George "Spanky" McFarland

This filmography was made in collaboration with Matthew Lydick.

full name: George Robert Phillips McFarland
family nickname: Sonny
professional nickname: Spanky
born Oct. 2, 1928, in Dallas, TX
died June 30, 1993, in Grapevine, TX, of heart attack or aneurysm

Special note: Reports of Spanky's middle name being Emmett are erroneous, as stated by his sister Amanda at cs.com.

1930

According to the Corsicana Daily Sun of Aug. 24, 1932, Spanky became an actor at the age of 18 months, which would place his entry into this field at around April of 1930. This could, however, be erroneous. Perhaps his modeling career started at this point, or perhaps it started later in the year, or sometime in 1931. Because of the uncertainty behind this matter, I'll cover his pre-Roach period in the 1931 section below, but it's possible that some of the activity took place in 1930.

1931

The details of Spanky's pre-Our Gang modeling career vary depending on the source. According to the Sep. 30, 1984, Arizona Republic (which interviewed Spanky), Spanky's aunt had a friend who worked at an advertising agency in Dallas, so she introduced him to Spanky. This led to a few different jobs, the chronology of which seems to be lost to history. These included:
1. Modeling toddlers' clothing for a Dallas department store, this according to The News and Observer of Raleigh on Sep. 18, 1985, which interviewed Spanky and placed the year as 1931. The Morning News of Wilmington, DE, on June 4, 1986, (having interviewed Spanky) stated that the ads were for the Neiman-Marcus Co. The Journal of Meriden, CT, on June 6, 1955, stated that he was 3 years old at the time, though based on the timing of his entry into Our Gang, this seems unlikely.
2. Modeling for soft drink ads, according to The Journal of Meriden, CT, again stating that he was 3 at the time. Interviewed by Tommy Bond, Jr., in 1980, Spanky stated that these ads were for Dr. Pepper.
3. Modeling for a Dallas baking company's posters and advertisements, according to the Jan. 28, 1936, Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Hubbard Keavy's syndicated column of Sep. 11, 1936, stated that Spanky posed for bread billboards and made advertising reels for the same bakery. The Sep. 30, 1984, Arizona Republic, which interviewed Spanky, stated that it was a bread commercial shown at Dallas theaters. The Associated Press on Nov. 9, 1986 (after interviewing Spanky), stated that Spanky appeared in newspaper advertisements for Mrs. Bear's Bread. In his 1989 appearance on "The Pat Sajak Show," Spanky stated that he made an advertising film for Wonder Bread. Considering the early timing of the first references to this advertising film, I'm inclined to believe it once existed, so I've given it an entry in the filmography below.
At some point, Spanky's aunt sent an item or items to Hal Roach Studios with the idea of possibly getting him into the Our Gang series. It may have been a group of photos (according to The News and Observer of Sep. 18, 1985), a single photo (according to The Journal of June 6, 1955 and the Arizona Republic of Sep. 30, 1984) or a print of the advertising film (according to the Jan. 28, 1936, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, the Sep, 11, 1936, Hubbard Keavy column, and Spanky himself on "The Pat Sajak Show").
According to the Sep. 30, 1984, Arizona Republic, Roach then invited Spanky and his family out to California for a screen test. According to Maltin & Bann, this screen test was shot by James Horne, and according to Spanky himself, a portion of this was later included in his second Our Gang film, "Spanky."
This led to the signing of a long-term contract, which, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram of Jan. 27, 1936, was signed on Nov. 1, 1931. Other sources place the signing on November 4th.
This is how Spanky's mother described it in an article for The Sacramento Bee on July 28, 1936: "We lived in Dallas, Texas, until Spanky was 3 years old - in fact, both the children were born there. Then when Spank was 3 he posed for some advertising posters of a baking company, and later they made some commercial films of him. His aunt sent the films to Hal Roach. And it wasn't long until Roach sent for all of us to come to Hollywood."
In her column of December 26, 1933, Zoe Beckley offered another variation on Spanky's entry into movie stardom: "He was fond of ice cream sodas which he managed with the deftness of a person thrice his age. The proprietor of Spanky's favorite soda shop asked permission to photograph him as an advertisement. Someone clipped the picture from the Journal (wasn't it?) and mailed it to a friend in Hollywood who promptly passed it on to a publicity man connected with the studio who in turn showed it to a director who nearly had a fit."
In an article he wrote himself for the Los Angeles Times Sunday Magazine of Oct. 15, 1933, Robert McGowan wrote the following: "In all my career I have never found a child easier to direct or more talented than baby Spanky is. I found him through the mail. His aunt had gotten him work in some local advertising films with a bread concern in Dallas, Tex., and she wrote me that the baby was talented and she would send a strip of film if I was interested. I wrote back that I would be glad to see it and she forwarded it. As soon as his little face flashed upon the screen, I saw that he was one in a million. He made an immediate success. He is the only child I have ever found through the mail, although I get dozens of letters every day requesting interviews or sending photos of kids."
According to the payroll ledger, Spanky began work in the Our Gang series on November 4th, making $75 a week.
The November 5th edition of The Hollywood Reporter reported the following: "Our Gang starts today for Roach on 'Free Eats,' with a new kid in the cast, Robert McFarland, who has been signed on a term contract." Robert was actually Spanky's dad, but the publication would improve their Spanky coverage going forward.
On November 10th, the Los Angeles Evening Express reported the following: "The newest member, George Robert McFarland, to be known professionally as 'Sonny,' is age 3 years and hails from Dallas, Tex. He will start his career of being a 'nuisance' to the rest of the gang in 'Free Eats,' now in production." The film was about halfway finished at the time of this article, and in it, the young Mr. McFarland is called "Spanky." So did the Evening Express get their wires crossed between his private and professional nicknames, or was the studio originally going to call him "Sonny?" Notably, the Mar. 6, 1932, Sunday American-Statesman of Austin, TX, mentions that a Dallas boy, "Sonny McFarland," is in the latest Our Gang short, "Free Eats." This, however, isn't too surprising since Texans would have already had some familiarity with him.
The way in which George "Sonny" McFarland became George "Spanky" McFarland is also a bit varied in its telling. Hubbard Keavy, writing in his syndicated column of Sep. 10, 1936, wrote: "He got his nickname at his first interview with Roach. The producer has an inner-office dictagraph on his desk - a magic box through which he can communicate with all his executives. While Roach and Mrs. McFarland were engrossed in discussion of a screen career, Sonny launched an investigation of the strange device. Up went all the keys on the master station, and a chorus of responsive 'hellos' ensued. Agitated, Sonny's mother warned: ':Spankee, spankee, mustn't touch!' The warning was needed so frequently thereafter that 'Spanky' was inevitable." According to Maltin & Bann, it was H.M. Walker who came up with the nickname after hearing Spanky's mother say these words. According to the 9-year-old Spanky himself (speaking in 1938 to reporter M. Oakley Christoph of the Hartford Courant), he was given the nickname by a "well-known west coast sports writer." This was corroborated several times by the much older Spanky. For instance, according to the Associated Press of Nov. 9, 1986 (after interviewing Spanky): "It was at his first screen test that McFarland received his nickname. A reporter from the now defunct Los Angeles Examiner observed the youngster and dubbed him Spanky for reasons unknown." It should be noted that the nickname was in existence before it was ever attributed to the Our Gang kid.
With improved accuracy, the December 15th edition of The Hollywood Reporter reported the following: "'Spanky' is the title of the next Our Gang comedy which goes into production at the Hal Roach studios next week. The picture, which is three weeks ahead of schedule, will feature the youngest and newest player to join the gang. George Robert Phillip McFarland is the three-year-old's name in real life, but on the screen he is to be called 'Spanky.' Hal Roach claims he will be the hit of the gang in a short time. Bob McGowan will direct." The only inaccuracy in this article is Spanky's second middle name, Phillip, which was actually Phillips.

Wonder Bread (appearance): circa 1931 - 1 min. - theater advertisement; Spanky identified this item both as a Wonder Bread advertisement and one for Mrs. Bear's Bread. Perhaps Mrs. Bear sold Wonder Bread. It was shown in theaters around the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

1932

Somewhere around April of this year, Spanky's salary was increased to $100 a week.
On May 13th, The Arcadia Tribune of Arcadia, CA, reported that Spanky had "just returned from a personal appearance tour and visit to his home town in Texas."
On June 1st, Spanky attended a polo game in Santa Monica where he posed with Mary Pickford.
On August 8th, Spanky's salary was increased to $150 a week.
An August 18th letter to Spanky's father, Robert Emmett McFarland, from Hal Roach Studios, expressed an offer to pay him $50 a week from Aug. 8th to Nov. 8th, with an option to continue this arrangement thereafter. This was after Spanky's dad had stated that he was having trouble getting a decent job with all of the time he devoted to his son's film career.
During August, Our Gang had an endorsement deal with J.C. Penney's Back To School promotion. Newspapers carried information about each Our Gang kid, with this to say about Spanky: "Spanky (George McFarland) likes to shake hands with everyone. He is very polite, unspoiled, and seldom cries. A real boy, he dearly loves toy guns. He is nearly four years old, and was born in Dallas, Texas. He has brown hair and big brown eyes, is only 33 inches tall and weighs 30 pounds. He is very healthy, however, (always takes a two-hour nap after luncheon). He got into the movies through being photographed in a Dallas bread advertising campaign because of his health and charm."
On September 5th, the Venice Evening Vanguard reported the following: "Temperament among film stars is known to have often been a stumbling block in picture making. Children have seldom, if ever, been accused of getting cocky and obstinate. Yet, it is recorded that when director Robert McGowan wanted Dickie Moore and four-year-old Spanky to enact a scene together in an Our Gang comedy, the latter stubbornly refused. Investigation by the director revealed that the kids had had a spat on the side-lines. No amount of coaxing by the director could change Spanky's mind. And for the first time in his twelve years of handling the Gang kids, the director was forced to use a 'double' for Spanky."
Somewhere around November, due to cost-reductions at the Roach studio, Spanky's salary was reduced to $125 a week.

112. Free Eats (supporting role: Spanky): 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 (featured role: Spanky): 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: Spanky): May 7, 1932 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-7 - Our Gang series; Filmed Jan. 25 to Feb. 4, 1932. ©May 2, 1932. He's introduced in the opening credits with a special title card saying "With Spanky."
115. The Pooch (featured role: Spanky): 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. He's introduced in the opening credits with a special title card saying "With Spanky."
116. Hook And Ladder (featured role: Spanky): Aug. 27, 1932 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-9 - Our Gang series; Filmed May 18 to 28, 1932. ©Sep. 14, 1932.
118. Birthday Blues (featured role: Spanky): Oct. 1932 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-11 - Our Gang series; Listed for both Oct. 1 and Nov. 12, 1932. Filmed July 30 to Aug. 4, 1932. ©Oct. 24, 1932. Earilest verified screening took place on Oct. 14, 1932.
117. Free Wheeling (supporting role: Spanky): Nov. 1932 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-10 - Our Gang series; Listed for both Oct. 1 and Nov. 12, 1932. Filmed July 19 to 27, 1932, with retakes Sep. 3, 1932. ©Nov. 7, 1932. Earliest verified screening took place on Nov. 12, 1932.
119. A Lad An' A Lamp (featured role: Spanky): Dec. 17, 1932 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-12 - Our Gang series; Filmed Sep. 3 to 10, 1932. ©Dec. 12, 1932.

1933

On April 14th, Movienews of Chicago, IL, reported the following: "Spanky and Tommy Bond are back in their home town, Dallas, Texas, enjoying the adulation of the folks."
On April 24th of this year, Spanky attended the seventh annual Mineral Wells Invitation in Mineral Wells, TX, and handed Gordon Young of Dallas the championship trophy.
On June 4th, The Enquirer of Cincinnati, OH, reported the following: "Spanky, chubby youngster of Our Gang, and Tommy Bond, the toothless songbird of the rascals, sent word to the Hal Roach Studios through their parents that thus far there has been no rivalry for popularity among the home-town folks in Dallas, Texas."
During this year, a Brazilian children's magazine called O Tico-Tico ran a multi-part comic strip featuring the Our Gang kids, and included Spanky among them.
On August 19th, The Los Angeles Times carried a photo of Patsy Kelly in the hospital after surviving a car accident that killed the driver, Gene Mallin. The photo shows Spanky visiting Patsy in the hospital.
On September 18th, several newspapers carried a photo of Spanky punching boxer Primo Carnera in the nose.
On October 21st, a loanout agreement was made between Roach and Paramount, allowing Spanky to work in the film "Miss Fane's Baby Is Stolen."The contract called for him to be returned to the Roach studio by the morning of November 13th, though the payroll ledger seems to indicate that Spanky's involvement lasted from November 7th to 18th, so perhaps things were delayed for about a week. The deal cost Paramount $600, in addition to their covering Spanky's salary for two weeks.
On November 5th, The Charleston Daily Mail reported the following: "When three principal members of 'Our Gang' - Spanky McFarland, Stymie Beard and Tommy Bond - were drafted for minor parts in a Charley Chase comedy, they seriously objected for two reasons. First, they asserted, they were stars in their own right. Second, the scene they were asked to work in was a school room. Their objections were overruled with the promise of a picnic with pony rides." This is in reference to "The Cracked Iceman," which was filmed the previous month.
On November 22nd, The Minneapolis Star reported the following: "Studio officials are holding their breath in fear that Baby Leroy will contract the whooping cough. The diminutive star was exposed to the disease when Spanky McFarland, fellow infant, broke out with the cough while working in the same picture. An attack at this time would cost the studio thousands of dollars, as Baby Leroy is just starting his part in the picture. Spanky, on the other hand, has just finished his."
On November 24th, Harrison Carroll reported the following in his syndicated column: "Studio officials are in a state of jitters and thousands of dollars hang at stake until it is known whether Baby Leroy has contracted that familiar complaint of childhood, whooping cough. There is no doubt that Hollywood's highest paid baby actor was exposed to the disease. Spanky McFarland, a fellow player in 'Miss Fane's Baby is Stolen,' broke right into whoops on the set. But, by good fortune, Spanky was just finishing his part in the picture. Baby Leroy, on the other hand, works all the way through and has two more weeks before the camera. If he develops whooping cough, it will take the complaint six weeks to run its course. To suspend production for this time would cost Paramount thousands."
On November 30th, George Shaffer reported the following in his syndicated column: "After ten days under observation for whooping cough, the physicians employed by his studio report Baby Leroy Winebrenner does not have the disease. Five-year-old Spanky McFarland was playing in the same film and Spanky is making whoopee coughee all over the place."
On December 4th, the Daily News of New York reported the following: "The Los Angeles Board of Education has withdrawn for ninety days the acting permit of 5-year-old Spanky McFarland. The action is intended as a disciplinary measure, because of Spanky being permitted to play for one day in 'Miss Fane's Baby Is Stolen' at Paramount, although he had the whooping cough. An investigation was made after the nurse and doctor reported whooping cough, and a report turned in to the school offices noted that R.A. McFarland, Spanky's father, had said that Spanky was suffering merely from a bronchial cough. Three months movie layoff is supposed to serve notice on parents of other child actors to keep them under constant medical supervision so that no child's life or health can be endangered."
On December 5th, Harrison Carroll reported the following: "Echoes of the Baby Leroy whooping cough scare are reverberating again in Hollywood. The Board of Education stirred them up when they sent out letters suspending 'Spanky' McFarland's acting permit for 90 days. The board charges lack of cooperation, and hints that 'Spanky' was known to have whooping cough when he did the last day's work on 'Miss Fane's Baby Is Stolen' and exposed Baby Leroy to the disease. All of which might be a small matter if it weren't for two things. Director Al Hall must have 'Spanky' for one more scene in the Paramount picture. And the Hal Roach studio, where the 5-year-old star is under contract, faces the loss of his services for three months. Meanwhile, Mr. and Mrs. R.E. McFarland, 'Spanky's' parents, come in for extra grief as their second child is starting to whoop it up."
On December 26th, Zoe Beckley's column described Spanky this way: "He is the world's cutest kidlet. He is fair, fat and five. He is terribly smart, terribly manly, very much a reg'lar guy, and (as Jackie Coogan was at the same age) highly adverse to ladies who call him 'little man' or try to take him on their laps. He simply squirms out of reach, hastily thrusts his toy engine at them and starts a description of its virtues, possibilities and the amount of trackage he has built with boards and blocks he has begged from the stage carpenters."
By the end of this year, after more cost reductions, Spanky's salary was reduced to $100 a week.

120. Fish Hooky (supporting role): 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 (lead role: Spanky): 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 (featured role: Spanky): Apr. 15, 1933 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-15 - Our Gang series; FIlmed Jan. 9 to 16, 1933. ©Mar. 13, 1933.
One Track Minds (supporting role: Spanky): May 20, 1933 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. A-16 - ZaSu Pitts & Thelma Todd series; Filmed Mar. 1933. ©May 15, 1933.
123. Mush and Milk (featured role: Spanky): May 27, 1933 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-16 - Our Gang series; Filmed Jan. 27 to Feb. 3, 1933. ©Apr. 17, 1933.
124. Bedtime Worries (lead role: Spanky): ©Sep. 26, 1933 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-17 - Our Gang series; Also listed for Sep. 9, 1933. Filmed July 20 to 31, and Aug. 12, 1933.
Day Of Reckoning (supporting role: Johnny Day): Oct. 27, 1933 - MGM - 7 reels - Richard Dix feature; Filmed in Sep. and Oct. 1933. ©Oct. 23, 1933. Credited as Spanky McFarlane.
125. Wild Poses (lead role): Oct. 28, 1933 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-18 - Our Gang series; Filmed Aug. 18 to 23, 1933. ©Oct. 20, 1933. Spanky's nickname isn't used in the dialogue, but he receives billing in the opening titles as "Spanky."

1934

The Los Angeles Times of January 1st of this year reported the following: "Shortly after the first of the new year, a rejuvenated band of Hal Roach's 'rascals' will romp through 'Our Gang' comedies. With Baby 'Spanky' recuperating from a siege of whooping cough and with several new faces in the popular group, the gang will start off the year 1934 with a heavy production schedule."
A news item from January 8th mentions a 20th anniversary party for Hal Roach Studios, which was to include Spanky on its guest list.
On January 11th, the Los Angeles Evening Post-Record reported the following: "'Spanky' McFarland, 5-year-old hero of Hal Roach's 'Our Gang,' has entirely recuperated from a severe attack of whooping cough and will begin work next week in another of the popular kiddie comedies. Also in the cast will be 'Stymie,' the colored menace; 'Tommy' Bond, the crooner, and others of the favorite little 'rascals.'" So it would appear that Spanky's 90-day suspension was lifted, as less than 60 days passed between "Miss Fane's Baby Is Stolen" and "Hi'-Neighbor!"
On February 22nd, Spanky's salary was increased to $200 a week.
On February 23rd, The Evening Sun of Baltimore, MD, reported that Spanky had previously been the youngest Hollywood star to have a stand-in. Not anymore, though, as Baby LeRoy, three years younger, now had two.
On May 27th, the following was reported: "Youngest and oldest members of Hal Roach's screen comedy troupe got together Sunday to compare notes. Youngest was 'Spanky' McFarland, 5. Oldest was Irving S. Cobb, famous writer recently turned film comedian. His age is a matter of conjuncture(sic). 'Mister Cobb,' said 'Spanky,' 'you ought to get along in this business. You have an awfully funny face.' Cobb's reply to this one is not a matter of record."
On July 1st, it was reported that both Spanky McFarland and Scotty Beckett had stand-ins, both of which were dummies that were used when shots were being set up. Presumably, these were the same dummies seen in the latter part of "For Pete's Sake!"
It's been stated in certain places that Spanky appeared in the Laurel & Hardy feature "Babes In Toyland," which began shooting in August. In the original version written by Hal Roach in November 1933, Spanky was included, but he's nowhere to be seen in the finished film. Also, the payroll ledger doesn't indicate that his salary was ever charged to this production.
On September 6th, The Los Angeles Times reported the following: "The hero always get the worst of it. Director George Stevens testified to this yesterday. He saved Spanky McFarland from a nasty fall, but was badly hurt himself. Spanky was cavorting around on the set where Stevens is directing Wheeler and Woolsey in 'Kentucky Kernels' when the youngster stumbled over an electric cable. The director made a lunge for the child and knocked over a huge sun arc. He raised his arm to protect himself and the arc struck him a terrific blow. Stevens was hurried to the studio's emergency hospital for treatment and was unable to resume working for an hour."
On September 15th, the Stockton Evening and Sunday Record carried this story: "While Spanky McFarland was working on the 'Kentucky Kernels' set at RKO-Radio, his mother rewarded him with a penny for each perfect line he spoke, and penalized him one cent for each mistake he made. Spanky missed thrice, and was sad-eyed until Bert Wheeler missed a line. Spanky brightened as he said: 'You're pretty bad, Bert, but I'm still two up on you!'"
The October 4th issue of The Hollywood Reporter reported the following: "The Hal Roach 'Our Gang' staged a double birthday party yesterday for 'Spanky' McFarland and 'Scotty' Beckett."
On October 17th, Spanky attended the world premiere of "Kentucky Kernels" at the Golden Gate Theatre in San Francisco. From the stage of the theatre was broadcast the latest installment of the NBC radio program Hollywood On-The-Air, which included Spanky among its guests.
On October 24th, George Shaffer wrote the following in his column: "Spanky McFarland, 5 year old actor, was at San Francisco last week for personal appearances, and Horace Hight(sic), the master of ceremonies, thought he had the kid coached perfectly. On the first evening show Hight asked Spanky: 'How do you like pictures?' Said Spanky, 'I won't answer that.' This was not in the routine at all and Hight thought he'd give Spanky time to pick up the dialog again, asking, 'Why won't you answer that question?' 'Because you asked the same thing this afternoon,' said Spanky, and the audience gave the kid a great hand."
On November 9th, Spanky headlined a night of entertainment for the newsboys of the Los Angeles Evening Post-Record.
Also on November 9th, Spanky's salary was increased to $250 a week.

Miss Fane's Baby Is Stolen (supporting role: Johnny Prentiss): Jan. 12, 1934 - Paramount - 7 reels - Dorothea Wieck & Alice Brady feature; Filmed in Nov./Dec. 1933. ©Jan. 10, 1934. Also starring Baby LeRoy.
The Cracked Iceman (small part: student): Jan. 27, 1934 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. C-20 - Charley Chase series; Filmed in mid-Oct. 1933. ©Dec. 13, 1933.
126. Hi'-Neighbor! (featured role: Spanky): Mar. 3, 1934 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-19 - Our Gang series; Filmed Jan. 20 to 30, 1934. ©Feb. 24, 1934.
127. For Pete's Sake! (featured role: Spanky): Apr. 14, 1934 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-20 - Our Gang series; Filmed Feb. 23 to Mar. 3, 1934. ©Apr. 4, 1934.
Mrs. Barnacle Bill (featured role: Spanky): Apr. 21, 1934 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. B-7 - All Star series with Eddie Foy, Jr.; ©Apr. 17, 1934. Credited simply as "Spanky." Also featuring Billy Gilbert.
128. The First Round-Up (featured role: Spank): May 5, 1934 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-21 - Our Gang series; Filmed Mar. 19 to 24, 1934. ©May 1, 1934.
Benny, From Panama (bit part: boy): May 26, 1934 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. M-7 - Musical series; Also listed for May 28, 1934. ©May 15, 1934. Credited simply as "Spanky." Featuring Jeanette Loff and Eddie Foy, Jr.
129. Honky-Donkey (featured role: Spanky aka Spank): June 2, 1934 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-22 - Our Gang series; Filmed Apr. 2 to 7, 1934. ©May 25, 1934.
130. Mike Fright (featured role: Spank): Aug. 25, 1934 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-23 - Our Gang series; Also listed for Feb. 25, 1934. Filmed May 29 to June 7, 1934. ©July 25, 1934. Spanky takes part in singing "The Man On The Flying Trapeze."
Kentucky Kernels (featured role: Spanky Milford): prem. Oct. 17, 1934 - RKO - 9 reels - Wheeler & Woolsey feature; Filmed in the late summer of 1934. Previewed in early October, the reviewer in The Hollywood Reporter stated that Spanky nearly stole the show. Released Nov. 2, 1934. ©Nov. 2, 1934. Credited as "Spanky" McFarland. Spanky takes part in singing "One Little Kiss."
131. Washee Ironee (featured role: Spanky): ©Nov. 13, 1934 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-24 - Our Gang series; Also listed for Sep. 29, 1934. Filmed Oct. 1 to 9, 1934.

