name: Robert E. Hutchins
childhood nickname: Bobby
professional nickname: Wheezer
adult nickname: Bob
born Mar. 29, 1925, in Tacoma, WA
died May 17, 1945, near Merced, CA, in airplane crash
1927
- At some point, probably prior to 1927, Bobby's family relocated to Los Angeles. Impressed by the boy's personality, friends persuaded Bobby's parents to take their child to a
Hollywood photographer, who in turn, was impressed enough to shoot some motion picture film of him. As the story goes, this film was screened at the Roach studio, leading to Bobby's contract
with the Our Gang series. However, The Motion Picture Almanac of 1929 states that Bobby previously had a small part in the Buster Brown series produced by the Stern Brothers. So
perhaps both studios viewed the film, or only one of them did. In any event, his encounter with the Stern Brothers was very brief, as the same source gives his age at the time as 21 months, which
places it pretty firmly in January of 1927.
- In mid-February, Bobby started working with the Our Gang series.
- On March 29th, Bobby was signed to a five-year contract, effective Apr. 4, 1927, to Apr. 3, 1928 (with renewal options), and starting at $50 a week. He was given the nickname
"Wheezer" because he was making a wheezing sound from being so excited on his first day at the studio. Nevertheless, around the studio, he was generally referred to as Bobby.
- On May 16th, Wheezer's salary was raised to $75 a week.
- On July 10th, the Oakland Tribune (CA) reported that the Our Gang kids would soon make a personal appearance in that city to perform for some orphans.
- On August 16th, Wheezer's salary was increased to $100 a week.
- Around this time, the Our Gang kids, as well as Laurel & Hardy, were sent to the TeeVee studio to do an experimental broadcast.
- 61. Baby Brother (supporting role: Horatio)
- June 26, 1927 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. K-19 - Our Gang series
- Filmed Feb. 17 to Mar. 14, 1927. ©May 18, 1927.
- 63. Olympic Games (featured role: Wheezer)
- 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 (small part)
- Sep. 24, 1927 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-1 - Our Gang series
- Filmed June 13 to 24, 1927. ©Aug. 17, 1927.
- The Lighter That Failed (small part)
- Oct. 1, 1927 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. C-1 - Charley Chase series
- Filmed June 17 to 24, 1927. ©Oct. 12, 1927. There is some question about whether or not Wheezer actually appeared in this film. Lord Heath's site, which contains
vidcaps of the various players, lacks one for Wheezer and puts a question mark next to his name. However, the Standard Casting Directory includes Bobby Hutchins on their list of
the main players in the film.
- 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 (small part)
- 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 (small part)
- 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.
- Assistant Wives (small part: Little Rathbone)
- Dec. 4, 1927 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. B-23 - Charley Chase series
- Also listed as Dec. 12, 1927. Filmed May 4 to 17, 1927. ©Sep. 2, 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 March 24th of this year, 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.
- On May 16th, Wheezer's salary was increased to $150 a week.
- Sometime during the summer, 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. About Wheezer, she had this to say: "After the pictures were taken,
'Wheezer' was engrossed in a golf lesson - you remember 'Wheezer,' the smallest boy who drove the run-a-way automobile with such glee, to the terrified consternation of
the rest of the 'Gang' in a recent film."
- On August 14th, 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.
- Also on August 14th, 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."
- On August 15th, 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...Mayor Clyde Tingley introduced 'Our Gang' and (director of publicity) Mr.
(Ray) 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."
- On August 16th, 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."
- Also on August 16th, 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." The first was Wheezer, who was
"said to be the youngest comedy star on the screen. Wheezer was taken from his mother's arms, and smiled at the sea of faces."
- Also on August 16th, 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.
- On August 17th, the Kansas City Post reported the following: "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."
- Also on August 17th, 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...Mary Ann Jackson, Jean Darling, and Wheezer, the younger gang members, stayed close beside their chaperones." On August 19th, this same paper corrected
themselves, stating that the party took place at the Morrison Hotel.
- On August 18th, 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."
- On August 20th, the Chicago Daily Tribune had this say about 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."
- On August 24th, The St. Joseph News-Press (IL) reported the following: "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."
- On August 25th, the Gang arrived in Detroit in the morning, and did their first performances at the Michigan Theater that day.
- On August 26th, The Detroit Free Press reported the following: "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."
- On August 27th, The Detroit Free Press reported the following 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."
- Also on August 27th, 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.
- Also on August 27th, The Detroit Free Press reported the following: "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 suspicious. 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.
- Also on August 27th, The Detroit Free Press had this to say about 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."
- On August 28th, The Detroit Free Press reported the following: "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."
- On August 30th, The Detroit Free Press reported the following: "Yesterday Wheezer developed something new. He decided that he should clean up the stage while appearing before
the audience. So he proceeds to pick up bits of paper, a pin, etc. Then he decided it was his duty as the 'general on the white steed' to gather up the wooden guns the other kids dropped.
His efforts to untangle himself and the guns made the audience roar - and the director tear his hair."
- On September 1st, 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.
- Also on September 1st, 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.
- On September 2nd, the Cleveland Plain Dealer published an article about Our Gang, which can be accessed by clicking
here.
- Also on September 2nd, the Muskogee Daily Phoenix (OK) reported the following: "'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."
- On September 5th, International News Service reported the following 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 Beam as saying that Drummond had "agreed to appear for arraignment before a justice of the peace today."
