full name: Ernest Fredric Morrison
nickname: Ernie
popularly known as Sunshine Sammy
born Dec. 20, 1912, in New Orleans, LA
died July 24, 1989, in Lynwood, CA, of cancer
Special note: Ernie's full name is often given as Frederic Ernest Morrison, but I'm favoring what it says on his
grave marker. There's also some confusion over his birthdate, with Dec. 20, 1914, being the most common alternative, and 1913
being implied in several articles, but the preponderance of the evidence, most convincingly from the 1930 census, points to 1912.
1916
- According to Ernie's official bio (circa 1922), his father Joseph had learned that a little "colored boy" was needed for a movie
role, and decided to take his own son to the studio, where Ernie proved to be right for the part. His earliest known appearance was in the Bungling Bill short
listed below, so perhaps this is the film in question.
- Just For A Kid (role: black child)
- July 2, 1916 - Vogue/Mutual - 2 reels - Bungling Bill series
1917
- During this year, Ernie was under contract to Mack Sennett for a few weeks, but didn't wind up making any films for him.
- After this, Ernie landed a recurring role in the Baby Marie Osborne series, a job he would keep for the next two years. An article from the Nov. 28, 1925,
Baltimore Afro-American states that Ernie started out at $2 a day.
- It was during Ernie's stint with Baby Marie that people around the studio started calling him "Sunshine" because of his sunny disposition.
His father soon added "Sammy" and he went on to be known as "Sunshine Sammy" for the rest of his life.
- Captain Kiddo (undetermined role)
- Aug. 5, 1917 - Lasalida/Pathé - 5 reels - Baby Marie Osborne feature
- ©Aug. 25, 1917, as Miss Captain Kiddo.
- The Little Patriot (undetermined role)
- Dec. 2, 1917 - Diando/Pathé - 5 reels - Baby Marie Osborne feature
- ©Dec. 8, 1917, as A Little Patriot. Not listed in IMDb, but a magazine photo from this film includes a small boy that looks like Ernie,
with a caption that tells us that "the supporting cast is able, and the little colored boy a born comedian."
1918
- During this year, Diando attempted to launch Ernie in his own series, but the distributor wasn't interested.
- There's a published reference to a Baby Marie film called "The Soul Of A Child." It doesn't appear in IMDb or in the Copyright Catalogue,
and therefore could potentially have been a working title for one of the films listed below. IMDb does include an Em Gorman feature from 1916 with this same
title, and credits Ernie for appearing in that. This seems like too much of a coincidence, so for this filmography, the Gorman film is omitted pending better
evidence.
- Daddy's Girl (undetermined role)
- Mar. 3, 1918 - Diando/Pathé - 5 reels - Baby Marie sborne feature
- Credited as Sambo. ©Mar. 4, 1918 by Gold Rooster, suggesting that perhaps Diando had an earlier name.
- Dolly Does Her Bit (undetermined role)
- May 22, 1918 - Diando/Pathé - 5 reels - Baby Marie Osborne feature
- Credited as Sambo. ©May 22, 1918.
- A Daughter Of The West (undetermined role)
- May 26, 1918 - Diando/Pathé - 5 reels - Baby Marie Osborne feature
- Credited as Sambo. ©May 7, 1918.
- The Voice Of Destiny (undetermined role)
- June 23, 1918 - Diando/Pathé - 5 reeks - Baby Marie Osborne feature
- ©June 21, 1918. Not credited to him in IMDb, but mentioned in a Savannah Tribune article of Jan. 19, 1922, as
being one of the Baby Marie films Ernie appeared in. However, it has been said that Ernie worked in 14 of these films, and this
one makes it 15, so perhaps not.
- Cupid By Proxy (undetermined role)
- Jul. 21, 1918 - Diando/Pathé - 5 reels - Baby Marie Osborne feature
- ©July 15, 1918.
- Winning Grandma (role: Smiling Sammy)
- Aug. 18, 1918 - Diando/Pathé - 5 reels - Baby Marie Osborne feature
- Credited as Sambo. ©Aug. 10, 1918.
- The Black Cupid (lead role)
- unreleased - Diando - 2 reels - Sunshine Sammy series
- Motion Picture News of Aug. 24th reported that a short called Black Cupid had just been completed. A second
article in the same issue mentioned three films, including this one, but called it The Black Cupid. Apparently, Pathé wasn't
interested and it went unreleased.
- Buttons (lead role)
- unreleased - Diando - Sunshine Sammy series
- Motion Picture News of Aug. 24th also mentions this title.
- The Lucky Horseshoe (lead role)
- unreleased - Diando - Sunshine Sammy series
- Motion Picture News of Aug. 24th also mentions this title.
- The Sheriff (undetermined role)
- Nov. 24, 1918 - Comique/Paramount - 2 reels - Fatty Arbuckle series
- Considered a lost film, it was reported to have a "picaninny child" among its characters, and at least one online photo
confirms Ernie's involvement in the Arbuckle series, so he was probably in this one.
- Milady O' The Beanstalk (role: the janitor's son)
- Dec. 1, 1918 - Diando/Pathé - 5 reels - Baby Marie Osborne feature
- Credited as Sambo.
- Dolly's Vacation (role: Ebenezer Eczema Abraham White)
- Dec. 29, 1918 - Diando/Pathé - 5 reels - Baby Marie Osborne feature
- Credited as Sambo. ©Dec. 4, 1918.
1919
- Ernie left the Baby Marie series during this year and moved on to the Rolin Film Company (later Hal Roach Studios). Roach's wife, Margaret,
had worked on the Baby Marie films and recommended the boy to her husband. His first work at Rolin happened during the summer, shortly before the accident of
Aug. 24th that sidelined Harold Lloyd's career for a few months. Two days later, a new series of one-reelers called 'Rolin Comedies' was
inaugurated, if only to keep the staff employed during Lloyd's recuperation. These comedies initially starred Snub Pollard, who was paired in the initial
outings with Ernie Morrison. Advertisements for the series over the next year seemed to present the two as a comedy team.
- Ernie was signed to a 2-year contract on Sep. 1st (also reported to have been Aug. 26th and late October), reportedly the first
African-American to be signed to such a contract in film industry.
- Correspondence between Roach and Pathé executive Fred Quimby during this period reveals that Roach wanted to start a series of 'coon' pictures,
no doubt starring Ernie. The head of Pathé in the US, Paul Brunet, vetoed this idea on the premise that 'kid' series were generally not
successful.
- The Game's Up (undetermined role)
- Jan. 20, 1919 - Bluebird/Universal - 5 reels - Ruth Clifford & Al Ray feature
- ©Jan. 9, 1919. The back of Ernie's 1922 trading card mentions "Game's Up" as one of his credits, and
this film from 1919 is the only one that seems to match.
- The Old Maid's Baby (role: George Washington Joffre Foch Pershing Johnson)
- Feb. 23, 1919 - Diando/Pathé - 5 reels - Baby Marie Osborne feature
- Credited as Little Sambo. ©Jan. 23, 1919.
- Peggy Does Her Darndest (role: Snowball Snow)
- Feb. 24, 1919 - Metro - 5 reels - May Allison feature
- ©Feb. 28, 1919.
- The Sawdust Doll (supporting role)
- Apr. 20, 1919 - Diando/Pathé - 5 reels - Baby Marie Osborne feature
- Credited as Sambo. ©Apr. 12, 1919.
- The Little Diplomat (role: George Washington Jones, Jr.)
- Jun. 15, 1919 - Diando/Pathé - 5 reels - Baby Marie Osborne feature
- Credited as Little Sambo. ©May 24, 1919.
- Baby Marie's Round-Up (role: Sambo)
- Sep. 7, 1919 - Diando/Pathé - 2 reels - Baby Marie Osborne series
- Credited as Little Sambo. ©Aug. 23, 1919.
- Daddy Number Two (undetermined role)
- Oct. 12, 1919 - Diando/Pathé - 2 reels - Baby Marie Osborne series
- Start Something (undetermined role)
- Oct. 26, 1919 - Rolin/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. H-2 - Rolin series with Snub Pollard
- Filmed Sep. 2 to 11, 1919. ©Nov. 1, 1919.
- Call For Mr. Caveman (role: Henry Hercules)
- Nov. 9, 1919 - Rolin/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. H-3 - Rolin series with Snub Pollard
- Filmed Sep. 12 to 16, 1919. ©Nov. 1, 1919.