1935

The Rexall Magazine of January of this year featured Spanky on the cover.
On February 14th, the Brooklyn Times Union (NY) reported the following: "Undeterred by wholesale visions of damage suits for shattered windows, Comedy Producer Hal Roach blithely announces plans for the national mobilization of 1,000 juvenile 'Our Gang' baseball teams. With 1,000 dozen uniforms already manufactured, and with Master Spanky McFarland, 'Our Gang' star, as national honorary president, Hal Roach's army of diminutive ball players will go into action the major leagues' opening day." On February 22nd, The Montclair Times (NJ) carried the same story, but added: "In the fall, if all goes well, an 'Our Gang' world series is a Hollywood possibility."
On February 24th, Screen & Radio Weekly of Detroit, MI, reported the following: "Even 'Spanky' McFarland, youthful mischief maker of Hal Roach's 'Our Gang' comedies, insists on some member of his family working with him on the set. His father's and mother's nearness wasn't enough, and on his return from Paramount where he worked with Baby Le Roy in 'Mrs. Fain's Baby Is Stolen,' 'Spanky' hollered for a stand-in - 'like what the grown-up stars had.' So now younger brother Tommy takes 'Spanky's' place when the tedious job of getting lights set correctly begins. The only trouble is that now and then 'Spanky' and Tommy forget they're making pictures and engage in a real honest-to-gosh family free-for-all. But Spanky is the older, and, being a born leader, generally gets Tommy to do what he wants him to."
On February 25th, The Los Angeles Times reported the following: "Director Gus Meins took Spanky McFarland to Lake Arrowhead to do some sketching; Spanky, the director says, is becoming quite an artist."
On March 16th, it was announced that the Laurel & Hardy series had been terminated along with Laurel's contract. Due to start production on March 25th was a new series called "The Hardy Family," featuring Oliver Hardy, Patsy Kelly and Spanky McFarland, with the first short to be entitled Their Night Out. It's been speculated that this was all a huge bluff on the part of Hal Roach, but a script was written for the film (given the production number of either E4 or E30), and a screen test was made with the three principles. All of this was rendered moot when Laurel came to terms with Roach on April 8th.
On May 23rd, a loanout agreement was drawn up for Spanky to appear in "O'Shaugnessy's Boy," which was scheduled to start on May 27th. The contract required MGM to pay $1000 and return Spanky to the Roach studio by the morning of Monday, June 3rd.
On May 28th, the Illustrated Daily News of Los Angeles reported the following: "Gus Meins, who directs Our Gang comedies for Hal Roach, declares he believes Spanky McFarland, current star of Our Gang, will become one of the most famous of child stars of the screen, because of Spanky's natural talent as an actor."
For some reason, between May and October, Spanky was making a reduced salary, usually coming to $115.85 a week.
On June 17th, a loanout agreement was drawn up for Spanky to appear in "Here Comes The Band," which was scheduled to start on June 18th. The loanout was not to exceed two days. MGM paid $500.
On July 5th, Shirley Spencer wrote the following in her Handwriting Reveals Character column: "I have an unusual letter from an unusual screen star, 6-year-old Spanky McFarland! In spite of his age, Spanky has been entertaining us for years now as the hero in the 'Our Gang' comedies. We will next see him in the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer picture 'O'Shaughnessy's Boy,' for this little veteran of the screen is being borrowed for that full-length picture. Yes, indeed, Master George Robert Phillips McFarland is growing up. He writes 'I go to school every day at the Hal Roach Studio.' This is his first year, and although he looked forward to attending school, at the close of his letter, he writes with some eagerness, 'one more week of school and then vacation. I am going to the beach and have a good time.' And he further proves he is a real boy by telling me of some of the jokes they play on the teacher!
"If it seems surprising that an active boy of six could sit down and write a long letter in a very legible hand, we must remember that the little stars in Hollywood have splendid teachers and special advantages. Spanky is unusually bright for his age. I was interested to see carefulness in detail in his writing, a characteristic not in evidence usually in the yet unformed scripts of children. Mistakes in spelling have been neatly erased and written over again, and a letter not formed correctly has been retouched carefully.
"The pen pressure is heavy and firm, portraying the same quality of sturdiness which he displays on the screen. Good judgment is shown in the spacing and margins. The left margin is much straighter than my own! Such sense of proportion as is shown by the salutation and closing, even if he were supervised at the time, shows that he is observant, learns quickly, and can keep his mind on what he is doing until it is finished. Children as a rule are easily distracted. The long letter Spanky undertook would require considerable concentration and patience. I was very touched by the very small signature. Spanky hasn't 'gone Hollywood!' He's a real boy."
On September 21st, Spanky, along with Alfalfa, Buckwheat, Darla and Scotty, hosted an event at the California Pacific International Exposition at Balboa Park in San Diego, in which droves of young kids could gain admission for only a nickel and meet their heroes. The kids were also scheduled to lead a parade of home-made cars.
On September 24th, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported: "'Spanky' McFarland, of 'Our Gang' comedies, will model for the typical American boy Community Chest posters."
On October 7th, a loanout agreement was drawn up for Spanky to appear in "Trail of the Lonesome Pine," which was scheduled to start on October 18th. The contract stipulated that Spanky was to be returned on the evening of November 9th.
On October 15th, "The Voice of Hollywood" column reported the following: "'Spanky' McFarland, juvenile Our Gang star, will have a leading role in 'Alone, Alas,' Jimmy Savo's first feature length picture for Hal Roach, which will go into production soon at the Hal Roach studios. The youngster, who celebrated his seventh birthday last week, has been seen recently in 'O'Shaughnessy's Boy' and 'Here Comes the Band'." This film was soon retitled Three On A Bench, but was shelved after only a few days of filming.
The November issue of the magazine Stage did a serious piece on Spanky.
In early November, Spanky's salary was increased to $300 a week.

132. Mama's Little Pirate (lead role: Spanky aka Spank): ©Jan. 5, 1935 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-25 - Our Gang series; Also listed for Nov. 3, 1934. Filmed Nov. 15 to 24, 1934.
133. Shrimps For A Day (featured role: Spanky): ©Feb. 20, 1935 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-26 - Our Gang series; Also listed for Dec. 8, 1934. Filmed Dec. 15 to 22, 1934. Spanky takes part in singing "Here Comes The Ice-Cream Man."
134. Anniversary Trouble (lead role: Spanky aka Spank): ©Mar. 13, 1935 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-27 - Our Gang series; Also listed for Jan. 1, 1935, and Jan. 19, 1935. Filmed Jan. 25 to Feb. 1, 1935.
135. Beginner's Luck (lead role: Spanky aka Spank): ©Apr. 8, 1935 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-28 - Our Gang series; Also listed for Feb. 23, 1935. Filmed Feb. 20 to 28, 1935.
136. Teacher's Beau (featured role): Apr. 27, 1935 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-29 - Our Gang series; Filmed Mar. 13 to 20, 1935. ©May 1, 1935.
137. Sprucin' Up (lead role: Spanky): June 1, 1935 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-30 - Our Gang series; Filmed Apr. 2 to 9, and May 7, 1935. ©June 12, 1935. Working title: Good Night Ladies!
Here Comes The Band (small role: Spanky Lowry): Aug. 30, 1935 - MGM - 9 reels - Ted Lewis feature; ©Aug. 29, 1935. Credited as Spanky McFarland. Spanky takes part in singing "You're My Thrill." Working title: To Beat The Band.
139. Little Papa (lead role: Spanky aka Spank): Sep. 21, 1935 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-32 - Our Gang series; Filmed June 3 to 10, 1935. ©Aug. 20, 1935.
O'Shaughnessy's Boy (small part: Joseph "Stubby" O'Shaughnessy as a younger child): Sep. 27, 1935 - MGM - 9 reels - Wallace Beery & Jackie Cooper feature; ©Oct. 1, 1935. Credited as Spanky McFarland. Spanky played Jackie's character "as a child."
140. Little Sinner (lead role: Spanky aka Spank): Oct. 26, 1935 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-33 - Our Gang series; Filmed July 8 to 16, 1935. ©Sep. 4, 1935.
141. Our Gang Follies Of 1936 (featured role: Spanky aka Spank): prem. Nov. 27, 1935 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-34 - Our Gang series; Filmed Sep. 9 to 14, and Sep. 23 to 28, 1935. ©Oct. 29, 1935. Released Nov. 30, 1935. Spanky sings "Step Up, Kids!."
Hearst Metrotone News (appearance): Dec. 1935 - Hearst - 1 reel - newsreel; Featuring the Our Gang kids.

1936

Paul Harrison's Life column of January 16th of this year talked about stand-ins for Hollywood actors. Part of it reads: "Spanky McFarland, 6-year-old leading man of 'Our Gang,' actually does have a doll for a stand-in; it's just his size, and with movable arms and legs. Child welfare laws are strict about youngsters spending long hours under hot lights."
In Bess Stephenson's January 28th article about Spanky for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, she states: "He was honored with a commission as special deputy sheriff recently by Sheriff Biscauliz of Los Angeles County - all in solemn recognition of his work as bandit catcher." Later in the article, she writes: "He was model for the Los Angeles Community Chest drive posters and advertising for 1936."
On February 17th, the Stockton Evening and Sunday Record reported the following: "Little Spanky McFarland lost a front tooth recently at Big Bear, California, in the midst of production of Walter Wanger's natural color film 'The Trail of the Lonesome Pine.' Spanky, however, will continue to work with Sylvia Sidney, Henry Fonda, Fred MacMurray and Fred Stone, and the lost tooth will not injure the production in any way. The child star had just completed a sequence of the picture. He will appear in the next sequence minus his tooth, the first time in screen history that a child actor has sacrificed his beauty for his art."
On March 7th, Spanky's contract was renewed for another year, with the start date of March 9th. His salary was again reduced to $250 a week. This is according to the Roach payroll ledger, so if the newspaper reports were accurate, then there must have been some other way Spanky was making money.
On March 25th, the Chicago Tribune reported the following from the previous day: "George Robert Phillips McFarland, 7 years of age, attended by two grownups and two dogs, visited the court of Superior Judge Douglas Edmonds today and obtained approval of his $400 to $1,000 a week contract with Hal Roach movie studio. George Robert, Etc., is known to film audiences as Spanky McFarland, member of 'Our Gang.' If the successive options on his services are lifted during the six years of the contract, Spanky will draw $1,000 weekly when 13."
On Apr. 4th, the Stockton Daily Evening Record (CA) reported the following: "'Spanky' McFarland, 7-year-old starlet of Hal Roach's 'Our Gang' comedies, will be featured in full-length productions as well as in screen shorts in the future, according to the terms of a new five-year contract for his services just awarded him by Roach. The famous little 'rascal' becomes one of the highest salaried juvenile picture players in Hollywood when the agreement goes into effect next week. Before starting his next production, 'Spanky,' together with other members of the 'Gang,' will make a personal appearance tour through the middle western states, it is announced."
Also on April 4th, Spanky, along with Alfalfa, Buckwheat, Darla, Harold Switzer, Pete the Pup and MC Joe Cobb, appeared at the Fox Arlington theater in Santa Barbara for afternoon and evening performances.
On April 8th, the Evening Vanguard of Venice, CA, reported the following: "Culver City loses part of its population tonight when the members of 'Our Gang' leave on their private car for a personal appearance tour. They open in Duluth Sunday (Apr. 12th). Those going include Spanky McFarland, Darla Hood, 'Alfalfa' and Harold Switzer, Buckwheat Thomas, and Pete the dog. Joe Cobb the former fat boy will act as master of ceremonies. They will be accompanied by their parents, their teacher Mrs. Fern Carter, who has been the Gang teacher for fifteen years and Jack Sidney, company manager. All of the old-timers of the Gang who are in Southern California will be on hand to wish them luck including Johnny Downs, Mary Kornman, Farina and Mickey Daniels." On April 12th, The Davenport Democrat and Leader (IA) added that the kids would have their own special "play-car" on the train.
On April 9th, the Our Gang entourage stopped in Ogden, UT, on their way to the first stop in their personal appearance tour: Duluth.
On the evening of April 10th, the Our Gang entourage stopped briefly at the Union Station in Omaha, NB, where they took questions from reporters.
On April 12th, the Our Gang kids opened their personal appearance tour in Duluth, MN, where they performed for three days. As the Sayre Daily Headlight-Journal (OK) reported on Apr. 22nd: "The group makes five appearances daily, in a vaudeville act of 23 minutes. During this short time each member of the cast makes three changes in costumes."
Also on April 12th, The Minneapolis Journal published an article about the kids' plans for the future, with this to say about Spanky: "Little 'Spanky' McFarland may be the hero to the 'Gang' and to millions of other children now, but he plans to be a real hero in his own estimation. He's going to be the best G man in the world and capture the most notorious criminals."
On April 14th, Louella Parsons reported the following: "Even Greta Garbo herself could not have brought a bigger crowd to the Duluth movie theater than the members of the Our Gang comedy troupe who are making a personal appearance. The Duluth youngsters were so delighted with Spanky McFarland, Darla Hood, Alfalfa Switzer, Billy (Buckwheat) Thomas and Fatty Joe Cobb, master of ceremonies, that they came to the theater early and stayed late. Hal Roach's celebrated infants will be gone most of the Summer on tour."
On April 17th, the Our Gang kids arrived in Minneapolis in the morning for a week's engagement at the Minnesota Theater. The act was described as mostly consisting of songs by the various kids. The Minneapolis Star said this about Spanky: "He sings, dances, plays his ukelele and cuts up in his own hilarious manner."
On April 19th, The Daily Oklahoman of Oklahoma City reported that the Gang's 2-month tour was being extended to three months.
On April 22nd, The Minneapolis Journal published a version of Merle Potter's column in which the various Our Gang kids filled in for him. This is what Spanky had to say: "Ever since we've come here, everybody asks how we make pictures. Guess if I tell how it is done, everybody will read it and then nobody will ask me again. We make our pictures on a great big sound stage at Mr. Roach's studio. They fix up things they call sets - sometimes a whole yard and house, sometimes only part of a room and sometimes just a basement. Then they turn on a million lights and it's even brighter than the sun. While the 'juicers' (the fellows who fix the lights and carry a lot of swell tools they let us play with sometimes) are fixing the lights to chase away the shadows, we kids play or study our lessons and they put dummies that look like us in our places while the cameras are set. Afterwards the director tells us the story and about what we have to do. In 'Our Gang Follies of 1936,' I had to make believe I was a director and tell the rest of the Gang what to do. That was easy, because just before I told them what to do, the director told me and I acted just like he did. They take each scene lots of times - from far away, up close and sort of half-way between. That's so they'll be sure to have the best possible shot. And, boy, I sure get excited when I'm supposed to do something. Lots of times I even forget I'm in pictures and what the director told me to do and then they have to take all those scenes all over again. It sure is lots of fun being in plays."
On April 23rd, The Minneapolis Journal reported the following: "Spanky McFarland of Our Gang is really doing a Laugh, Clown, Laugh in his Minneapolis appearance. He's suffered two major tragedies this week. First of all the Gang wasn't able to see the stockyards - and they all wanted to go to South St. Paul. Second, Spanky wasn't able to get a real automatic pistol which has been his ambition for a long time. Down at police headquarters the other day, Spanky took Chief Forestal aside, saying he wanted to talk 'confidentially.' In a back room, off the detective bureau, the young flicker star asked the chief if he 'didn't have a spare rod nobody wanted.' The chief cooled him off by displaying a real machine gun."
It appears that the Our Gang kids arrived in Chicago on April 24th and stayed until the end of the month. The Chicago Daily Tribune ran ads during the week for the Chicago State theater, which featured the kids in person. Oddly, one of these ads was for May 1st, but it's pretty clear that they were no longer in town on that date.
On May 1st, the Our Gang kids arrived in Detroit in the morning for a week's engagement at the Michigan Theatre. Spanky stayed in his hotel bed this evening with a cold, according to reports. Turned out it was the measles.
On May 4th in Detroit, the Associated Press reported the following: "Measles invaded 'Our Gang,' child motion picture troupe making a personal appearance at a theater here, and three members were in quarantine today. 'Spanky' McFarland, the 7-year-old 'leading man,' has the disease, and Darla Hood, 4, and William (Buckwheat) Thomas Jr., 4, were quarantined for lack of immunity. The remainder of the cast, including the dog, Pete, will continue their performance."
On May 5th, The Detroit Free Press ran an ad for the Gang's Michigan theater engagement, mentioning Alfalfa, Harold, Pete, Buckwheat and Joe, but not Spanky or Darla.
On May 8th, Movienews of Chicago published an article on Our Gang, with this to say about Spanky: "Take 'Spanky' McFarland, for instance. Spanky is only seven, and has certain outstanding characteristics as to form and spirit that dig into the ticklish spots of one's disposition when he is seen in the screen comedies. First, he's chubby and cuddly with a turned up nose. Second, he seems gosh-awful full of tricks for such a cherubic looking bit of humanity. But know Spanky off the screen and you'll find that he is just a normal youngster, having his good and bad days, who hates to do his 'rithmetic and doesn't mind telling you just how much he hates it, either. Furthermore, he isn't the least bit averse to using little tricks to keep him from studying too hard. In these characteristics, you wouldn't have a hard time finding dozens of doubles for Spanky on any playground. Of course, they won't be as chubby, but they'll dislike their arithmetic quite as much!"
The May 16th edition of the Intelligencer Journal of Lancaster, PA, reported that, during the Gang's visit to Cleveland (their next stop after Detroit), Spanky took up some fishing at nearby Lake Royal. The United Press of May 25th, however, reported that Spanky went to Cleveland to visit an aunt while the rest of the kids stayed in Detroit to finish their engagement there.
Around May (by the 17th at the latest), the Spanky McFarland Safety Club was launched. Children could sign a safety pledge card and be handed a button identifying themselves as members of the club. The pledge card read as follows:
I promise Our Gang:
I will not play on busy streets.
I will not hitch on autos, cars or trucks.
I will stop, look and listen before crossing a street.
I will not take any foolish chances.
I will always play safe and try to help other boys and girls to do the same.
The May 20th St. Louis Globe-Democrat reported that Spanky and his family was visiting relatives in St. Louis. The way they tell it is that the tour was cut short by Spanky's measles outbreak and that his family was stopping in St. Louis on their journey home.
On May 25th, Spanky was a guest of the St. Louis Cardinals, getting his photo taken with Dizzy Dean, and watching the home team beat the Chicago Cubs.
On May 26th, Spanky's family spent the day with an aunt in Kansas City before embarking on their journey home to California. While at the house, he signed autographs for the children who lived on the block.
During this year, an ad for Royal Cherry Gelatin included an Our Gang comic strip. Among the characters was Spanky.
On July 16th, the Los Angeles Times reported the following: "Because Spanky McFarland is smitten with June Lang, too, he innocently brought to light a real romance that is progressing at the Hal Roach studio. The fortunate young man in the case is Joe Rivkin, Roach's casting director. The other day Rivkin took Miss Lang to luncheon and invited Spanky and little Darla Hood, another member of the Our Gang comedy unit. Without Rivkin's knowledge Spanky dated Miss Lang and took her to Venice for the day. He didn't think Rivkin would find out but Rivkin did and he teases poor Spanky about it every time the youngster goes into his office." On August 10th, the Illustrated Daily News of Los Angeles elaborated: "But while Joe was joyous over the return (from New York) of his girl friend, there was some sorrow in the heart of his rival, 'Spanky' McFarland. 'Spanky,' aged 7, as broad as he is long, and now appearing in a full-length comedy called 'General Spanky' on the Roach lot, was in the doldrums. Joe told the child rolly-polly that June was in town. 'So what?' asked 'Spanky' with a belligerent glint in his eye. He had sent her five telegrams while she was away. 'I thought you'd like to know,' said Joe. Whether or not 'Spanky' did want to know remained a riddle. The Rivkin guy, it is learned, is regarded by the youthful 'Spanky' somewhat in the light of an undesirable rival. 'Spanky,' with his $1200-a-week income - 52 weeks out of the year - likes to entertain Miss Lang. 'Spanky' doesn't throw parties for the young woman on a small scale either. When he takes a girl out he 'shoots the works.' Sometimes he spends two dollars! That means she can ride on the roller coaster as many times as 'Spanky' wants to. 'But, she can't tell me about how swell Joe Rivkin is,' 'Spanky' admitted."
During July, by the 19th in any event, the Spanky Bar came into existence. This was an ice milk bar made by McColl Ice Cream Co. that cost five cents, and it was directly associated with Our Gang and Hal Roach Studios. 3 bar bags could be sent in for a Spanky lapel button, 10 bar bags for an 8x11 photo of Spanky, and 12 bar bags for a Spanky cap.
From July to September, filming took place for "General Spanky," a feature film with Spanky as its star. During this stretch, he made $750 a week.
On July 18th, Hal Roach Studios held its 15th anniversary celebration of the Our Gang series. Needless to say, Spanky was in attendance.
Also on July 18th, The Paterson Morning Call (NJ) reported the following: "Life is just one school after another to Spanky McFarland. 'Our Gang' was out of classes a month this spring with measles, and had to work overtime during what would have been vacation to catch up. Two days after they finished real school the gang went back into the classrooms to be 'bored with education' and Spanky is flaming."
On July 24th, the Redwood City Tribune carried a photo of Spanky with his new stand-in, Joe Strauch of Chicago.
On July 27th, the Associated Press reported the following on the Gang's arrival in Sacramento: "Spanky McFarland, of Our Gang fame in Hollywood, called on Governor Meriam, sat on his knee and made himself at home generally in the chief executive's office for a quarter of an hour to-day. General Spanky arrived with a company which will start shooting scenes to-morrow on the sternwheeler Cherokee."
On July 28th, The Sacramento Bee (CA) reported the following: "A lively, chubby normal boy of 7 years who likes to fish and to run and, best of all, to play-act - that is Spanky McFarland. Spanky began work on the Sacramento River to-day in the starring role of the Hal Roach comedy feature picture, General Spanky - during which he expects to get in a lot of fishing off the sides of the Cherokee, the stern wheeler to be used in the filming.
"The 7-year-old actor had a busy day after arriving in Sacramento. He had a conference with Governor Frank F. Merriam, posed for newspaper photographers and tried to be polite to inquisitive reporters when all his thoughts were on seeing the boat on which he is to work. He stepped from the elevator in the Hotel Senator, accompanied by his father and mother and his 6-year-old brother, Tommy.
"'Mommy, give me 50 cents for a lighter,' he began pleading with he same familiar lisp that adds to his motion picture charm, as soon as his father was out of hearing distance. The lighter was to be a birthday present. 'You'll break me, Spank,' laughed Mrs. McFarland. 'Can you get a lighter for 50 cents here?' Spanky already had investigated the situation. 'A good one,' he urged, 'and they fill her up with juice for nothing the first time.'
"Mrs. McFarland, whose attitude toward her talented son is just like any average mother's toward her child, produced the coin and away sped Spanky. 'He asks for $5 like it was a nickel,' she said."
On August 6th, Paul Harrison reported the following in his syndicated column: "George Robert Phillips McFarland, who will be eight years old on Oct. 2, is climaxing his five years as a leading man by starring in a feature picture. He has the title role, too, for the flicker will be called 'General Spanky.' Spanky isn't sure that he wants to be called Spanky any longer. Sounds infantile and is, in fact, a relic of his earliest days with Hal Roach and the 'Our Gang' comedies. Mr. McFarland is a veteran now, and seems to be still in the ascendancy. His salary has been boosted from $750 to $1,250 a week. But Spanky still gets spanked occasionally. Sometimes for swearing. Adults around the Roach studio have been trained for years to avoid profanity, but the kid star has picked up an impressive vocabulary somewhere. His other most frequent offense is rough-housing with his brother in the living room when their parents have company. You see, he's an exhibitionist, as are most actors.
"His brother Tom is 5, doesn't look at all like George Robert Phillips McFarland, and is not in the movies. The four McFarlands, together with an off-white mongrel named Tiny, live in a four-story house on the summit of a Hollywood hill. Spanky ordinarily has little chance for recreation at home; gets up at 7:45 a.m., is brought from the studio at 5 p.m., and goes to bed about 8. Fortuitously, he still is small for his age; stands 42 1/2 inches and weighs 52 pounds. He has had measles and whooping cough, and now has slight attacks of asthma.
"Interviewers never get anywhere with Spanky. He'll shake hands politely enough, but after that he is about as garrulous as Garbo. This doesn't seem to be shyness; he's just bored. He has a vivid imagination, and to playmates and studio executives he spins the wildest yarns. He's independent and a shade sassy, but not temperamental. When a director calls him before the camera, Spanky invariably says, 'Ah, nuts!' When he is confident of his lines and ready for the camera to roll, he says 'Okay, Toots.'
"Once his father asked him if he'd like to see Clark Gable. Spanky asked, 'What's Clark Gable - a horse?' When he met Constance Bennett, the actress gushed a greeting and kissed him. Spanky reared back and made the most frightful face he could muster.
"Robert McGowan, the kid expert who was his first director, declared that 'Spanky is a natural - the first genius I've directed since Jackie Cooper.' Mrs. McFarland: 'I wouldn't say that Sonny (his parents always have called him Sonny) is a genius, or has a superior intelligence. He's all boy and has a wonderful personality. His personality is what has made him popular.' At the studio he works four hours a day, studies three, plays one. He gets good grades, especially in spelling and drawing. Most of his spare time is spent making sketches. Spanky still doesn't learn his lines by reading them from the script; a director teaches him line by line, and explains the scene. He can remember as many lines as the average adult actor, and almost never blows up. But he often fails to deliver the proper expression.
"He's an honorary deputy sheriff of Los Angeles County, and proud of it. Spaghetti is his grand passion, but he's permitted to have it only once a week. He has no set allowance for spending money, and his parents are investing practically all his salary in real estate and annuities. They have to mail about 1,000 pictures each month to Spanky's fans. His own favorite actor is Fred MacMurray. Spanky and Tom have a room of their own, with twin beds. The place is cluttered with plaster dolls of the kind people sometimes win at carnival concessions. That's how Spanky got them; to him they're trophies, not dolls."
An August press release stated that Spanky had recently signed a new 7-year contract. This, of course, provides another variation on the topic.
On August 15th, the Stockton Independent (CA) reported the following: "'Spanky' McFarland working in his first starring feature comedy, 'General Spanky,' has been given the dressing room of Charley Chase, who was with Hal Roach for 17 years. The chubby little 'Our Gang' hero has the old favorite's picture on the wall."
On August 17th, the Screen Boys' Club met at the home of W.S. Van Dyke to elect its officials, with Spanky in attendance.
On September 12th, Ruth Love reported the following in her syndicated column: "There's a new romance building in Hollywood today, but sh-h-h, it's supposed to be a deep, dark secret. Spanky McFarland, Hal Roach's chubby star, let the cat out of the bag when he finished up the feature comedy 'General Spanky.' He told his mother he wants to meet Shirley Temple, but he doesn't want it to be just a publicity stunt! Seems Spanky, although he's been in pictures for the past five years, has never met Shirley, but one of his playmates did. And now Spanky wants to be introduced, so arrangements are being made."
On September 14th, the want ads of the Los Angeles Times listed several businesses and individuals who endorsed an appeal to citizens to drive carefully during the back-to-school season. One of these was Spanky McFarland. These appeared several times at least until the 17th.
On September 18th, Movienews of Chicago, IL, ran the following article written by Spanky himself: "I'm not just exactly sure what I want to be when I grow up. Most of the time I think I would like to be an aviator, but I've never been up in an airplane so I'm not certain. Those great big planes look pretty fine to me when they go up in the air. Lots of times my Mama and Daddy take me over to an airport so I can watch the big ships start out for New York City. The Skychief leaves Union Airport near Los Angeles and lands in New York City just fifteen hours and twenty-three minutes later.
"I got to talk to some of the chief pilots and you know they sure have done a lot of interesting things. None of them have ever been a movie actor and that sort of worries me sometimes. Captain Eddie Bellande has been a flier almost all his life. Captain Alston Parker was a pilot on the first Byrd expedition to the South Pole. He told me lots of interesting things about the trip down there and he sure had a swell time. I thought it was awful hot at the South Pole, but he says it's colder than blazes down there. Boy, was I surprised!"
On September 23rd, The Bend Bulletin carried an ad for the Sunfreeze Spanky Bar. Unlike the July reference, it's described as an actual ice cream bar, and as chocolate nut-coated. Another company that manufactured the bar was Modern Maid. Also on September 23rd, the Imperial Valley Press of El Centro, CA, reported the following: "A new ice cream concoction has been brought to Imperial Valley by Arden Farms. It is called the 'Spanky' Bar and it's the official bar of the famous juvenile movie stars of 'Our Gang' comedies. Purchasers of this new bar are eligible for membership in a new club to be known as the Sunfreze 'Our Gang' club. Membership cards will be issued to members, there will be membership buttons, beautiful red, white and blue caps and also autographed pictures of Spanky McFarland, the popular little comedian, for members in good standing."
From a press release by Fred A. Purner: "Producer Hal E. Roach has appointed Dr. Henry Dietrich, Los Angeles pediatrician, to supervise the diet and direct the health of the children who enact the 'Our Gang' film comedies. Spanky McFarland, Darla Hood, Alfalfa Switzer and Buckwheat Thomas, who recently were taken down with the measles in Detroit and had their personal appearance tour terminated, will undergo individual examinations with recommendations to be made for essentials in their health and well-being. 'Baby Patsy' May and 'Porky' Lee, other 'little rascals' of 'Our Gang', will be included and there will be periodical inspections and medical treatments with the consent and co-operation of the parents. A special pediatrician for child actors is something new in Hollywood. The 'Our Gang' members have had their own school room and teacher right at the Roach Studios during the fifteen years the various members have been appearing on the screen and they have their own playgrounds and recreation periods."
On September 29th, Louella Parsons reported the following in her syndicated column: "Spanky McFarland and thirty kids will make merry on the Venice pier on account of it's Spank's eighth birthday."
On October 11th, the Los Angeles Times reported on Spanky's recent birthday celebration at the Venice Amusement Pier.
On October 23rd, Spanky attended Porky Lee's 3rd birthday party at the Our Gang Cafe.
Spanky attended a game in which Rice College "trounced" George Washington university, or at least that's what was reported on November 1st. Rice DID beat Washington the previous day, October 31st, in Houston, so presumably this is where Spanky was that day, though the score was only 12-6.
On November 1st, Alma Whitaker reported that Spanky and Alfalfa were both half a grade ahead in school.
During the making of "Reunion In Rhythm" in December, the Our Gang set was visited by Patience, Richard and Johnny Abbe, three young siblings who were gathering material for a book that would be published in 1937 called Of All Places!. This is what they said about Spanky: "Spanky MacFarlane was expecting us. When we laid eyes on him and he laid eyes on us, a little colored boy who was sitting next to him also doing lessons with the schoolteacher said, 'There they are.' So Spanky came over to us and shook hands. Spanky is a little fat boy, eight years old. This is his history: He has been acting since he was two years old and now he is eight and he signed a seven year contract, so that will make him fifteen years old when he is through, if he is through by then. This will make him quite rich. He already has a big car. So he won't come off so badly in any case. He probably never thought he would come to this when he started in. His mother says he gets very bored when he is home not working, so I guess this is where he belongs. It is all what you get used to. He reads Big Little books, is an expert football player, is quite handsome in a fat way, and has no use for love. He has a brother who doesn't care to be in the movies, but he hangs around anyway. When he is not working he goes to school on the set anyway. His mother is not old. The reason why he got this name is because when he was young his mother kept saying, 'Now be careful or I'll spank you. Spanky, spanky, spanky.' So now he is and always will be Spanky until he changes it himself.
"Spanky could not understand why we are going to China in a fruit boat, so he asked us right away why we didn't go in a passenger steamer because of the comfort. So Mamma said a fruit boat stops at all the ports and you see the people and you are not in a hurry. But Spanky shook his head and didn't agree. He said it was more convenient in a passenger ship. And he certainly is not a sissy - by no means. I suppose that is why he's fat. He likes comfort."
Later in the book, they write: "Spanky won't stand for anyone babying around him. He could be very tough I imagine if anyone got fresh with him. I, Patience, am collecting autographs and when I asked Darla, Spanky looked over and sneered in quite a sneery way and said, 'Cut out the love and kisses.' When we asked little Baby Patsy what she was going to be Spanky said she didn't know how to think yet, so why ask her."
On December 20th, The Lincoln Star of Lincoln, NB, reported the following: "'Spanky' McFarland, chubby favorite of the 'Our Gang' comedy series, donned a miniature uniform of the postal service on the Metro lot this week and helped tote packages and letters to other members of the troupe. 'Spank' probably figures this good deed will undo all the screen devilment he's been up to for the past year."
On December 23rd, Spanky assisted Santa Claus in handing out gifts to orphans at the annual Christmas party of the Los Angeles Press Club.
Also on December 23rd, Jimmie Fidler reported the following in his syndicated column: "Hal Roach, despite his many years as producer of 'Our Gang' comedies, still has things to learn about kids. On the eve of commencing work on a full-length picture with the youngsters, Hal decided to reward them with a fine new dressing room bungalow. It was very swank; I am sure Jean Harlow or Joan Crawford would have grabbed the building with gusto. But not the kids. They stood glumly in a group, then went into a conference from which Spanky McFarland emerged as spokesman. 'Aw gee, Mr. Roach,' he complained, 'we don't want a bungalow. We want a clubhouse like we had in our last picture.' They got it; a rickety building that cost $40, while the $5,000 dressing quarters have apparently gone to waste."