- On September 7th, 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 Wheezer: "Small Wheezer, who happens to be this department's particular pet, sat where we could hear
his conversation and watch his gestures. He brought a little toy airplane to the table with him and played with it throughout the meal; this is, when he wasn't waving to Mr. Spitalny in the
balcony above, who was having his orchestra play such musical juvenalia as 'London Bridge is Falling Down,' 'Farmer in the Dell,' and finally, 'Hail, Hail, the Gang's All
Here.'"
- On September 8th, 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."
- On September 14th, the Cleveland Plain Dealer (OH) reported the following: "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."
- On September 15th, the Daily News of New York reported the following: "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."
- On September 19th, the Standard Union of Brooklyn reported the following about 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...They'll be in Brooklyn next week, incidentally, at Loew's Metropolitan."
- Also on September 19th, 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.
- On September 21st, 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." Herbert Hoover and Al Smith, incidentally, were the two major party presidential candidates in
the current election, which was ultimately won by Hoover.
- On September 23rd, 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.
- On Septebmer 24th, The Brooklyn Citizen published an article on the Gang's arrival in Brooklyn, which can be accessed by clicking
here.
- Also on September 24th, the Standard Union of Brooklyn reported the following: "'Wheezer,' who is about two and a half feet tall, tow headed and entirely serene, gives
you a gracious smile and 'How do you do?'." 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..."
- Also on September 24th, the Cleveland Plain Dealer (OH) reported the following: "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..."
- Also on September 24th, The Boston Globe (MA) 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 Wheezer, along with Mary Ann, was too young to have started school as yet.
- On September 25th, The Brooklyn Citizen reported the following: "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."
- On September 26th, 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."
- Also on September 26th, The Brooklyn Daily Times published an article about the Gang, which can be accessed by clicking
here.
- On September 27th, the Standard Union of Brooklyn published an article about the Gang, which can be accessed by clicking
here.
- On September 29th, 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."
- On September 30th, the Sunday News of New York reported the following: "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.
- On October 1st, 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.
- On October 2nd, the United Press reported the following 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."
- Also on October 2nd, 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.
- On October 3rd, 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.
- Also on October 3rd, 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.
- On October 5th, the Standard Union of Brooklyn reported the following: "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."
- On October 6th, the Gang began their engagement at Loew's State Theater in St. Louis.
- Also on October 6th, The Afro-American of Baltimore, MD, had this to say about 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."
- On October 7th, 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.
- On October 8th, the St. Louis Daily Globe-Democrat had this to say about 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."
- On October 12th, the Gang made a personal appearance in the Junior Section of Boyd's department store in St. Louis at 5 p.m.
- On October 13th, the Gang arrived in Kansas City and began their engagement at Loew's Midland Theater.
- Also on October 13th, the Kansas City Journal-Post published an article about the Gang, which can be accessed by clicking
here.
- On October 18th, the Kansas City Journal-Post reported the following: "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."
- Also on October 18th, The Emporia Daily Gazette (KS) reported the following: "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."
- On October 21st, 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."
- On October 22nd, 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.
- On November 16th, Wheezer's salary was increased to $200 a week.
- On November 28th, the United Press reported the following about 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 (supporting role)
- 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 (small part)
- 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: Wheezer)
- 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 (unconfirmed extra)
- 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. (lead role: Wheezer)
- 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. (small part)
- 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 (supporting 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: Wheezer)
- 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 (featured role: Wheezer)
- 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)
- 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 (lead role: Wheezer)
- 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
- On May 16th of this year, Wheezer's salary was increased to $250 a week.
- On June 17th, Wheezer's salary was increased again, this time to $300 a week.
- Wheezer was in his hometown of Parkland, WA, at the time "Small Talk" debuted in nearby Tacoma.
- During this year, Wheezer and his fellow Gangsters were featured in a picture book called A Story Of Our Gang, written by Eleanor Lewis Packer.
- On August 19th, The Tacoma Daily Ledger published an article about Wheezer, which can be accessed by clicking
here
- On September 15th, the Scripps-Howard newspaper syndicate published an article on Chubby Chaney, with this to say about Wheezer: "The baby-faced, angelic-looking
child whose movie name is Wheezer is another disappointment...Wheezer, whom mothers see with envious admiration, is a cry-baby. 'Every time they tell him to do something he cries,'
reports Norman."
- Hollywood - The Movieland Of The World (appearance)
- c. early 1929 - California Scenics - 2 reels - travelogue film
- Wheezer 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: Wheezer)
- 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: Wheezer)
- 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 (supporting role)
- 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 (supporting 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 (lead role: Wheezer)
- 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 (featured role: Wheezer)
- 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' (supporting role)
- 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: Wheezer)
- 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 (supporting role: Wheezer aka Bobby)
- 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: Wheezer)
- 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 (lead role: Wheezer)
- 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 (supporting 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. (supporting role: Wheezer)
- 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 January 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.
This was broadcast from the KHJ studio in Hollywood.
- On June 17th, Wheezer's salary was increased to $350 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: Wheezer)
- 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 pequeños papas.
- 97. When The Wind Blows (supporting role: Wheezer)
- 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: Wheezer)
- 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: Wheezer)
- 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 (lead role)
- 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: Wheezer)
- 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)
- Nov. 22, 1930 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-36 - Our Gang series
- Filmed June 17 to 25, 1930.
1931
- Starting January 26th of this year, Wheezer's salary was increased to $400 a week.
- Starting June 29th, his salary was increased to $450 a week.
- On December 17th, his salary was increased to $500 a week.
- 103. Helping Grandma (featured role: Wheezer)
- 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 (supporting role: Wheezer)
- 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 (small part: Wheezer)
- Mar. 28, 1931 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-39 - Our Gang series
- Filmed Oct. 30 to Nov. 13, 1930. ©Feb. 6, 1931.
