Show episode (appearance)
Aug. 2, 1952 -KTLA/PTN - 60 min. - TV episode
The Spade Cooley Show episode (appearance)
Aug. 16, 1952 -KTLA/PTN - 60 min. - TV episode
The Independent of Long Beach reported that Darla was "now a regular member of the cast."
The Spade Cooley Show episode (appearance)
Aug. 23, 1952 - KTLA/PTN - 60 min. - TV episode
The Spade Cooley Show episode (appearance)
Aug. 30, 1952 - KTLA/PTN - 60 min. - TV episode

1953


1954

Hollywood Cabaret episode (guest appearance)
Feb. 15, 1954 - KHJ - 30 min. - TV episode
Bandstand Revue episode (guest appearance)
Apr. 25, 1954 - KTLA - 60 min. - TV episode
Jimmy McHugh also appeared.
Bandstand Revue episode (guest appearance)
Sep. 19, 1954 - KTLA - 60 min. - TV episode
Jimmy McHugh also appeared, though it appears Darla wasn't part of his act anymore.

1955

Coke Time (guest appearance)
Mar. 9, 1955 - NBC - 15 min. - TV episode
Starring Eddie Fisher. Darla appeared with Jimmy McHugh and Judy Collins.
Captain Jet And The Little Rascals (guest appearance)
May 31, 1955 - KNXT - 30 min. - TV episode
Local Little Rascals show in Los Angeles.
Art Linkletter's House Party (guest appearance)
Nov. 28, 1955 - CBS - 30 min. - TV episode

1956

The Johnny Carson Show (guest appearance)
Mar. 1, 1956 - CBS - 30 min. - TV episode
Screen Directors Playhouse episode: It's A Most Unusual Day (role: vocalist)
Mar. 14, 1956 - Roach/NBC - prod. 9649 - 29 min. - TV episode
©Mar. 14, 1956. Darla sings "On The Sunny Side Of The Street" and takes part in singing "Comin' In On A Wing And A Prayer." She appeared as part of Jimmy McHugh's act.
Rockin' Rhythm (guest appearance)
July 6, 1956 - KTTV - 60 min. - TV episode
Local program. Full title: Yeakel Bros. Cadillac 4610 Crenshaw, L.A. & 4740 Firestone, So. Gate present Rockin' Rhythm. Darla sings "Little Doggie."

1957

Dress Blues episode (guest appearance)
Mar. 30, 1957 - KNXT - 15 min. - TV episode
Local program in Los Angeles.
Panorama Pacific episode (guest appearance)
Apr. 2, 1957 - 120 min. - TV episode
Local program in Los Angeles.
Calypso Heat Wave (role: Johnny's duet partner)
June 1957 - Clover/Columbia - 86 min. - feature
Filmed Mar./Apr. 1957. ©June 1, 1957. Earliest verified screening: June 6, 1957. Starring Johnny Desmond, Merry Anders, Meg Myles, The Treniers, The Tarriers, The Hi-Lo's, Maya Angelou, Paul Langton and Joel Grey. Working title: Juke Box Jamboree. Darla sings "Jody."
The Arlene Francis Show episode (guest appearance)
Sep. 2, 1957 - NBC - 30 min. - TV episode
The Helen Morgan Story (role: girl singer at piano)
prem. Oct. 2, 1957 - Warner Bros. - 118 min. - CinemaScope - Ann Blyth & Paul Newman feature
Filmed Feb./Mar. 1957. ©Oct. 5, 1957. Released Oct. 5, 1957. Working title: The Jazz Age. Also known as Why Was I Born?