143. The Pinch Singer (featured role: Spanky): Jan. 4, 1936 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-35 - Our Gang series; Filmed Dec. 11 to 21, 1935. ©Feb. 6, 1936. Working title: King's Kong.
142. Divot Diggers (featured role: Spanky/archival sound): Feb. 8, 1936 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-36 - Our Gang series; Filmed Nov. 18 to 25, 1935. ©Feb. 6, 1936. In addition to starring in this short, Spanky is presumably heard in the chaotic yelling near the end of this short that was taken from the soundtrack for "Washee Ironee."
The Trail Of The Lonesome Pine (supporting role: Buddie Tolliver): prem. Feb. 19, 1936 - Wanger/Paramount - 10 reels - Technicolor - feature; ©Mar. 13, 1936. Released Mar. 13, 1936. Credited as Spanky McFarland. Starring Sylvia Sidney, Fred MacMurray and Henry Fonda.
138. The Lucky Corner (featured role: Spanky aka Spank): Mar. 14, 1936 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-31 - Our Gang series; Filmed May 13 to 20, 1935. ©Feb. 19, 1936.
144. Second Childhood (featured role: Spanky): Apr. 11, 1936 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-37 - Our Gang series; Filmed Jan. 1936. ©Mar. 17, 1936. Spanky sings "Oh! Susanna" along with Alfalfa and Zeffie Tilbury.
145. Arbor Day (featured role: Spanky): May 2, 1936 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-38 - Our Gang series; Filmed Feb. 12 to 18, 1936. ©Apr. 9, 1936. Spanky recites during a piece of music called "The Woodman."
Speed-O Byke (appearance): c. 1936 - 1 reel - theatrical advertisement; Sometimes dated 1937, but newspaper ads connecting Spanky to this product appear as early as Aug. 1936. There's also a photo of him on the bike with Darla that appeared in newspapers in June. It stands to reason that if he made the advertising reel, then he'd have been given a free bike. At least one 1936 article also describes him riding a bicycle around the studio lot that was made up to look motorized.
Fox Movietone News (appearance): 1936 - Fox - 1 reel - newsreel; Our Gang's fifteenth anniversary is featured in a Hollywood Spotlight segment with Jimmie Fidler.
146. Bored Of Education (featured role): Aug. 29, 1936 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-1 - Our Gang series; Also listed for Aug. 20, 1936. Filmed July 13 to 16, 1936. ©Sep. 3, 1936. Oscar winner for Best One-Reel Short Subject. Spanky sings "Good Morning To You" along with the rest of the class.
147. Two Too Young (lead role: Spanky): ©Oct. 21, 1936 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-2 - Our Gang series; Also listed for Sep. 26, 1936. Filmed Sep. 8 to 12, 1936.
148. Pay As You Exit (featured role: Spanky): ©Nov. 17, 1936 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-3 - Our Gang series; Also listed for Oct. 24, 1936. Filmed Oct. 14 to 19, 1936.
150. General Spanky (lead role: Spanky aka Spanfield George Leonard): Dec. 11, 1936 - Roach/MGM - 8 reels - prod. F-12 - 'Spanky' McFarland feature; Filmed July 22 to Sep. 8, 1936, with retakes on Sep. 17 and Oct. 19 and 20, 1936. ©Dec. 4, 1936. Oscar nominee for Best Sound Recording.
149. Spooky Hooky (featured role: Spanky): ©Dec. 28, 1936 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-4 - Our Gang series; Also listed for Dec. 5, 1936. Filmed Nov. 11 to 17, 1936.

1937

On January 1st of this year, in his "It's True!" newspaper panel, Wiley Padan reported that Spanky's earnings were put into a 20-year endowment college fund.
In mid-January, Spanky was among the Our Gang members who came down with the flu, resulting in a delay of filming for "Glove Taps."
On January 15th, Spanky was appointed honorary director of public safety for the week in Birmingham, AL. This was announced over local radio station WBGN. It's apparent that Spanky's presence wasn't necessary, as he was informed of this via telegram.
On January 20th, Spanky was among dozens of civic leaders and entertainers who extended their congratulations to President Roosevelt on his second inauguration in an ad posted in The Los Angeles Times.
On January 22nd, The Altoona Tribune (PA) reported that Spanky had received so many badges, medals and honorary buttons that his mother bought him a trophy case. "Here are just a few of his titles: American Legion Colonel in Hollywood Post; Texas Centennial Ranger; Honorary California State Highway Patrolman; Los Angeles Deputy Sheriff; Minneapolis Lieutenant of Police. The Hollywood Post made quite a ceremony at the national convention in Cleveland when they presented the commission and badge. Governor Allred of Spanky's home state of Texas sent by air mail a most imposing commission. In Sacramento, Governor Merriam of Calfornia and Highway Commissioner Engels were to the fore with a miniature highway badge. Spanky's main concern is that the badges and buttons are real. When he shows them to his playmates the question has been raised by them that perhaps after all they are tin and not regular. But when Spanky shows the commissions he stops them. Spanky has served as mascot for the national safety campaign; he has countless buttons and membership cards from clubs and associations, and he has his own birthday and 'Our Gang' clubs."
On February 9th, Spanky was among dozens of undersigned civic leaders who endorsed a traffic safety campaign published in The Los Angeles Times.
On February 16th, Henry Sutherland reported in his syndicated column that Spanky was recently signed to a new contract.
On February 19th, Jimmie Fidler included the following in his column: "'Spanky' McFarland, 56-pound maestro of 'Our Gang' comedies, and Babe Hardy, Stan Laurel's 300-odd pound screen partner, happened to meet at the same Hollywood tailor shop for fittings. Each was trying on a dress suit. Young Spanky's eyes grew wider and wider as the tailor draped the necessary yards of material around the mountainlike Hardy. At length his awe demanded to be spoken, and he gasped: 'Gee, Mr. Hardy, was you ever a little feller, like me?'"
On March 18th, Spanky's new contract was court-approved for the next year, in which his weekly salary would be $200. This according to the July 18, 1937, Chicago Tribune. It also says that the previous year's contract, which was apparently dissolved, was for a period of six years, in which he would make an ascending amount from $400 to $1,000.
On March 31st, the Hollywood Citizen-News reported that Spanky had attended the recent birthday party of Baby Patsy May, which was modified to include presents for Alfalfa Switzer and Buckwheat Thomas, both of whose parties had been cancelled due to a wave of influenza.
On April 8th, Paul Harrison reported the following in his syndicated column: "Spanky McFarland isn't washed up yet, though he's nearing the age when he'd rather be called George than 'Spanky.' Hal Roach has extended his contract a year, but for no more money."
On April 10th, Henry Sutherland reported the following in his syndicated column: "Spanky McFarland, 9, is a business man who insists on keeping his books straight. On the major lot to pose for commercial stills, he interrupted a grownup conference to pay Mae West a dollar he borrowed to bet on a prize fight months ago."
On April 17th, an ad for the Bud Murray School for Stage, Screen & Radio appeared in the Hollywood Citizen-News, which included Spanky as among the Our Gang kids who had studied dancing there.
On May 6th, the Evening State Journal of Lincoln, NB, published an article on the recent annual sales convention at M-G-M, which was attended by the newspaper's own Barney Oldfield, the writer of the article. Also in attendance were Spanky, Alfalfa and Darla.
On May 20th, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported the following: "They're exactly like any batch of neighborhood kids, except that Spanky McFarland is phenomenally good in arithmetic. I found them in school on the Hal Roach lot and Spanky's numbers were 100 per cent accurate. He is 8 years old now and in the third grade. He grows so slowly that the members of the Gang are shooting up ahead of him - but not in mentality. He is actually, as well as on the screen, quick to figure things out. He catches on to lessons so fast that other bright boys in the Gang (Alfalfa, for instance) holler 'Whoa!'
"The Roach publicity department is a little sensitive to questions about Spanky's size, because it has been suggested that hard work has dwarfed him. 'It isn't true,' they say, 'doctors examine the kids once a month. Spanky is as healthy a boy as you'd find anywhere in the country. He grows, but you don't notice it because he's so pudgy.' "
On May 24th, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported that the Our Gang kids would be starting their summer vacation in June, with Spanky coming out to Dallas to visit his grandmother. On June 11th, Movienews Weekly of Chicago, IL, reported that Spanky would be spending most of the summer with his grandmother.
On May 27th, Henry Sutherland included the following in his column: "Said Constance Bennett to Spanky McFarland: 'You have to work hard if you want to be an actor.' Said Spanky McFarland to Constance Bennett: 'That's all right, then. I'm going to be a G-man.'"
On June 20th, the Los Angeles Times reported that Freddie Bartholomew had recently thrown a party for Tommy Kelly at the MGM studio's executive bungalow. Spanky was among the hundred or so movie kids that attended.
On June 30th, the Hollywood Citizen-News reported on the recent birthday party of Fred Purner, Jr. Among the guests were all of the contract players of Our Gang, including Spanky.
During this year, a comic book featuring the Our Gang kids called The Dandy debuted. Among the characters was Spanky.
On July 9th, The Morning Avalanche of Lubbock, TX, reported on the results of a theater survey taken in the city. Shirley Temple and Jane Withers tied with 15 votes each. The article doesn't mention how many votes their opposition got, but that Spanky beat out Freddie Bartholomew by more than six votes.
On July 17th, the Associated Press reported that Spanky's salary was now up to $250 a week. However, a July 22nd studio document listing the kids' salaries for "Fishy Tales" reveals that he was making $200 a week.
Also on July 17th, Spanky took part in a comedy baseball game played by various Hollywood stars for charity. As reported by Associated Press, "the midget star, Spanky McFarland, rapped out one of the few real hits of the game." United Press elaborated: "Vince Barnett, Hollywood's leading 'ribber,' would not permit Spanky to run bases. He wheeled him around in a perambulator as far as second base where Spanky revolted and got out to finish the base running."
On August 16th, The Detroit Free Press (MI) reported the following: "With 'Spanky' McFarland, Darla Hood and 'Porky' Lee recovered from tonsil operations, Director Gordon Douglas is getting ready to start the new series of 'Our Gang' comedies in their seventeenth year." Looking over the shooting dates, it would seem that these operations took place in July.
On September 17th, the Associated Press reported the following: "A guardian must be appointed to straighten out the tangle of claims to the salary of 'Spanky' McFarland, child film actor, Superior Judge Walter S. Gates has ruled today. Jack Edelstein obtained a judgment for $3,500 against 'Spanky's' father, Robert Emmett McFarland, and tried to attach the child's salary. 'Spanky's' mother also claimed the salary, as Judge Gates ordered a guardian appointed."
On October 7th, The St. Louis Star and Times reported on 57,599 questionnaires returned from St. Louis movie fans regarding their theater-going preferences, including favorite child stars. Results were divided between first run and neighborhood theaters. Spanky came in ninth place at first run theaters with 307 votes, and eighth place at neighborhood theaters with 397 votes. Not surprisingly, Shirley Temple took the prize with around ten thousand votes in each category. On November 6th, the Daily News of New York published slightly contradictory results, with Spanky receiving 690 overall votes, tying him with Judy Garland for 8th place.
On October 20th, the Portland Press Herald (ME) reported the following: "Spanky McFarland is the leading man of the 'Our Gang' comedies and is the head man off the screen, too. Miss Fern Carter, who is the school teacher for the children and who has seen many 'Our Gang' children grow up, told us that Spanky is a very lovable child. He is nine and is in the fourth grade. The children go to school together. They are different ages and in different grades, but Miss Carter gives them individual attention and individual instruction. Miss Carter said that Spanky is very advanced for his age. He has a remarkable memory and will remember a lesson much better if it is given him orally."
From a press release: "Mr. and Mrs. R. E. McFarland and their sons Spanky and Tommy are entertaining members of the Our Gang comedy troupe and some of their younger friends at a Hallowe'en dinner Sunday evening. Grouped about a table illuminated with jack o'lanterns and decorated in orange and black will be Pat Ross, Penny Laws, Dickie Jones, Clark Flake, Darla Hood, Baby Patsy May, Carl 'Alfalfa' Switzer, Billie 'Buckwheat' Thomas, Eugene 'Porky' Lee, Harold Switzer and their parents."
On November 17th, Spanky attended a luncheon at the Roach studio honoring Darla's 6th birthday.
On December 11th, the Our Gang kids were afternoon guests of the city of Hermosa Beach, CA, officially welcomed at a civic reception, as part of a Christmas extravaganza. They also took part in a subsequent parade. A press release from the Roach studio read as follows: "Hermosa Beach welcomes 'Our Gang' today, when the famous Hal Roach screen youngsters will be guests at the beach city in a gala luncheon, parade, and theater party that has occasioned Mayor Al Schupner to declare a civic holiday for the affair. More than 2000 school children will take part in the festivities, which will honor the formation of an 'Our Gang' club to include youngsters from Hermosa, Manhattan, and Redondo Beach. A luncheon attended by 50 civic officials and dignitaries will be held this morning at 11:30 at the Hermosa Beach city hall. City Councilman, Harold Matthews, will preside. Following the luncheon, a parade headed by the forty-piece band of Redondo High School will take the famous screen youngsters and their escorts from the City Hall to the Fox Hermosa theater, where a special matinee showing will be held. Also taking part in the parade will be troops of Girl and Boy Scouts, and representatives from the Parent-Teacher Association. Spanky McFarland, Alfalfa Switzer, Darla Hood, Porky Lee, Buckwheat Thomas, and Baby Patsy of 'Our Gang,' will appear in person on the stage of the theater, to be introduced to the audience by their director, Gordon Douglas."
On December 19th, Spanky and Alfalfa served as mascots for the M-G-M Lions juvenile football team, which lost the game to the Sequoia Panthers.