- The Stolen Jools (small part)
- Apr. 4, 1931 - Masquers Club/National Variety Artists/Paramount - 2 reels
- The Our Gang kids are among the multitude of stars featured in this short.
- 106. Bargain Day (featured role: Wheezer)
- 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: Wheezer)
- May 30, 1931 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-41 - Our Gang series
- Filmed Mar. 2 to 14, 1931. ©May 7, 1931.
- 108. Big Ears (lead role: Wheezer)
- Aug. 29, 1931 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-1 - Our Gang series
- Filmed May 25 to June 5, 1931. ©Aug. 17, 1931. Also released with Spanish subtitles as Orejas de burro.
- 109. Shiver My Timbers (supporting role: Wheezer)
- Oct. 10, 1931 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-2 - Our Gang series
- Filmed June 29 to July 9, 1931. ©Oct. 1, 1931. Also released with Spanish subtitles as Piratas infantiles.
- 110. Dogs Is Dogs (lead role: Wheezer)
- Nov. 21, 1931 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-3 - Our Gang series
- Filmed Aug. 12 to 28, 1931. ©Oct. 27, 1931.
1932
- Wheezer's contract expired (or perhaps was terminated) as of March 5th of this year. After this, he became a day player.
- In his March 11th syndicated column, Ben M. Maddox, Jr., reported: "Our Gang's 'Wheezer' has been fired - he is five and too big to play the
baby."
- After March 19th, Wheezer was absent from the Our Gang series for five and a half months.
- Wheezer returned to the Our Gang series on September 3rd as a day worker, which he would remain for the rest of his time with the series. A press release from around this
time stated that "Wheezer is used from picture to picture now as he is really a bit too large for the Gang."
- 111. Readin' And Writin' (featured role)
- Jan. 2, 1932 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-4 - Our Gang series
- Also listed for Feb. 2, 1932. Filmed Sep. 30 to Oct. 10, 1931. ©Dec. 17, 1931.
- 112. Free Eats (supporting role: Wheeze)
- Feb. 13, 1932 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-5 - Our Gang series
- Also listed for Feb. 18, 1932. Filmed Nov. 6 to 19, 1931. ©Feb. 11, 1932.
- 113. Spanky (supporting role: Wheezer aka Wheeze)
- Mar. 26, 1932 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-6 - Our Gang series
- Filmed Dec. 14 to 22, 1931. ©Mar. 29, 1932.
- 114. Choo-Choo! (supporting role)
- May 7, 1932 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-7 - Our Gang series
- Filmed Jan. 25 to Feb. 4, 1932. ©May 2, 1932.
- 115. The Pooch (supporting role)
- June 11, 1932 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-8 - Our Gang series
- Also listed for June 4, 1932. Filmed Mar. 9 to 17, 1932. ©June 13, 1932.
- Exposed (supporting role: Danny)
- Sep. 1932 - Eagle/Greenblatt - 6 reels - feature
- UK title: Strange Roads. Featuring William Collier, Jr., Barbara Kent and Raymond Hatton.
- Yoo-Hoo (featured role: Rooster)
- Oct. 5, 1932 - Universal - 2 reels - James Gleason series
- ©Sep. 13, 1932. Credited as Bobby Hutchins.
- 119. A Lad An' A Lamp (supporting role: Wheezer)
- Dec. 17, 1932 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-12 - Our Gang series
- Filmed Sep. 3 to 10, 1932. ©Dec. 12, 1932.
1933
- On January 27th and 28th, Wheezer performed at the Fox Redondo theater in Redondo, CA, along with Chubby, somebody named Anna Mae Jackson and "others." On February 5th, the
three of them, billed as Hal Roach's "Our Gang," put in a personal appearance at the Santa Maria theater in Arroyo Grande, along with somebody named Shirley Jane. So either
Mary Ann Jackson and Shirley Jean Rickert took part, but with inaccurate billing, or they recruited a couple of similarly-named girls, hoping the average theater-goer
wouldn't notice the difference.
- On February 3rd, Wheezer worked his final day with the Our Gang unit.
- On May 6th, Wheezer appeared at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood as part of its Saturday "Kid Show." This was followed by a screening of "Big Ears."
- According to The Indianapolis News of September 4th, Wheezer had lost his long-earned fortune in a bank failure.
- There is a possibility that Wheezer returned to the Roach studio in October. Richard Bann, in his commentary for "Sons of the Desert," pointed out an extra kid that
looks like Wheezer. He's only on the screen for a couple of seconds and is kind of far away, though, so I'm reluctant to include it on this list without further
evidence.
- As his film career dried up, Wheezer and his family moved back to Parkland, WA, where he attended Parkland Grade School.
- 120. Fish Hooky (supporting role: Wheezer)
- Jan. 28, 1933 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-13 - Our Gang series
- Filmed Oct. 17 to 22, 1932. ©Jan. 16, 1933.
- 121. Forgotten Babies (small part)
- Mar. 11, 1933 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-14 - Our Gang series
- Filmed Dec. 3 to 10, 1932. ©Mar. 13, 1933.
- 122. The Kid From Borneo (supporting role)
- Apr. 15, 1933 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-15 - Our Gang series
- Filmed Jan. 9 to 16, 1933. ©Mar. 13, 1933.
- 123. Mush and Milk (small part)
- May 27, 1933 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-16 - Our Gang series
- Filmed Jan. 27 to Feb. 3, 1933. ©Apr. 17, 1933.
- Pie For Two (supporting role)
- Dec. 13, 1933 - Universal - 2 reels - James Gleason series
- ©Dec. 5, 1933.