1958


1959

George Jessel's Show episode (guest appearance)
Apr. 4, 1959 - 90 min. - TV episode
Syndicated program.
Manhunt episode: Killer In Blue (undetermined role)
Apr. 15, 1959 - Briskin/Screen Gems - 30 min. - TV episode
Larry Finley's Strictly Informal episode (guest appearance)
May 4, 1959 - KTLA - TV episode
Local late-night program. Probably 90 min. or more.
Larry Finley's Strictly Informal episode (guest appearance)
May 12, 1959 - KTLA - TV episode
Local late-night program. Probably 90 min. or more.
Little Rascals Varieties (archival)
May 5, 1959 - Allied Artists - 63 min. - compilation feature
The Bat (featured role: Judy Hollander)
Aug. 9, 1959 - Liberty/Allied Artists - 80 min. - Vincent Price & Agnes Moorehead feature
Filmed May/June 1959. ©July 21, 1957.
Red Rowe Show episode (guest appearance)
Aug. 19, 1959 - KTLA - 90 min. - TV episode
Local morning program in Los Angeles.
Strictly Informal episode (guest appearance)
Aug. 28, 1959 - KTLA - TV episode
Local late-night program. Probably 90 min. or more.
Midnight Ticker (guest appearance)
Sep. 25, 1959 - WGN-TV- TV episode
This was a local program in Chicago that aired at midnight, so technically it was aired on the 26th.
The Tom Paxton Show (guest appearance)
Oct. 1959 - WKY-TV - 35 min. - TV episode
Local program in Oklahoma City. She appeared on this weekday show either on the 6th or the 7th.
George Jessel's Show episode (guest appearance)
Oct. 24, 1959 - 60 min. - TV episdoe
Syndicated program.

1960

St. Louis Hop episode (guest appearance)
Aug. 27, 1960 - KSD-TV - 60 min. - TV episode
Local St. Louis program.

1961


1962

Tell It To Groucho episode (guest appearance)
Mar. 15, 1962 - Guedel/CBS - 30 min. - TV episode
Also listed as Feb. 8, 1962.
The Jack Benny Program episode: The Story Of My Gang Comedy (guest appearance)
Oct. 30, 1962 - J&M/Revue/CBS - 30 min. - TV episode
©Oct. 30, 1962, as My Gang Comedy. Darla sings "It's A Most Unusual Day."
Art Linkletter's House Party episode (guest appearance)
Nov. 13, 1962 - CBS - 30 min. - TV episode

1963

The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson episode (guest appearance)
May 7, 1963 - NBC - 90 min. - TV episode

1966

Gulliver's Travels Beyond The Moon (featured role: voice of the Princess in English version)
July 23, 1966 - Toei/Continental - 80 min. - Toeiscope - animated feature
This was the English-dubbed version of the Japanese film Garibaa no uchû ryokô, which was released in Japan (without Darla's involvement) on Mar. 20 1965. Reissued as Gulliver Boy.

1967

Girl Talk episode (guest appearance)
Dec. 15, 1967 - WBNS - 30 min. - TV episode
Syndicated program hosted by Virginia Graham.

1968


1969

The Dennis Wholey Show episode (guest appearance)
Sep. 17, 1969 - 90 min. - TV episode
Syndicated program.

1970

Airport (ADR work)
prem. Mar. 5, 1970 - Hunter/Universal - 137 min. - Technicolor - Todd-AO - Burt Lancaster & Dean Martin feature
Also starring Jean Seberg, Jacqueline Bisset, George Kennedy, Helen Hayes, Van Heflin, Maureen Stapleton, Barry Nelson, Lloyd Nolan, Dana Wynter and Barbara Hale.

1971


1972

Kennedy At Night episode (guest appearance)
Feb. 28, 1972 - WLS-TV - 60 min. - TV episode
Local late-night Chicago program. Also appearing was Spanky McFarland.

1973

The Mike Douglas Show episode (guest appearance)
Nov. 8, 1973 - Douglas/Westinghouse 60 min. - TV episode
Syndicated program. Also featuring Spanky McFarland, Robert Klein and Yoko Ono.

1974

Easter Is (small part: voice of Karen)
1974 - Lutheran Television/Screen Images - 30 min. - animated TV special
Tomorrow episode: The Little Rascals (guest appearance)
Nov. 12, 1974 - NBC - 60 min. - TV episode
Hosted by Tom Snyder. Also featuring Stymie Beard, Spanky McFarland, and Buckwheat Thomas.
The Moviemakers episode (guest appearance)
Nov. 30, 1974 - KBSC - 30 min. - TV episode
Local program in Los Angeles.
The Towering Inferno (ADR work)
prem. Dec. 14, 1974 - Allen/Warner Bros./20th Century-Fox - 165 min. -Technicolor - Panavision - feature
Starring Steve McQueen, Paul Newman, William Holden and Faye Dunaway.