- Giving The Bride Away (undetermined role)
- Nov. 16, 1919 - Rolin/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. H-4 - Rolin series with Snub Pollard
- Filmed Sep. 17 to 25, 1919. ©Nov. 1, 1919.
- Miss Gingersnap (role: Little Rastus)
- Nov. 23, 1919 - Diando/Pathé - 2 reels - Baby Marie Osborne series
- How Dry I Am (undetermined role)
- Dec. 7, 1919 - Rolin/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. H-7 - Rolin series with Snub Pollard
- Filmed Oct. 11 to 18, and Oct. 27 to 29, 1919. ©Jan. 2, 1920.
- Looking For Trouble (undetermined role)
- Dec. 14, 1919 - Rolin/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. H-11 - Rolin series with Snub Pollard
- Also listed for Dec. 20, 1919. Filmed Oct. 31 and Nov. 6, 1919, and probably other dates. ©Jan. 2, 1920.
- Tough Luck (role: Mr. Sambe)
- Dec. 21, 1919 - Rolin/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. H-10 - Rolin series with Snub Pollard
- Filmed Oct. 30 to Nov. 4, 1919. ©Jan. 2, 1920.
- The Floor Below (supporting role)
- Dec. 28, 1919 - Rolin/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. H-12 - Rolin series with Snub Pollard
- Also listed for Jan. 24, 1920. Filmed Nov. 5 to 8, 1919. ©Jan. 2, 1920.
1920
- One of the magazine advertisements this year for the Rolin Comedies identifies Ernie as "Pickaninny Sammy," a name that didn't stick.
- On Aug. 16th, Rolin Film Company was officially renamed Hal E. Roach Studios, and the Rolin series of one-reelers that Ernie was featured in became
the Hal Roach Comedies.
- The earliest information I have regarding Ernie's salary comes from the week ending Aug. 21st, when he was earning $75 a week. His father, Joseph,
was earning $30 a week for simply making his talented child available.
- For the week ending Sep. 4th, Ernie's salary was raised to $100 a week, while his father continued at the same $30 rate.
- Red Hot Hottentots (undetermined role)
- Jan. 4, 1920 - Rolin/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. H-13 - Rolin series with Snub Pollard
- Filmed Nov. 10 to 14, 1919. ©Jan. 2, 1920.
- Why Go Home? (undetermined role)
- Jan. 11, 1920 - Rolin/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. H-14 - Rolin series with Snub Pollard
- Filmed Nov. 15 to 22, 1919. ©Jan. 31, 1920.
- Slippery Slickers (role: boy)
- Jan. 18, 1920 - Rolin-Pathé - 1 reel - prod. H-15 - Rolin series with Snub Pollard
- Filmed Nov. 24 to Dec. 2, 1919. ©Jan. 31, 1920.
- The Dippy Dentist (supporting role: messenger boy)
- Jan. 25, 1920 - Rolin/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. H-16 - Rolin series with Snub Pollard
- Filmed Dec. 2 to 13, 1919. ©Jan. 31, 1920.
- All Lit Up (role: the kid)
- Feb. 1, 1920 - Rolin/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. H-17 - Rolin series with Snub Pollard
- Filmed Dec. 13, 1919. ©Jan. 31, 1920.
- Getting His Goat (undetermined role)
- Feb. 8, 1920 - Rolin/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. H-9 - Rolin series with Snub Pollard
- Also listed for Feb. 12, 1920. Filmed Oct. 20 to 24, 1919. ©Feb. 24, 1920.
- Waltz Me Around (role: boy)
- Feb. 15, 1920 - Rolin/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. H-18 - Rolin series with Snub Pollard
- Also listed for Feb. 21, 1920. Filmed Dec. 22 to 27, 1919. ©Feb. 24, 1920.
- Find The Girl (undetermined role)
- Feb. 29, 1920 - Rolin/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. H-20 - Rolin series with Snub Pollard
- Also listed for Apr. 3, 1920. Filmed Jan. 2 to 10, 1920. ©Feb. 24, 1920.
- Haunted Spooks (supporting role: little boy)
- Mar. 14, 1920 - Rolin/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. L-5 - Harold Lloyd series
- Also listed for Mar. 31, 1920. Sources vary regarding initial filming from Aug. 9 to 23, 1919, which seems to fit
prod. L-4 instead. However, it's clear that some scenes show Lloyd before his hand was injured. Resumed filming
started on Jan. 5, 1920, and continued until either Jan. 17 or 25, 1920, with possibly more filming on Feb. 9, 1920.
©Mar. 8, 1920.
- Flat Broke (undetermined role)
- Mar. 14, 1920 - Rolin/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. H-21 - Rolin series with Snub Pollard
- Filmed Jan. 2 to 10, 1920. ©Mar. 11, 1920.
- Cut The Cards (undetermined role)
- Mar. 21, 1920 - Rolin/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. H-23 - Rolin series with Snub Pollard
- Also listed for June 12, 1920. Filmed Jan. 29 to Feb. 5, 1920. ©Mar. 11, 1920.
- The Dinner Hour (role: Sunshine Sammy)
- Mar. 28, 1920 - Rolin/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. H-25 - Rolin series with Snub Pollard
- Filmed Feb. 16 to 20, 1920. ©Apr. 6, 1920.
- Speed To Spare (undetermined role)
- Apr. 4, 1920 - Rolin/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. H-26 - Rolin series with Snub Pollard
- Also listed as Apr. 17, 1920. Filmed Feb. 25 to Mar. 3, 1920. ©Apr. 6, 1920.
- Shoot On Sight (undetermined role)
- Apr. 11, 1920 - Rolin/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. H-27 - Rolin series with Snub Pollard
- Also listed for Apr. 18, 1920. Filmed Mar. 4 to 9, and Mar. 13, 1920. ©Apr. 13, 1920.
- Don't Weaken (undetermined role)
- Apr. 18, 1920 - Rolin/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. H-28 - Rolin series with Snub Pollard
- Filmed Mar. 10 to 15, 1920. ©June 15, 1920.
- Cracked Wedding Bells (undetermined role)
- Apr. 25, 1920 - Rolin/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. H-24 - Rolin series with Snub Pollard
- Also listed for Apr. 4, 1920. Filmed Feb. 6 to 15, Feb. 22 to 24, and Feb. 28, 1920. ©Apr. 6, 1920.
- Drink Hearty (role: George Washington Tarfoot Lee)
- May 2, 1920 - Rolin/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. H-29 - Rolin series with Snub Pollard
- Also listed for May 15, 1920. Filmed Mar. 16 to 24, 1920. ©June 15, 1920.
- Trotting Through Turkey (supporting role: the dandy assistant)
- May 9, 1920 - Rolin/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. H-30 - Rolin series with Snub Pollard
- Filmed Mar. 25 to 28, 1920. ©June 15, 1920.
- All Dressed Up (supporting role: Snub's sidekick)
- May 23, 1920 - Rolin/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. H-31 - Rolin series with Snub Pollard
- Filmed Mar. 29 to Apr. 3, 1920. ©June 23, 1920.
- Grab The Ghost (supporting role: servant's child)
- May 30, 1920 - Rolin/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. H-32 - Rolin series with Snub Pollard
- Filmed Apr. 5 to 10, 1920. ©June 23, 1920.
- You're Pinched (role: kid on tricycle)
- June 6, 1920 - Rolin/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. H-33 - Rolin series with Snub Pollard
- Also listed for July 10, 1920. Filmed Apr. 12 to 18, 1920.
- All In A Day (undetermined role)
- June 20, 1920 - Rolin/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. H-34 - Rolin series with Snub Pollard
- Filmed Apr. 19 to 24, 1920. ©June 23, 1920.
- Any Old Port (role: steward)
- June 27, 1920 - Rolin/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. H-35 - Rolin series with Snub Pollard
- Filmed Apr. 26 to May 2, 1920. ©June 23, 1920.
- Don't Rock The Boat (role: little sailor boy)
- July 4, 1920 - Rolin/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. H-36 - Rolin series with Snub Pollard
- Filmed May 3 to 10, 1920. ©June 23, 1920.
- The Home Stretch (undetermined role)
- July 18, 1920 - Rolin/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. H-37 - Rolin series with Snub Pollard
- Filmed May 17 to 22, 1920. ©Aug. 28, 1920.
- Call A Taxi (role: boy servant)
- July 25, 1920 - Rolin/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. H-38 - Rolin series with Snub Pollard
- Filmed May 24 to 26, 1920. ©Aug. 28, 1920.