1934
- On January 8th of this year, it was announced that Wheezer would be among the former Our Gang kids to attend the Roach studio's 20th anniversary celebration.
- On May 23rd, The Herald-News of Passaic, NJ, reported on the upcoming Benjamin F. Turner show on June 6th at the Playhouse in Passaic. Included among the celebrities were the Our Gang
Comedy Four, which, if the photos are any indication, included Wheezer, along with Jean Darling, Harry Spear and Mary Ann Jackson. There are at least a couple of reasons to doubt their involvement,
though. Not only was Harry nowhere near New Jersey at this time, but Jean in later life insisted that she always did a solo act after leaving the Gang.
1935
- The Tacoma Daily Ledger of July 28th of this year reported that Wheezer was reunited with Mary Ann Jackson and her brother Dickie while they spent a week as guests of
Mrs. B. B. Christner of Rosedale, WA.
1940
- Around this time, Hutchins began attending Lincoln High School in Parkland.
1942
- Hutchins got a job working as a gas station attendant during this year.
1943
- After graduating from high school, Hutchins joined the Army Air Corps, probably in September of this year and went on to serve in WWII.
1944
- The Argus-Leader of October 29th of this year, ran a story about Pvt. Bernard W. Hardesty, a member of the Army Air Corps who claimed to have played
"Wheezer" in the late '20s. Among the details he gets wrong are the length of his involvement (3 years), the name of the producer (Harold Roach) and
his reason for being aged out (the diaper that served as part of his costume had become too small for him).
1945
- Hutchins had been in the Army Air Corps for twenty months, and was 30 minutes away from completing his basic flight training when he died in a collision with another airplane
on May 17th of this year (the other pilot landed safely and was not injured). This happened 12 miles north of the Merced Army Airfield. He was due to graduate and receive
his wings just three days later.
1959
- A short list of Our Gang kids was compiled by Betty Gumm on Sep. 10th of this year. Presumably, she was a journalist trying to find out whatever became of the various Rascals.
She correctly identifies Wheezer as Robert Hutchins, but gives his status as "whereabouts unknown." She also adds the name Howard Caine with a question mark. Caine, who
later had a recurring role on "Hogan's Heroes," was erroneously said to have been the "original Wheezer" in a few shorts before Hutchins took over the
role. A scrutiny of various online sources leads me to believe that Caine was in one of the many local quasi-Our Gang productions that were made all over America during the
'20s.
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 "Readin' And Writin'" and
"Choo-Choo!"
1984
- Our Gang: Inside The Clubhouse (archival)
- May 8, 1984 - Lang/Camellia City Telecasters - 93 mins. - TV documentary
- Includes footage from "Bouncing Babies," "Teacher's Pet," "School's Out," "Helping Grandma," "Love Business,"
"Bargain Day," "Readin' And Writin'" and "Free Eats."
1986
- Classic Comedy Teams (archival)
- 1986 - Bergamn-Harris/Movietime/GoodTimes - video documentary
- Includes footage from "School's Out" and "The Stolen Jools."
1994
- Hal Roach: Hollywood's King Of Laughter (appearance)
- Apr. 7, 1994 - RHI/Disney Channel - 49 min. - TV documentary
- Includes footage from "Bear Shooters" and "School's Out."
- The Our Gang Story (archival)
- 1994 - Film Shows/GoodTimes - 120 min. - video documentary
- Includes footage from "The First Seven Years," "Bear Shooters," "School's Out," "The Stolen Jools," "Fly My Kite,"
"Dogs Is Dogs" and "The Kid From Borneo."
1997
- On September 1st of this year, a children's novel by Dav Pilkey called The Adventures Of Captain Underpants was first published, leading to an entire series of Captain Underpants
novels. The two main characters are a couple of 4th graders named George Beard and Harold Hutchins. Pilkey, being a fan of the Our Gang series, named them after Stymie and Wheezer.
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."
2000
- Bamboozled (archival)
- Oct. 20, 2000 - 40 Acres/New Line - 135 min. - color - Dolby
- Includes footage from "School's Out."
2002
- Added Attractions: The Hollywood Shorts Story
(appearance)
- Feb. 5, 2002 - Jones/TCM - 89 min. - TV documentary
- Shows a 1992 interview with Roach. Includes footage from "The Pooch."
- 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 "Fast Freight" and "Semps
d'hiver."
Wheezer Hutchins' payroll history
The following is a list of most of Wheezer'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.
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 Wheezer'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. That being said, Wheezer didn't start off as a salaried player, but instead was a day worker, and
details of this earlier activity can only be found in the missing ledger. During this period between mid-February to the beginning of April, he worked in Baby Brother,
and may have been involved in the first week of shooting for Chicken Feed, though his involvement in that film is minimal enough to be covered by the two weeks of shooting
in which he was salaried. He was listed in studio documentation as Bobby Hutchins.
- Apr. 9, 1927 - 50.00 charged to prod. K20 (Chicken Feed)
Wheezer's long-term contract took effect this week.
- Apr. 16, 1927 - 50.00 charged to prod. K20
- Apr. 23, 1927 - 50.00 charged to prod. K21 (Olympic Games)
- Apr. 30, 1927 - 50.00 charged to prod. K21
- May 7, 1927 - 50.00 charged to prod. K21
- May 14, 1927 - 50.00 charged to prod. K22 (The Glorious Fourth)
Wheezer didn't appear in production K22, even though his salary appears to have been charged to it. Instead, he was working in the Charley Chase production B23,
Assistant Wives, during these two weeks.