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

1938

On January 20th of this year, Harold W. Cohen wrote in his column: "Spanky McFarland, the 'Our Gangster,' is leaving the coast shortly on a personal appearance tour."
On January 29th, Aleen Wetstein of The Pittsburgh Press wrote an article about a recent scenario written by Spanky called "Betty's Strange Adventure." I'll leave out Wetstein's attempt at a humorous critique of Spanky's story, and simply reprint the story itself, which Wetstein included in her article in full: "Once upon a time a little girl was walking in the woods one day and suddenly she heard a funny noise. She stopped and then she heard it again. Then she said, 'I wonder what that funny noise is?' Then a wolf ran out from behind a tall tree and jumped down in a very big hole. The little girl ran after him but when she reached the hole she found nothing but a few of the tracks he left so she started walking back home for it was getting late and supper must be getting cold and mother might be worried.
"When she reached home her mother was calling dinner. She opened the door and she was so hungry she ate so much that she had to go to bed to digest the food she ate. The next morning Betty got up and she ran down to breakfast and ate as fast as she could eat. Then she ran out of the door and ran to the big hole and found the wolf dead. The end!"
On January 30th, Spanky, along with Alfalfa, served as a mascot for the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Lions, a football team made up of juvenile stars, which played the Wilmar Tech Bengals on this date at the Union High School Stadium in El Monte, CA.
On January 31st, Louella Parsons reported the following in her sydicated column: "Spanky McFarland, at the ripe old age of eight, retires from 'Our Gang' comedies. He has been with them since he was 18 months old but he is such a good little actor he's sure to land at some other studio." His retirement was actually forthcoming, and wasn't widely covered in the news until a month later.
On February 1st, a rough synopsis was written for the upcoming Our Gang film "The Awful Tooth." Spanky was included in the synopsis, but not in the eventual film.
On February 6th, Spanky, along with other members of the Our Gang troupe, guested on the MBS radio program Thirty Minutes In Hollywood with George Jessel.
On February 10th, the Oakland Tribune reported that Spanky was doing a vaudeville tour in the east with Jack Pepper. Spanky's part in the act was to heckle Pepper from a stage box. It's fairly clear that Spanky was on a brief break from the Our Gang series and doing the same act that he and Pepper would do a couple of months later when Spanky temporarily retired from the series. Pepper had previously worked with Spanky in "Bear Facts."
On February 25th, "Came The Brawn" reached its final day of shooting and Spanky left the Our Gang series for the next few months.
On February 28th, the Associated Press reported the following: "George McFarland - better known as Spanky - who is going on 10, announced his retirement today. He is retiring from Hal Roach 'Our Gang' comedies, in which he has been one of the starring members for seven years. Spanky isn't quitting the screen. He'll play in feature films."
On March 1st, the United Press reported the following: "Spanky McFarland retired today from Our Gang comedies because of old age - almost 9 years. After seven years with Hal Roach's gang, Spanky is 'in a groove,' his father explained. The boy will go on a ten-week personal appearance tour and then consider bids from three major studios." It was reported that Spanky's tour would include visits to Detroit, Chicago, Milwaukee, Pittsburgh and other cities. The family's journey towards the East Coast reportedly began on March 5th.
On March 6th, the Los Angeles Times reported that S. S. Van Keuren had staged a farewell luncheon for Spanky the previous week, attended by Gordon Douglas, Alfalfa, Darla, Buckwheat, Porky, Gary, and the parents of the various kids.
On March 11th, Spanky stopped in Claremore, OK, on his way to the east coast. On April 5th, the Associated Press reported the following out of Claremore, OK: "Spanky McFarland doesn't want to be Spanky any more. He announced that as he stopped here on his way to the east. He wants to be called by his real name - George. The McFarlands stopped here for dinner 'just to see what Will Rogers' home town looks like.' "
On March 12th and 13th, Spanky visited an aunt and uncle in University City, MO, on his journey eastward.
On March 13th, Spanky visited an aunt in Indianapolis, IN. As The Indianapolis News so accurately described it: "Mr. and Mrs. George Sleeth had as their guests for the week-end, Mrs. Sleeth's sister, Mrs. R. E. McFarland, Mr. McFarland, and sons Frankie and Tommy, of Hollywood. Frankie is the 'Spanky McFarland' of Our Gang Comedies."
On March 16th, The Hartford Daily Courant (CT) reported the following: "Last night this reporter saw first hand how maddening it is to want a dollar more than you want anything else in life and not know where or how to get it. Spanky McFarland of Hollywood is the 'fellow' who wanted that dollar. He had just arrived in Hartford for personal appearances at the State Theater from Thursday through Saturday, and despite everything he could do to the contrary his mother inadvertently left him not a minute for himself. The youngster wanted to buy her a birthday present, but he couldn't get a dollar and he couldn't get a minute alone.
"The youngster looks just as he has for years in our gang comedies. He weighs 68 pounds, he likes everything and characterically enough he showed us the 'child's menu' he had taken from the train for a souvenir. He was dressed in a sailor suit, he said it was a 'dress suit,' and wrapped in a Hollywood ulster topped with a sailor cap. Sparkling brown eyes and rosy cheeks complete the picture of this 9-years-old healthy little boy. His mother had to hurry him through the Bond lobby because he had started signing autographs. He drew pictures for the druggist to 'illustrate' more clearly the drink he wanted. '"Dr. Pepper" is what we call it in Hollywood,' he said."
On March 17th, Spanky began a four-day engagement at the State Theater in Hartford, CT. Also on this day, he was made "Mayor For a Day" in Hartford and deputy sheriff of Hartford County. Much of this was in connection with the Spanky Safety Club. Spanky was on the same bill with The Three Stooges, who gave him pointers on playing the trumpet.
On March 18th, The Hartford Daily Courant (CT) elaborated on Spanky's act: "The act opens with Mr. Pepper singing a song about Broadway stars being lured to Hollywood. Then he introduces the youthful and chubby McFarland who sings a song, 'Hollywood Gone Broadway,' in which he tells how Hollywood actors are invading the vaudeville stage. With the able assistance of Mr. Pepper, 'Spanky' answers several questions and plays on a trumpet. While 'Spanky' goes backstage, Mr. Pepper sings and plays songs on the ukelele which are very well received."
On March 21st, The Hartford Daily Courant (CT) reported the following: "Nathan Hurvitz...has become tutor to 'Spanky' McFarland, youthful member of Our Gang of motion picture fame, and his younger brother, Tommy, it was announced Friday (Mar. 18th). Hurvitz, a graduate of Weaver High School and Connecticut State College, will accompany the McFarland youngsters during their present tour of personal appearances which will extend until June. 'Spanky' and his brother have been having an unscheduled vacation from their studies, as the tutor who was to come from the West Coast to accompany them has been taken ill. It was while 'Spanky' was making a personal appearance at the State Theater that his parents met the Hartford man. Both youngsters will have three hours schooling a day, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m., if possible, complying with the California school laws. Reading, writing and arithmetic is on their curriculum, as well as geography and government. Their new tutor has already entered upon his duties."
On March 24th, Spanky performed three shows at the Loew Poli Palace in Meriden, CT.
On April 15th, Spanky began an engagement at the Michigan Theater in Detroit. It was reported that Spanky included a trumpet version of "Bei Mir Bist De Schoen" in his act. On April 16th, Len G. Shaw of the Detroit Free Press opined: "Paired with Jack Pepper, who does some good vocalizing on his own account, Spanky keeps up a running comment that is snappy, proves himself to be a real comedian and is in every way a distinct asset."
On April 17th, Spanky appeared on the MBS radio program Thirty Minutes In Hollywood with George Jessel.
An April 21st ad in the Detroit Free Press reveals that Spanky was still playing at the Michigan Theater in Detroit on this date. It must have been his final performance there, though, since he was in Chicago the following day.
On April 22nd, Spanky started an engagement at the Chicago Theater in Chicago, IL.
In her April 23rd syndicated column, Sheilah Graham reported the following: "Spanky McFarland spent five of his seven years leading 'Our Gang' comedies for Hal Roach, with a concluding salary of $350. He is now on a personal appearance tour, getting $2000 weekly. Of this, Spanky receives $1 a week to spend. The rest comes to him via a $100,000 trust fund, payable at 21."
On April 27th, Spanky's engagement at the Chicago Theater was still ongoing.
On April 29th, Louella Parsons reported the following in her syndicated column: "Speaking of youngsters, I was also interested to hear that Spanky McFarland, who outgrew the Our Gang comedies and went on (a) personal appearance tour, is due back in town to test for Sol Lesser's 'Peck's Bad Boy.'"
Also on April 29th, The Charlotte News (NC) reported that Spanky had been in New York the previous week. "Visiting drummers in the lobby of the Park Central Hotel had their hats knocked off last week, and were they peevish. A fat little boy was playing ball in the lobby, and it was 'Spanky' McFarland of 'Our Gang' comedies."
On May 15th, a gathering of honorary Texas Rangers took place to honor Gov. James V. Allred of Texas at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. Reportedly, Spanky McFarland was among them, though this seems unlikely in light of his not having gotten home from his tour yet.
On May 16th, Louella Parsons reported the Spanky was to be among the boys in the upcoming production of "Boys Town." This didn't end up happening.
On May 17th, Spanky stopped in El Paso, TX, while en route from New York to Los Angeles. If we count the weeks from March 5th (when he first left Los Angeles), then his ten-week tour fits pretty nicely within this timeframe.
On May 18th, the El Paso Herald-Post (TX) reported the following: "Spanky McFarland is only nine years old but he can give autographs alongside the best of them. Spanky and his parents, Mr. and Mrs. R. E. McFarland, were in El Paso en route to Los Angeles where he is soon to go to work on new pictures. He was recognized while buying some new shoes. All kinds of pads were presented for his signature and Spanky turned them out with machinelike speed."
On July 10th, The Sunday Star of Washington, DC, reported that Spanky had left the Our Gang series because MGM was concerned that he had been in the series for so long that the public might think he was a dwarf.
On July 12th, Louella Parsons reported the following in her syndicated column: "Funny thing, M-G-M hunted the town over for a leader for the Our Gang comedies and just could not find a youngster that would do. Just when they were ready to give up the whole idea, spunky Spanky McFarland returned to town from a personal appearance tour. Spanky, one of the cutest kids who ever came to Hollywood, graduated from Our Gang because he was supposed to be too big, but M-G-M, who will do these comedies in place of Hal Roach, grabbed him anyway for the first picture, which starts July 18th. It is my personal opinion the studio could not do better, for Spanky has what it takes in mischievous antics and cute personality." Spanky was initially contracted to make 12 Our Gang shorts, which would cover the entire 1938/39 film schedule.
On July 20th, shooting began for "Aladdin's Lantern," marking Spanky's return to the Our Gang series.
On August 10th, the columnist known as Rambling Reporter reported the following: "Pinto Cox, pint-size edition of Dad Ernie Cox, almost broke into the motion pictures at Moreno lake the other day, all on account of a very heated argument, amounting at times to violent demonstration, with Spanky McFarland of the 'Our Gang' comedies. Thus far RR hasn't been able to learn if the argument was over Pinto's freckles or Spanky's girth, nor who won."
On August 19th, Louella Parsons reported that Spanky had been added to the cast of "Peck's Bad Boy With The Circus."
On August 24th, Spanky appeared on the KEHE radio program Listen Ladies starring George Jay.
On August 26th, the Richmond Times-Dispatch (VA) reported the following: "Spanky McFarland, the present star of the series, has been with the crowd longer than any other child, because he hasn't grown for a long, long time. In fact, he's been there so long, that there is a rumor around Hollywood that the boy is 15 years old. That isn't true, he's nine, and has been in the comedies for six years."
Elsewhere, it says: "Spanky chews gum, and parks it behind his ear between shots."
On October 13th, the Monrovia News-Post (of Monrovia, CA) reported that Spanky was slated to take part in the October 28th Junior Chamber of Commerce "Musical Revue," "providing he is not called for work that evening."
The October 30th issue of The Lincoln Star reported the following: "Spanky McFarland has organized a football team of moppets known as the Small Fries. In the first game against the North Hollywood Giants (12 years and under), the Small Fries won in a sprint, 66 to 60. Tiz said both the seat of Spanky's pants and his tongue were dragging on the ground."
On November 27th, Louella Parsons reported the following: "'Spanky' McFarland, the cute little fatty of 'Our Gang' kids, is training like mad to whittle himself down so he can make a test for the role of 'Tarzan Jr.' in the next Weissmuller opus..."
On December 9th, Spanky, along with Jack Pepper, was on the program of a variety show held at the North Hollywood Recreation Center.
On December 13th, the Oakland Tribune reported the following: "M-G-M has lifted the option of Spanky McFarland, who goes next into 'Our Gang Follies of 1939.' "

163. Canned Fishing (featured role: Spanky): Feb. 12, 1938 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-16 - Our Gang series; Filmed Jan. 10 to 25, 1938. ©Feb. 16, 1938.
164. Bear Facts (supporting role: Spanky): Mar. 5, 1938 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-17 - Our Gang series; Filmed Jan. 26 to Feb. 4, 1938. ©Mar. 8, 1938.
165. Three Men In A Tub (supporting role): Mar. 26, 1938 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-18 - Our Gang series; Filmed Feb. 9 to 18, 1938. ©Apr. 1, 1938.
166. Came The Brawn (supporting role: Spanky): Apr. 16, 1938 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-19 - Our Gang series; Filmed Feb. 21 to 25, 1938. ©Apr. 12, 1938.
172. Aladdin's Lantern (featured role: Spanky): Sep. 17, 1938 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2573 - Our Gang series; Filmed July 20 to 26, 1938. ©Sep. 14, 1938.
173. Men In Fright (supporting role: Spanky): Oct. 15, 1938 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2580 - Our Gang series; Filmed Aug. 15 to 20, 1938. ©Oct. 21, 1938.
174. Football Romeo (supporting role: Spanky aka Captain Spanky): Nov. 12, 1938 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2589 - Our Gang series; Filmed Sep. 19 to 24, 1938. ©Nov. 16, 1938.
Peck's Bad Boy With The Circus (supporting role: Pee Wee): Dec. 2, 1938 - Lesser/RKO - 8 reels - Tommy Kelly feature; Filmed late Sep./early Oct. 1938. ©Nov. 25, 1938. Credited as Spanky McFarland.
175. Practical Jokers (featured role: Spanky): Dec. 17, 1938 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2595 - Our Gang series; Filmed Oct. 24 to 27, 1938. ©Dec. 20, 1938.

1939

The Oklahoma News of January 15th of this year reported the following: "Since Spanky McFarland has named himself as a candidate for the 'Junior Tarzan' role in the next Weissmuller film, the Our Gang starlet has been taking daily chinning exercises, gymnastics and swimming lessons. He's developed into a champion swimmer for his age and he rehearses the famous Tarzan call from a recording. Spanky insists he will keep on until he matches the necessary measurements issued by the studio." This all turned out to be for naught, as Johnny Sheffield was eventually selected to play "Boy" in the upcoming "Tarzan Finds A Son."
On September 6th, Spanky performed on the stage of the Orpheum Theater in Los Angeles. It was reported that Spanky had already made occasional appearances on the Orpheum's regular Monday "guest-star nights." It was reported that he "plays the trumpet nicely" among other things.
On September 11th, Spanky performed at the Orpheum again.

176. Alfalfa's Aunt (supporting role: Spanky): Jan. 7, 1939 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2600 - Our Gang series; Filmed Nov. 14 to 17, 1938. ©Dec. 31, 1938.
177. Tiny Troubles (supporting role: Spanky): Feb. 18, 1939 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2606 - Our Gang series; Filmed Jan. 9 to 13, 1939. ©Mar. 1, 1939.
178. Duel Personalities (supporting role: Spanky): Mar. 11, 1939 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2610 - Our Gang series; Filmed Jan. 22 to 26, 1939. ©Mar. 9, 1939.
179. Clown Princes (featured role: Spanky): Apr. 15, 1939 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2613 - Our Gang series; Filmed Feb. 13 to 17, 1939. ©Apr. 12, 1939.
180. Cousin Wilbur (featured role: Spanky): Apr. 29, 1939 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2618 - Our Gang series; Filmed Mar. 13 to 17, 1939. ©May 4, 1939.
181. Joy Scouts (featured role: Spanky): June 24, 1939 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2630 - Our Gang series; Filmed Apr. 17 to 21, 1939. ©June 24, 1939.
182. Dog Daze (supporting role): July 1, 1939 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2631 - Our Gang series; Filmed May 1 to 5, 1939. ©July 13, 1939.
183. Auto Antics (featured role: Spanky): July 22, 1939 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2632 - Our Gang series; Filmed May 15 to 19, 1939. ©July 26, 1939.
184. Captain Spanky's Show Boat (featured role: Spanky): Sep. 9, 1939 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2640 - Our Gang series; Filmed June 19 to 23, 1939. ©Sep. 6, 1939.
185. Dad For A Day (supporting role: Spanky): Oct. 21, 1939 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2645 - Our Gang series; Filmed July 10 to 13, 1939. ©Oct. 24, 1939.
186. Time Out For Lessons (supporting role: Spanky aka Coach Spanky): Dec. 2, 1939 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2655 - Our Gang series; Filmed Sep. 25 to 28, 1939. ©Dec. 5, 1939. Spanky takes part in singing "Boola Boola." Working title: Learn To Play.

1940

On January 26th of this year, Spanky took part in a program put on by the Van Nuys Squadron of the Sons of American Legion. As reported in the San Fernando Valley Times on February 1st: "Spanky, assisted by a squad of R.O.T.C. boys from the Van Nuys high school, put on a skit, 'The Dummy Squad.' Spanky played the leading part with Chill Wills as commanding officer." The climax of the night's program was a singing of "God Bless America," led by Spanky.
On July 15th, Harold W. Cohen reported in his column that Spanky had been signed to a new one-year contract.
The October 15th San Fernando Valley Times reported that Spanky was scheduled to perform the following night at the Fathers and Sons social dinner of the Van Nuys Post of the American Legion. Spanky, along with some other movie actors, was slated to stage a "humorous dramatic act."

187. Alfalfa's Double (supporting role: Spanky): Jan. 20, 1940 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2656 - Our Gang series; Filmed Oct. 2 to 6, 1939. ©Dec. 29, 1939.
189. The Big Premiere (featured role: Spanky): Mar. 9, 1940 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2669 - Our Gang series; Filmed Dec. 11 to 14, 1939. ©Mar. 13, 1940.
190. All About Hash (featured role: Spanky): Mar. 30, 1940 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2674 - Our Gang series; Filmed Jan. 10 to 13, 1940. ©Apr. 5, 1940.
191. The New Pupil (featured role: Spanky): Apr. 27, 1940 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2677 - Our Gang series; Filmed Feb. 7 to 10, 1940. ©Apr. 22, 1940. Spanky sings "Emmet's Lullaby" along with Alfalfa.
188. Bubbling Troubles (supporting role: Spanky): May 25, 1940 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2668 - Our Gang series; Filmed Nov. 8 to 17, 1939. ©May 29, 1940. Working title: In Love Again.
193. Good Bad Boys (featured role: Spanky McFarland): Sep. 7, 1940 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2684 - Our Gang series; Filmed Apr. 1 to 4, 1940. ©Aug. 28, 1940.
194. Waldo's Last Stand (featured role: Spanky): Oct. 5, 1940 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2686 - Our Gang series; Filmed Apr. 22 to 25, 1940. ©Oct. 2, 1940. Spanky takes part in singing "How Dry I Am" and "Drink To Me Only With Thine Eyes."
192. Goin' Fishin' (featured role: Spanky): Oct. 26, 1940 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2680 - Our Gang series; Filmed Mar. 22 to 26, 1940. ©Oct. 16, 1940.
195. Kiddie Kure (featured role: Spanky): Nov. 23, 1940 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2687 - Our Gang series; Filmed May 27 to 31, 1940. ©Nov. 11, 1940.

1941

On January 16th of this year, The Progress of Britton, OK, ran a column by Dickie Jones, where he gave the latest on various kid stars. About Spanky, he said: "Spanky McFarland would like to get a permit from the school board to go home every four hours to feed his new baby sister, Miranda. Hope 'ya make it Spank . . ."
On March 11th, the San Fernando Valley Times reported that Spanky had just joined Troop 24 of the Eagle Scouts.
In his March 31st column, Harrison Carroll reported that Spanky's little sister, five-month-old Amanda was making her screen debut in the Irene Dunne/Robert Montgomery feature "Unfinished Business."
The May 1st San Fernando Valley Times reported the following: "Battling a picked team from the 825 scratch league a crack squad from the Roy Rogers' rangers will participate in a special event on Friday evening at the Van Nuys bowling center. Special guests of the evening will include Spanky McFarland, Our Gang comedy star, and his brother Tommy. Spanky will receive a special medal from the Van Nuys Bowling center for making a 171 score recently at these alleys."
On August 28th, The Granite Enterprise (OK) reported on the recent two-week visit to California by Darla Hood's aunt and cousin. During the visit, they attended a formal dance given at Spanky's home, where Darla's cousin, Melruth, won a jitterbug contest.
On October 11th, Spanky distributed the awards at the children's pet and costume parade in Van Nuys. Spanky, at the time, lived in Van Nuys.
The November 20th "Hollywood Roundup" column reported that Spanky was currently confined to his home with a case of the mumps. The December 6th "Movieland Chatter" column reported that Spanky was still recovering.

196. Fightin' Fools (featured role: Spanky): Jan. 25, 1941 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2696 - Our Gang series; Filmed Aug. 26 to 31, 1940. ©Dec. 30, 1940.
197. Baby Blues (featured role: Spanky): Feb. 15, 1941 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2706 - Our Gang series; Filmed Oct. 31 to Nov. 4, 1940. ©Feb. 24, 1941.
198. Ye Olde Minstrels (featured role: Spanky aka Spank): Mar. 18, 1941 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2716 - Our Gang series; Filmed Jan. 13 to 16, 1941. ©Mar. 13, 1941. Spanky takes part in singing "Carry Me Back To Old Virginny" and "Auld Lang Syne."
200. 1-2-3-Go! (featured role: Spanky): Apr. 26, 1941 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2710 - Our Gang series; Filmed Dec. 3 to 6, 1940. ©Apr. 30, 1941.
Studios On Parade (appearance): 1941 - Mercury - 4 min. - documentary short; 8mm home movie documentary features behind-the-scenes footage of "1-2-3- Go!"
201. Robot Wrecks (featured role: Spanky): July 12, 1941 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2732 - Our Gang series; Filmed May 6 to 9, 1941. ©July 15, 1941.
202. Helping Hands (featured role: Spanky): Sep. 27, 1941 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2744 - Our Gang series; Filmed July 24 to Aug. 1, 1941. ©Oct 5, 1941.
199. Come Back, Miss Pipps (featured role): Oct. 25, 1941 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2720 - Our Gang series; Filmed Jan. 28 to 31, 1941. ©Oct. 14, 1941.
203. Wedding Worries (featured role): Dec. 13, 1941 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2751 - Our Gang series; Filmed Sep. 29 to Oct. 3, 1941. ©Dec. 22, 1941.

1942

In her April 27th column from this year, Louella Parsons reported: "Spanky McFarland, the cute little fat boy who has been in Our Gang comedies 11 years, leaves June 24 for personals.
On July 29th, "Unexpected Riches" finished shooting, and Spanky departed the Our Gang series for the second and final time.
During this year, Dell Publishing Co. introduced Our Gang Comics. Spanky was featured among the characters for the first two issues, but was removed from the lineup when he left the film series.
In her September 8th column, Louella Parsons reported: "Spanky McFarland and Baby Sandy have struck up a flirtation." Both were appearing in "Johnny Doughboy."

204. Melodies Old And New (featured role: Spanky): Jan. 24, 1942 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2755 - Our Gang series; Filmed Oct. 29 to 31, 1941. ©Dec. 23, 1941. Spanky sings "Come Back To Erin," and takes part in singing "While Strolling Through The Park One Day" and "Toot, Toot, Tootsie (Goo'bye)."
205. Going To Press (featured role: Spanky): Mar. 7, 1942 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2758 - Our Gang series; Filmed Nov. 17 to Dec. 5, 1941. ©Mar. 17, 1942.
206. Don't Lie (featured role: Spanky): Apr. 4, 1942 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2752 - Our Gang series; Filmed Oct. 8 to 14, 1941. ©Apr. 14, 1942.
207. Surprised Parties (featured role: Spanky aka Spank): May 30, 1942 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2770 - Our Gang series; Filmed Feb. 5 to 10, 1942. ©May 28, 1942.
208. Doin' Their Bit (featured role): July 18, 1942 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2771 - Our Gang series; Filmed Mar. 27 to 31, 1942. ©July 9, 1942.
209. Rover's Big Chance (featured role: Spanky): Aug. 22, 1942 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2780 - Our Gang series; Filmed Apr. 25 to 29, 1942. ©Aug. 25, 1942.
210. Mighty Lak A Goat (featured role: Spanky): Oct. 10, 1942 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2783 - Our Gang series; Filmed May 6 to 13, 1942. ©Oct. 6, 1942.
211. Unexpected Riches (featured role: Spanky): Nov. 28, 1942 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2794 - Our Gang series; Filmed July 26 to 29, 1942. ©Dec. 8, 1942.
Johnny Doughboy (supporting role: Spanky McFarland): Dec. 31, 1942 - Republic - 7 reels - Jane Withers feature; ©Dec. 31, 1942. Credited as "Spanky" McFarland. Also featuring Alfalfa Switzer. Both take part in singing "All Done, All Through."

1943

I Escaped From The Gestapo (bit part: Billy): May 14, 1943 - K-B/Monogram - 9 reels - feature; ©Apr. 23, 1943. Credited as Spanky McFarland. Starring Dean Jagger, John Carradine and Mary Brian.
Seeing Hands (small part: Fatty): July 3, 1943 - MGM - 1 reel - Pete Smith Specialty series; ©July 1, 1943. Smith introduces Spanky as "a fugitive from an Our Gang comedy."

1944

After freelancing for the last two years, Spanky finally decided he didn't want to continue in movies. His parents agreed and the family moved back to the Dallas area in nearby Lancaster, where Spanky would finish his schooling. As he said in a 1988 interview: "It was a lark, I guess you could say, when I was really little, but once the 'Spanky' identity caught on permanently and my kid-comedian career was assured for the longer term - most kid actors, including the Our Gang players, tended to get forcibly retired by age seven or thereabouts - then my folks just took it for granted that I was their Cash Cow. My Old Man just flat quit workin' for a living, that's How Green Was Our Valley in those days, and when I'd exhibit any sign of wantin' to quit bein' Spanky or try to broaden out my acting prospects, the Old Man'd get all bent outta shape and tell me, 'Why, you can't quit! You're all we've got sustaining us!' Manipulative hogwash like that. Which is why, if you look at most of those later Our Gangs after Mr. Hal Roach had sold the trademark to MGM, you can see me lookin' not altogether pleased to be goin' through the motions. I was bustin' at the seams, and I don't just mean the seams of that damned little fat-boy wardrobe they made me keep wearin'."

Cowboy And The Senorita (bit part: kid tripping Teddy): May 13, 1944 - Republic - 8 reels - Roy Rogers & Trigger feature; ©Mar. 20, 1944.
The Woman In The Window (bit part: newsreel boy scout with glasses): prem. Oct. 25, 1944 - Christie/International/RKO - 10 reels - Edward G. Robinson & Joan Bennett feature; ©Oct. 11, 1944. Released Nov. 3, 1944. Also featuring Bobby Blake.

1946

There is some conflicting information about when Spanky first joined the Air Force, with 1947 being reported as both the starting and ending year for his stint. However, this is almost certainly inaccurate when it comes to the year he enlisted. It's also been reported that he joined at the age of 17, which would put it somewhere between October 1945 and October 1946. It's also been reported that World War II was still going on when he enlisted, but he wasn't 17 yet when the war ended. In Richard Lamparski's 1970 edition of his "Whatever Became Of" book series, he states that Spanky earned his high school diploma while in the service.
Reportedly, Spanky was a Special Service PFC stationed in San Antonio, and produced and promoted shows of some kind that were performed at bases around Texas.