- Live And Learn (role: Sunshine Sammy)
- Aug. 1, 1920 - Rolin/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. H-39 - Rolin series with Snub Pollard
- Filmed May 27 to June 4, 1920. ©Aug. 28, 1920.
- Run 'Em Ragged (role: boy in trash can)
- Aug. 15, 1920 - Rolin/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. H-40 - Rolin series with Snub Pollard
- Also listed for Aug. 1, 1920. Filmed June 5 to 12, 1920, and also the week of June 19, 1920. ©Oct. 2, 1920.
- Money To Burn (undetermined role)
- Aug. 29, 1920 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. H-42 - Rolin series with Snub Pollard
- Filmed the week of June 10, 1920, and also June 28 to July 3, 1920. ©Aug. 28, 1920.
- Go As You Please (undetermined role)
- Sep. 12, 1920 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. H-44 - Rolin series with Snub Pollard
- Filmed July 23 to 30, 1920. ©Aug. 28, 1920.
- Rock-A-Bye Baby aka Rock-A-By Baby (undetermined role)
- Sep. 19, 1920 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. H-43 - Rolin series with Snub Pollard
- Filmed the week of June 10, 1920, and also July 12 to 22, 1920. ©Aug. 28, 1920.
- Get Out And Get Under (small part: curious boy)
- Sep. 26, 1920 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. L-8 - Harold Lloyd series
- Premiered Sep. 12, 1920. Filmed May 5 to 20, June 1 to 8, July 29, and Aug. 3 to 11, 1920. ©Aug. 28, 1920.
- Doing Time (role: boy convict)
- Sep. 26, 1920 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. H-45 - Hal Roach series with Snub Pollard
- Filmed Aug. 4 to 7, and Sep. 13, 1920. ©Oct. 2, 1920.
- Fellow Citizens (undetermined role)
- Oct. 10, 1920 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. H-46 - Hal Roach series with Snub Pollard
- Also listed for Oct. 9, 1920. Filmed Aug. 9 to 14, 1920. ©Oct. 2, 1920.
- When The Wind Blows (undetermined role)
- Oct. 24, 1920 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. H-47 - Hal Roach series with Snub Pollard
- Filmed Aug. 19 to 27, 1920. ©Dec. 22, 1920.
- Insulting The Sultan (undetermined role)
- Nov. 7, 1920 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. H-48 - Hal Roach series with Snub Pollard
- Filmed Sep. 4 to 18, 1920. ©Feb. 12, 1921. Ernie's sister Florence made $5 working on this production on Wed. the 8th.
- The Dear Departed (undetermined role)
- Nov. 21, 1920 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. H-49 - Hal Roach series with Snub Pollard
- Filmed Sep. 20 to 25, 1920. ©Dec. 2, 1920. Ernie's sister Florence made $5 working on this production on Mon., the 13th.
- Cash Customers (supporting role: store assistant)
- Dec. 5, 1920 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. H-50 - Hal Roach series with Snub Pollard
- Also listed for Dec. 6, 1920. Filmed Sep. 27, and Oct. 1 to 9, 1920. ©Jan. 28, 1921.
- Park Your Car (undetermined role)
- Dec. 19, 1920 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. H-51 - Hal Roach series with Snub Pollard
- Filmed Oct. 11 to 27, 1920. ©Feb. 12, 1921.
- Number, Please? (role: little boy)
- Dec. 26, 1920 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. L-9 - Harold Lloyd series
- Filmed June 29 to July 28, Aug. 9 to 19, Aug. 27, Sep. 8 to 25, and Oct. 18 to 19, 1920. ©Dec. 2, 1920.
1921
- In the Jan. 21, 1921, issue of the Baltimore Afro-American, black children voted Sunshine Sammy as their "favorite movie star."
- On February 28th, Ernie signed a new two-year contract, effective from that date until Feb. 28, 1923, with an option for renewal. He now earned $120
a week, while his father was raised to $40 a week.
- There's a gap in the information after Mar. 26th, but by the week ending Sep. 10th (when the source info resumes), Ernie and his dad had received
raises again, Ernie now earning $150 a week, while his father earned $50 a week.
- On September 20th, Roach signed a contract with Pathé for the release of a Sunshine Sammy 2-reeler that failed to achieve series status.
- During parts of October and November, Ernie was loaned out to Marshall Neilan for the feature film, "Penrod."
- By the end of the year, the idea for a Sunshine Sammy series was modified to become Hal Roach's Rascals, a series that would begin filming the following
January, but which entered pre-production in late 1921. Since Ernie had already been under long-term contract for the last two years, he inevitably
became the first choice to be among the kids who would star in this series.
- The Morning After (undetermined role)
- Jan. 9, 1921 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. H-53 - Hal Roach series with Snub Pollard
- Also listed for Jan. 16, 1921. Filmed Nov. 8 to 22, 1920. ©Feb. 12, 1921.
- Whirl Of The West aka Whirl O' The West (role: Sammy)
- Jan. 23, 1921 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. H-54 - Hal Roach series with Snub Pollard
- Filmed Nov. 23 to Dec. 4, 1920. ©June 3, 1921.
- Pinning It On (undetermined role)
- Jan. 30, 1921 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. C-10 - Vanity Fair Girls series with Eddie Boland
- Filmed Nov. 22 to 27, 1920. ©Mar. 9, 1921. If Ernie actually appeared in this short (as per IMDb), then the payroll
ledger doesn't reflect it.
- Open Another Bottle (undetermined role)
- Feb. 13, 1921 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. H-52 - Hal Roach series with Snub Pollard
- Filmed Oct. 28 to Nov. 4, 1920, and Jan. 6, 7, and 12, 1921. ©June 3, 1921.
- His Best Girl (undetermined role)
- Feb. 27, 1921 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. H-55 - Hal Roach series with Snub Pollard
- Filmed Dec. 8 to 20, 1920. ©Mar. 9, 1921. Ernie's sister Florence made $5 on this production on Sat., the 11th,
and then made $7.50 a day for six days in a row during the second week.
- Make It Snappy (undetermined role)
- Mar. 13, 1921 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. H-56 - Hal Roach series with Snub Pollard
- Filmed Dec. 21 to 28, and Dec. 30, 1920. ©Mar. 9, 1921. Ernie's sister Florence was paid $7.50 a day for working on this production
on Dec. 23rd and 24th.
- Fellow Romans (undetermined role)
- Mar. 27, 1921 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. H-57 - Hal Roach series with Snub Pollard
- Filmed Dec. 29, and Dec. 31, 1920, to Jan. 6, 1921. ©May 13, 1921. If Ernie appeared in this film (as per IMDb), then
the payroll ledger doesn't reflect it.
- Rush Orders (role: Narcissus)
- Apr. 10, 1921 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. H-58 - Hal Roach series with Snub Pollard
- Filmed Jan. 8 to 13, 1921. ©May 4, 1921.
- Bubbling Over (undetermined role)
- Apr. 24, 1921 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. H-59 - Hal Roach series with Snub Pollard
- Filmed Jan. 15 to 19, and Jan. 25, 1921. ©May 13, 1921.
- No Children (undetermined role)
- May 8, 1921 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. H-60 - Hal Roach series with Snub Pollard
- Filmed Jan. 20 to 24, 1921. ©May 13, 1921.
- Big Game (undetermined role)
- May 22, 1921 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. H-61 - Hal Roach series with Snub Pollard
- Filmed Jan. 26 to 28, 1921. ©May 14, 1921.
- Save Your Money (undetermined role)
- May 29, 1921 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. H-67 - Hal Roach series with Snub Pollard
- Filmed Mar. 8 to 11, 1921. ©May 14, 1921.
- The Killjoys aka Blue Sunday (role: boy)
- June 5, 1921 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. H-62 - Hal Roach series with Snub Pollard
- Filmed Jan. 31 to Feb. 3, 1921. ©June 2, 1921.
- Where's The Fire (role: kid in burning house)
- June 12, 1921 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. H-64 - Hal Roach series with Snub Pollard
- Filmed Feb. 11 to 12, 1921. ©June 2, 1921.
- Own Your Home aka Own Your Own Home (undetermined role)
- June 19, 1921 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. H-63 - Hal Roach series with Snub Pollard
- Filmed Feb. 4 to 10, 1921. ©June 3, 1921.