- May 21, 1927 - 75.00 charged to prod. K22
- May 28, 1927 - 75.00 charged to prod. K23 (Playin' Hookey)
- June 4, 1927 - 75.00 charged to prod. K23
- June 11, 1927 - 75.00 charged to prod. K23
- June 18, 1927 - 75.00 charged to prod. G1 (Yale Vs. Harvard)
- June 25, 1927 - 75.00 charged to prod. G1
During this week, Wheezer also apparently worked in the Charley Chase production C1, The Lighter That Failed.
- July 2, 1927 - 75.00 charged to prod. K24 (The Smile Wins)
It isn't clear if Wheezer actually appeared in production K24.
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 Wheezer wasn't paid during this stretch, but the payroll summaries indicate that he was.
- Aug. 6, 1927 - 75.00 charged to prod. K24
- Aug. 13, 1927 - 75.00 charged to prod. G2 (The Old Wallop)
- Aug. 20, 1927 - 95.83 charged to prod. G2
Judging by the amount, Wheezer's salary increase probably took place on Aug. 16th.
- Aug. 27, 1927 - 100.00
- Sep. 3, 1927 - 100.00 charged to prod. G3 (Heebee Jeebees)
- Sep. 10, 1927 - 100.00 charged to prod. G3
- Sep. 17, 1927 - 100.00 charged to prod. G3 and G4 (Dog Heaven)
It isn't clear whether Wheezer's salary was split in half between the two productions, or perhaps 1/3 for G3 and 2/3 for G4.
- Sep. 24, 1927 - 100.00 charged to prod. G4
- Oct. 1, 1927 - 100.00 charged to prod. G3 and G4
It isn't clear whether Wheezer'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 - 100.00 charged to prod. G4
- Oct. 15, 1927 - 100.00 charged to prod. G4 and G5 (Spook-Spoofing)
It appears that Wheezer's salary was probably split 5/12 for G4 and 7/12 for G5.
- Oct. 22, 1927 - 100.00 charged to prod. G5
- Oct. 29, 1927 - 100.00 charged to prod. G5
- Nov. 5, 1927 - 100.00 charged to prod. G4 and G6 (Rainy Days)
It appears that Wheezer's salary was probably split 1/3 for G4 and 2/3 for G6.
- Nov. 12, 1927 - 100.00 charged to prod. G6
- Nov. 19, 1927 - 100.00 charged to prod. G6
- Nov. 26, 1927 - 100.00 charged to prod. G6
- Dec. 3, 1927 - 100.00 charged to prod. G6
- Dec. 10, 1927 - 100.00 charged to prod. G6
- Dec. 17, 1927 - 100.00 charged to prod. G6 and G7 (Edison, Marconi & Co.)
It appears that Wheezer's salary was probably split 5/6 for G6 and 1/6 for G7.
- Dec. 24, 1927 - 100.00 charged to prod. G6, G7 and G8 Barnum & Ringling, Inc.)
It appears that Wheezer's salary was probably split 14/36 for G6, 11/36 for G7 and 11/36 for G8.
- Dec. 31, 1927 - 100.00 charged to prod. G6, G7 and G8
It appears that Wheezer'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 Wheezer's history.
- Jan. 7, 1928 - 100.00 charged to prod. G8
- Jan. 14, 1928 - 100.00 charged to prod. G8
- Jan. 21, 1928 - 100.00 charged to prod. G9 (Fair And Muddy)
- Jan. 28, 1928 - 100.00 charged to prod. G9
- Feb. 4, 1928 - 100.00 charged to prod. G9
- Feb. 11, 1928 - 100.00 - 66.67 charged to prod. G9, 33.33 charged to prod. G10 (Crazy House)
- Feb. 18, 1928 - 100.00 charged to prod. G10
- Feb. 25, 1928 - 100.00 charged to prod. G10
- Mar. 3, 1928 - 100.00 charged to prod. G11 (Growing Pains)
- Mar. 10, 1928 - 100.00 charged to prod. G11
- Mar. 17, 1928 - 100.00 charged to prod. G11
- Mar. 24, 1928 - 100.00 charged to prod. G11
The studio was closed during the spring, resulting in Wheezer not being paid for the week ending Mar. 31st, and then receiving a lower salary for the rest of the break.
- Apr. 7, 1928 - 25.00 charged to studio overhead
- Apr. 14, 1928 - 25.00 charged to studio overhead
- Apr. 21, 1928 - 25.00 charged to studio overhead
- Apr. 28, 1928 - 25.00 charged to studio overhead
- May 5, 1928 - 100.00 charged to prod. G12 (The Ol' Gray Hoss)
- May 12, 1928 - 100.00 charged to prod. G12
- May 19, 1928 - 133.33 charged to prod. G12
Judging by the amount, Wheezer's salary increase probably took place on May 16th.
- May 26, 1928 - 150.00 charged to prod. G12
- June 2, 1928 - 150.00 charged to prod. G12
- June 9, 1928 - 150.00 - 75.00 charged to prod. G12, 75.00 charged to prod. G13 (School Begins)
- June 16, 1928 - 150.00 charged to prod. G13
- June 23, 1928 - 150.00 charged to prod. G13
- June 30, 1928 - 150.00 charged to prod. G13
- July 7, 1928 - 150.00 charged to prod. G14 (The Spanking Age)
- July 14, 1928 - 150.00 charged to prod. G14
- July 21, 1928 - 150.00 - 75.00 charged to prod. G14, 75.00 charged to prod. G15 (Election Day)
- July 28, 1928 - 150.00 charged to prod. G15
- Aug. 4, 1928 - 150.00 charged to prod. G15
- Aug. 11, 1928 - 150.00 charged to prod. G15
- Aug. 18, 1928 - 150.00 charged to Gang Tour
Wheezer and his fellow Gangsters spent a couple of months on a personal appearance tour.
