Allen "Farina" Hoskins

This filmography was made in collaboration with Matthew Lydick.

full name: Allen Clayton Hoskins
childhood nickname: Sonny Boy aka Sonny
professional nickname: Farina
adult nickname: Al
born Aug. 9, 1920, in Boston, MA
died July 26, 1980, in Oakland, CA, of cancer

Special note: Farina's full name is often given as Allen Clayton Hoskins, Jr., but this seems unlikely since his father was named Clayton H. Hoskins.

1922

It was sometime during the week ending Mar. 11th of this year that Allen Hoskins did his first film work, which was with the recently-inaugurated Our Gang series. His onscreen name "Farina" was coined by title writer H.M. Walker, who found him as chubby and agreeable as breakfast mush. He worked as a day player under being signed to his first long-term contract during the week ending Sep. 23rd, making 45 dollars a week.

4. One Terrible Day (supporting role: Farina)
Sep. 10, 1922 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-4 - Our Gang series
Filmed May 22 to June 10, 1922. ©Oct. 9, 1922.
2. Fire Fighters (supporting role)
Oct. 8, 1922 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-2 - Our Gang series
Filmed Feb. 27 to Apr. 1, 1922. ©Oct. 9, 1922.
3. Young Sherlocks (featured role)
Nov. 26, 1922 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-3 - Our Gang series
Filmed Apr. 3 to 8, and Apr. 24 to May 20, 1922. ©Nov. 11, 1922.
6. Saturday Morning (supporting role: Maple)
Dec. 3, 1922 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-6 - Our Gang series
Filmed July 8 to 25, 1922. ©Nov. 11, 1922.
Screen Snapshots Series 3, No. 16 (presumed appearance)
Dec. 31, 1922 - C. B. C. Film Sales Corp. - 1 reel - Screen Snapshots series
©Dec. 8, 1922. Director Robert F. McGowan and the Our Gang cast are listed for this film, but cast members are not specified.

1923

Farina's salary was increased to 60 dollars a week on Mar. 18th of this year. A new contract signed on Aug. 27th increased his salary to 70 dollars a week.

9. The Champeen! (supporting role)
Jan. 28, 1923 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-9 - Our Gang series
Filmed late August/September 1922. ©Dec. 16, 1922.
8. The Cobbler (featured role: Farina)
Feb. 18, 1923 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-8 - Our Gang series
Filmed late August, and perhaps September, 1922. ©Feb. 26, 1923.
7. The Big Show! (featured role: Farina)
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 (featured role: Farina)
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 (supporting 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: Farina)
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 (featured role: Farina)
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! (featured role: Farina)
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: Farina)
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: Farina)
Aug. 26, 1923 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-18 - Our Gang series
Filmed Mar. 11, Apr. 12 to May 2, and May 31, 1923. ©Aug. 2, 1923.
20. No Noise (featured role: Farina)
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 (supporting 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: Farina)
Nov. 18, 1923 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-21 - Our Gang series
Filmed July 18 to Aug. 13, 1923. ©Nov. 9, 1923.
19. Sunday Calm (supporting role: Farina)
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

Farina received two salary increases during this year, first to 85 dollars in the spring and then to 100 dollars in the fall.

22. Tire Trouble (featured role)
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: Farina)
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: Farina)
Mar. 9, 1924 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-24 - Our Gang series
Filmed Sep. 28 to Oct. 24, and Oct. 28, 1923. ©Feb. 20, 1924.
25. Seein' Things (lead role: Farina)
Apr. 6, 1924 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-25 - Our Gang series
Filmed Oct. 25 to Nov. 7, and Dec. 19, 1923, and Jan. 7, 1924. ©May 12, 1924.
26. Commencement Day (supporting role: Farina)
May 4, 1924 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-26 - Our Gang series
Filmed Nov. 9 to Dec. 6, 1923, Jan. 7 to 11, and Jan. 26, 1924. ©May 12, 1924.
28. Cradle Robbers (supporting role)
June 1, 1924 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-28 - Our Gang series
Filmed Jan. 28 to Feb. 9, 1924. ©May 12, 1924.
29. Jubilo, Jr. (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 (supporting role)
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.
30. High Society (featured role)
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: Farina)
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: Farina)
Oct. 19, 1924 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-32 - Our Gang series
Filmed June 2 to 12, 1924. ©Oct. 2, 1924.
16. Fast Company (supporting role: Farina)
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: Farina)
Dec. 14, 1924 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-33 - Our Gang series
Filmed June 30 to July 19, 1924, with retakes Sep. 9 and 12, 1924, and added scenes Sep. 13 and 15, 1924. ©Dec. 11, 1924.