- The High Rollers (role: porter at skating rink)
- June 26, 1921 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. H-65 - Hal Roach series with Snub Pollard
- Filmed Feb. 21 to 26, 1921. ©June 3, 1921.
- You're Next (undetermined role)
- July 3, 1921 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. H-66 - Hal Roach series with Snub Pollard
- Filmed Feb. 28 to Mar. 5, 1921. ©June 3, 1921.
- The Bike Bug (role: boy on horse)
- July 10, 1921 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. H-68 - Hal Roach series with Snub Pollard
- Filmed Mar. 15 to 22, 1921. ©June 7, 1921.
- At The Ring Side (supporting role: the lookout)
- July 17, 1921 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. H-70 - Hal Roach series with Snub Pollard
- ©June 7, 1921.
- What A Whopper (role: the bellboy)
- July 31, 1921 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. H-73 - Hal Roach series with Snub Pollard
- ©Aug. 30, 1921.
- Teaching The Teacher (undetermined role)
- Aug. 7, 1921 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. H-74 - Hal Roach series with Snub Pollard
- ©July 29, 1921.
- Name The Day (role: Goofy)
- Aug. 21, 1921 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. H-69 - Hal Roach series with Snub Pollard
- Filmed Mar. 23 to 26, 1921. ©July 29, 1921.
- Late Lodgers (role: the hotel bellhop)
- Sep. 18, 1921 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. H-72 - Hal Roach series with Snub Pollard
- ©Sep. 7, 1921.
- The Chink (role: the kid)
- Sep. 25, 1921 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. C-20 - Eddie Boland series
- Filmed Feb. 22 to 28, and Mar. 9, 1921. ©Sep. 28, 1921.
- Sweet Bye And Bye aka Sweet By And By (supporting role)
- Oct. 9, 1921 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. C-26 - Eddie Boland series
- Filmed mid-1921. ©Sep. 28, 1921.
- The Pickaninny (lead role: Little Casino)
- Dec. 4, 1921 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. E-1 - Sunshine Sammy Morrison series
- Filmed mid-1921. ©Dec. 6, 1921.
1922
- In January, the first film starring Hal Roach's Rascals was shot and titled "Our Gang," a name that soon became an alternate title for the
series.
- On Jaunary 19th, Roach and Pathé signed into a distribution deal for the new series.
- The June 24th issue of Boys' Cinema included a "Sunshine Sammy" trading card (no. 17 in the series of Boys' Cinema Famous
Heroes), which gave some biographical information on the back, though the publishers seem to be unaware of the Our Gang series, which hadn't yet
gone into general release. One of the films credited to Ernie on the back of the card is something called "Don't Do It," but I've yet to come
across any information at all on this film.
- For the week ending Sep. 2nd, Ernie's salary was raised to $200 a week. His father remained at $50 a week.
- Try, Try Again (supporting role: boy servant)
- Jan. 1, 1922 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. C-32 - Hal Roach series with Paul Parrott
- Filmed Sep. 14 to 22, 1921. ©Dec. 10, 1921.
- Loose Change (supporting role: the thieves' lieutenant)
- Jan. 15, 1922 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. C-34 - Hal Roach series with Paul Parrott
- Filmed Oct. 8 to 18, 1921. ©Dec. 31, 1921.
- Rich Man, Poor Man (role: Sunshine Sammy)
- Feb. 19, 1922 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. C-39 - Hal Roach series with Paul Parrott
- Filmed Nov. 26 to Dec. 1, 1921. ©Feb. 8, 1922.
- Penrod (supporting role: Herman)
- Feb. 20, 1922 - Neilan/First National - 8 reels - Wesley Barry feature
- Filmed Oct. 1922. ©Jan. 30, 1922. Ernie's sister Florence was also featured in this film, as "Verman."
- High Tide (supporting role: The Pickaninny)
- Mar. 19, 1922 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. C-29 - Hal Roach series with George Rowe
- Initial filming ended Aug. 26, 1921, with retakes Dec. 5, 17 and 30, 1921. ©Mar. 25, 1922. Ernie was given onscreen
credit as "Sunshine Sammy."
- Stand Pat (supporting role: Sunshine Sammy)
- Apr. 16, 1922 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. C-40 - Hal Roach series with Paul Parrott
- Filmed Dec. 6 to 15, 1921. ©Apr. 27, 1922.
- Full O' Pep (role: Sunshine Sammy)
- Apr. 23, 1922 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. H-102 - Hal Roach series with Snub Pollard
- Filmed Dec. 16 to 24, 1921, and Jan. 5, 1922. ©Apr. 27, 1922.
- Light Showers (undetermined role)
- May 14, 1922 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. H-105 - Hal Roach series with Snub Pollard
- Filmed Jan. 14 to 24, 1922. ©Apr. 27, 1922.
- Screen Snapshots Series 3, No. 1 (appearance)
- June 4, 1922 - C. B. C. Film Sales Corp. - 1 reel - Screen Snapshots series
- ©May 17, 1922.
- The Non Skid Kid (role: young boy)
- June 11, 1922 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. C-18 - Eddie Boland series
- Filmed Feb. 1 to 10, and Mar. 22, 1921, as a Vanity Fair Girls film. ©May 29, 1922.
- All In A Day (undetermined role)
- June 20, 1920 - Rolin/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. H-34 - Rolin series with Snub Pollard
- Filmed Apr. 19 to 24, 1920. ©June 23, 1920.
- Many Happy Returns (undetermined role)
- June 25, 1922 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. C-27 - Eddie Boland series
- Filmed mid-1921. ©June 26, 1922.
- The Sleuth (supporting role: Inkhpad)
- July 16, 1922 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. C-36 - Hal Roach series with Paul Parrott
- Filmed Oct. 27 to Nov. 3, 1921, with retakes Dec. 2 and 3, 1921. ©July 20, 1922.
- 4. One Terrible Day (featured role: Booker T. Bacon)
- Sep. 10, 1922 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-4 - Our Gang series
- Filmed May 22 to June 10, 1922. ©Oct. 9, 1922.
- 2. Fire Fighters (lead role: Booker T. Bacon)
- Oct. 8, 1922 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-2 - Our Gang series
- Filmed Feb. 27 to Apr. 1, 1922. ©Oct. 9, 1922.
- 1. Our Gang (featured role: Booker T. Bacon)
- Nov. 5, 1922 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-1 - Our Gang series
- Filmed Jan. 3 to 17, 1922, with retakes Jan. 18 to 19, and Feb. 2 to 17, 1922. ©Oct. 11, 1922.
- 3. Young Sherlocks (lead role: Ernie)
- Nov. 26, 1922 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-3 - Our Gang series
- Filmed Apr. 3 to 8, and Apr. 24 to May 20, 1922. ©Nov. 11, 1922.
- 6. Saturday Morning (featured role: Sorghum)
- Dec. 3, 1922 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-6 - Our Gang series
- Filmed July 8 to 25, 1922. ©Nov. 11, 1922.
- 5. A Quiet Street (featured role)
- Dec. 31, 1922 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-5 - Our Gang series
- Filmed June 13 to July 1, and July 26 to 27, 1922. ©Nov. 11, 1922.
- Screen Snapshots Series 3, No. 16 (presumed appearance)
- Dec. 31, 1922 - C. B. C. Film Sales Corp. - 1 reel - Screen Snapshots series
- ©Dec. 8, 1922. Director Robert F. McGowan and the Our Gang cast are listed for this film, but cast members are not specified.
1923
- On Feb. 28th of this year, Ernie's salary was raised to $250 a week, while his father remained at $50 a week.
- Dig Up (undetermined role)
- Jan. 7, 1923 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. B-7 - Snub Pollard series
- Filmed July 25 to Aug. 7, 1922, with retakes Aug. 21, 1922. ©Dec. 14, 1922. Ernie appears in a promotional slide for this
film. His salary wasn't charged to this production, so perhaps an image from an earlier film was used.
- 9. The Champeen! (lead role: Sammy)
- Jan. 28, 1923 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-9 - Our Gang series
- Filmed late August/September 1922. ©Dec. 16, 1922.
- 8. The Cobbler (featured role)
- Feb. 18, 1923 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-8 - Our Gang series
- Filmed late August, and perhaps September, 1922. ©Feb. 26, 1923.
- 7. The Big Show! (featured role: Booker T.)
- Feb. 25, 1923 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-7 - Our Gang series
- Filmed July 28 to Aug. 15, 1922, with added scenes Sep. 11 to 16, and Sep. 20 to 28, 1922, and retakes Jan. 10 to 11,
1923. ©Feb. 26, 1923.