- Aug. 25, 1928 - 150.00 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 - 150.00 charged to Gang Tour
- Sep. 8, 1928 - 150.00 charged to Gang Tour
- Sep. 15, 1928 - 150.00 charged to Gang Tour
- Sep. 22, 1928 - 150.00 charged to Gang Tour
- Sep. 29, 1928 - 150.00 charged to Gang Tour
- Oct. 6, 1928 - 150.00 charged to Gang Tour
- Oct. 13, 1928 - 150.00 charged to Gang Tour
- Oct. 20, 1928 - 150.00 charged to Gang Tour
- Oct. 27, 1928 - 150.00 charged to prod. G16 (Noisy Noises)
- Nov. 3, 1928 - 150.00 charged to prod. G16
- Nov. 10, 1928 - 150.00 charged to prod. G16
- Nov. 17, 1928 - 166.67 charged to prod. G16
Judging by the amount, Wheezer's salary increase probably took place on Nov. 16th.
- Nov. 24, 1928 - 200.00 charged to prod. G17 (The Holy Terror)
- Dec. 1, 1928 - 200.00 charged to prod. G17
- Dec. 8, 1928 - 200.00 charged to prod. G18 (Wiggle Your Ears)
- Dec. 15, 1928 - 200.00 - 50.00 charged to prod. G18, 150.00 charged to prod. G19 (Fast Freight)
- Dec. 22, 1928 - 200.00 charged to prod. G19
- Dec. 29, 1928 - 200.00 charged to prod. G19
- Jan. 5, 1929 - 25.00 charged to studio overhead
The studio was closed during January, resulting in a lower rate for Wheezer.
- Jan. 12, 1929 - 25.00 charged to studio overhead
- Jan. 19, 1929 - 25.00 charged to studio overhead
- Jan. 26, 1929 - 25.00 charged to studio overhead
- Feb. 2, 1929 - 200.00 charged to prod. G20 (Little Mother)
- Feb. 9, 1929 - 200.00 charged to prod. G20
- Feb. 16, 1929 - 200.00 charged to prod. G20
- Feb. 23, 1929 - 200.00 charged to prod. G21 (Cat, Dog & Co.)
- Mar. 2, 1929 - 200.00 charged to prod. G21
- Mar. 9, 1929 - 200.00 charged to prod. G22 (Saturday's Lesson)
- Mar. 16, 1929 - 200.00 charged to prod. G22
- Mar. 23, 1929 - 200.00 charged to prod. G22
- Mar. 30, 1929 - 200.00 charged to prod. G23 (Small Talk)
- Apr. 6, 1929 - 200.00 charged to prod. G23
- Apr. 13, 1929 - 200.00 charged to prod. G23
- Apr. 20, 1929 - 200.00 - 66.67 charged to prod. G23, 133.33 charged to prod. G24 (Railroadin')
- Apr. 27, 1929 - 200.00 charged to prod. G24
- May 4, 1929 - 200.00 charged to prod. G24
- May 11, 1929 - 200.00 charged to prod. G24
- May 18, 1929 - 225.00 charged to prod. G25 (Boxing Gloves)
Judging by the amount, Wheezer's salary increase probably took place on May 16th.
- May 25, 1929 - 250.00 charged to prod. G25
- June 1, 1929 - 25.00 charged to prod. G25
For this week and the next, Wheezer's salary was at a reduced rate during the interim between films. This became the norm for the rest of his time at the studio, as can
be seen by scrolling through the amounts below.
- June 8, 1929 - 25.00 charged to prod. G25
- June 15, 1929 - 250.00 charged to prod. G26 (Lazy Days)
- June 22, 1929 - 250.00 charged to prod. G26
- June 29, 1929 - 350.00 charged to prod. G26
Judging by the amount, it seems that Wheezer's salary should have been increased the previous week, which would even out to his new salary of $300 a week.
- July 6, 1929 - 300.00 - 200.00 charged to prod. G26, 100.00 charged to prod. G27 (Bouncing Babies)
- July 13, 1929 - 300.00 charged to prod. G27
- July 20, 1929 - 300.00 charged to prod. G27
- July 27, 1929 - 50.00 charged to prod. G27
The studio was closed for summer vacation for a few weeks, during which Wheezer earned a reduced salary.
- Aug. 3, 1929 - 50.00 charged to studio overhead
- Aug. 10, 1929 - 50.00 charged to studio overhead
- Aug. 17, 1929 - 50.00 charged to studio overhead
- Aug. 24, 1929 - 50.00 charged to studio overhead
- Aug. 31, 1929 - 300.00 charged to prod. G27
- Sep. 7, 1929 - 50.00 charged to prod. G28 (Moan & Groan, Inc.)