1925

In the fall of this year, Farina's salary was increased to 125 dollars a week. Also during this year, a song called "Lil' Farina (Ev'rybody Loves You)" was published by the Alvano Mier Music Publishing Company in New York, with lyrics by Harrison G. Smith and music by Alvano Mier. This song appeared, either this year or the next, on OKeh Record No. 40646, where it was sung as a duet by Al Campbell and Jack Kaufman, with piano accompaniment by Jack Glogan. On October 24th, C.H. Hoskins, Farina's father, wrote a letter to Roach studio general manager Warren Doane, demanding $10 a week from the $125 Farina was currently earning. Apparently, Mr. Hoskins was sick and unable to work, and Mrs. Hoskins wasn't helping him out. Mr. Hoskins threatened to remove Farina from the Our Gang series if his demand wasn't met and was ready to file suit against the studio if necessary. On November 9th, Doane wrote a letter to Benjamin W. Shipman, the lawyer representing Mr. Hoskins, denying this request. In his response, he cited the contract signed by Mrs. Hoskins and her current legal case to gain sole guardianship over her children (which, perhaps, was prompted by her husband's demands). Indeed, it had been reported in the press as early as Oct. 26th that Mrs. Hoskins had filed for divorce. Both Farina and his sister would testify to corroborate their mother's accusation of cruelty.

34. The Big Town (featured role: Farina)
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 (supporting role: Farina)
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 (supporting role: Farina)
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: Farina)
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)
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)
May 31, 1925 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-38 - Our Gang series
Probably filmed in early Jan. 1925. ©Apr. 2, 1925.
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 Farina)
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 (lead role: Farina)
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 (featured role: Farina)
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 (lead role: Farina)
Dec. 6, 1925 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. K-3 - Our Gang series
Filmed July 30 to Aug. 4, 1925. ©Nov. 6, 1925.

1926

Farina's parents were divorced during this year (by July at the latest), after having been separated for an extended period. On May 26th, a new contract was signed, giving Farina a salary of 150 dollars a week. In the fall, this was raised to 200 dollars.

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 (featured role: Farina)
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 (lead role: Farina)
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 (supporting role)
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 (supporting role: Farina)
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 (featured 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: Farina)
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)
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: Farina)
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: Farina)
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

The Oakland Tribune of July 10th of this year reported that the Our Gang kids would soon make a personal appearance in that city to perform for some orphans. During the fall, Farina's salary was raised to 250 dollars a week.

57. Bring Home The Turkey (featured role: Farina)
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 (featured role: Farina)
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 (featured role: Farina)
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 (lead role: Farina)
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 (supporting role: Farina)
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 (featured role)
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: Farina)
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 (featured role: Farina)
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)
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)
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 (lead 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 (supporting role)
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

On June 30th, Farina and his sister Jannie took part in a benefit at the Shrine Auditorium called the Negro Musical Review. This was part of a national convention held by the NAACP, and promoted racial equality in the U.S. During the fall, Farina's salary was raised to 300 dollars a week. From August to October, the Our Gang kids traveled throughout the country on a personal appearance tour. In August, Farina visited the offices of the Chicago Defender, which had, over the years, run the Bud Billiken Club, of which Farina was a member. This club promoted harmony between the races, in addition to overall good citizenship, and had members of all races. In October, the Gang stayed at the Park Central Hotel in New York after the Roosevelt Hotel refused to accommodate the black members of the entourage, which meant Farina, his mother, and his personal manager.