- 11. A Pleasant Journey (featured role: Ernie)
- Mar. 18, 1923 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-11 - Our Gang series
- Also listed for Mar. 25, 1923. Filmed Oct. 22 to 27, and Nov. 2 to 16, 1922. ©Feb. 26, 1923.
- 10. Boys To Board (featured role)
- Apr. 8, 1923 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-10 - Our Gang series
- Filmed Oct. 2 to Nov. 2, 1922. ©Mar. 30, 1923.
- 12. Giants Vs. Yanks (featured role: Ernie)
- May 13, 1923 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-12 - Our Gang series
- Filmed Nov. 20 to Dec. 19, 1922, and Feb. 15, 1923. ©Apr. 27, 1923.
- 13. Back Stage (supporting role: Ernie)
- June 3, 1923 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-13 - Our Gang series
- Filmed Dec. 15, 1922, to Jan. 9, 1923. ©June 6, 1923.
- 14. Dogs Of War! (supporting role)
- July 1, 1923 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-14 - Our Gang series
- Premiered June 10, 1923. Filmed Jan. 12 to Feb. 10, 1923, with retakes Feb. 20 to 23, and Apr. 11, 1923. ©July 19, 1923.
- 15. Lodge Night (featured role: Ernie)
- July 29, 1923 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-15 - Our Gang series
- Filmed Feb. 12 to Mar. 3, 1923. ©Aug. 2, 1923.
- 18. July Days (supporting role: Ernie)
- Aug. 26, 1923 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-18 - Our Gang series
- Filmed Mar. 11, Apr. 12 to May 2, and May 31, 1923. ©Aug. 2, 1923.
- 20. No Noise (supporting role: Ernie)
- Sep. 23, 1923 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-20 - Our Gang series
- Filmed June 1 to 20, 1923. ©Sep. 24, 1923.
- 17. Stage Fright (supporting role)
- Oct. 21, 1923 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-17 - Our Gang series
- Filmed Mar. 17 to Apr. 11, 1923, with retakes June 21 to July 2, 1923. ©Nov. 9, 1923.
- 21. Derby Day (supporting role: Ernie aka Sammy)
- Nov. 18, 1923 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-21 - Our Gang series
- Filmed July 18 to Aug. 13, 1923. ©Nov. 9, 1923. The inter-titles refer to him as Ernie, while the board showing the
jockeys with their accompanying animals lists him as Sammy.
- 19. Sunday Calm (supporting role: Ernie)
- Dec. 16, 1923 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-19 - Our Gang series
- Filmed May 4 to 29, 1923, with retakes July 2 to 14, and Oct. 2, 1923. ©Dec. 24, 1923.
1924
- Ernie departed Hal Roach Studios and the Our Gang series in the spring of this year, but he did return for one week in June to finish off "Fast
Company," which had lain dormant for over a year.
- Ernie was launched into a vaudeville career by his father Joseph, signing a 3-year contract as part of the Sunshine Sammy Revue. Early publicity
photos reveal that an additional boy and girl were also part of this act.
- 22. Tire Trouble (supporting role)
- Jan. 13, 1924 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-22 - Our Gang series
- Filmed Aug. 14 to Sep. 4, 1923. ©Dec. 24, 1923.
- 23. Big Business (supporting role: Sunshine Sammy)
- Feb. 10, 1924 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-23 - Our Gang series
- Filmed Sep. 11 to 21, 1923. ©Jan. 26, 1924.
- 24. The Buccaneers (featured role: Ernie)
- Mar. 9, 1924 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-24 - Our Gang series
- Filmed Sep. 28 to Oct. 24, and Oct. 28, 1923. ©Feb. 20, 1924.
- The Fraidy Cat (small part as one of the neighborhood boys)
- Mar. 30, 1924 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. D-45 - Hal Roach series with Charley Chase
- Premiered Mar. 10, 1924. Filmed Dec. 4 to 9, 1923. ©Mar. 20, 1924.
- 25. Seein' Things (supporting role)
- Apr. 6, 1924 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-25 - Our Gang series
- Filmed Oct. 25 to Nov. 7, and Dec. 19, 1923, and Jan. 7, 1924. ©May 12, 1924.
- 26. Commencement Day (supporting role)
- May 4, 1924 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-26 - Our Gang series
- Filmed Nov. 9 to Dec. 6, 1923, Jan. 7 to 11, and Jan. 26, 1924. ©May 12, 1924.
- Going To Congress (undetermined role)
- May 25, 1924 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. R-11 - Will Rogers series
- Filmed Jan. 19 to 30, 1924. ©May 12, 1924.
- 28. Cradle Robbers (supporting role)
- June 1, 1924 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-28 - Our Gang series
- Filmed Jan. 28 to Feb. 9, 1924. ©May 12, 1924.
- Rupert Of Hee Haw (bit part: one of the great throng)
- June 8, 1924 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. L-11 - Stan Laurel series
- Also listed for June 24, 1924. Filmed Dec. 20 to 26, 1923, and Jan. 2 to 12, 1924. ©May 12, 1924.
- Hoss And Hoss (undetermined role)
- unreleased - Roach - 2 reels - prod. E-1 - Arthur Stone series
- Filmed Feb. 11 to 23, 1924. Not copyrighted. Probably unfinished. Also listed as an All Star comedy.
- 27. It's A Bear (supporting role: Ernie)
- July 27, 1924 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-27 - Our Gang series
- Filmed Dec. 10 to 26, 1923, Jan. 2 to 7, Jan. 12, and Mar. 7 to 12, 1924. ©June 30, 1924.
- The Battling Orioles (small part as one of the neighborhood boys)
- Aug. 24, 1924 - Roach/Associated/Pathé - 5 reels - prod. T-2 - Glenn Tryon feature
- Also listed for Oct. 6, 1924. Filmed Feb. 18 to May 20, 1924, with retakes June 16 to 20, 1924. There was also an unspecified
Glenn Tryon feature for which retakes were shot from May 22 to June 17, 1924, but it isn't clear whether it was this one or
"The White Sheep" or some other film. ©Sep. 25, 1924.
- 16. Fast Company (supporting role: Ernie)
- Nov. 16, 1924 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-16 - Our Gang series
- Filmed Mar. 5 to 15, 1923, with retakes June 13 to 21, 1924. ©Oct. 2, 1924.
1925
- An article from the November 28th Baltimore Afro-American describes a parade of 7000 children that Ernie was involved with in Providence.
Many of his performances were carried out at schools for the benefit of the local children.
1926
- Contrary to what it looks like, Ernie had not returned to the Roach studio in late 1925. All of the films released during the early part of 1926 were
previously unreleased productions from 1921/22.
- In late September, an Ernie Morrison "trailer" was prepared by the Roach studio. This was probably a collection of film clips edited onto a reel
that Joseph Morrison could use to entice theater owners into booking his son.
- Between Meals (role: In Need)
- Jan. 10, 1926 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. C-30 - Hal Roach series with Paul
Parrott
- Also listed as Jan. 3, 1926. Filmed Aug. 29 to Sep. 3, 1921. ©Dec. 16, 1922.
- Don't Butt In (small part)
- Jan. 17, 1926 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. C-31 - Hal Roach series with Paul
Parrott
- Filmed Sep. 7 to 18, 1921. Previewed Nov. 1921 under the title The Roustabout, but listed as a Snub Pollard
film. ©Dec. 16, 1922 under preview title.
- Soft Pedal (supporting role: Wary)
- Jan. 31, 1926 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. C-33 - Hal Roach series with Paul
Parrott
- Also listed as Jan. 30, 1926. Filmed Sep. 23 to Oct. 8, 1921. ©Dec. 16, 1922, under the title Leave It To Me.
Dec. 17, 1922, has also been listed as the release date, with the original title. Ernie was given onscreen credit.
- The Only Son (undetermined role)
- Feb. 28, 1926 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. C-37 - Hal Roach series with Paul Parrott
- Filmed Nov. 4 to 12, 1921, with retakes Nov. 19, 1921. ©Dec. 16, 1922.
- Do Your Duty (undetermined role)
- Mar. 7, 1926 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. H-103 - Hal Roach series with Snub Pollard
- Also listed for Mar. 28, 1926. Filmed Dec. 27, 1921, to Jan. 6, 1922. ©Feb. 6, 1926.