- Sep. 14, 1929 - 300.00 charged to prod. G28
- Sep. 21, 1929 - 50.00 charged to prod. G28
- Sep. 28, 1929 - 50.00 charged to prod. G28
- Oct. 5, 1929 - 300.00 charged to prod. G29 (Shivering Shakespeare)
- Oct. 12, 1929 - 300.00 charged to prod. G29
- Oct. 19, 1929 - 50.00 charged to prod. G29
- Oct. 26, 1929 - 50.00 charged to prod. G29
- Nov. 2, 1929 - 300.00 charged to prod. G30 (The First Seven Years)
- Nov. 9, 1929 - 300.00 charged to prod. G30
- Nov. 16, 1929 - 300.00 charged to prod. G30
- Nov. 23, 1929 - 50.00 charged to prod. G30
- Nov. 30, 1929 - 50.00 - 33.33 charged to prod. G30, 16.67 charged to prod. G31 (When The Wind Blows)
- Dec. 7, 1929 - 300.00 charged to prod. G31
- Dec. 14, 1929 - 300.00 charged to prod. G31
- Dec. 21, 1929 - 300.00 - 150.00 charged to prod. G31, 150.00 charged to prod. G32 (Bear Shooters)
- Dec. 28, 1929 - 300.00 charged to prod. G32
- Jan. 4, 1930 - 300.00 charged to prod. G32
- Jan. 11, 1930 - 50.00 charged to prod. G32
- Jan. 18, 1930 - 50.00 charged to prod. G32
- Jan. 25, 1930 - 300.00 charged to prod. G32
- Feb. 1, 1930 - 300.00 charged to prod. G33 (A Tough Winter)
- Feb. 8, 1930 - 300.00 charged to prod. G33
- Feb. 15, 1930 - 300.00 charged to prod. G33
- Feb. 22, 1930 - 50.00 charged to prod. G33
- Mar. 1, 1930 - 300.00 charged to prod. G33
- Mar. 8, 1930 - 50.00 charged to prod. G33
- Mar. 15, 1930 - 50.00 charged to prod. G33
- Mar. 22, 1930 - 50.00 charged to prod. G33
- Mar. 29, 1930 - 50.00 charged to prod. G33
- Apr. 5, 1930 - 50.00 charged to prod. G34 (Pups Is Pups)
- Apr. 12, 1930 - 50.00 charged to prod. G34
- Apr. 19, 1930 - 50.00 charged to prod. G34
- Apr. 26, 1930 - 300.00 charged to prod. G34
- May 3, 1930 - 300.00 charged to prod. G34
- May 10, 1930 - 300.00 charged to prod. G34
- May 17, 1930 - 50.00 charged to prod. G34
- May 24, 1930 - 300.00 - 100.00 charged to prod. G34, 200.00 charged to prod. G35 (Teacher's Pet)
- May 31, 1930 - 300.00 charged to prod. G35
- June 7, 1930 - 50.00 charged to prod. G35
- June 14, 1930 - 50.00 charged to prod. G35
- June 21, 1930 - 341.67 charged to prod. G36 (School's Out)
Judging by the amount, Wheezer's salary increase probably took place on June 17th.
- June 28, 1930 - 350.00 charged to prod. G36
- July 5, 1930 - 50.00 charged to prod. G36
- July 12, 1930 - 300.00 charged to prod. G36
- July 19, 1930 - 100.00 charged to prod. G36
The studio was closed for the week ending July 19th, and Wheezer was given a reduced paycheck. His usual interim pay of $50 a week was doubled, perhaps having to do with
not getting a check the week ending July 26th. Or perhaps it was to compensate for the $300 he got the week ending July 12th.
- Aug. 2, 1930 - 350.00 charged to prod. G37 (Helping Grandma)
- Aug. 9, 1930 - 350.00 charged to prod. G37
- Aug. 16, 1930 - 50.00 charged to prod. G37
- Aug. 23, 1930 - 50.00 charged to prod. G37
- Aug. 30, 1930 - 50.00 charged to prod. G37
- Sep. 6, 1930 - 350.00 charged to prod. G38 (Love Business)
- Sep. 13, 1930 - 350.00 charged to prod. G38
- Sep. 20, 1930 - 350.00 charged to prod. G38
- Sep. 27, 1930 - 50.00 charged to prod. G38
- Oct. 4, 1930 - 50.00 charged to prod. G38
- Oct. 11, 1930 - 50.00 charged to prod. G38
- Oct. 18, 1930 - 50.00 charged to prod. G38
- Oct. 25, 1930 - 50.00 charged to prod. G38
- Nov. 1, 1930 - 350.00 charged to prod. G39 (Little Daddy)
- Nov. 8, 1930 - 350.00 charged to prod. G39
- Nov. 15, 1930 - 350.00 charged to prod. G39
- Nov. 22, 1930 - 50.00 charged to prod. G39
- Nov. 29, 1930 - 50.00 charged to prod. G39
- Dec. 6, 1930 - 50.00 charged to prod. G39
- Dec. 13, 1930 - 50.00 charged to prod. G39
Much of the week ending Dec. 20th and the entirety of the week ending Dec. 27th are missing from the payroll ledger, but filming began on Bargain Day during this
period.
- Jan. 3, 1931 - 50.00 charged to prod. G40 (Bargain Day)
- Jan. 10, 1931 - 50.00 charged to prod. G40
- Jan. 17, 1931 - 50.00 charged to prod. G40
- Jan. 24, 1931 - 50.00 charged to prod. G40
- Jan. 31, 1931 - 400.00 charged to prod. G40
- Feb. 7, 1931 - 400.00 charged to prod. G40
- Feb. 14, 1931 - 50.00 charged to prod. G40
- Feb. 21, 1931 - 50.00 charged to prod. G40
- Feb. 28, 1931 - 400.00 charged to prod. G41 (Fly My Kite)
- Mar. 7, 1931 - 400.00 charged to prod. G41
- Mar. 14, 1931 - 400.00 charged to prod. G41
- Mar. 21, 1931 - 50.00 charged to prod. G41
- Mar. 28, 1931 - 50.00 charged to prod. G41
- Apr. 4, 1931 - 50.00 charged to studio overhead
- Apr. 11, 1931 - 50.00 charged to studio overhead
- Apr. 18, 1931 - 50.00 charged to studio overhead
- Apr. 25, 1931 - 50.00 charged to studio overhead
- May 2, 1931 - 50.00 charged to studio overhead
- May 9, 1931 - 400.00 charged to prod. G1 (Big Ears)
- May 16, 1931 - 400.00 charged to prod. G1
- May 23, 1931 - 400.00 charged to prod. G1
- May 30, 1931 - 400.00 charged to prod. G1
- June 6, 1931 - 400.00 charged to prod. G1
- June 13, 1931 - 400.00 charged to prod. G1
- June 20, 1931 - 166.66 charged to prod. G2 (Shiver My Timbers)
Judging by the amount, the first two days of this week were at the full salary, while the remaining four days were at the reduced salary.