1947

It seems likely that Spanky was discharged from the Air Force during this year, though it could have been before the end of 1946. Dick Moore interviewed him for his 1984 book Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star and quoted Spanky as saying that his stint ended after only eight months when he received a hardship discharge. The Vidette-Messenger, having interviewed Spanky for their Oct. 24, 1991, article, stated that his discharge happened after one year. This may be erroneous, though, as the article is inaccurate with some of its other information.
The San Angelo Standard-Times (Valparaiso, IN) of November 17th reported: "Spanky McFarland, former boy movie star, arrived in Mason this morning and is hunting on the Dan Ellebracht Ranch 21 miles west of the city."
Spanky went through quite a few low-paying jobs over the next few years, including working at a hamburger stand, selling insurance, selling vacuum cleaners, and making sandwiches. At some point early on, Spanky also briefly worked as a chauffeur for a millionaire, earning $20 a week. As he later told Dick Moore, "He got a kick out of his chauffeur being Spanky McFarland and he used that to his benefit." Elsewhere, he mentioned that he had "beach combed in Galveston."

1948

In her syndicated column of December 24th of this year, Dorothy Kilgallen wrote: "There's a job waiting for 'Spanky' McFarland, the former 'Our Gang' kid star, if he will get in touch with booking agent Bob Maurice in the RKO building." Just what this was in reference to is anybody's guess.

1949

In her syndicated column of May 8th of this year, Edith Gwynn wrote: "If Paramount can find Spanky McFarland, once a child star in those 'Our Gang' comedies, he can have a role in 'Sunset Blvd,' which features so many oldtimers."
In his syndicated column of July 12th, Jess Hassell reported that Spanky was currently a Dallas salesman.
The Star Press of Muncie on August 29th reported that Spanky was currently an airplane painter with Chance Vought Aircraft in Dallas. A variation of this story is that he worked in stock control at Chance Vought and at the guided missile project at Pt. Mugu, CA. This is probably in reference to Chance Vought transferring Spanky to California at some point, as he later related to Dick Moore.
Other jobs Spanky obtained during this period included working in a used car lot.

1950

The timing of Spanky's first marriage is a bit nebulous, but in an interview with The Morning News of Wilmington, DE (June 4, 1986), he stated that he got married at the age of 21, which would likely mean 1950. It would have been shortly after this that his son Gregg was born. According to the same article, the marriage lasted for 3 years. In Dick Moore's 1984 book, Spanky told him that he returned to Texas after this marriage failed, but it seems that he was back in Texas in a much shorter time than that.

1951

In his syndicated column of September 10th of this year, Paul V. Coates, writing on the whereabouts of former Our Gang kids, wrote: "According to what I can learn, Spanky McFarland is working in Dallas, Texas, as a truck driver for a soft drink company." It was later reported that this company was Coca-Cola.
On November 8th, The Rapid City Daily Journal (SD) published an article on Our Gang imposter Don Marlowe, where it was reported that Spanky was currently a bartender in Houston, working for his old vaudeville colleague, Jack Pepper. Of course, when it comes to this piece of information, it's important to consider the source.

1952

On February 16th of this year, the United Press, not bothering with any fact-checking, reported the following: "Former child actor Spanky McFarland, the chubby tot of the 'Our Gang' comedies, was jailed today with three companions as suspects in a statewide check-cashing racket. McFarland, 39, whose real name is Tommy Fred Mauling, was arrested when police noticed him and his companions driving an allegedly stolen car."
On April 13th, the Pasadena Independent, in another sterling display of journalism, reported the following: "Spanky today is in the 45th Infantry Division in Korea and was there about four months before anyone except a handful of very close friends knew about it. He uses only his real name, Bill Church, and keeps quiet about his former movie career." The article gives addition information about this most famous of Spanky imposters, but I'll just add the following excerpt and leave the rest out: "The 'Our Gang' comedies were started in 1926 by producer Hal Roach. But Church didn't play his first Spanky role until 1934. 'I was the third Spanky McFarland,' he said, 'and I had to quit in 1939 when I got too old for the part.' Only two more 'Our Gang' comedies were made after Church left the movies."

1953

As Spanky told Bob Thomas in 1955: "I came back to Hollywood in September of 1953, but I couldn't find any acting jobs. Not even a half day's work." In The Tampa Tribune of November 11, 1987, he elaborated: "It was embarrassing to me because they couldn't see me as anything but Spanky. I'd go on a call and they'd find I was Spanky. Everything would stop, and everybody would come over and look at me like I was some kind of monkey in a cage."

1954

As Spanky told Eve Starr in her June 16, 1955, article: "I was out here (in Hollywood) nine months last year, but I let an agent handle me and the only job I could get was as fry cook on the night shift in the hot dog stand across the street from the Derby." TV Guide, in their Little Rascals article from May 1955, added that Spanky was also a gas station attendant while in California. Since he arrived in September 1953, then he must have gone back to Dallas around June of 1954. On August 14, 1954, the North American Newspaper Alliance published an article about Alfalfa, in which he mentioned that Spanky was working at a "curb hot-dog stand in Hollywood." So apparently, the two of them had made contact with each other at least once since the time of "Johnny Doughboy," though it seems Alfalfa wasn't aware that Spanky had left Hollywood by this time.
As Spanky told Bob Thomas in 1955: "So I went back to Texas and goofed around. I helped out a friend who had a fencing business, and I did some work in oil." It has elsewhere been reported that it was specifically picket fences and that Spanky was a salesman for the company. The oil business probably followed this, since he was reported to be an oil promoter in 1955.
The Ogden Standard-Examiner of September 5th reported that Joe Simons, formerly Spanky McFarland of Our Gang fame, was currently in Ogden, maybe to stay. He's actually kind of accurate with most of his Our Gang info, but botches things up when he claims to have won an Oscar for his work in "The Trail Of The Lonesome Pine."

1955

The Ogden Standard-Examiner of February 20th of this year reported that Joe Simons was booked for "investigation of fraud" after admitting that his claim to being Spanky McFarland was a hoax. Simons had made many connections around the Ogden entertainment community, appearing on local TV and performing in a play, all on the strength of being the former Our Gang kid. He was released without bail and left town. The article also mentioned that the real Spanky was currently a baker, though this might be in reference to one of the other imposters, as this is one job that isn't mentioned elsewhere.
The May 14th to 20th issue of TV Guide reported that Spanky was currently an oil promoter in Dallas.
By June, Spanky had returned to Hollywood, prompted by the success of The Little Rascals on television. It was reported on June 2nd that he was slated to appear on The George Gobel Show so he probably arrived some time in late May. He also hoped to get a part in "Giant," since he knew director George Stevens, but this didn't pan out. A press photo from June 6th of this year carried a caption that read: "Spanky McFarland, who two decades ago led the mischief makers in the Hal Roach Our Gang comedies, has returned to Hollywood to take up acting again. Here, in the film capital June 6, he makes the sign he popularized years ago with the words 'okey dokey' in the nation's theaters. MacFarland(sic), still chubby, has been living in Dallas, Tex., most of the time since he retired from the famed film series in 1944. The great success of the old comedies on TV, where the reruns are called the Little Rascals, inspired the actor to try Hollywood again."
On June 15th, Eve Starr wrote that Spanky "quit his job as an oil lease buyer in his native Dallas, Tex., two months ago when word reached him that he was again a big star - thanks to the popularity of Our Gang on TV around the country - and came to Hollywood to see if he couldn't cash in on it."
On August 21th, Erskine Johnson wrote that Spanky "was on a recent Hollywood TV show and laughs it up with Jimmy Durante on one of his telefilms due for release this fall." So some time shortly after this article, Spanky was featured in an episode of The Jimmy Durante Show.
On September 15th, Mike Connolly reported the following: "Spanky Productions, Inc., has been set up here to merchandise products tied in with TV's 'Little Rascals,' formerly 'Our Gang.' Merchandising rights have been secured from such former 'Gangsters' as Spanky McFarland, Alfalfa Switzer, Darla Hood, Buckwheat Thomas..." The kids never saw each other while all of this was going on.
A press photo from September 20th carried a caption that read: "Movie agent Mel Schlank, who decided it was time for television's 'Little Rascals' to begin cashing in on merchandising tieups, looks at some old pictures of the Rascals with Spanky McFarland, who played in the series as a boy. The tv comedies are reruns of the old Hal Roach 'Our Gang' comedies of 20 or more years ago. Schlank hopes the name 'Little Rascals' soon will be on comic books, clothes, puppets and toys." Elsewhere, dolls and coloring books were added to the list of items to be sold. Contracts with two major companies were signed.
With the potential for a better future after the licensing agreement, Spanky sent for his fiance, Doris Taulman, and the two flew to Las Vegas to get married. This happened in August, so even though Spanky Productions was reported about in September, it must have already been around for at least a month by that time.
On September 23rd, Bob Thomas wrote: "Spanky landed a spot on the George Gobel show and a personal appearance in Washington, D.C., that drew large crowds."
Shortly after this, Spanky Products went out of business. Another group with the rights to the Little Rascals name went to the same companies and offered a better deal. Spanky then got a job making ice cream and popsicles at a large dairy. He also told Dick Moore: "By this time I had a pretty good helpmate and she went to work until I could find something to do, which I think was pumping gas. I pumped a lot of gas."
Apparently, Spanky also appeared on the TV show Playhouse 90 during this period.

Captain Jet And The Little Rascals episode (guest appearance): June 7, 1955 - KNXT - 30 min. - TV episode
The George Gobel Show episode (role: TV repairman): June 25, 1955 - Gomalco/NBC - 30 min. - TV episode; Also featuring Fred MacMurray. George and Alice call in the TV repairman when they can't get the Little Rascals on their set.

1956

A press photo from Apr. 12th of this year carried the following caption: "Spanky McFarland who stoled(sic) everybody's heart when he was a star in Our Gang comedies 20 years ago arrived today to accept an award for being chosen 'the favorite little rascal' on T.V. He is being scolded by TWA's passenger agent Carol Gibson as he trys to slide down the rail at the Midway Airport."
On April 14th, Spanky appeared at the Uptown Theatre in Chicago with WBKB-TV's Chubby Jackson, who hosted the local Little Rascals show. It isn't clear whether or not the show was broadcast on this occasion, or if it was purely a live, non-televised event.
On April 26th, The Wichita Eagle published an article about Alfalfa, in which he said, "I just saw Spanky last week. He runs a service station and has started in acting again."
During this year, Dell Publishing Co. debuted a comic book called The Little Rascals, which lasted until 1962. Among the characters was Spanky.
On July 23rd, Spanky's son Verne was born.

1957

Sometime in mid-January of this year (first reported on January 18th at the latest) the Valley Times of Hollywood carried the following item in their want ads: "Wanted: Executive in entertainment field who needs live wire assistant. Ex-child star, now grown, seeks such a position. Imaginative! Intelligent! Responsible! Can associate with and understand show people. Childhood (3 to 16) spent as leader of 'Our Gang' comedies. Won't someone give me the opportunity to earn my living in the business I love and know so well??? Have beanie, will travel. Spanky McFarland."
The Los Angeles Times of February 7th reported the following: "San Diego, Feb. 6 - Permit of a local cafe man, who represents himself to be Spanky McFarland, onetime fat boy of Our Gang Comedies, to solicit Hungarian refugee funds was revoked today following a hearing. McFarland himself was absent. His business associates in a local cafe said he had gone to Los Angeles last week end. John Peshel, assistant director of the Department of Social Service, who conducted the hearings, said 'there is no evidence to substantiate his claim that he is the Spanky McFarland of the Our Gang Comedies.' Last month, Peshel had granted McFarland a city permit to solicit contributions for Hungarian refugees on behalf of an eastern philanthropic organization. Peshel said that McFarland recently conducted a 175 hour sleepless marathon during which he solicited contributions over a local radio station." The imposter in question turned out to be a guy named William J. Church, better known as Bill Church, who had been pretending to be Spanky dating back to his stint in the Korean War. It was when Church watched the real Spanky on Tonight! America After Dark that he realized he couldn't continue the charade, and he surrendered shortly thereafter.
During the middle part of the year, Spanky toured state fairs and theme parks around the Midwest.
On April 30th, Spanky was reunited with Alfalfa for an appearance on Ollie Henry's local Little Rascals show on KAKE-TV in Wichita, KS. Alfalfa was, at the time, living on a farm near Wichita, and Spanky was coming through town on his latest tour, so Alfalfa rang him up and the two of them had lunch together. Whether this happened the same day as the TV appearance isn't clear. According to The Wichita Eagle, Spanky still owned a service station in Hollywood.
On May 4th and 5th, Spanky appeared at Sports Center Kiddieland in Wichita, signing autographed photos.
On May 11th and 12th, due to popular demand, Spanky returned to Sports Center Kiddieland to sign more autographed photos.
On June 22nd, Spanky appeared at the Orpheum in Atchison, KS.
On July 14th, The Billings Gazette reported that Spanky was working for a theatrical agency in San Francisco. Given his other activities during this year, I suspect this was one of his many imposters.
On July 19th, Spanky appeared at the "Giant Spanky Show" at the Leachman Theater in Stillwater, OK.
With the end of summer came the end of the state fairs, but while the McFarlands were vacationing in Oklahoma, another opportunity presented itself. As Mike Connolly wrote in his August 19th column: "Spanky McFarland, who once had a field day as the roly-poly moppet in Filmdom's 'Our Gang' comedies, starts a series of local live teleshows over Station KOTV in Tulsa, Okla, Sept. 2, under his real name - George McFarland." The initial contract was for 13 weeks, but this was followed by a second contract for 13 weeks.
On August 23rd and 24th, Spanky was in Salina, KS, to judge a pet show staged by the local Safeway Store.
The earliest TV listing I've seen for Spanky's Little Rascals is from August 29th, which would indicate that the show started earlier than its September 2nd projected debut. Spanky wore a beanie and short pants on the show, as though he had never stopped being the Our Gang kid.
On December 7th, Spanky was a "special parade guest" in Bartlesville, OK's annual Christmas parade, sponsored by the Junior Chamber of Commerce.
On December 14th, Spanky appeared at the Center Theater in Vinita, OK, where a 3-hour marathon of Little Rascals films were shown.
On December 22nd, Spanky attended a Christmas reception at the St. Paul's Methodist church parsonage in Okemah, OK. He presented a needy family with groceries and gifts after receiving a letter about them at KOTV.

Insomnia Tonight (guest appearance): Jan. 25, 1957 - KTLA - 105 min. - TV episode; Identified in TV listings as Insomnia.
Tonight! America After Dark (guest appearance): Feb. 5, 1957 - NBC - 105 min. - TV episode
Spanky's Little Rascals (host): Aug. 1957 to Feb. 1959 - KOTV - 30 min. - TV series; Aired weekday afternoons at 5:30. The title of the series derives from TV listings, but this might simply be an indicator that Little Rascals episodes were included. It was otherwise known as The Spanky Show, Spanky's Clubhouse and Spanky's Playhouse.

1958

On April 5th and 6th of this year, Spanky appeared at the Pryor Home Show in Pryor, OK, sponsored by the Pryor Junior Chamber of Commerce.
On July 27th, Spanky appeared at Lake Winnepesaukah, TN, where he talked about his Our Gang days and gave away autographed photos.
On September 6th, Spanky appeared at the Springfield Theatre in Springfield, MO.
On October 17th, Spanky made a personal appearance at the offices of First Savings and Loan Association in San Angelo.
On October 18th, Spanky appeared at the Hopalong Cassidy Savings Club Theater Party at the Texas Theater in San Angelo. While in town, he also guested on KCTV's Little Rascals show.
On December 13th, Spanky appeared at a Pre-Christmas party for children at the Center Theatre in Vinita, OK.
On December 22nd, Spanky appeared at the Christmas party held by Oklahoma Natural Gas in the Hotel Tulsa.

1959

The Los Angeles Herald-Express from January 31st of this year, on covering the whereabouts of former Our Gang kids, erroneously credited Bill Church with playing "Spanky," going as far as to credit him with working at KOTV in Tulsa. A list of former Our Gang kids from the desk of journalist Betty Gumm credits Bill Church with playing "Spanky," but then crosses out his name and adds the word "wrong" next to it.
On February 15th, United Press International, in the aftermath of Alfalfa's death, published this quote from Spanky: "When I was outgrowing Our Gang, I never asked favors from the studios. But what a difference it might have made if any of the child star 'failures' had received a few favors rather than the terrible apathy that was extended to them when they tried to satisfy that deep, gnawing hunger for show business. You can't possibly have any idea of the mental pressures involved in a situation like that. There's a saying that show business gets in your blood, and it is true, especially when a person spends the greater portion of his formative years in that business. I guess you could say it's like studying seven years to be a doctor and then finding out there's no demand for you."
The last TV listing I've found for Spanky's Little Rascals is from February 20th.
A newspaper photo circulated around February 21st with a caption that stated that Spanky was appearing on a children's program in Detroit. This could simply be a mistake, but in 1961, Spanky mentioned having tried out to take over Soupy Sales' show in Detroit, so perhaps this was when that happened.
On February 27th, the Naugatuck Daily News (from Connecticut) reported the following: "Spanky McFarland, the pudgy leader of the gang, recently left a job on a Tulsa, Okla., TV station to consider other offers in the Midwest."
On April 2nd, Spanky appeared on the CBS radio program House Party. Typically hosted by Arthur Godfrey, this episode was hosted by Art Linkletter.
On April 24th, Spanky performed at the annual PHS band concert in Pawnee, OK. The concert was given the title Cadenza. Spanky narrated "The Three Bears" with the help of local preschoolers.
On May 17th, United Press reported that Spanky was back in Hollywood. Said Spanky, "I'm trying to work out a nightclub act. The other things didn't pan out." Judging by the complaints made a year later in Spanky's lawsuit against Dell Publishing, I suspect that this item has to do with one of his imposters.
On June 18th, the local Boys Town had their annual King For A Day trip to Tulsa. Among the activities was an afternoon visit to the local amusement park, where they were entertained by Spanky McFarland.
On August 18th, the Associated Press reported the following: "Among persons who have applied to the state Alcoholic Beverage Control Board for permits to work for liquor dealers is George 'Spanky' McFarland, Tulsa, one-time child movie actor. McFarland applied for a license to work for the Saffa Beverage Co., a Tulsa wholesaler. He said he was to be a sales representative of the firm."

Little Rascals Varieties (archival): May 5, 1959 - Allied Artists - 63 min. - compilation feature
I've Got A Secret episode (appearance): July 15, 1959 - Goodson-Todman/CBS - 30 min. - TV episode

1960

At some point during this year, Spanky took a job as the Oklahoma agent of United Vintners in California. Alternately, it might be that the aforementioned Saffa Beverage Co. was the local company that handled United Vintners' business in Oklahoma.
On May 12th, UPI reported the following: "A $1 million libel suit was filed Wednesday in Oklahoma county district court by attorneys for Spanky McFarland, 31, former star of Our Gang comedies. The suit was filed against Dell Publications, New York, publishers of Screen Stories magazine. McFarland's attorney, Spencer Lynn, said the March, 1960, issue of the magazine carried fake information about the one-time child actor. Lynn's petition said the article alleged that McFarland had a record involving robbery, gambling, forgery and draft violations following his movie career. The attorney said such a statement constituted libel per se. Lynn said the magazine gave McFarland's age as 46, and said erroneously that he had returned to Hollywood to try to get into a night club act. McFarland recently was the star of a television show for children on a Tulsa station. He now is Oklahoma sales representative for a California wine company."
On October 4th, UPI reported the following: "An attorney for Spanky McFarland of 'Our Gang' fame, yesterday said a federal judge's decision here last week concerning a $1 million libel suit was sufficient for him to file similar suits in six other major cities. Spencer Lynn, attorney for the leader of 'The Little Rascals' of movie fame last generation and television fame this generation, said he would file cases at San Francisco, Chicago, New York, Washington, Detroit, and Wichita, Kan. Lynn filed the action here last May in McFarland's home state. Defendants were Dell Publishing Co., publisher of the March, 1960, Screen Stories Magazine, and its Oklahoma distributor, Mid Continent News Co. Last week, U.S. District Judge Stephen S. Chandler denied a motion by the publisher to have the case moved into federal court. Chandler's ruling, in effect, decided that McFarland and the publisher had citizenships in common and could be tried in state-level courts."

1961

On January 11th of this year, Judge Glenn O. Morris ruled that Spanky's libel suit againt Dell Publishing would be tried in the Oklahoma County district court.
On January 13th, Spanky appeared at a Lawton, OK, high school showing of old movies sponsored by the school camera club. He was only rarely making public appearances by this time, preferring to focus more on his job with United Vintners.
On February 23rd, Spanky was a guest speaker at the February luncheon for Wives of officers of the 209th Artillery Group. This took place at the Polo club at Fort Sill, OK.
Also from this year was a list of former Our Gang members from the desk of Helen Gansert. It includes Bill Church, whose name is crossed out.

1962

On April 14th of this year, The Albuquerque Tribune (NM) reported that M. D. McKibbin, who played "Spanky McFarland" in the Our Gang series, had just left town after attending an Albuquerque convention of service-station managers on the 10th. He just missed a potential reunion with Don "Porky" Marlowe, who had just arrived for a week's engagement.
In his syndicated column from August 1st, Erskine Johnson included the following tidbit: "The George McFarland beating the publicity drums for the Seattle World's Fair in New York is better known to you all as 'Spanky' McFarland, one-time chubby hero of the 'Our Gang' comedies." Just to be clear: the Seattle World's Fair was in Seattle, of all places. Was Spanky "beating the publicity drums" in New York for something that was taking place in Seattle?
On October 30th, an episode of "The Jack Benny Program" called "The Story Of My Gang Comedy" was aired. This involved the regular cast, plus Darla Hood, impersonating the Our Gang kids, with Don Wilson as Spanky.
On December 12th, Associated Press reported the following: "Former child movie star George 'Spanky' McFarland of 'Our Gang' fame won $25,000 Wednesday in his libel suit against Dell Publication's Screen Stories magazine. McFarland, 34, had sought a million dollars in the district court suit but Judge Clarence M. Mills dismissed a $500,000 punitive damage allegation. McFarland contended the publication printed information about him that was not true. The story dealt with the adult lives of former 'Our Gang' members. The district court jury ruled in McFarland's favor Tuesday night but was unable to arrive at an amount until Wednesday." The Wednesday in question was the previous day, December 11th. Elsewhere, it was reported that Midcontinent News Co., the Oklahoma distributor of the magazine, was exonerated.

1963

During this year, Spanky, having recently left United Vintners, opened his own barbecue restaurant in Oklahoma City and served as its chef. The restaurant, not surprisingly, was called "Spanky's."

Who's Minding The Store? (archival): prem. Nov. 27, 1963 - Lewis-York/Paramount - 90 min. - Technicolor - Jerry Lewis feature; In a department store, a television is showing "Divot Diggers."

1965

On February 7th of this year, The Boston Globe reported the following: "You're an oldtimer if you remember Spanky McFarland. He was one of the Rascals of the Our Gang Comedies. Spanky is now in the food business in Oklahoma City and Haywood Vincent tagged him for 'Impact' tonight at 11 for Ch. 7 viewers."

Impact! (guest appearance): Feb. 7, 1965 - WNAC - 30 min. - TV episode; This was a local show in Boston.

1966

During this year, Spanky's restaurant went bust. As explained in the Apr. 4, 1969, Philadelphia Daily News: "A brief stint running his own restaurant faded when his landlord went bankrupt and the lease disappeared among a covey of lawyers."
Also during this year, Spanky became a sales representative for Philco-Ford TV. He reportedly did some TV commercials for the company during this year as well.
On December 16th and 17th, Spanky put in an appearance at the AMA Super Store in Longview, TX.
The December 26th Miami Herald reported that Spanky was "currently employed as a public relations man for a brewery in Oklahoma City." This is either in reference to one of his imposters, or an outdated piece of information.

1967

On July 21st of this year, The Courier News of Blytheville, AR, reported the following: "While on tour with the Philco Corp., Spanky McFarland, of 'Our Gang Comedy,' was a guest of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Halsell last week. He is expected to return the last part of August."
Also during this year, the rock group Spanky and Our Gang became popular. Quoted in 1988, Spanky McFarland had this to say: "As for Spanky & Our Gang - well, I guess that was meant as some kind of a tribute on somebody's part, but I sure as hell sued their management for infringement, all the same. I don't think that band lasted long enough to've bothered with."

1968

In his syndicated column from May 27th of this year, Walter Winchell erroneously wrote the following: "'Spanky' (George McFarland), the fat kid (with the beanie) in the decades-ago 'Our Gang' series, is now worth $17 Million via clever investments."
On July 24th, The Record of Hackensack, NJ, reported the following: "Today McFarland is a successful appliance and electronic salesman in Oklahoma City." I guess this fits closely enough with his job at Philco-Ford.
Around the end of this year, Spanky was promoted by Philco-Ford to national sales training director. At this point, he moved his family to Cinnaminson, NJ, for an assignment at the Philco-Ford plant in Philadelphia.