65. Playin' Hookey (supporting role: Farina)
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 (lead role: Farina)
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)
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 (lead role: Farina)
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: Farina
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)
June 2, 1928 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-10 - Our Gang series
Filmed Feb. 10 to 24, 1928. ©May 16, 1928.
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: Farina)
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

During this year, Farina and his fellow Gangsters were featured in a picture book called A Story Of Our Gang, written by Eleanor Lewis Packer. In her book Our Gang, Julia Lee reveals that the May 26th issue of the San Diego Union described a trailer made by MGM for the National Spanish Exposition in Barcelona. The short film included a cameo by Farina. A new contract was signed on July 1st, but it didn't result in a salary increase for Farina. This put to rest a rumor that was circulating that Farina was leaving the series.

81. Election Day (lead role: Farina)
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 (supporting role)
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 (supporting role)
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 (small part)
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 (lead 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)
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 (small part)
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: Farina)
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 (lead role: Farina)
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)
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. (supporting role)
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.
93. Bouncing Babies (small part: Farina)
Oct. 12, 1929 - Roach/MGM - talkie - 2 reels - prod. G-27 - Our Gang series
Filmed July 5 to 15, 1929. ©Sep. 23, 1929.
88. Saturday's Lesson (featured role)
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.
94. Moan & Groan, Inc. (featured role: Farina)
Dec. 7, 1929 - Roach/MGM - talkie - 2 reels - prod. G-28 - Our Gang series
Filmed Sep. 3 to 14, 1929. ©Dec. 2, 1929.

1930

On Jan. 27th of this year, the stars of Hal Roach Studios, including the Our Gang kids, were featured in a special edition of the radio program "Voices From Filmland" on CBS. During the fall, Farina's salary was raised to 350 dollars a week.

95. Shivering Shakespeare (featured role)
Jan. 25, 1930 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-29 - Our Gang series
Filmed Sep. 30 to Oct. 12, 1929. ©Dec. 17, 1929.
96. The First Seven Years (supporting role)
Mar. 1, 1930 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-30 - Our Gang series
Filmed Oct. 28 to Nov. 16, 1929. ©Jan. 20, 1930. Also filmed in Spanish as Los pequenos papas.
97. When The Wind Blows (supporting role: Farina)
Apr. 5, 1930 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-31 - Our Gang series
Filmed Nov. 29 to Dec. 10, 1929. ©Feb. 10, 1930. Also filmed in Spanish as Las fantasmas.
98. Bear Shooters (featured role: Farina)
May 17, 1930 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-32 - Our Gang series
Filmed Dec. 19, 1929, to Jan. 4, 1930, and Jan. 21, 1930. Also filmed in Spanish as Los cazadores de osos, as well as in French.
99. A Tough Winter (featured role: Farina)
June 21, 1930 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-33 - Our Gang series
Filmed Jan. 27 to Feb. 15, 1930. ©Apr. 14, 1930. Also filmed in German as Winter Wetter and in French as Semps d'hiver.
100. Pups Is Pups (featured role: Farina)
Aug. 30, 1930 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-34 - Our Gang series
Filmed Apr. 21 to May 9, 1930. ©July 2, 1930. Added to the National Film Registry on Dec. 28, 2004.
101. Teacher's Pet (supporting role: Farina)
Oct. 11, 1930 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-35 - Our Gang series
Filmed May 21 to 29, 1930. ©Nov. 24, 1930. Also made as Spanish version entitled Comenzo la escuela, which used the English original with full-frame cut-in titles, but wasn't accepted by MGM for release in this format.
102. School's Out (featured role: Farina)
Nov. 22, 1930 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-36 - Our Gang series
Filmed June 17 to 25, 1930.

1931

All good things must come to an end, even if it means the departure from Our Gang of its most popular member, Farina, in March of this year. At this point, he had been in the series longer than any other kid, and ultimately, his total number of appearances would stand as the record among Our Gang kids. The June issue of Photoplay included a farewell tribute to him. A June 7th article in the Albuquerque Journal states that a proposed act featuring Farina and his sister Jannie (billed as Mango) was recently pitched to New York vaudeville agents. The Northwest Enterprise of Dec. 17th relates that they had recently played the Stern Bros. Youngster's Theatre in New York.