- June 27, 1931 - 50.00 charged to prod. G2
- July 4, 1931 - 450.00 charged to prod. G2
- July 11, 1931 - 450.00 charged to prod. G2
- July 18, 1931 - 50.00 charged to prod. G2
- July 25, 1931 - 50.00 charged to prod. G2
- Aug. 1, 1931 - 50.00 charged to prod. G3 (Dogs Is Dogs)
- Aug. 8, 1931 - 50.00 charged to prod. G3
- Aug. 15, 1931 - 450.00 charged to prod. G3
- Aug. 22, 1931 - 450.00 charged to prod. G3
- Aug. 29, 1931 - 450.00 charged to prod. G3
- Sep. 5, 1931 - 50.00 charged to prod. G3
- Sep. 12, 1931 - 50.00 charged to prod. G4 (Readin' And Writin')
- Sep. 19, 1931 - 50.00 charged to prod. G4
- Sep. 26, 1931 - 50.00 charged to prod. G4
- Oct. 3, 1931 - 450.00 charged to prod. G4
- Oct. 10, 1931 - 450.00 charged to prod. G4
- Oct. 17, 1931 - 50.00 charged to prod. G4
- Oct. 24, 1931 - 50.00 charged to prod. G5 (Free Eats)
- Oct. 31, 1931 - 50.00 charged to prod. G5
- Nov. 7, 1931 - 450.00 charged to prod. G5
- Nov. 14, 1931 - 450.00 charged to prod. G5
- Nov. 21, 1931 - 450.00 charged to prod. G5
- Nov. 28, 1931 - 50.00 charged to prod. G5
- Dec. 5, 1931 - 50.00 charged to prod. G6 (Spanky)
- Dec. 12, 1931 - 50.00 charged to prod. G6
- Dec. 19, 1931 - 475.00 charged to prod. G6
A dummy payroll had been made a couple of weeks prior to this, which stated that Wheezer's salary was due to increase to $500 a week on Dec. 16th. Judging by the
amount he made this week, it looks more like Dec. 17th.
- Dec. 26, 1931 - 500.00 charged to prod. G6
- Jan. 2, 1932 - 50.00 charged to prod. G6
- Jan. 9, 1932 - 50.00 charged to prod. G6
- Jan. 16, 1932 - 50.00 charged to prod. G7 (Choo-Choo!)
- Jan. 23, 1932 - 50.00 charged to prod. G7
- Jan. 30, 1932 - 500.00 charged to prod. G7
- Feb. 6, 1932 - 500.00 charged to prod. G7
- Feb. 13, 1932 - 50.00 charged to prod. G7
- Feb. 20, 1932 - 50.00 charged to prod. G7
- Feb. 27, 1932 - 50.00 charged to prod. G8 (The Pooch)
- Mar. 5, 1932 - 50.00 charged to prod. G8
Wheezer was not given a check for the week ending Mar. 12th, but he was listed in the ledger in the "one-picture" category. This means he was no longer under
long-term contract, but rather would make a weekly salary on a short-term basis.
- Mar. 19, 1932 - 150.00 charged to prod. G8
Now at a lower salary, Wheezer was under a short-term contract to finish the current production.
After this, Wheezer was absent from the Our Gang series (and the Roach studio) for about five and a half months. When he returned, he did so as a day worker.
- Sep. 3, 1932 - 10.00 charged to prod. G12 (A Lad An' A Lamp)
Wheezer was given a $10 check on Sep. 3rd for one day of work.
- Sep. 10, 1932 - 60.00 charged to prod. G12
Wheezer was given $10 checks on Sep. 4th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th. Apparently, work was done on Sunday to compensate for the Labor Day holiday.
After this, it would be over a month before Wheezer worked at the studio again.
- Oct. 22, 1932 - 50.00 charged to prod. G13 (Fish Hooky)
Wheezer was given $10 checks on each day from Oct. 17th to 21st.
After this, it would be over a month before Wheezer worked at the studio again.
- Dec. 10, 1932 - 45.00 charged to prod. G14 (Forgotten Babies)
Wheezer was given a $45 check on Dec. 10th to cover three days of work at $15 a day.
After this, it would be a month before Wheezer worked at the studio again.
- Jan. 14, 1933 - 75.00 charged to prod. G15 (The Kid From Borneo)
Wheezer was given $15 checks on each day from Jan. 10th to 14th.
After this, it would be two weeks before Wheezer worked at the studio again.
- Jan. 28, 1933 - 15.00 charged to prod. G16 (Mush And Milk)
Wheezer was given a $15 check on Jan. 28th for one day of work.
- Feb. 4, 1933 - 75.00 charged to prod. G16
Wheezer was given $15 checks on each day from Jan. 30th to Feb. 3rd.
See anything that needs changing? Contact me at BtheW@aol.com.