Bobby "Wheezer" Hutchins

This filmography was made in collaboration with Matthew Lydick.

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 was 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.
The Oakland Tribune of July 10th 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 May 16th of this year, Wheezer's salary was increased to $150 a week.
From August to October, the Our Gang kids traveled throughout the country on a personal appearance tour.
On November 16th, Wheezer's salary was increased to $200 a week.

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.
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.

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

Wheezer's final work in the Our Gang series took place on February 3rd of this year.
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.

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."

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.