1969

On February 12th of this year, the Albuquerque Journal reported that somebody named Spanky McFarland was producing an upcoming "beach party" film in the city.
On March 8th, The Albuquerque Tribune reported that the district attorney's office in Las Cruces was investigating "Spanky McFarland," the producer who was making a ski movie called "Sno-Fari." The movie crew had approached local citizens and members of the Mescalero Apache Tribe about investing in the film, but had no luck. It was also becoming apparent to both the press and law enforcement that "Spanky McFarland" was not the real Spanky. The February 25th El Paso Times, reporting out of Cloudcroft, NM, revealed that his name was Bill McFarland.
On April 4th, the Philadelphia Daily News ran an article on Spanky. He was currently a sales training supervisor for Philco-Ford, teaching salesmen how to move TV sets out of warehouses and into stores. Said Spanky: "I don't deny it (being Spanky), but I prefer George. Philco-Ford hired George McFarland. They didn't hire Spanky. They promoted George, not Spanky."

1970

During this year, Richard Lamparski published the third of his book series called Whatever Became Of...?, this time devoting a chapter to Spanky.
A press photo dated December 11th of this year shows Spanky teaching salesmen in Philadelphia how to sell television sets, and mentions that he was living in nearby Cinnaminson, NJ.

1971

On April 18th of this year, Spanky was in Marion, IN, headlining the city's second annual Celebrity Golf Classic benefitting Marion's Police Athletic League Club.
On May 12th, the Associated Press reported the following out of Denver: "A. Jack Kelley, the Spanky McFarland of the Our Gang movies, died at a hospital Monday after a long illness, it was announced Tuesday. He was 49. For the past 20 years, Kelley, a native of Fordyce, Ark., had managed a filing system branch office here. He was a bachelor."
On May 28th, Spanky appeared at Hensel Hall at Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, PA, for "An Evening Of Nostalgia." This was publicised as Spanky's first professional appearance since 1944, which is way off, but it might have been the starting point of the various college appearances he did during the '70s and '80s. Darla was originally scheduled to join him for this event, but couldn't make it for some reason. This was the first of many personal appearances organized by Rick Saphire-Ray Laub Productions, which handled Spanky's bookings for the next few years.
During this year, Marc Best published his book Those Endearing Young Charms, in which he devoted a chapter to Spanky.
Sometime during this year, Spanky moved his family to Keller, TX, outside of Fort Worth.

McLean And Company (guest appearance): Mar. 23, 1971 - KYW-TV - 60 min. - TV episode; KYW-TV was the NBC affiliate in Philadelphia, but I think this might have been a local show.

1972

The Tucson Daily Citizen from January 29th of this year carried a story about horse trainer Earl Snyder of Phoenix, who claimed to be Spanky.
On April 30th, Spanky attended the third annual Celebrity Golf Classic at Shady Hills Golf Club in Marion, IN.
On September 30th, Spanky appeared in Lancaster, PA, and was scheduled to next appear at the Farleigh-Dickinson campus in NJ.
The December 23rd edition of the Corpus Christi Caller-Times reported that Spanky had been in town the past week, and that he was living in Mesquite, which is just east of Dallas. Other sources indicate that he was already in Keller by this time.

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

1973

On April 29th of this year, Spanky served as honorary chairman for the fourth annual Celebrity Benefit Golf Classic at Elks Country Club in Marion, IN.
On September 29th, Spanky was the featured entertainer for Parents' Day at Millersville State College in Lancaster, PA.
On November 3rd, Spanky appeared at Kent State University. As described in The Akron Beacon Journal November 5th: "He answered questions from the overflow audience of 1,300, judged a trivia contest, narrated one of his films, talked about filmmaking in the 1930s and, of course, talked about other members of 'Our Gang'."
On November 16th, "An Evening With Spanky McFarland" played at the Walnut Street Theater in Philadelphia
By this time, Spanky was southwest manager in the commercial lease department at Philco-Ford. His college appearances were mainly done on weekends.

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

1974

On May 5th of this year, Spanky attended the fifth annual Celebrity Golf Classic in Marion, IN. Also in attendance was Stymie Beard.
On November 1st, James Bacon reported that Spanky's job at Philco-Ford was currently in Smithfield, TX.
On November 21st, the Los Angeles Times reported the following: "Original members of the 'Little Rascals' and 'Our Gang' comedies recently crowned the first Little Miss Century City November 10...Seated at the judges table were: Mary Ann Jackson, Buckwheat Thomas, Junior Coghlan and our dynamic master of ceremonies, Lucky Brown. 'Spanky' McFarland and 'Stymie' Beard were tied up at Los Angeles International Airport. All contestants received 'Alfalfa' t-shirts and our winners were showered with gifts from Century Square merchants."
On November 12th, Spanky appeared on "Tomorrow" with Tom Snyder. Also present were Stymie Beard, Buckwheat Thomas and Darla Hood.
On December 20th, Spsnky appeared at the Capitol Theater in Passaic, NJ, along with Stymie Beard.

Tomorrow episode: The Little Rascals (guest appearance): Nov. 12, 1974 - NBC - 60 min. - TV episode; Hosted by Tom Snyder. Also featuring Stymie Beard, Darla Hood, and Buckwheat Thomas.

1975

During the previous year's appearance on Tomorrow, Spanky mentioned that he would be appearing at the University of New York at Farmingdale, Long Island, in March of this year, and at Pfeiffer College outside of Raleigh, NC, on April 11th.
During this year, Spanky was reported to be living in Smithfield, TX, near Fort Worth, but this probably refers to his job at Philco-Ford.
On April 26th, Spanky attended the 6th Annual Spanky McFarland Celebrity Golf Classic at the Elks Country Club in Marion, IN. This was the sixth such tournament and the fifth in a row attended by Spanky, but the first that was named after him, as he was now an honorary chairman. Stymie Beard attended for the second year in a row.
On July 21st, Spanky appeared in person as part of An Evening With Spanky, Darla, Stymie at the Uptown Theater in Minneapolis, MN.
On July 22nd, Spanky appeared in person as part of An Evening With Spanky, Darla, Stymie at the Orpheum Theater in St. Paul, MN.
On December 26th, Spanky attended a press conference at the opening of the First Annual Film Fans Convention in New York City. The convention was a 3-day affair.

Point Of View (guest appearance): early 1975 - KTVT - 30 min. - TV episode; Local show out of Fort Worth, TX. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram of February 18th mentioned Spanky having recently been on this show.

1976

The South Bend Tribune from April 18th of this year reported that Spanky was living in Keller, TX, and had just taken a position as district sales manager for Magic Chef Kitchen Products.
On May 1st, the Spanky McFarland Celebrity Golf Classic was held at the Elks Country Club in Marion, IN.
During this year, James Robert Parish published his book Great Child Stars, which devoted an entire chapter to Spanky.
On July 12th, journalist Junnings Parrott compiled a list of former Our Gang kids and credited Joe Church for playing "Spanky."
From December 3rd to 5th, Spanky appeared at the Star Trek and Nostalgia Show at the Tradewinds Motel in Oklahoma City.

1977

On April 30th of this year, the 8th Annual Spanky McFarland Celebrity Golf Classic was held at the Elks Country Club in Marion, IN.
Sometime during this year, Spanky attended a memorabilia convention at the Commodore Hotel in New York, that is, if the recollection of Betty Maliandi in the February 1, 2003, Asbury Park Press (NJ) is accurate.
Also during this year, two pilots were made for "The Little Rascals," aka "Norman Lear's New Little Rascals." They were never picked up. Among the characters was Spanky.

At Home In Indiana (guest appearance): May 8, 1977 - WRTV - 30 min. - TV episode; Local program out of Indianapolis.

1978

On October 2nd of this year, Spanky was given a 50th birthday bash by several hundred fans in Marion, IN. The previous day, the Marion Quarterback Club hosted a Little Rascals film festival in Spanky's honor.
One source from this year states that Spanky was living in Grand Prairie, a suburb just west of Dallas. The fact that he was in Keller both before and after this year raises some doubt, though.

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 "Spanky," "The Pooch," "Hook And Ladder," "Birthday Blues," "Mush And Milk," "Wild Poses," "Hi'-Neighbor!" "For Pete's Sake!" "Mike Fright," "Washee Ironee," "Mama's Little Pirate," "Shrimps For A Day," "Anniversary Trouble," "Beginner's Luck," "Sprucin' Up," "The Lucky Corner," "Little Papa," "Our Gang Follies Of 1936," "Divot Diggers," "Second Childhood," "Bored Of Education," "Two Too Young," "Pay As You Exit," "Spooky Hooky," "Reunion In Rhythm," "Hearts Are Thumps," "Rushin' Ballet," "Roamin' Holiday," "The Pigskin Palooka," "Mail And Female," "Our Gang Follies Of 1938," "Bear Facts" and "Three Men In A Tub."

1979

From May 18th to 20th of this year, Spanky appeared at Nostalgia Festival '79 at The Downington Inn in Downington, PA. He was the host of the entire weekend and star of Friday Night's show.
On September 7th, 8th and 9th, Spanky appeared at the New York Nostalgia Festival at the Biltmore Hotel in New York City.
On November 30th, and December 1st and 2nd, Spanky appeared at the Science Fiction and Nostalgia Movie Festival at the Ramada Inn in Oklahoma City.
On December 3rd, an animated TV special called "The Little Rascals' Christmas Special" debuted. Among the characters was Spanky, voiced by Philip Tanzini.

AM/Philadelphia (guest appearance): May 18, 1979 - WPVI-TV - 60 min. - TV episode; Local show out of Phildelphia.
V.I.P. (guest appearance): May 27, 1979 - CBC - 30 min. - TV episode; Produced in Canada.
Evening Magazine (appearance): June 27, 1979 - KYW-TV/Group W - 30 min. - TV episode; Local Philadelphia version of syndicated program.

1980

During this year, several PSAs were made for television using the animated characters from the previous year's Christmas special, including Spanky.
On May 3rd of this year, the 11th Annual Spanky McFarland Celebrity Golf Classic was held at the Elks Country Club in Marion, IN.
Spanky attended the Second International Convention of Sons of the Desert, which was held at the Los Angeles Hilton from July 30th to August 3rd, and included the largest-ever Our Gang reunion.

Jack White's Journal (guest appearance): Oct. 4, 1980 - KGTV - 30 min. - TV episode; Local show out of San Diego, CA.

1981

On May 2nd, the 12th Annual Spanky McFarland Celebrity Golf Classic was held at the Elks Country Club in Marion, IN.
On June 8th, Spanky attended the 15th Bogie Busters Golf Tournament in Dayton, OH. He also attended the Bogie Busters Gala that evening, but not as a performer. He was pointed out in the audience, though.
On September 16th, Spanky attended the Celebrity Pro-Am of the LaJet Classic at Fairway Oaks Golf and Racquet Club in Abilene, TX.
On October 24th and 25th, Spanky attended the Floyd Cramer Celebrity Golf Tournament at Harpeth Hills Golf Club in Nashville, TN.
On December 16th, Spanky appeared at Fort Vancouver High School in Vancouver, WA. During the daytime, he had signed autographs at the Vancouver Mall.
It was reported during this period that Spanky's position at Magic Chef was district manager of sales.

PM Magazine (appearance): July 30, 1981 - Group W - 30 min. - TV episode
The Wonderful World Of Those Cuckoo, Crazy Animals (archival): Aug. 5, 1981 - CBS - 60 min. - TV special
Whatever Became Of...? (archival): Oct. 25, 1981 - ABC - 60 min. - TV special

1982

On January 17th of this year, Spanky appeared as part of "Laurel and Hardy Day" at the Temple of Music and Art in Tucson, AZ.
On May 1st, the 13th Annual Spanky McFarland Celebrity Golf Classic was held at the Elks Country Club in Marion, IN.
On May 17th, Spanky attended the fifth annual Metro PGA Assistants golf tournament at Las Colinas Country Club in Fort Worth, TX.
On June 7th, Spanky attended the Bogie Busters Golf Tournament in Dayton, OH. There was also a Red Jacket Award banquet, in which Spanky received a scarlet jacket for years of public service.
From August 4th to 7th, the Memphis Film Festival took place, which was attended by Spanky.
From September 3rd to 5th, the Hilton Head Celebrity Golf Tournament took place in South Carolina, with Spanky taking part.
On September 5th, an animated TV series called "The Little Rascals" made its debut and continued airing for roughly a year. Spanky was voiced by Scott Menville.
On September 7th, Spanky attended a golf tournament at Lost Creek, TX.
On October 2nd, Spanky attended the Floyd Cramer Celebrity Golf Tournament at Harpeth Hills Golf Club in Nashville, TN.
On October 9th, Spanky was the celebrity host of Roaring Ranger Days at the Ranger Furniture Exchange in Ranger, TX.
On November 13th, "Saturday Night Live" featured a skit involving a Little Rascals reunion. Spanky is played by an extra and depicted as a food addict.

West Texas Rehabilitation Telethon (appearance): Jan. 9, 1982 - WTRC - 420 min. - TV telethon; Spanky appeared via a videotaped message. The program was telecast over several West Texas channels and radio stations and continued into the wee hours.
Hollywood's Children (interview appearance): Feb. 24, 1982 - Wombat/Janson - 60 min. - TV documentary
Hollywood: The Gift Of Laughter (archival): May 16, 1982 - Wolper/Haley/MPA/ABC - 135 min. - TV movie; Includes footage from "Hi'-Neighbor!" "Honky-Donkey" and "The Big Premiere."

1983

On February 6th of this year, Spanky appeared at the fourth annual Coors "Laurel & Hardy Day" Benefit for Multiple Sclerosis at the Temple of Music and Art in Tucson, AZ.
From April 14th to 16th, Spanky appeared at the Norm Alden-Moe Bandy Charity Golf Classic at Diamond Oaks Country Club near Fort Worth, TX.
On May 9th, Spanky attended the Swing For Sight Celebrity Golf Tournament at Quail Creek Country Club in Oklahoma City.
From May 13th to 15th, Spanky was one of the celebrities presiding over the "Experience Louisiana" event at the Hyatt Regency in New Orleans, LA.
On June 5th, Spanky attended the Bogie Busters Golf Tournament and Red Jacket Award banquet in Dayton, OH.
On September 21st, Spanky appeared at the LaJet Coors Classic in Abilene, TX.
On October 1st and 2nd, the third annual Floyd Cramer Celebrity Golf Tournament took place at Harpeth Hills Golf Course in Nashville, with Spanky in attendance.
On October 22nd, "Saturday Night Live" featured a skit called "The Village Of The Damned Little Rascals." Spanky is played by guest host John Candy.

Hollywood Out-takes And Rare Footage (archival): prem. Feb. 25, 1983 - Manhattan Madness/Manhattan Movietime - 83 min. - compilation feature
Braun & Company (appearance): Nov. 17, 1983 - 60 min. - TV episode; This appears to have been a syndicated program.

1984

On January 8th of this year, TV listings included a one-hour Sunday morning program called "George 'Spanky' McFarland" on Channel 40 in Sacramento and Channel 10 in Salinas, both in northern California. I have no idea what this was about.
A press photo from February 1st carried a caption that read: "'Spanky' McFarland, who played 'Spanky' in the 'Our Gang' comedies during the 1930s & 40s, looks at the Proclamation he received from the Los Angeles City Council proclaiming today Nostalgia Channel Day throughout the city. KDOC channel 56 began televising a new cable channel today called the Nostalgia Channel with programming consisting of silent and film classics and early television shows with McFarland acting as host for many of the shows."
On April 9th, Spanky presented Hal Roach with an honorary Oscar. Following the show, he met Michael Jackson at the Governor's Ball. The two began visiting each other's homes occasionally after this.
During this period, Spanky was operations manager for Southwest Associated Furniture Buyers, Inc., in Dallas.
On May 5th, the 15th annual Spanky McFarland Celebrity Golf Classic was held at the Elks Country Club in Marion, IN.
On May 11th, a reception for Spanky was held at the Chateau Ville Restaurant in Gatesville, TX, organized by the Coryell County Child Welfare Board.
On May 12th, the first annual George "Spanky" McFarland Friends of Children Golf Classic took place at the Copperas Cove Country Club in Copperas Cove, TX.
On June 10th, Spanky took part in the Bogie Busters golf tournament in Dayton, OH.
On June 22nd, Spanky visited the Children's Hospital at the University of Iowa in Iowa City.
On June 24th, Spanky played in the fifth annual Amana VIP softball game at Iowa Field in Amana, IA.
On June 25th, Spanky played in the 18th annual Amana VIP golf tournament in Amana, IA.
During this year, TV ads for Jell-O Gelatin Pops featured a group of kids playing the Little Rascals, including one dressed as Spanky.
In July, while in town on his Victory tour, Michael Jackson spent several days at Spanky's home. While looking through old photos, Jackson realized that the house Spanky lived in at 1616 Queens Road in the early thirties was the same one the Jackson family lived in when they first moved to California.
At some point during the summer, Spanky quit his position as general manager at The Nostalgia Channel (still reported as such on July 24th) and decided to make personal appearances on a more full-time basis (as reported on August 24th). Managing his activities was a company run by his daughter and a friend of hers, variously referred to as Yesterday Productions and Montage Promotions Etc. A two-hour show was put together called A Little Bit Of Yesterday (as reported on October 10th). Later, this title alternated with An Evening With Spanky.
By September of this year, Dick Moore's book, Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star (But Don't Have Sex Or Take The Car), was published. He interviewed several child stars for the book, including Spanky.
The September issue of Life featured a cover story on Michael Jackson, and included a photo of Michael with Spanky inside.
On September 15th and 16th, Spanky attended the fourth annual Floyd Cramer Celebrity Golf Tournament at Harpeth Hills Golf Course in Nashville, TN.
On September 22nd and 23rd, Spanky attended a celebrity golf tournament at the Brookridge Country Club in Kansas City, which was a fund-raiser for the Ronald McDonald House.
From October 5th to 7th, Spanky attended the Dale Robertson Variety Club Celebrity golf tournament at Kickingbird Golf Course in Edmond, OK.
On October 13th, Spanky was grand marshal of a downtown parade as part of Roaring Ranger Days in Ranger, TX.
On October 18th, Spanky, along with Dickie Moore, guested on the WING radio program Nightcall in Dayton, OH.

Rehab '84 (appearance): Jan. 7, 1984 - WTRC - 420 min. - TV telethon; Spanky appeared via a videotaped message. The program was telecast over three different West Texas channels and continued into the wee hours.
The 56th Annual Academy Awards (appearance as presenter): Apr. 9, 1984 - AMPAS/ABC - TV special; Spanky, along with Jackie Cooper, presented Hal Roach with an honorary award.
Our Gang: Inside The Clubhouse (interview appearance/archival): May 8, 1984 - Lang/Camellia City Telecasters - 93 mins. - TV documentary; Spanky was interviewed for this documentary. Includes footage from "Free Eats," "Spanky," "The Pooch," "Free Wheeling," "Forgotten Babies," "Hi'-Neighbor!" "For Pete's Sake!" "Mike Fright," "Mama's Little Pirate," "Anniversary Trouble," "Teacher's Beau," "Sprucin' Up," "Little Sinner," "Divot Diggers," "Bored Of Education," "Two Too Young," "Pay As You Exit," "Spooky Hooky," "Reunion In Rhythm," "Glove Taps," "Hearts Are Thumps," "Rushin' Ballet," "Night 'N' Gales," "Framing Youth," "The Pigskin Palooka," "Canned Fishing," "Three Men In A Tub," "Aladdin's Lantern," "Alfalfa's Aunt," "The Big Premiere," "Kiddie Kure," "Ye Olde Minstrels" and a home movie shot by Art Lloyd.
Alfalfa Lives! An Our Gang Spectacular (archival): May 13, 1984 - 120 min. - TV special
Going Hollywood: The '30s (archival): 1984 - Castle Hill - TV documentary
PM Magazine (guest appearance): Oct. 2, 1984 - Group W - 30 min. - TV episode

1985

In March of this year, Spanky began touring the country with A Little Bit Of Yesterday, the lecture/film show his daughter Betsy helped produce.
On April 2nd, Spanky appeared as part of the Trivia Bowl at the University of Colorado in Boulder.
On April 5th, Spanky appeared at the grand opening of Blackhawk Films in Cedar Rapids, IA. He had recently signed on as a spokesman for the company.
On April 24th, Spanky took part in the Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf pro-am tournament at the Onion Creek Club in Austin, TX.
From April 25th to 27th, Spanky attended the TWA/Arthritis Foundation Music City Invitational Golf Tournament at Two Rivers Park in Nashville, TN.
On May 18th and 19th, Spanky attended the Duke Children's Classic golf tournament at the Croasdaile Country Club in Durham, NC.
On May 20th, Spanky attended the Leukemia Celebrity Golf and Tennis Tournament at Hercules Country Club in Wilmington, DE.
On June 9th, Spanky attended the Bogie Busters Golf Tournament in Dayton, OH.
On June 23rd, Spanky took part in the Amana VIP softball game in Amana, IA. Reportedly, he didn't suit up for the game and stayed in the dugout.
On June 28th, Spanky appeared at the Blackhawk Films Video Movies store in Rock Island, IL.
On June 29th, Spanky appeared at the Blackhawk Films stores in Bettendorf, IA, and Davenport, IA.
On July 27th, Spanky brought his show to North Hills Mall in Fort Worth, TX.
On September 13th, Spanky brought his show to Belmont Abbey College near Charlotte, NC.
On September 14th, Spanky attended the Republic Airlines Floyd Cramer Golf Classic at the Old Hickory Country Club in Old Hickory, TN.
On September 17th, Spanky gave a lecture and film presentation at the Stewart Theater at North Carolina State University in Raleigh.
On September 28th and 29th, the Spanky McFarland-American Airlines Celebrity Golf Classic took place at its new home at the Thorntree Country Club in De Soto, TX, benefitting the Statue of Liberty, which was being renovated for its 1986 centennial.
On October 3rd, Spanky brought his show to State University College in Geneseo, NY.
On November 5th, Spanky brought his show to the Potter Fine Arts Theater at Missouri Western State College in St. Joseph, MO.
On November 16th and 17th, Spanky appeared at the Wild West Runaway Stampede at the Texas Exposition and Heritage Center in Austin, TX.
On November 19th, Spanky appeared on the radio program Warren Pierce Mid-Day Magazine on WJR-AM in Detroit.
On November 20th, Spanky made a personal appearance at Brother Rice High School, which was presented by The Christian Brothers Association.

1986

On January 25th of this year, Spanky attended the Our Gang reunion organized by Sid Kibrick at his Desert Shadows R.V. Resort in Cathedral City, CA. Among the activities was the placing of handprints in concrete.
The January 29th issue of Variety reported that Spanky, along with Sid Kibrick and William V. Thomas (Buckwheat's son) were suing Hanna-Barbera for using their likenesses in the recent cartoon series, The Little Rascals.
On February 28th, Spanky brought his show, A Little Bit Of Yesterday, to the University of Southern Indiana near Evansville.
The March 14th Daily News of New York reported the following: "Spanky McFarland, the fat kid on 'Our Gang' and 'Little Rascals' TV shows is now shilling Solaire Sun-System's new line of indoor tanning beds." Perhaps this is in reference to a TV commercial.
On April 25th and 26th, Spanky took part in the TWA/Arthritis Foundation Music City Invititational Golf Tournament at the Two Rivers Golf Course in Nashville, TN.
On May 17, Spanky took part in the 2nd annual Stars at Your Service fundraiser at the Sheraton CenterPark in Arlington, TX.
On June 3rd, Spanky attended the Leukemia Classic at Hercules Country Club in Wilmington, DE.
On June 7th and 8th, Spanky took part in the Johnny Bench Bogie Busters charity golf tournament at Kitty Hawk Golf Course in Dayton, OH.
On June 23rd, Spanky took part in the Amana VIP golf tournament in Amana, IA.
According to Tommy Bond, there was a second reunion during this year, this one in San Antonio. Spanky attended, as well as Porky and, of course, Tommy. The three former Gangsters put their handprints in concrete at the Westlake Theater.
On August 1st, Spanky was interviewed while practicing for his appearance at the annual Celebrity Golf Classic at the Scarlet Oaks Country Club in Poca, WV, which presumably took place over the next couple of days.
From August 22nd to 24th, Spanky attended the Dale Robertson Celebrity Golf Tournament at Kickingbird Golf Course in Edmond, OK.
On September 19th, Spanky appeared at the Jumpin' Jukebox Flashback at North Hills Mall in Fort Worth, TX.
From September 21st to 23rd, Spanky appeared at the Wednesday's Child Benefit Golf Classic at the Citrus Hills Country Club in Tampa, FL.
On November 1st, Spanky appeared at the Bruce Weitz/TranStar Celebrity Golf Tournament at the Cheval Polo and Golf Club in Tampa, FL. Meanwhile, on this same day, a guy claiming to be Spanky McFarland, but looking nothing like him, was signing autographed photos at the South Texas Gun Collectors Show and Sale at the Bayfront Plaza Exhibit Hall in Corpus Christi, TX. When asked what he's been doing since his Our Gang days, he uncharacteristically declined to answer, saying that he likes to keep his personal life private.
On November 7th, Spanky presented a free show called Where Are The Little Rascals Now? in the P.E. Monroe Auditorium at Lenoir-Rhyne College in Hickory, NC. This included an autograph session.
On November 8th, Spanky served as grand marshal at Lenoir-Rhyne College's Homecoming Parade in Hickory, NC.
On December 3rd, Spanky took part in the R. David Thomas Child Advocate of the Year Awards held at Pier 66 in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
Late in the year, Spanky attended the Moe Bandy Golf Classic in San Antonio, TX.