1975

Gallery episode: Whatever Became Of Hollywood? (appearance)
Jan. 3, 1975 - CBC - 30 min. - TV episode
Made in Canada. Stymie Beard also appeared on this program.

1976

Yesterday's Witness In America episode: Babes In Hollywood (appearance)
Sep. 27, 1976 - BBC - 50 min. - TV episode

1977


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 "Divot Diggers," "Second Childhood," "Bored Of Education," "Reunion In Rhythm," "Hearts Are Thumps," "Framing Youth," "The Pigskin Palooka," "Mail And Female," "Our Gang Follies Of 1938" and "Three Men In A Tub."

1979

The Little Rascals' Christmas Special (supporting role: voice of Mom)
Dec. 3, 1979 - King World/Muller-Rosen/Murakami-Wolf-Swenson/NBC - 30 min. - animated TV special
Credited as Darla Hood Granson. Production on this special began by the end of May 1979.

1980


1982

Hollywood: The Gift Of Laughter (archival)
May 16, 1982 - Wolper/Haley/MPA/ABC - 135 min. - TV movie
Includes footage from "Hearts Are Thumps" and "The Big Premiere."

1983


1984

Our Gang: Inside The Clubhouse (interview appearance/archival)
May 8, 1984 - Lang/Camellia City Telecasters - 93 mins. - TV documentary
Includes footage from "Our Gang Follies Of 1936," "The Pinch Singer," "Bored Of Education," "Night 'N' Gales," "Framing Youth," "Three Men In A Tub," "The Little Ranger," "The Big Premiere," "Kiddie Kure" and "Ye Olde Minstrels."
Alfalfa Lives! An Our Gang Spectacular (archival)
May 13, 1984 - 120 min. - TV special
Going Hollywood: The '30s (archival)
1984 - Castle Hill - 76 min. - TV documentary

1986

Classic Comedy Teams (archival)
1986 - Bergamn-Harris/Movietime/GoodTimes - 108 min. - video
Includes footage from "Our Gang Follies Of 1938."

1987


1988

Hollywood Scandals And Tragedies (archival)
1988 - Gorgon - 87 min. - video documentary
Includes footage from "Our Gang Follies Of 1938."

1989


1994

Hal Roach: Hollywood's King Of Laughter (appearance/archival)
Apr. 7, 1994 - RHI/Disney Channel - 49 min. - TV documentary
Includes footage from "Divot Diggers" and "Our Gang Follies Of 1938."
The Our Gang Story (archival)
1994 - Film Shows/GoodTimes - 120 min. - video documentary
Includes footage from "Our Gang Follies Of 1936," "The Pinch Singer," "Fox Movietone News," "Reunion In Rhythm," second "News Of The Day" clip, "Our Gang Follies Of 1938," "Waldo's Last Stand" and "The Bat."

1995


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." Includes footage from "News Of The Day" with Vittorio Mussolini.

1999

Laugh? I Thought I'd Die! (archival)
1999 - Reader's Digest - 112 min. - video compilation
Includes footage from "Hearts Are Thumps."

2002

8th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards (archival)
Mar. 10, 2002 - Margolis-SAG/TNT - 120 min. - TV special
E! True Hollywood Story episode: Curse Of The Little Rascals (archival)
Nov. 24, 2002 - E! Entertainment Television - 60 min. - TV documentary

2013


2014


2018


Darla Hood's payroll history

The following is a list of some of Darla's history at the Roach studio, with the amounts she 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. However, my research on this matter ends with 1936, so there's little more than a year's worth of data here.

The last time I researched the payroll ledgers, I was going through the 1936 ledger, which starts at the end of the year and works its way back. Unfortunately, time was up on my last day before I got to the beginning weeks of the year, so for the time being, they are missing from this list. It was during this time that Second Childhood was filmed.


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


© Robert Demoss and Matthew Lydick.

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