103. Helping Grandma (supporting role)
Jan. 3, 1931 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-37 - Our Gang series
Filmed July 28 to Aug. 6, 1930. ©Oct. 1, 1930.
104. Love Business (small part)
Feb. 14, 1931 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-38 - Our Gang series
Filmed Sep. 3 to 15, 1930, with retakes Sep. 20, 1930. ©Oct. 26, 1930.
105. Little Daddy (featured role: Farina)
Mar. 28, 1931 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-39 - Our Gang series
Filmed Oct. 30 to Nov. 13, 1930. ©Feb. 6, 1931.
The Stolen Jools (small part)
Apr. 4, 1931 - Masquers Club/National Variety Artists/Paramount - 2 reels
The Our Gang kids are among the multitude of stars featured in this short.
106. Bargain Day (supporting role: Farina)
May 2, 1931 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-40 - Our Gang series
Filmed Dec. 14 to 23, 1930, with retakes Jan. 26 to Feb. 2, 1931. ©Mar. 23, 1931.
107. Fly My Kite (supporting role: Farina)
May 30, 1931 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-41 - Our Gang series
Filmed Mar. 2 to 14, 1931. ©May 7, 1931.

1932

Around this time, it was reported that Farina was singing bass in his local church choir. This would have to be, however, in between touring dates. During his latest tour, he stopped in Toronto, debuting there on Feb. 12th. The Toronto Star gave a few details, including the fact that Montreal had been their previous stop, and that sister Jannie did a dance routine as part of the act. Farina sang two songs, "Home (Where Shadows Fall)" and "Save The Last Dance For Me." On Apr. 24th, The Daily Capital News and Post-Tribune of Jefferson City, MO, announced Farina's performance that day in their city. It appears that this act was short-lived, as Farina was back in Hollywood by the end of the year, finding occasional small parts in features. It's also apparent that his professional life was on an occasional basis, since around this time he started attending William McKinley Junior High in Los Angeles.

The Voice Of Hollywood (appearance as host)
Jan. 17, 1932 - Lewyn/Tiffany - 1 reel
This was No. 13 in the Second Series.
You Said A Mouthful (supporting role: Sam Wellington aka Poor Sam)
Dec. 8, 1932 - First National/Warner Bros. - 7 reels - Joe E. Brown feature
©Dec. 8, 1932.

1933

120. Fish Hooky (small part: Farina)
Jan. 28, 1933 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-13 - Our Gang series
Filmed Oct. 17 to 22, 1932. ©Jan. 16, 1933.
The Life Of Jimmy Dolan (supporting role: Sam)
Jun. 3, 1933 - Warner Bros. - 9 reels - Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. & Loretta Young feature
©June 12, 1933.
The Mayor Of Hell (supporting role: Smoke)
Jun. 3, 1933 - Warner Bros. - 9 reels - James Cagney feature
©July 1, 1933.

1934

A news item from Jan. 8th of this year mentions a 20th anniversary party for Hal Roach Studios, which was to include Farina on its guest list.

1935

A Hal Roach Studios press release from Sep. 25th of this year states that Farina was currently doing radio, stage and screen work. Around this time, he started attending Thomas Jefferson High School in Los Angeles.

Reckless (small role: Gold Dust)
Apr. 19, 1935 - MGM - 10 reels - Jean Harlow & William Powell feature
©Apr. 16, 1935.

1936

A Hal Roach Studios press release from this year states that Farina had recently returned from a vaudeville tour. On July 18th of this year, Farina was present at Hal Roach Studios for the 15th anniversary celebration of Our Gang, posing for several photos with his fellow Gangsters.

Fox Movietone News (appearance)
1936 - Fox - 1 reel - newsreel
Our Gang's fifteenth anniversary is featured in a Hollywood Spotlight segment with Jimmie Fidler.
The Gorgeous Hussy (role: pageboy at ball)
Aug. 28, 1936 - MGM - 10 reels
©Sep. 1, 1936. Starring Joan Crawford, Robert Taylor, Lionel Barrymore, and James Stewart.
Winterset (bit part: Hambone)
Dec. 3, 1936 - RKO - 8 reels
©Dec. 3, 1936. Farina's involvement is according to IMDB. Starring Burgess Meredith and Margo.
After The Thin Man (role: Screwy)
Dec. 25, 1936 - MGM - 10 reels - Thin Man feature
©Dec. 21, 1936. Starring William Powell and Myrna Loy.