The Aurora Encounter (small role: governor): Mar. 1986 - McCullough/New World - 90 min. - feature; Filmed late 1984 and early 1985. Credited as Spanky McFarland. Starring Jack Elam, Peter Brown, Cari Bagdasarian and Dottie West.
Classic Comedy Teams (archival): 1986 - Bergamn-Harris/Movietime/GoodTimes - 108 min. - video; Includes footage from "Our Gang Follies Of 1938."
Star Clips (archival): Dec. 6, 1986 - TNC - 10 min. - TV episode; This was a between-programs insert on The Nostalgia Channel, this time focusing on Spanky.

1987

From January 30th to February 1st of this year, Spanky appeared at Topper's Laff Factory, atop the Parkview Inn, in Arlington, TX.
On February 16th, Spanky appeared at the Nashville Palace and presented a 30-minute version of his show. He said that he averages giving two lectures a week.
On February 25th, Spanky brought his show to the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, MS.
On March 7th, Spanky brought his show to Sid Kibrick's Desert Shadows RV Resort in Cathedral City, CA. Over 250 guests and local dignitaries were present. Guests of honor were Spanky and his wife, Doris.
On March 10th, Spanky brought his show A Little Bit Of Yesterday to the Anna Shelton Hall of the Woman's Club of Fort Worth, TX.
On March 30th, Spanky brought his show An Evening With Spanky McFarland to Augustana College in Rock Island, IA.
On April 4th, Spanky brought his show to the Civic Theatre in Akron, OH.
On April 6th, Spanky took part in the Sixth Annual D.D. Lewis Celebrity Golf Tournament at the Riverside Club in Grand Prairie, TX.
On April 10th, Spanky attended the KPLX/Terry Dorsey Golf Tourney at the Great Southwest Gold Club in Fort Worth, TX.
On April 26th, Spanky attended the George Lindsey Celebrity Golf Tournament at Arrowhead Country Club in Montgomery, AL.
On May 9th, Spanky took part in the Big Brothers' Celebrity Golf Tournament at Shady Valley Country Club in Arlington, TX.
On May 16th and 17th, Spanky took part in the Duke Children's Classic at Croasdale Country Club in Durham, NC.
On May 18th, Spanky attended the 10th Annual Gatlin Brothers Celebrity Golf Tournament at the Hyatt Bear Creek Golf & Racquet Club in Euless, TX.
From June 11th to 13th, Spanky attended the Darrell-Willie Invitational golf and fun-fest at the Oak Tree Country Club in Oklahoma City.
On June 13th, The Desert Sun of Palm Springs reported that Spanky had recently attended the groundbreaking for the last phase of development for Sid Kibrick's Desert Shadows RV Resort in Cathedral City, CA.
On June 19th, the Two Tars tent of Sons of the Desert presented An Evening With Spanky at Colleen's Restaurant in Philadelphia. Spanky, of course, attended.
On June 22nd, Spanky attended a celebrity golf tournament at Mission Country Club in Odessa, TX.
On June 29th, Spanky took part in the Amana VIP golf tournament in Amana, IA.
During this year, a stage musical called "The Little Rascals" debuted. Spanky was played by Jason Minor.
On August 25th, UPI published the following item: "Sally Bowers, best known as the blond-haired girl who originated the male character of Spanky in the 'Our Gang' movie series in the 1930s, has died of cancer. She was 63." Her death had occurred on August 20th, and until the story was printed in newspapers across the country, her family and friends had believed the stories she had told them about her days in the Our Gang series. Both Richard Bann and Spanky McFarland were quite blunt in their responses to questions about Bowers, who had been known as Sadie Wolins as a child.
On September 12th, Spanky appeared at Bear Creek Park in Euless, TX, as part of a citywide picnic called Fest-Of-All.
On September 26th, Spanky appeared at Sunset Park to take part in the Golden Anniversary of the city of Rocky Mount, NC.
From September 26th to 28th, Spanky took part in the Charlie Walker Music City Pro-Celebrity Golf Tournament in Nashville, TN.
On October 18th, Spanky took part in the "Og Oggilby Open," otherwise known as the W.C. Fields Celebrity Golf Tournament at the La Purisima Golf Course in Lompoc, CA.
From October 30th to November 1st, Spanky took part in the Bruce Weitz Celebrity Golf Tournament at the Feather Sound golf course in Largo, FL.
On November 15th, the "Little Rascals Collectors Edition," a 6-volume set of VHS tapes went up for sale in video stores. Inside each box was a photo autographed by Spanky McFarland.
On November 27th, Spanky took part in in the Christmas tree-lighting festivities in Fort Worth, TX. He also served as one of the Grand Marshalls in the Fort Worth Christmas Parade of Lights.
On December 5th and 6th, Spanky attended the 15th Annual 7UP Billy Barty Golf Classic at the Palm Springs Country Club.

The 4th Annual American Cinema Awards (appearance): Jan. 9, 1987 - NBC - TV special
Entertainment Tonight (appearance): Mar. 2, 1987 - Paramount - 30 min. - TV episode

1988

On January 16th and 17th of this year, Spanky appeared at the grand opening of Desert Shadows East, the new country club phase of Desert Shadows RV Resort owned by Sid Kibrick in Cathedral City, CA.
On February 20th, Spanky attended the Centennial Ball at the Hotel del Coronado in Coronado, CA.
On March 19th, Spanky attended "A Dinner With The Stars," at the Marriott in Irvine, CA, in aid of the American Cinema Awards Foundation.
From March 25th to 27th, Spanky took part in the Dean Scott Celebrity Invitational Golf Tournament in Galveston, TX. He also took part in a "Celebrity Bash" at PHLASH in Galveston on the 27th.
On April 27th, Spanky visited the Justin Boot factory in Fort Worth with Michael Jackson. This led to an arrangement in which Spanky became a national spokesman for the company, promoting their brand of children's boots, Justin Juniors.
On April 30th, Spanky took part in the celebrity casting contest held in conjunction with Uncle Jesse's Big Mouth Bass Tournament at Pat Mayse Lake in Paris, TX.
On May 2nd, Spanky attended the Doug Kershaw Celebrity Golf and Tennis Tournament in Paris, TX.
From May 5th to 7th, Spanky appeared at the Silver Screen Film Caravan at the Holiday Inn World's Fair Site in Knoxville, TN.
On May 7th, Spanky made an appearance as part of "Saturday Morning At The Movies" at the Tennessee Theatre in Knoxville, TN.
On June 12th and 13th, Spanky attended the Dean Scott Celebrity Golf Tournament at the Bayou Golf Course in Galveston, TX.
On June 18th and 19th, Spanky took part in the Bogie Busters golf tournament in Dayton, OH, which was renamed Paul's Guys in honor of Cincinnati Bengals owner Paul Brown. On the 18th, he was in attendance at a Bogie Busters concert given by Les Brown, Johnny Mann, Andy Williams and comedian Lonnie Shorr.
On June 27th, Spanky appeared at the 22nd annual Amana VIP golf tournament at the Finkbine Golf Course in Amana, IA.
On July 15th, Spanky attended a show called "Stan, Ollie, Spanky and Friends," which was part of the 6th International Convention of the Sons of the Desert at the World Theater in St. Paul, MN. Shown were three Laurel & Hardy films, plus "The Kid From Borneo" and "Our Gang Follies Of 1938." Also in attendance were Dorothy DeBorba, Jerry Tucker, Rosina Lawrence and Henry Brandon.
On July 17th, Spanky, along with members of Sons of the Desert, took part in the Hopkins Raspberry Festival Parade in Hopkins, MN, west of Minneapolis.
On August 8th, The Boston Globe ran a photo of Spanky with Peter Marshall while the two were taking part in a celebrity golf tournament in Poca, WV. No date is provided, so perhaps this is an older photo from the 1986 tournament.
On August 21th, Spanky took part in the Red River Celebrity Golf Classic at La Vista Golf and Country Club in Wichita Falls, TX.
On August 19th, Spanky appeared at Langston's in Oklahoma City promoting Justin's Children's Ropers. It was reported on August 25th that he had been in the state recently on a 10-city tour.
On September 10th and 11th, Spanky took part in the ninth annual Peter Marshall Golf Classic at Brookridge Country Club in Kansas City, MO.
On September 20th, the Albuquerque Journal reported the following: "It has been a long time since McFarland, 60, stepped in front of a camera. However, he will be doing that today in Albuquerque, as the last stop on a nationwide media tour serving as national spokesman for the Justin Boot Co."
On October 17th, Spanky, along with Donald O'Connor, hosted a celebrity golf tournament at Mountaingate Country Club in Bel-Air, CA.
On October 29th and 30th, Spanky attended the Bruce Weitz/TWA Celebrity Golf Tournament at the Feather Sound Country Club in Largo, FL.
On November 5th, Spanky promoted Justin Juniors at the Academy store in Corpus Christi, TX.
On November 18th, Spanky appeared at Cavender's Boot City in Tyler, TX, promoting Justin Boots.
On November 20th, Spanky attended the Golden Gala preceding the Payne Stewart Florida Hospital Celebrity Pro-Am at the Grand Cypress Golf Resort at Lake Buena Vista, FL.
On November 30th, Spanky attended the fifth annual "World's Largest Office Party" at the Hyatt Regency in Fort Worth, TX.
On December 5th, Spanky took part in the Pat Clarke Celebrity Golf Classic at the Suntree Country Club at Lake Buena Vista, FL.

The 5th Annual American Cinema Awards (appearance): Jan. 30, 1988 - NBC - TV special
Twin Cities: Live With Bob Bruce (appearance): 1988 - KSTP-TV - 60 min. - TV episode; Produced in Minneapolis. Also featuring Sunshine Sammy Morrison, Dorothy DeBorba and Jerry Tucker.
Hollywood Scandals And Tragedies (archival): 1988 - Gorgon - 87 min. - video documentary; Includes footage from "Our Gang Follies Of 1938."
Artseye (guest appearance): July 6, 1988 - KERA-TV - 30 min. - TV episode; Local show in Dallas, TX.
News At 11 (guest appearance): Aug. 25, 1988 - KVUE - 60 min. - TV episode; Local news program in Austin, TX.

1989

On January 21st of this year, Spanky was featured as part of a "nostalgia cruise" given by Bermuda Star Line.
On March 29th, The Tribune of Melbourne, FL, reported that Spanky was one of the official spokespersons for "Support the Children's Home Society of Florida."
In early April, Spanky was among the celebrities who attended the Masters golf tournament in Augusta, GA. Of course, this time he was there purely as a spectator.
On April 23rd, Spanky took part in the "Night Of Stars" at Moody Garden's Hope Arena in Galveston, TX. This was the finale for the Dean Scott Celebrity Invitational Golf Tournament.
On May 5th and 6th, Spanky appeared at a golf tournament at Weston Lakes Country Club outside Houston, TX.
Around May, Jordan R. Young's book Let Me Entertain You was published by Moonstone Press. Among the 22 celebrity interviews was one with Spanky McFarland.
On May 16th, Spanky presented his live show at the Sun City Center West Auditorium near Tampa, FL.
On May 20th and 21st, Spanky attended the Duke Children's Classic at Croasdale Country Club in Durham, NC. During this same weekend, Spanky apparently took part in the Mike Shanahan-Met Life Charity Golf Tournament at Norwood Hills Country Club in St. Louis, MO.
At least up until May 29th, when he appeared on "The Pat Sajak Show," Spanky was still doing promotional work for the Justin Boot Co.
On June 12th, Spanky took part in the second Rex Classic pro-am at North Ridge Country Club in Raleigh, NC.
On June 26th, Spanky took part in the 23rd annual Amana VIP golf tournament at Finkbine Golf Course in Amana, IA.
In Maltin & Bann's book, it's revealed that Spanky was reunited with Jerry Tucker during this year, and that he also had dinner with Robert Blake, who introduced him to Whoopi Goldberg.
It's also been reported that Spanky appeared on the TV game show 3rd Degree during this year, which seems to have been syndicated.
It also appears that Spanky appeared on the TV show A Current Affair during this year, plugging the latest Republic Little Rascals videos.
On July 15th, Spanky, along with Terry Bradshaw and Mike Renfro, helped to host a benefit auction in North Richland Hills, TX, for Jarred and Derrick Bleeker, 17-month-old twins in need of liver transplants.
On July 28th and 29th, Spanky took part in the Waco Celebrity Golf Classic at Waco Cottonwood Creek Golf course in Waco, TX.
On August 9th, Spanky appeared on the Mark Simone Show on the WNEW-AM radio station in New York.
On August 24th, a lawyer representing Spanky filed a lawsuit against a St. Paul, MN, establishment called Spanky's Saloon for using the Our Gang star's likeness in a wall painting. The owner described it as "just some fat-faced kid," but a photo included with the August 24th story in the Star Tribune of Minneapolis reveals that the wall painting unambiguously looks like Spanky of Our Gang fame. The lawsuit sought $50,000 in damages and an order to cease and desist.
On September 21st, Spanky spoke and showed film clips at the University Student Center at Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven.
On September 28th, Spanky presented An Insider's Look At The Little Rascals at Southern Utah State College in Cedar City.
On October 14th, Spanky was among the guests at the second annual American Cinema Awards Foundation Gala and Auction at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, CA.
On October 20th and 21st, Spanky attended the 1989 Arthritis Foundation Golf Classic at the Treyburn Country Club in Durham, NC.
On November 11th and 12th, Spanky took part in the first annual Celebrity Fishing and Golf Tournament, sponsored by the Quarterback Club in New Smyrna Beach, FL.
On November 18th, Spanky took part in the Vincennes University Homecoming '89 Parade and After-Parade Lunch in Vincennes, IN.
On November 21st, the Scrantonian Tribune of Scranton, PA, reported that Spanky had recently attended the National Shoe Fair in Scranton, no doubt in connection with his work with the Justin Boot Co.

CBS This Morning (appearance): May 25, 1989 - CBS - 120 min. - TV episode
The Pat Sajak Show (appearance): May 29, 1989 - CBS - 90 min. - TV episode; Spanky plugged the 6-tape Republic Home Video Little Rascals release. Somewhere along the line, I acquired a bit of information stating that Spanky appeared on this show on Dec. 1st, but I can't figure out where it came from. Newspaper listings indicate that the May 29th episode did not repeat on this date, but Spanky isn't listed among the guests.
Larry King Live! (appearance): May 30, 1989 - CNN - 60 min. - TV episode
36 Extra (appearance): July 4, 1989 - KICU-TV - 30 min. - TV episode; Local program out of San Jose, CA.
When We Were Young...: Growing Up On The Silver Screen (appearance): Dec. 2, 1989 - PBS - 90 min. - TV documentary

1990

On January 16th of this year, Spanky brought his show to South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD.
On February 17th, Spanky appeared at Camelot Music in Monroeville, PA, to promote Republic Pictures' Little Rascals videos.
On March 19th, Spanky entertained about 650 schoolchildren at the Tampa Theatre in Tampa, FL.
On May 12th, Spanky brought his show to the Akron Civic Theatre in Akron, OH.
On May 20th, Spanky appeared at an autograph show in New York City.
On June 18th, Spanky took part in the Leukemia Golf Classic at the Hercules Country Club in Wilmington, DE.
On June 25th, Spanky attended the 24th annual Amana VIP Golf Tournament at the Finkbine Golf Course in Iowa City, IA.
From September 7th to 9th, Spanky, along with Tommy Bond, appeared at the "Baseball Legends" memorabilia show in Pasadena. Presumably, he wasn't there for the entire three days, as he was in Oklahoma City on the 8th. This memorabilia show made the news because of several celebrities (including both Our Gang stars) being bilked out of money owed to them by the show's promoters.
On September 8th, Spanky was inducted into the National Clown & Laughter Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City.
On September 13th, Spanky prevailed in his lawsuit against the St. Paul, MN, bar called Spanky's Saloon, which now changed its name to Checker's Nightclub. Spanky wasn't satisfied with the ruling, however, as it appears that he wasn't awarded any money.
On September 14th, Spanky appeared at Camelot Music in Indianapolis, IN, to promote Republic Pictures' Little Rascals videos. He also appeared on the local Paul Poteet radio program on WNDE-AM.
On September 20th, the Asbury Park Press of Asbury Park, NJ, reported that Spanky was suing an establishment in Ocean Township, NJ, called "Spanky McFarland's." Spanky sought $150,000 and a court order halting the business from using his name.
On September 30th, Spanky took part in the Dallas Can! Academy Golf Tournament at the Golf Club of Fossil Creek in Fort Worth, TX.
From October 1st to 3rd, Spanky appeared at the 10th annual trade show for video dealers organized by Wax Works Inc. in Owensboro, KY.
On October 15th, Spanky attended the Sam Snead Country Classic at Forrest Crossing Golf Course in Franklin, TN.
On October 22nd, Variety reported that the producers of the TV program "20/20" had called Spanky prior to airing their October 5th segment in which Bill English erroneously claimed to be Buckwheat, and that he corrected their misinformation. They told him they would include it in a "where are they now" discussion. Of course, they wound up airing the segment and regretting it afterwards.
On December 15th, Spanky appeared at Petsmart in Fort Worth for a pet picture-taking session with Santa organized by the Humane Society of North Texas.

A Current Affair (appearance): Oct. 1990 - 20th Century-Fox - 30 min. - TV episode; Spanky appeared along with Bill English, who had erroneously claimed to be Buckwheat on the Oct. 5th episode of "20/20." An exact date for this episode of "A Current Affair" is hard to come by, but it was aired within a week of the "20/20" episode. Spanky, needless to say, refuted English's claim.

1991

On January 12th of this year, Spanky attended the eighth annual American Cinema Awards.
On January 25th, the Associated Press reported the following out of St. Paul, MN: "A bar that used a logo depicting a chubby boy in a beanie violated the publicity rights of George 'Spanky' McFarland, the former child star in the 'Our Gang' and 'Little Rascals' comedies, a judge said. McFarland, 63, is seeking $99,130 in royalties plus legal fees from the bar, now called Checker's Nightclub and formerly Spanky's Saloon. He sued the bar, which opened in 1977, in 1989. U.S. District Judge James Rosenbaum ruled his name, likeness and other personal characteristics, is the 'fruit of his labor' and becomes a type of property entitled to legal protection,' he said. The judge rejected claims that the bar had been 'unjustly enriched' by using the Spanky name, an issue that may have to be tried before a jury, said attorney Dennis Johnson. He is an attorney for Michael J. Kalis, who sold his interest in the bar to partner Walter Englehardt in 1982. Last September, the judge ordered the saloon not to use the 'visage or name' of Spanky. Drawings of a round-faced boy wearing the beanie came down from the front of the building and from interior walls, and patrons no longer can buy jackets, T-shirts and hats imprinted with the Spanky's Saloon logo. Other businesses pay McFarland, who lives in Fort Worth, Texas, for the right to use his name and childhood face. McFarland wants similar retroactive payments from the owner and former co-owner of the St. Paul bar." This ruling happened on January 18th.
On May 19th, Spanky took part in the Fina-Gatlin Brothers Celebrity Tournament at Hyatt Bear Creek Golf Course in Euless, TX.
On June 9th, Spanky appeared at an autograph show at Big d's Holiday Inn in Fort Worth, TX.
In June, Spanky signed a contract with Republic Pictures to help market the release of 36 "Little Rascals" shorts, in exchange for a share in the profits. The source for this tidbit is the Vidette-Messenger of Porter County of October 24th, which gets several things wrong in their reporting (such as Stymie still being alive), so perhaps this contract was signed in 1989, when Spanky was first associated with the company.
On June 30th, Spanky took part in the Michael Jordan Celebrity Golf Classic at Brook Valley Country Club in Charlotte, NC.
Apparently, Spanky appeared in one of the many Choice Hotel suitcase-gag commercials from this era. Or at least that's what Buffalo Bob said when talking about his own appearances in these ads during a 1991 interview.
From August 1st to 3rd, Spanky attended the North American Film Festival at the Ramada Convention Center Hotel in Memphis, TN. On the 2nd, he appeared at the Orpheum just prior to a screening of "The Thin Man."
On August 17th, Spanky made an appearance at the Roadrunner Video Store in Akron, OH.
On October 5th, Spanky emceed the Gala Day portion of the International Children's Festival at The Shops at Harbour Island in Tampa, FL.

1992

On January 6th of this year, a federal judge ruled that Spanky did not have the right to license the character he played as a child. This was the outcome of the lawsuit filed by Spanky against "Spanky McFarland's" in Ocean Park, NJ, in 1990. This decision ran counter to the decision made in 1990 regarding Spanky's case against Spanky's Saloon in St. Paul, MN. Many businesses over the last several years had been paying Spanky to use his name and likeness, with the Ocean Park establishment being an exception.
On January 10th, The News and Observer of Raleigh, NC, reported the following: "George McFarland can still call himself 'Spanky' but does not hold the rights to the image of the chubby, beanie-clad smart aleck he played in the 'Little Rascals' and 'Our Gang' series, a judge has ruled. U.S. District Judge Clarkson Fisher tossed out McFarland's lawsuit against Joseph Miller, an Ocean Township, N.J., businessman whose tavern, Spanky McFarland's, was lined with 'Little Rascals' photographs. Fisher ruled Monday that the 64-year-old McFarland relinquished rights to the Spanky name and image in a contract his parents signed with Hal Roach Studios in 1936. McFarland 'retained merely the right to use the nickname "Spanky," not the right to license the name and image of "Spanky" to others,' Fisher wrote. 'Hal Roach Studios Inc. retained those rights.' Other businesses, including the Justin Boot Co., pay McFarland for the right to use his name and childhood face."
The March 30th edition of News-Press of Fort Myers, FL, reported that Spanky was suing an establishment called Spanky's Speakeasy in that city over the use of his likeness.
On April 30th, Spanky appeared at the WDNC Celebrity Golf Tournament at Wildwood Green Golf Club in Raleigh, NC.
On June 11th, Spanky attended the Mike Renfro Celebrity Golf Tournament at Fossil Creek Golf Course in Fort Worth, TX.
On June 23rd, Spanky appeared as part of Casa Mańana Summer Musicals in Fort Worth, TX.
On July 8th and 9th, Spanky took part in the Third Annual MDI Charity Golf Tournament at the Rock Barn Club of Golf near Conover, NC.
On August 3rd, Spanky appeared at the Kmart Van Patrick Memorial Invitational at the Dearborn Country Club in Dearborn, MI.
On September 12th, Spanky was among hundreds of celebrities (including Tommy Bond, Robert Blake, Dick Moore, Dorothy DeBorba and Mary Ann Jackson) who took part in The Ninth Annual American Cinema Awards at the The Beverly Hilton Hotel. Honored in the ceremony were Frank Sinatra, Jack Valenti and Whoopi Goldberg.
In September, Spanky visited Hal Roach at his Bel Air home.
On September 23rd, Spanky attended the annual banquet of the Area Agency On Aging at the Tangier Restaurant in Akron, OH.
On September 28th, Spanky took part in the Dale Hansen Marriott Golf Classic at The Golf Club of Fossil Creek in Fort Worth, TX.
In a letter from September 30th, Spanky agreed to an engagement in Las Vegas for July 8 to 11, 1993, as per terms of a previous contract from March 9, 1992. Each occasion was to pay $1500. Of course, as it turned out, Spanky died before the July 1993 engagement could be fulfilled.
On November 5th, Spanky attended Hal Roach's funeral in Westwood, CA. Also present were Dorothy DeBorba, Tommy Bond, Eugene Jackson and Darwood Kaye.