- Hired And Fired (undetermined role)
- Mar. 14, 1926 - Roach/Pathé - 1 reel - prod. C-38 - Hal Roach series with Paul
Parrott
- Premiered Mar. 2, 1926. Filmed Nov. 12 to 25, 1921, and Aug. 26 and 28, 1922. ©Dec. 16, 1922, and Feb. 6, 1926.
- unspecified title (lead role)
- unreleased - Roach - Ernie Morrison trailer
- Filmed Sep. 29 to 30, 1926. This was probably a collection of film clips of Ernie's days at the Roach studio, the result of which would be used to
secure dates for his vaudeville tours. Or at least that's what it meant when a "trailer" was made for Jean Darling a few years later.
1927
- An article in The Chillicothe Daily Tribune of Apr. 4th of this year relates Ernie's visit to that Missouri city during his vaudeville tour.
It also describes a fan letter which reads: "I always delight in your amusing antics on the screen, but why do they always have you made up as a negro
boy? Please send me one of your photographs without the makeup. I want to see how you look without it."
1928
- An ad from Apr. 22nd of this year reads: "Joseph Morrison presents The Diminutive Star of "Our Gang" Comedies "Sunshine Sammy"
with his brother Charlie. This new act probably originated in 1927 after the end of Ernie's 3-year contract. Charlie was actually Charles Witty
(Ernie having no actual brothers).
- By June of 1928, Little Joey Harris was added to the act.
- In August, Edward Duncan joined the act for a month's engagement. After this, they were back to being the trio of Sunshine Sammy, Little Joey &
Charlie among other variations on the name.
1929
- By March of this year, Joey Shields had joined Ernie's act, replacing Joey Harris and assuming his "Little Joey" moniker.
- In July, they played the Fox Theatre in Brooklyn, where Ernie's two sidekicks were billed as "Brothers Charlie and Little Joe."
- In August, the act was modified to include Joey Shields, Edward Duncan, and Shields' two sisters. By the end of the month, Morrison,
Shields and Duncan had resumed touring as a trio, now calling themselves Sunshine Sammy and His Gang.
- Sunshine Sammy And His Brothers In Steppin' Along (lead role: Sunshine Sammy)
- Mar. 30, 1929 - MGM - 1 reel - Movietone Revue
- ©Feb. 4, 1929. I've also come across Nov. 14, 1928, as a release date. This release was accompanied by an
MGM Synchro-Disc. Ernie and his "brothers" appeared in Scene #1.
1930
- Both Edward Duncan and Joey Shields left Ernie's act by June of this year.
- A news item from July 4th describes Morrison being detained by the police in Marshalltown while he and his chauffeur were travelling from New York to
Los Angeles. They had struck a pedestrian with their car, but were released without charges. It's not clear whether Ernie's tapdancing display for
the officers had any influence.
1930s
Information is spotty, but Ernie basically spent the bulk of this decade as a stage performer. Various items give clues as to his activities:
A poster for a performance (presumably aired since NBC was involved) by Hank Keene and his Radio Gang. The added attraction is Sunshine Sammy,
who's billed as "Warner Bros. Colored Boy Picture Star." The starting date is Sun., July 19th, which fits both 1931 and 1936. Keene had a
radio program in both of those years, so at the moment, I can't narrow it down any further. I also haven't found any other reference to Ernie
working for Warner Bros.
An item from Jan. 8, 1934, that gives a list of Our Gang members that would be attending a 10th anniversary party for Hal Roach, and included Ermie
Morrison. In this case, I think I either mistyped the number, or the source item got it wrong, since it was the 20th anniversary of Hal Roach Studios in
1934.
A press release from Hal Roach Studios dated July 11, 1934, concerning the whereabouts of former Our Gang members that states that Ernie was currently living
in New York doing stage work.
A 1935 newspaper advertisement that mentions Sunshine Sammy and Band, with Mabel Scott, playing at the Apollo beginning June 28.
A 1936 newspaper advertisement that finds Sunshine Sammy and The Sensational Hardy Bros. Swing Band playing at the Apollo for one
week beginning July 17th.
A 1936 press release from Hal Roach Studios concerning the whereabouts of former Our Gang kids that states that Ernie was conducting an orchestra
back east.
A July 19, 1936 article in the Los Angeles Examiner which talks about the same thing.
A 1937 press release from Hal Roach Studios concerning the current activities of former Our Gang kids, which states that Ernie was "seen at the
local Paramount theater several months ago in his musical and dance turn."
A Feb. 14, 1938 advertisement in Flash Weekly Newspicture Magazine for Sunshine Sammy and Sleepy Williams.
1939
- Sunshine Sammy and Sleepy Williams spent part of the year touring Australia, as mentioned by press items in the Sydney Morning Herald of
Aug. 21st and Aug. 26th, the latter of which describes them as comedians.
1940
- By the early part of this year, Ernie had resumed his film career after many years, and it didn't take long for him to land the role of
"Scruno" in the East Side Kids series made by Banner Productions. He would remain with the series for three years, sometimes
doing promotional stints with Huntz Hall and Bobby Jordan. There is at least one source that indicates that Ernie ran into a bit of legal trouble
in New York and moved back to Los Angeles for that reason.
- Gang War (role: gang member)
- Mar. 29, 1940 - Million Dollar Productions - 6 reels - Ralph Cooper feature
- Reissued as Crime Street
- I Can't Give You Anything But Love, Baby (small part: Joe)
- May 1940 - Universal - 6 reels - Broderick Crawford feature
- ©May 20, 1940.
- Boys Of The City (supporting role: Scruno)
- Jul. 15, 1940 - Banner/Monogram - 7 reels - The East Side Kids feature
- ©July 19, 1940. Also known as The Ghost Creeps. Credited as Sunshine Sammy.
- That Gang of Mine (supporting role: Scruno)
- Sep. 23, 1940 - Banner/Monogram - 7 reels - The East Side Kids feature
- ©Sep. 24, 1940. Credited as Sunshine Sammy.
- Fugitive From A Prison Camp (role: Chuckles)
- Oct. 5, 1940 - Larry Darmour/Columbia - 6 reels - Jack Holt feature
- ©June 24, 1940.
1941
- Pride Of The Bowery (supporting role: Scruno)
- Jan. 31, 1941 - Banner/Monogram - 7 reels - The East Side Kids feature
- ©Dec. 15, 1940, which is also the date usually given for its release. Credited as Sunshine Sammy
Morrison.
- Flying Wild (supporting role: Scruno)
- Mar. 1941 - Banner/Monogram - 7 reels - The East Side Kids feature
- ©Mar. 10, 1941, which is also the date usually given for its release. Credited as Sunshine Sammy
Morrison.
- Bowery Blitzkrieg (supporting role: Scruno)
- Sep. 8, 1941 - Banner/Monogram - 7 reels - The East Side Kids feature
- ©Aug. 1, 1941, which is also the date usually given for its release. Credited as Sunshine Sammy
Morrison.
- Spooks Run Wild (supporting role: Scruno)
- Oct. 1941 - Banner/Monogram - 7 reels - The East Side Kids feature
- ©Oct. 24, 1941, which is also the date usually given for its release. Credited as Sunshine Sammy
Morrison. Also starring Bela Lugosi.
1942
- Mr. Wise Guy (supporting role: Scruno)
- Feb. 1942 - Banner/Monogram - 7 reels - Eastside Kids feature
- ©Feb. 20, 1942, which is also the date usually given for its release. Ernie is uncredited in this one.
- In This Our Life (bit role: man in jail)
- May 16, 1942 - Warner Bros. - 10 reels - Bette Davis & Olivia de Havilland feature
- According to IMDB. ©May 16, 1942.
- Let's Get Tough! (supporting role: Scruno)
- May 29, 1942 - Banner/Monogram - 7 reels - The Eastside Kids feature
- ©May 22, 1942. Credited as Sunshine Sammy Morrisson (sic).
- Smart Alecks (supporting role: Scruno)
- Aug. 7, 1942 - Banner/Monogram - 7 reels - The East Side Kids feature
- ©July 3, 1942. Credited as Sunshine Sammy.
- 'Neath Brooklyn Bridge (supporting role: Scruno)
- Nov. 20, 1942 - Banner/Monogram - 7 reels - The Eastside Kids feature
- ©Oct. 16, 1942. Credited as Sunshine Sammy Morrison.
1943
- By the middle of this year, Ernie had left the East Side Kids, and become a member of The Four Step Brothers, a team of acrobatic dancers
that had been around since the 1920s.