1937

A Hal Roach Studios press release from this year states that Farina was still in vaudeville, doing his "song and dance act" with his sister.

1940

In August of this year, Hoskins volunteered to serve in the Army.

1941

During this year, Pvt. Allen Hoskins was stationed at the Presidio in Monterey, CA, where he was tracked down by a reporter, resulting in a newspaper story in the Altoona Mirror on June 18th.

1942

A rumor circulated during this year that Pvt. Hoskins had been killed in action while stationed in Australia.

1945

By this time, Hoskins had become a sergeant in the Air Corps. By his last day of service, he was stationed at Fort Roach, as the Roach studio was called while commandeered by the military during WWII. By this time, he had seen action in the Pacific five times and had received a presidential citation. He was, at the time, planning to write and produce for the stage, and had written a musical while stationed in Australia. After the war ended, Hoskins went on various auditions before looking for other ways to make a living. There's also some indication that he majored in drama in college, and that this was after the war. Sources vary between Los Angeles City College and Los Angeles Community College as the location.

1950

The Amos 'N' Andy TV series was first filmed during this year. Farina had returned to the Roach studio to unsuccessfully audition for the series, though the auditions went as far back as 1946. It might be that the audition took place in 1949, as Farina indicated in the 1953 "You Asked For It" episode that he left show business about four years earlier.

1952

Hoskins' days of auditioning seem to have come to a permanent end during this year when he was called before the House Un-American Activities Commmittee. As a teenager, he had attended dances sponsored by the Young Communist League and the Socialist Workers Party, and this revelation led to him being blacklisted in Hollywood. Not that it made any tangible difference to his career, since he wasn't finding any work anyway. After this, he found various regular jobs, such as washing dishes and painting houses.

1953

You Asked For It episode (appearance)
Jul. 27, 1953 - ABC - 30 min. - TV episode
Hosted by Art Baker. The silent era Our Gang kids are reunited, along with Bob McGowan, Art Lloyd and Fern Carter.

1955

Though Hoskins didn't take part in the TV Guide reunion from this year, the article mentioned that he was "touring with his own review." Sometime during the 1950s, he entered the field of rehabilitation. A plaque dedicated to him years later stated that he was in this field for 25 years, which would make 1955 the starting point.

1959

Take A Good Look episode (appearance)
Oct. 22, 1959 - Mansfield-Arnell/ABC - 30 min. - TV episode
Hosted by Ernie Kovacs. Farina appeared along with Jean Darling, Jay R. Smith, Jack Davis, Sherwood Bailey and Johnny Downs.

1963

By this time, Hoskins was the Sheltered Workshop Director at Sonoma State Hospital in Edridge, CA. He had probably been at this place for the last several years, but this is the earliest point of verification. In his spare time, he also became a youth advocate in his neighborhood of South Park in Santa Rosa.

1965

During this year, Hoskins left Sonoma State Hospital and moved his family to Hayward, CA, where he got a position as Sheltered Workshop Director at the Hayward Retarded Children's Center on Walpert St., part of the Association for Retarded Children of Southern Alameda County. As an advocate for disabled people, he was often written about in the local newspapers, without mention of his illustrious past.

1968

An article in the Oakland Tribune reveals that Hoskins was President of the Bay Area Association of Rehabilitation Workshops, which sought manufacturing contracts for their network of workshops, which employed people with various physical and mental disabilities.

1969

In February of this year, Hoskins was chosen to be Director of the 10th Annual Conference on Rehabilitation Workshops. He was, by this point, director of the Hayward Retarded Children's Center.

1975

On Feb. 16th of this year, Farina was inducted into the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame in a ceremony held at the Paramount Theatre in Oakland, CA. It was reported that Hoskins was still working in the rehabilitation field, in addition to writing an autobiography and a radio series, and heading his own company for creative projects called ALFRAN.

1976

On March 24th of this year, the Oakland Tribune reported that Hoskins was using his free time advising young actors on how to learn their craft at a local nonprofit group, the Experimental Group Young People's Theatre Co.