Donahue (guest appearance): Jan. 17, 1992 - Multimedia Entertainment - 60 min. - TV episode
Geraldo (guest appearance): Apr. 24, 1992 - Tribune Entertainment - 60 min. - TV episode

1993

On January 27th of this year, the Orlando Sentinel reported that Dawn Marie Simpson's new cookbook, Celebrity Treats, included recipes for desserts from various celebrities, including Spanky McFarland.
On February 21st, Spanky attended the South Florida Autograph Show and Sale at the Holiday Inn Calder/Joe Robbie Stadium in Dade County, FL.
On April 1st, Spanky appeared at the Hinsdale Theatre in Hinsdale, IL, in a presentation for the After Hours Film Society.
On April 2nd, Spanky added his handprints to the Wall of Fame at Loews Theatre in Chicago, IL.
On April 3rd and 4th, Spanky appeared at Mulqueen's Hollywood Collectibles Show at the Hillside Holiday Inn in Chicago, IL.
On May 2nd, Spanky signed copies of Maltin & Bann's updated Our Gang book at Collectables of the Stars in Pembroke Pines, FL.
On June 5th and 6th, Spanky appeared at the Juke Box & Gameroom Show at the Will Rogers Complex in the Amon G. Carter Exhibit Hall in Fort Worth, TX.
On June 19th and 20th, Spanky appeared at a Baseball Card Show at Hara Conference & Exhibition Center in Dayton, OH.
As stated at the top of this page, Spanky passed away on June 30th. His funeral took place at the First United Methodist Church in Fort Worth on July 3rd.
In October, Doris McFarland, Spanky's widow, appeared on "Vicki!" where she was given a replica of the star with her husband's name that would soon grace the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The Joan Rivers Show episode (use of photo): Feb. 23, 1993 - PGHM/Tribune - 60 min. - TV episode; Syndicated program.
Cheers episode: Woody Gets An Election (appearance): Apr. 22, 1993 - Charles-Burrows-Charles/Paramount/NBC - 30 min. - TV episode; Credited as Spanky McFarland. His daughter Betsy later stated that this was the first time he ever earned residuals for anything, but that the first check arrived posthumously.
King B: A Life In The Movies (appearance): 1993

1994

On January 25th of this year, the U.S. 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia reinstated Spanky's lawsuit against the owners of Spanky McFarland's restaurant in Ocean Township, NJ. Spanky, of course, wasn't around to enjoy this development, but his widow, Doris, was continuing the fight to preserve his estate's rights to his name and likeness. What needed to be determined in this case was whether the restaurant was exploiting the name and likeness of the Our Gang actor, or that of the character he played in the series. Also, whatever damages his estate could receive would only apply to money earned by the restaurant during Spanky's lifetime. Adding to the case's current state of futility was the fact that the restaurant had closed by this time.
On February 1st, Spanky was posthumously awarded a star (no. 1999) on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
On April 16th, an episode of the animated TV series "Duckman" called "Ride The High School" was aired. In it, Duckman encounters two gangs; one of which is the Jets from "West Side Story," and the other of which is Our Gang, with Spanky among them.
Doris attended the Sons of the Desert 9th International Convention at the Westchester Marriott in Tarrytown, NY, from July 13th to 17th. On July 15th, she joined several Our Gang kids taking questions as part of a celebrity panel. Also a video tribute to Spanky was shown, and Richard Bann presented Doris with an enlarged photo of Spanky with Laurel & Hardy on the set of "Tit For Tat.".
On August 5th, the feature film "The Little Rascals" was released. Spanky was played by Travis Tedford.
On August 12th, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported that Doris was suing three entertainment companies in U.S. District Court in Dallas for using her late husband's name and likeness. The companies were King World Productions Inc. of New York and TBS Productions Inc. of Atlanta, as well as the company with which they entered into an agreement: Amblin Entertainment Inc., which produced the 1994 feature film "The Little Rascals." Ultimately, this legal action proved to be unsuccessful.

The 66th Annual Academy Awards (archival): Mar. 21, 1994 - AMPAS/ABC - TV special; Footage from "Beginner's Luck" is shown during the memoriam segment, honoring Spanky.
Hal Roach: Hollywood's King Of Laughter (appearance/archival): Apr. 7, 1994 - RHI/Disney Channel - 49 min. - TV documentary; Includes footage from "Divot Diggers" and "Our Gang Follies Of 1938."
Home Videos Of The Stars episode: (archival): May 20, 1994 - Masini - 30 min. - TV episode; This was a syndicated program.
The Our Gang Story (archival): 1994 - Film Shows/GoodTimes - 120 min. - video documentary; Includes footage from "Hook And Ladder," "The Kid From Borneo," "Bedtime Worries," "Hi'-Neighbor!" "Shrimps For A Day," "Beginner's Luck," "Our Gang Follies Of 1936," "The Trail Of The Lonesome Pine," "The Pinch Singer," "Speed-O Bike," "Fox Movietone News," "General Spanky," "Reunion In Rhythm," both "News Of The Day" clips, "Our Gang Follies Of 1938," "Peck's Bad Boy With The Circus," "Waldo's Last Stand" and a home movie shot by Art Lloyd.

1995

On September 24th, an episode of "The Simpsons" called "Radioactive Man" was aired. Contained within it was a parody of the Little Rascals, with Spanky among them.
On October 2nd, the Spanky McFarland Memorial Golf Classic took place at the Timarron Country Club in Southlake, TX.

1999

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

2000

E! Mysteries & Scandals episode: The Little Rascal: Stymie (archival): Apr. 24, 2000 - E! Entertainment Television - 30 min. - TV episode

2002

Added Attractions: The Hollywood Shorts Story (appearance): Feb. 5, 2002 - Jones/TCM - 89 min. - TV documentary; Includes footage from "The Pooch," "Wild Poses," "Hi'-Neighbor!" "Our Gang Follies Of 1938," "Alfalfa's Aunt" and "Clown Princes."
8th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards (archival): Mar. 10, 2002 - Margolis/SAG/TNT - 120 min. - TV special
E! True Hollywood Story episode: Curse Of The Little Rascals (archival): Nov. 24, 2002 - E! Entertainment Television - 60 min. - TV documentary

2004

Hit Celebrity TV Commercials (archival): Jan. 1, 2004 - Passport International 120 min. - TV movie; Includes footage from the Speed-O Byke theatrical advertisement.

2014

On March 25th of this year, a feature film called "The Little Rascals Save The Day" was released. Spanky was played by Jet Jurgensmeyer.

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 "Beginner's Luck," "Sprucin' Up" "Pay As You Exit," "Our Gang Follies Of 1938," the Speed-O-Byke ad, the Vittorio Mussolini newsreel clip and some home movie footage.

2017

The Florida Project (thanks): prem. May 22, 2017 - Cre/Freestyle/June/Sweet Tomato/A24 - 111 min. - feature; Released Oct. 6, 2017. Spanky, along with Hal Roach, Bob McGowan and Gus Meins, was thanked by the director, as well as the 2017 director for continuing inspiration.

Spanky McFarland's payroll history

The following is a list of most of Spanky'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.

Nov. 14, 1931 - 125.00 charged to prod. G5 (Free Eats)
According to the ledger, this amount was for one week and four days.
Nov. 21, 1931 - 75.00 charged to prod. G5
Nov. 28, 1931 - 25.00 charged to prod. G5
Dec. 5, 1931 - 25.00 charged to prod. G6 (Spanky)
Dec. 12, 1931 - 25.00 charged to prod. G6
Dec. 19, 1931 - 75.00 charged to prod. G6
Dec. 26, 1931 - 75.00 charged to prod. G6
Jan. 2, 1932 - 25.00 charged to prod. G6
Jan. 9, 1932 - 25.00 charged to prod. G6
Jan. 16, 1932 - 25.00 charged to prod. G7 (Choo-Choo!)
Jan. 23, 1932 - 25.00 charged to prod. G7
Jan. 30, 1932 - 75.00 charged to prod. G7
Feb. 6, 1932 - 75.00 charged to prod. G7
Feb. 13, 1932 - 25.00 charged to prod. G7
Feb. 20, 1932 - 25.00 charged to prod. G7
Feb. 27, 1932 - 25.00 charged to prod. G8 (The Pooch)
Mar. 5, 1932 - 25.00 charged to prod. G8
Mar. 12, 1932 - 75.00 charged to prod. G8
Mar. 19, 1932 - 75.00 charged to prod. G8
Mar. 26, 1932 - 25.00 charged to prod. G8
Apr. 2, 1932 - 25.00 charged to prod. G8
Apr. 9, 1932 - 25.00 charged to prod. G8
Apr. 16, 1932 - 25.00 charged to prod. G9 (Hook And Ladder)
Apr. 23, 1932 - 25.00 charged to prod. G9
Apr. 30, 1932 - 25.00 charged to prod. G9
May 7, 1932 - 25.00 charged to prod. G9
May 14, 1932 - 25.00 charged to prod. G9
May 21, 1932 - 100.00 charged to prod. G9
May 28, 1932 - 100.00 charged to prod. G9
June 4, 1932 - 25.00 charged to prod. G9
June 11, 1932 - 25.00 charged to prod. G9
June 18, 1932 - 25.00 charged to prod. G9
June 25, 1932 - 25.00 charged to prod. G9
July 2, 1932 - 25.00 charged to prod. G9
July 9, 1932 - 25.00 charged to prod. G10 (Free Wheeling)
July 16, 1932 - 25.00 charged to prod. G10
July 23, 1932 - 100.00 charged to prod. G10
July 30, 1932 - 100.00 - 50.00 charged to prod. G10, 50.00 charged to prod. G11 (Birthday Blues)
Aug. 6, 1932 - 100.00 charged to prod. G11
Aug. 13, 1932 - 150.00 charged to prod. G11
Aug. 20, 1932 - 150.00 charged to prod. G11
Aug. 27, 1932 - 150.00 charged to prod. G11
Sep. 3, 1932 - 150.00 charged to prod. G12 (A Lad An' A Lamp)
Sep. 10, 1932 - 150.00 charged to prod. G12
Sep. 17, 1932 - 75.00 charged to prod. G12
Sep. 24, 1932 - 75.00 charged to prod. G12
Oct. 1, 1932 - 225.00 charged to prod. G12
Oct. 8, 1932 - 150.00 charged to prod. G12
Oct. 15, 1932 - 75.00 charged to prod. G13 (Fish Hooky)
Oct. 22, 1932 - 150.00 charged to prod. G13
Oct. 29, 1932 - 150.00 charged to prod. G13
Nov. 5, 1932 - 150.00 charged to prod. G13
Nov. 12, 1932 - 100.00 charged to prod. G13
Nov. 19, 1932 - 75.00 charged to prod. G13
Nov. 26, 1932 - 75.00 charged to prod. G14 (Forgotten Babies)
Dec. 3, 1932 - 125.00 charged to prod. G14
Dec. 10, 1932 - 125.00 charged to prod. G14
Dec. 17, 1932 - 75.00 charged to prod. G14
Dec. 24, 1932 - 75.00 charged to prod. G14
Dec. 31, 1932 - 75.00 charged to prod. G14
Jan. 7, 1933 - 25.00 charged to prod. G14
Jan. 14, 1933 - 125.00 charged to prod. G15 (The Kid From Borneo)
Jan. 21, 1933 - 75.00 charged to prod. G15
Jan. 28, 1933 - 125.00 charged to prod. G16 (Mush And Milk)
Feb. 4, 1933 - 125.00 charged to prod. G16
Feb. 11, 1933 - 75.00 charged to prod. G16
Feb. 18, 1933 - 75.00 charged to prod. G16
Feb. 25, 1933 - 75.00 charged to prod. G16
Mar. 4, 1933 - 75.00 charged to prod. G16
Mar. 11, 1933 - 50.00 charged to prod. G16
Mar. 18, 1933 - 50.00 charged to prod. G16
Mar. 25, 1933 - 150.00 charged to prod. A16 (One Track Minds)
Apr. 1, 1933 - 50.00 charged to prod. G17 (Bedtime Worries)
Apr. 8, 1933 - 50.00 charged to prod. G17
Apr. 15, 1933 - 50.00 charged to prod. G17
Apr. 22, 1933 - 50.00 charged to prod. G17
Apr. 29, 1933 - 100.00 charged to prod. G17
May 6, 1933 - 75.00 charged to prod. G17
May 13, 1933 - 75.00 charged to prod. G17
May 20, 1933 - 75.00 charged to prod. G17
May 27, 1933 - 75.00 charged to prod. G17
June 3, 1933 - 125.00 charged to prod. G17
June 10, 1933 - 75.00 charged to prod. G17
June 17, 1933 - 25.00 charged to prod. G17
June 24, 1933 - 125.00 charged to prod. G17
July 1, 1933 - 125.00 charged to prod. G18 (Wild Poses)
July 8, 1933 - 25.00 charged to prod. G18
July 15, 1933 - 125.00 charged to prod. G18
July 22, 1933 - 125.00 charged to prod. G17
July 29, 1933 - 125.00 charged to prod. G17
Aug. 5, 1933 - 125.00 charged to prod. G17
Aug. 12, 1933 - 25.00 charged to prod. G18
Aug. 19, 1933 - 125.00 charged to prod. G18
Aug. 26, 1933 - 125.00 charged to prod. G18
Sep. 2, 1933 - 125.00 charged to prod. G18
Sep. 9, 1933 - 125.00 charged to prod. G19 (Hi'-Neighbor!)
Sep. 16, 1933 - 125.00 charged to MGM (Day Of Reckoning)
Sep. 23, 1933 - 125.00 charged to MGM
Sep. 30, 1933 - 125.00 - 62.50 charged to MGM, 62.50 charged to prod. G19
Oct. 7, 1933 - 125.00 - 20.83 charged to MGM, 104.17 charged to prod. G19
Oct. 14, 1933 - 166.66 - 20.83 charged to MGM, 145.83 charged to prod. G19
Oct. 21, 1933 - 125.00 charged to prod. C20 (The Cracked Iceman)
Oct. 28, 1933 - 125.00 charged to prod. G19
Nov. 4, 1933 - 91.66 charged to prod. G19
Nov. 11, 1933 - 137.50 charged to Paramount (Miss Fane's Baby Is Stolen)
This amount seems to indicate that Spanky started work on the Paramount film on Tuesday, Nov. 7th, making a lower rate the previous day.
Nov. 18, 1933 - 150.00 charged to Paramount
Nov. 25, 1933 - 25.00 charged to prod. G19
Dec. 2, 1933 - 25.00 charged to prod. G19
Dec. 9, 1933 - 75.00 charged to prod. G19
Dec. 16, 1933 - 75.00 charged to prod. G19
Dec. 23, 1933 - 75.00 charged to prod. G19
Dec. 30, 1933 - 75.00 charged to prod. G19
Jan. 6, 1934 - 75.00 charged to prod. G19
Jan. 13, 1934 - 75.00 charged to prod. G19
Jan. 20, 1934 - 100.00 charged to prod. G19
Filming finally began on this production, after Spanky's salary had been charged to it for most of the last four months.
Jan. 27, 1934 - 100.00 charged to prod. G19
Feb. 3, 1934 - 100.00 charged to prod. G19
Feb. 10, 1934 - 50.00 charged to prod. G19
Feb. 17, 1934 - 75.00 charged to prod. B7 (Mrs. Barnacle Bill)
Feb. 24, 1934 - 150.00 charged to prod. B7
Mar. 3, 1934 - 50.00 charged to prod. G20 (For Pete's Sake!)
Mar. 10, 1934 - 25.00 charged to prod. G20
Mar. 17, 1934 - 25.00 charged to prod. G21 (The First Round-Up)
Mar. 24, 1934 - 200.00 charged to prod. G21
Mar. 31, 1934 - 25.00 charged to prod. G21
Apr. 7, 1934 - 200.00 charged to prod. G22 (Honky-Donkey)
Apr. 14, 1934 - 25.00 charged to prod. G22
Apr. 21, 1934 - 25.00 charged to prod. G22
Apr. 28, 1934 - 25.00 charged to prod. G22
May 5, 1934 - 25.00 charged to prod. G22
May 12, 1934 - 25.00 charged to prod. G22
May 19, 1934 - 25.00 charged to prod. G22
May 26, 1934 - 25.00 charged to prod. G23 (Mike Fright)
June 2, 1934 - 200.00 charged to prod. G23
June 9, 1934 - 200.00 charged to prod. G23
June 16, 1934 - 25.00 charged to prod. G23
June 23, 1934 - 25.00 charged to prod. G23
June 30, 1934 - 25.00 charged to prod. G23
July 7, 1934 - 25.00 charged to prod. G23
July 14, 1934 - 200.00 charged to prod. G24 (Washee Ironee)
July 21, 1934 - 25.00 charged to prod. G24
July 28, 1934 - 25.00 charged to prod. G24
Aug. 4, 1934 - 25.00 charged to prod. G24
Aug. 11, 1934 - 200.00 charged to RKO (Kentucky Kernels)
Aug. 18, 1934 - 200.00 charged to RKO
Aug. 25, 1934 - 200.00 charged to RKO
Sep. 1, 1934 - 200.00 charged to RKO
Sep. 8, 1934 - 200.00 charged to RKO
Sep. 15, 1934 - 200.00 charged to prod. G24
Sep. 22, 1934 - 25.00 charged to prod. G24
Sep. 29, 1934 - 200.00 charged to prod. G24
Oct. 6, 1934 - 200.00 charged to prod. G24
Oct. 13, 1934 - 25.00 charged to prod. G24
Oct. 20, 1934 - 200.00 charged to prod. G24
Oct. 27, 1934 - 200.00 charged to prod. G25 (Mama's Little Pirate)
Nov. 3, 1934 - 25.00 charged to prod. G25
Nov. 10, 1934 - 216.66 charged to prod. G25
Nov. 17, 1934 - 250.00 charged to prod. G25
Nov. 24, 1934 - 250.00 charged to prod. G25
Dec. 1, 1934 - 25.00 charged to prod. G25
Dec. 8, 1934 - 25.00 charged to prod. G26 (Shrimps For A Day)
Dec. 15, 1934 - 250.00 charged to prod. G26
Dec. 22, 1934 - 250.00 charged to prod. G26
Dec. 29, 1934 - 25.00 charged to prod. G26
Jan. 5, 1935 - 25.00 charged to prod. G26
Jan. 12, 1935 - 25.00 charged to prod. G27 (Anniversary Trouble)
Jan. 19, 1935 - 25.00 charged to prod. G27
Jan. 26, 1935 - 250.00 charged to prod. G27
Feb. 2, 1935 - 250.00 charged to prod. G27
Feb. 9, 1935 - 25.00 charged to prod. G28 (Beginner's Luck)
Feb. 16, 1935 - 25.00 charged to prod. G28
Feb. 23, 1935 - 250.00 charged to prod. G28
Mar. 2, 1935 - 250.00 charged to prod. G28
Mar. 9, 1935 - 25.00 charged to prod. G28
Mar. 16, 1935 - 250.00 charged to prod. G29 (Teacher's Beau)
Mar. 23, 1935 - 250.00 charged to prod. G29
Mar. 30, 1935 - 25.00 charged to prod. G29
Apr. 6, 1935 - 250.00 charged to prod. G30 (Sprucin' Up)
Apr. 13, 1935 - 250.00 charged to prod. G30
Apr. 20, 1935 - 25.00 charged to prod. G30
Apr. 27, 1935 - 25.00 charged to prod. G30
May 4, 1935 - 250.00 charged to prod. G31 (The Lucky Corner)
May 11, 1935 - 122.20 charged to prod. G30
May 18, 1935 - 122.20 charged to prod. G31
May 25, 1935 - 103.15 charged to prod. G31
June 1, 1935 - 115.85 charged to prod. G32 (Little Papa)
June 8, 1935 - 115.85 charged to prod. G32
June 15, 1935 - 115.85 charged to prod. G32
June 22, 1935 - 115.85 charged to prod. G32
June 29, 1935 - 115.85 charged to prod. G32
July 6, 1935 - 115.85 charged to prod. G33 (Little Sinner)
July 13, 1935 - 115.85 charged to prod. G33
July 20, 1935 - 115.85 charged to prod. G33
July 27, 1935 - 115.85 charged to prod. G33
Aug. 3, 1935 - 115.85 charged to prod. G33
Aug. 10, 1935 - 115.85 charged to prod. G33
Aug. 17, 1935 - 115.85 charged to prod. G34 (Our Gang Follies Of 1936)
Aug. 24, 1935 - 115.85 charged to prod. G34
Aug. 31, 1935 - 115.85 charged to prod. G34
Sep. 7, 1935 - 115.85 charged to prod. G34
Sep. 14, 1935 - 115.85 charged to prod. G34
Sep. 21, 1935 - 115.85 charged to prod. G34
Sep. 28, 1935 - 115.85 charged to prod. G34
Oct. 5, 1935 - 115.85 charged to prod. G34
Oct. 12, 1935 - 115.85 charged to prod. G34
Oct. 19, 1935 - 32.52 charged to prod. G35 (Divot Diggers)
Oct. 26, 1935 - 115.85 charged to Walter Wanger (The Trail Of The Lonesome Pine)
Nov. 2, 1935 - 384.15 - 250.00 charged to Walter Wanger, 134.15 charged to prod. G35
Nov. 9, 1935 - 746.23 - 258.33 charged to Walter Wanger, 487.90 charged to prod. G35
Nov. 16, 1935 - 300.00 charged to prod. F9 (Three On A Bench)
This film was shelved after only a few days of filming, and the production number was later repurposed for "Mr. Cinderella."
Nov. 23, 1935 - 300.00 charged to prod. G35
Nov. 30, 1935 - 300.00 charged to Walter Wanger
Dec. 7, 1935 - 350.00 charged to Walter Wanger
Dec. 14, 1935 - 300.00 - 100.00 charged to Walter Wanger, 200.00 charged to prod. G36 (The Pinch Singer)
Dec. 21, 1935 - 300.00 - 150.00 charged to prod. G35, 150.00 charged to prod. G36
Dec. 28, 1935 - 25.00 charged to prod. G36

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

Feb. 15, 1936 - 300.00 charged to prod. G38 (Arbor Day)
Feb. 22, 1936 - 200.00 charged to prod. A38 (Pan Handlers)
This was probably a clerical error, as it would have been easy to mix up G38 with A38.
Feb. 29, 1936 - 25.00 charged to prod. G38
Mar. 7, 1936 - 25.00 charged to prod. G38
Mar. 14, 1936 - 250.00 charged to prod. G38
Mar. 21, 1936 - 250.00 charged to prod. G38
Mar. 28, 1936 - 250.00 charged to prod. G39
This production number was in anticipation of the next film, but the numbering system was changed before it was made. G39 was eventually used as the production number of "Our Gang Follies Of 1938," but this was a year and a half later.
Apr. 4, 1936 - 250.00 charged to Gang Tour
Apr. 11, 1936 - 250.00 charged to Gang Tour
Apr. 18, 1936 - 250.00 charged to Gang Tour
Apr. 25, 1936 - 250.00 charged to Gang Tour
May 2, 1936 - 250.00 charged to Gang Tour
May 9, 1936 - 250.00 charged to Gang Tour
May 16, 1936 - 250.00 charged to Gang Tour
May 23, 1936 - 250.00 charged to studio overhead
May 30, 1936 - 250.00 charged to studio overhead
June 6, 1936 - 250.00 charged to studio overhead
June 13, 1936 - 250.00 charged to studio overhead
June 20, 1936 - 250.00 charged to studio overhead
June 27, 1936 - 250.00 charged to studio overhead
July 4, 1936 - 250.00 charged to studio overhead
July 11, 1936 - 250.00 charged to prod. K1 (Bored Of Education)
July 18, 1936 - 250.00 charged to prod. K1
July 25, 1936 - 750.00 charged to prod. F12 (General Spanky)
Aug. 1, 1936 - 750.00 charged to prod. F12
Aug. 8, 1936 - 750.00 charged to prod. F12
Aug. 15, 1936 - 750.00 charged to prod. F12
Aug. 22, 1936 - 750.00 charged to prod. F12
Aug. 29, 1936 - 750.00 charged to prod. F12
Sep. 5, 1936 - 750.00 charged to prod. F12
Sep. 12, 1936 - 750.00 - 541.67 charged to prod. F12, 208.33 charged to prod. K2 (Two Too Young)
Sep. 19, 1936 - 750.00 charged to prod. F12
Sep. 26, 1936 - 250.00 charged to prod. K2
Oct. 3, 1936 - 250.00 charged to prod. K3 (Pay As You Exit)
Oct. 10, 1936 - 250.00 charged to prod. K3
Oct. 17, 1936 - 250.00 charged to prod. K3
Oct. 24, 1936 - 250.00 charged to prod. K3
Oct. 31, 1936 - 250.00 charged to prod. K3
Nov. 7, 1936 - 250.00 charged to prod. K4 (Spooky Hooky)
Nov. 14, 1936 - 250.00 charged to prod. K4
Nov. 21, 1936 - 250.00 charged to prod. K4
Nov. 28, 1936 - 250.00 charged to prod. K4
Dec. 5, 1936 - 250.00 charged to prod. K4
Dec. 12, 1936 - 250.00 charged to prod. K5 (Reunion In Rhythm)
Dec. 19, 1936 - 250.00 charged to prod. K5

As of the present time, I haven't had a chance to research the ledgers subsequent to 1936, so this list ends here.

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

My thanks to the following people for assisting with this page:
Steven Wright (for pointing out "Who's Minding The Store?")