- Kid Dynamite (supporting role: Scruno)
- Feb. 5, 1943 - Banner/Monogram - 8 reels - The East Side Kids feature
- ©Jan. 8, 1943. Also listed as a Feb. 12th release. Credited as Sunshine Sammy.
- The Ape Man (bit role: copyboy)
- Mar. 5, 1943 - Banner/Monogram - 7 reels - Bela Lugosi feature
- ©Feb. 5, 1943.
- Hit Parade Of 1943 (bit role: Heaven Air pilot)
- Mar. 26, 1943 - Republic - 9 reels - John Carroll and Susan Hayward feature
- ©Mar. 16, 1943.
- Clancy Street Boys (supporting role: Scruno)
- Apr. 23, 1943 - Banner/Monogram - 7 reels - The East Side Kids feature
- ©Feb. 24, 1943. Credited as Sammy Morrison.
- Ghosts On The Loose (supporting role: Scruno)
- Jul. 30, 1943 - Banner/Monogram - 7 reels - The East Side Kids feature
- ©June 8, 1943. Credited as Sammy Morrison. Also starring Bela Lugosi and Ava Gardner.
1944
- It appears that Ernie's stint with the Step Brothers ended during this year. He was drafted into the Army during World War II, and given his prior
film activity, this likely happened at about this point in time. He apparently was able to perform as a USO entertainer, but a jeep accident in Hawaii left
him with a permanent limp, no doubt signaling the end of his dancing career.
- Shine On Harvest Room (small part: one of the Step Brothers)
- Apr 8, 1944 - Warner Bros. - 11 reels - Ann Sheridan, Dennis Morgan, Jack Carson & Irene Manning feature
- ©Apr. 8, 1944.
- Follow The Leader (small role: Scruno)
- June 3, 1944 - Banner/Monogram - 7 reels - The East Side Kids feature
- ©Apr,. 29, 1944. Morrison appears uncredited in a deleted scene from "Smart Alecks" (1942).
- Greenwich Village (small part: one of the Step Brothers)
- Sep. 27, 1944 - 20th Century-Fox - 8 reels - Carmen Miranda, Don Ameche & William Bendix feature
- ©Aug. 3, 1944. Filmed in Technicolor.
1945
- After the war ended, Ernie headed his own band, Sunshine Sammy and His Hollywood Syncopators.
- At some point during this period, Ernie was offered a spot in The Bowery Boys series of features, which was a revamped version of the East Side Kids,
but he declined because he "didn't like the setup."
- Ernie soon left show business and worked as a quality control inspector in the aerospace industry for the next couple of decades.
1974
- Ernie's public life resumed to a limited extent during this period, as he made occasional TV appearances and made himself more visible to fans of Our
Gang and the East Side Kids.
- Good Times episode: The TV Commercial (bit part: the messenger)
- Apr. 26, 1974 - Tandem/CBS - 30 min. - TV episode
1979
- The Jeffersons episode: A Short Story (extra)
- Sep. 30, 1979 - TAT/CBS - 30 min. - TV episode
- Also appearing in this episode was Stymie Beard.
1980
- During this year, Ernie took part in the Sons of the Desert 2nd International Convention, which included the largest Our Gang reunion ever held. For the
rest of his life, he frequently made appearances at conventions held by this Laurel & Hardy appreciation society.
1981
- During this year, Marla Gibbs of "The Jeffersons" was spun off into her own short-lived sitcom, called Checking In. Reportedly,
Ernie appeared in the pilot for this series.
1985
- Ernie attended another Sons of the Desert event during this year.
1984
- The 56th Annual Academy Awards (appearance)
- Apr. 9, 1984 - AMPAS/ABC - TV special
- Morrison appears in the audience as Hal Roach receives a special Oscar.
- Our Gang: Inside The Clubhouse (appearance/archival)
- May 8, 1984 - Bob Lang/Camellia City Telecasters - 93 min. - TV documentary
- Ernie was interviewed for this documentary. Includes footage from "The Champeen!" and "The Big Show."
1986
- Passion And Memory (appearance)
- May 11, 1986 - 60 min. - TV documentary
- Narrated by Robert Guillaume.
- Horrible Horror (archival)
- 1986 - Bergman-Harris/Movietime/GoodTimes - 110 min. - video compilation
- Includes footage from "Spooks Run Wild" and "The Ape Man."
- Classic Comedy Teams (archival)
- 1986 - Bergamn-Harris/Movietime/GoodTimes - 108 min. - video documentary
- Includes footage from The East Side Kids series.
1987
- Ernie took part in another Sons of the Desert reunion of Our Gang kids during this year.
1988
- Ernie attended another Sons of the Desert event during this year.
- Twin Cities: Live With Bob Bruce (appearance)
- 1988 - KSTP-TV - 60 min. - TV talk show
1989
- American Masters episode: Harold Lloyd: The Third Genius (appearance)
- Nov. 17, 1989 - Thames/WNET-TV - 105 min. - TV documentary
- Ernie appears in an interview, as well as archival footage from "Get Out And Get Under" and
"Dogs Of War!"
1994
- Hal Roach: Hollywood's King Of Laughter (appearance)
- Apr. 7, 1994 - RHI/Disney Channel - 49 min. - TV documentary
- Includes footage from "Get Out And Get Under."
- The Our Gang Story (archival)
- 1994 - Film Shows/GoodTimes - 120 min. - video documentary
- Includes footage from "Fire Fighters," "The Champeen!" "Giants Vs. Yanks," "Dogs Of War!"
and "Ghosts On The Loose."
1998
- Hal Roach: The Lot Of Fun (archival)
- June 27, 1998 - Film Preservation Associates/Kino Lorber - 133 min. - video documentary
- Released on "Slapstick Encyclopedia Vol. 6."
2002
- E! True Hollywood Story episode: Curse Of The Little Rascals (archival)
- Nov. 24, 2002 - E! Entertainment Television - 60 min. - TV documentary
2014
- Hollywoods Spaßfabrik - Als die Bilder Lachen lernten (archival)
- May 29, 2014 - Exit Film-und Fernsehproduktion-ZDF/ARTE - 90 min. - TV documentary
- Also released in English as Hal Roach - The Lot Of Fun: Where The Movies Learned To Laugh. Includes footage from "Haunted Spooks" and
"The Pickaninny."
Ernie Morrison's payroll history
The following is a list of most of Ernie's history at the Roach studio, with the amounts he was making from week to week. Part of Ernie's
contractual agreement was that his father, Joseph, would also be paid a weekly salary for making his little boy available to the studio, so his name
also appears here. The dates given are Saturdays, the last day of each week at the studio. The only exceptions would be Saturdays that were also
holidays, in which case the Friday date is used for those weeks. The earliest information I have in my files from the payroll ledgers comes from Aug.
1920.
Special note: Production A9 (The Champeen!) is missing from this list. It appears that one of the earlier productions, A7 and/or
A8, was divided into more than one film, resulting in A9.
- Aug. 21, 1920 - 75.00 for H47 (When The Wind Blows)
Joseph: 30.00 for H47
- Aug. 28, 1920 - 75.00 for H47
Joseph: 30.00 for H47
- Sep. 4, 1920 - 112.50 for L9 (Number, Please?)