It's Showtime (archival)
April 1976 - Weintraub-Heller/UA - 85 min. - compilation feature
Includes footage from "Monkey Business."

1979

Hoskins at this point was Public Information Officer for the Alameda County Chapter of the Association for Retarded Children.

1980

After contracting cancer, Hoskins passed away on July 26th of this year, at the age of 59.

Rascal Dazzle (archival)
1980 - King World/Picture Scores - documentary feature
Includes footage from "Shivering Shakespare," "The First Seven Years," "When The Wind Blows," "Pups Is Pups," "Teacher's Pet," "Helping Grandma," "Love Business" and "Fish Hooky."

1984

On October 25th of this year, a new ARC building was dedicated to Hoskins' memory, in recognition of his significant contributions to aiding the developmentally disabled.

Our Gang: Inside The Clubhouse (archival)
1984 - Lang/Camellia City Telecasters - 93 mins. - TV documentary
Includes footage from "The Champeen!" "The Big Show," "The Sun Down Limited," "Thundering Fleas," "Boxing Gloves," "Bouncing Babies," "Shivering Shakespeare," "The First Seven Years," "Teacher's Pet," "School's Out," "Helping Grandma," "Love Business," "Bargain Day" and "Fish Hooky."

1986

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

1994

The Our Gang Story (archival)
1994 - Film Shows/GoodTimes - 120 min. - video documentary
Includes footage from "Fire Fighters," "The Champeen!" "Giants Vs. Yanks," "Dogs Of War!" "The Sun Down Limited," "Monkey Business," "Shivering Spooks," "The First Seven Years," "Bear Shooters," "School's Out," "The Stolen Jools," and "Fly My Kite."

2000

Bamboozled (archival)
Oct. 20, 2000 - 40 Acres/New Line - 135 min. - color - Dolby
Includes footage from "School's Out."

2002

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

Farina Hoskins' payroll history

The following is a list of most of Farina'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.

It was in March 1922 that we first encounter Farina in the payroll ledgers.

After this, Farina was absent from the studio for at least one week.

With his work on "Fire Fighters" finished, Farina was again absent for at least one week.

Production A3 seems to have run into problems, since it stopped shooting for two weeks. Farina is absent from the ledger during the interim.

Because Farina was absent from the fifth Our Gang film, "A Quiet Street," he doesn't appear in the ledger for about a month. However, there was a check for 7.50 made out to F. Hoskins during the week ending June 24th. This might have been Farina, but it could just have easily been his mother Florence, since both are routinely listed in the ledgers as F. Hoskins. If it was Farina, then he either appeared in "A Quiet Street" without turning up in any available prints, or he appeared in "Newly Rich" with Snub Pollard, "The Green Cat" with Snub Pollard, "Bone Dry" with Paul Parrott, or "Dr. Jack" with Harold Lloyd. Or his mother did. Adding to the confusion is the name just below this, which is Mrs. A. Hoskins making 5.00. If it wasn't the initial, this might be Farina's mother, but it might be some other relative.

There were no ledger sheets for the week ending Jan. 2nd, due to the studio being closed, but Farina was still paid his $125.

For four weeks during July, the studio was closed for summer vacation, resulting in a lower rate for Farina, though he did get the extra 150.00 the week before the hiatus.

The payroll ledger for 1927 has gone missing, so we've got a year-long gap on this list. There are, however, payroll summaries that have survived, which verify that Farina made his $200 a week well into 1927. While his salary was being adjusted, he made 208.33 for the week ending Aug. 27th, and then starting the week ending Sep. 3rd, his salary was raised to 250.00. By the time 1928 arrived, the Kid Co. had become the Gang Co.

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

The studio was closed for the week ending July 19th, and Farina went without a paycheck. However, he was paid extra the following week.

Much of the week ending Dec. 20th and the entirety of the week ending Dec. 27th are missing from the payroll ledger, but the payroll summaries verify that Farina continued making his salary (though they don't have the increase from 300.00 to 350.00).

At this point, Farina was retired from the Our Gang series. He would, though, after about a year and a half, return for a reunion episode.

© Robert Demoss and Matthew Lydick.

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