Joseph: 30.00 for L9
- Sep. 11, 1920 - 100.00 - 50.00 for L9, 50.00 for H48 (Insulting The Sultan)
Joseph: 30.00 - 15.00 for L9, 15.00 for H48
- Sep. 18, 1920 - 100.00 - 16.00 for L9, 84.00 for H49 (The Dear Departed)
Joseph: 30.00 - 5.00 for L9, 25.00 for H49
- Sep. 25, 1920 - 100.00 for H49
Joseph: 30.00 for H49
- Oct. 2, 1920 - 100.00 for H50 (Cash Customers)
Joseph: 30.00 for H50
- Oct. 9, 1920 - 100.00 for H50
Joseph: 30.00 for H50
- Oct. 16, 1920 - 100.00 for H51 (Park Your Car)
Joseph: 30.00 for H51
- Oct. 23, 1920 - 100.00 for H51
Joseph: 30.00 for H51
- Oct. 30, 1920 - 100.00 for H52 (Open Another Bottle)
Joseph: 30.00 for H52
- Nov. 6, 1920 - 100.00 for H52
Joseph: 30.00 for H52
- Nov. 13, 1920 - 100.00 for H53 (The Morning After)
Joseph: 30.00 for H53
- Nov. 20, 1920 - 100.00 for H53
Joseph: 30.00 for H53
- Nov. 27, 1920 - 100.00 for H54 (Whirl O' The West)
Joseph: 30.00 for H54
- Dec. 4, 1920 - 100.00 for H54
Joseph: 30.00 for H54
- Dec. 11, 1920 - 100.00 for H55 (His Best Girl)
Joseph: 30.00 for H55
- Dec. 18, 1920 - 100.00 for H55
Joseph: 30.00 for H55
- Dec. 24, 1920 - 100.00 for H56 (Make It Snappy)
Joseph: 30.00 for H56
- Dec. 31, 1920 - 100.00 for H56
Joseph: 30.00 for H56
- Jan. 8, 1921 - 100.00 - 50.00 for H59 (Bubbling Over), 34.00 for H58 (Rush Orders), 16.00 for H52
Joseph: 30.00 - 15.00 for H59, 10.00 for H58, 5.00 for H52
- Jan. 15, 1921 - 100.00 - 84.00 for H58, 16.00 for H59
Joseph: 30.00 - 25.00 for H58, 5.00 for H59
- Jan. 22, 1921 - 100.00 - 50.00 for H59, 50.00 for H60 (No Children)
Joseph: 30.00 - 15.00 for H59, 15.00 for H60
- Jan. 29, 1921 - 100.00 - 17.00 for H60, 50.00 for H61 (Big Game), 17.00 for H62 (The Killjoys), 16.00 for H59
Joseph: 30.00 - 5.00 for H60, 15.00 for H61, 5.00 for H62, 5.00 for H59
- Feb. 5, 1921 - 100.00 - 66.67 for H62, 33.33 for H63 (Own Your Home)
Joseph: 30.00 - 20.00 for H62, 10.00 for H63
- Feb 12, 1921 - 100.00 - 75.00 for H63, 25.00 for H64 (Where's The Fire)
Joseph: 30.00 - 22.50 for H63, 7.50 for H64
- Feb. 19, 1921 - 100.00 - 83.34 for H64, 16.66 for H65 (The High Rollers)
Joseph: 30.00 - 25.00 for H64, 5.00 for H65
- Feb. 26, 1921 - 100.00 for H65
Joseph: 30.00 for H65
- Mar. 5, 1921 - 120.00 for H66 (You're Next)
Joseph: 40.00 for H66
- Mar. 12, 1921 - 120.00 for H67 (Save Your Money)
Joseph: 40.00 for H67
- Mar. 19, 1921 - 120.00 for H68 (The Bike Bug)
Joseph: 40.00 for H68
- Mar. 26, 1921 - 120.00 - 20.00 for H68, 100.00 for H69 (Name The Day)
Joseph: 40.00 - 6.67 for H68, 33.33 for H69
After this, there's a large gap in the payroll history that spans about 5 and a half months.
- Sep. 10, 1921 - 150.00 for C31 (Don't Butt In)
Joseph: 50.00 for C31
- Sep. 17, 1921 - 150.00 - 25.00 for C31, 125.00 for C32 (Try, Try Again)
Joseph: 50.00 - 8.33 for C31, 41.67 for C32
- Sep. 24, 1921 - 150.00 for C32
Joseph: 50.00 for C32
- Oct. 1, 1921 - 150.00 for C33 (Soft Pedal)
Joseph: 50.00 for C33
- Oct. 8, 1921 - 150.00 - 137.50 for C33, 12.50 for C34 (Loose Change)
Joseph: 50.00 - 45.83 for C33, 4.17 for C34
- Oct. 15, 1921 - 150.00 for C34
Joseph: 50.00 for C34
- Oct. 22, 1921 - 150.00 for loan-out (Penrod)
Joseph: 50.00 for loan-out
first week in Parrott Co. after being renamed from Boland Co.
- Oct. 29, 1921 - 150.00 - 100.00 for C36 (The Sleuth), 50.00 for loan-out
Joseph: 50.00 - 33.33 for C36, 16.67 for loan-out
- Nov. 5, 1921 - 150.00 - 75.00 for C36, 25.00 for C37 (The Only Son), 50.00 for loan-out
Joseph: 50.00 - 25.00 for C36, 8.33 for C37, 16.67 for loan-out
- Nov. 12, 1921 - 150.00 - 137.50 for C37, 12.50 for C38 (Hired And Fired)
Joseph: 50.00 - 45.83 for C37, 4.17 for C38
- Nov. 19, 1921 - 150.00 for C38
Joseph: 50.00 for C38
- Nov. 26, 1921 - 150.00 - 125.00 for C38, 25.00 for C39 (Rich Man, Poor Man)
Joseph: 50.00 - 41.67 for C38, 8.33 for C39
- Dec. 3, 1921 - 150.00 - 100.00 for C39, 50.00 for C36
Joseph: 50.00 - 33.33 for C39, 16.67 for C36
- Dec. 10, 1921 - 150.00 - 25.00 for C29 (High Tide), 125.00 for C40 (Stand Pat)
Joseph: 50.00 - 8.33 for C29, 41.67 for C40
- Dec. 17, 1921 - 150.00 - 25.00 for C29, 125.00 for C40
Joseph: 50.00 - 8.33 for C29, 41.67 for C40
final week with Parrott Co.
- Dec. 24, 1921 - 150.00 for H102 (Full O' Pep)
Joseph: 50.00 for H102
first week with Pollard Co.
- Dec. 31, 1921 - 150.00 for H103 (Do Your Duty)
Joseph: 50.00 for H103
- Jan. 7, 1922 - 150.00 for A1 (Our Gang)
Joseph: 50.00 for A1
- Jan. 14, 1922 - 150.00 for A1
Joseph: 50.00 for A1
- Jan. 21, 1922 - 150.00 - 125.00 for H105 (Light Showers), 25.00 for 172 (I have no idea what this means)
Joseph: 50.00 - 41.67 for H105, 8.33 for 172
- Jan. 28, 1922 - 150.00 for 172
Joseph: 50.00 for 172
final week with Pollard Co.
- Feb. 4, 1922 - 150.00 for A1
Joseph: 50.00 for A1
first week with Animal Co.
- Feb. 11, 1922 - 150.00 for A1
Joseph: 50.00 for A1
- Feb. 18, 1922 - 150.00 - 125.00 for A1, 25.00 for A2 (Fire Fighters)
Joseph: 50.00 - 41.67 for A1, 8.33 for A2
- Feb. 25, 1922 - 150.00 for A2
Joseph: 50.00 for A2
- Mar. 4, 1922 - 150.00 for A2
Joseph: 50.00 for A2
- Mar. 11, 1922 - 150.00 for A2
Joseph: 50.00 for A2
- Mar. 18, 1922 - 150.00 for A2
Joseph: 50.00 for A2
- Mar. 25, 1922 - 150.00 for A2
Joseph: 50.00 for A2
- Apr. 1, 1922 - 150.00 for A2
Joseph: 50.00 for A2
- Apr. 8, 1922 - 150.00 for A3 (Young Sherlocks)
Joseph: 50.00 for A3
- Apr. 15, 1922 - 150.00 for A3
Joseph: 50.00 for A3
- Apr. 22, 1922 - 150.00 for A3
Joseph: 50.00 for A3
- Apr. 29, 1922 - 150.00 for A3
Joseph: 50.00 for A3
- May 6, 1922 - 150.00 for A3
Joseph: 50.00 for A3
- May 13, 1922 - 150.00 for A3
Joseph: 50.00 for A3
- May 20, 1922 - 150.00 for A3
Joseph: 50.00 for A3
- May 27, 1922 - 150.00 for A4 (One Terrible Day)
Joseph: 50.00 for A4
- June 3, 1922 - 150.00 for A4
Joseph: 50.00 for A4
- June 10, 1922 - 150.00 for A4
Joseph: 50.00 for A4
- June 17, 1922 - 150.00 for A5 (A Quiet Street)
Joseph: 50.00 for A5
- June 24, 1922 - 150.00 for A5
Joseph: 50.00 for A5
- July 1, 1922 - 150.00 for A5
Joseph: 50.00 for A5
- July 8, 1922 - 150.00 for A6 (Saturday Morning)
Joseph: 50.00 for A6
- July 15, 1922 - 150.00 for A6
Joseph: 50.00 for A6
- July 22, 1922 - 150.00 for A6
Joseph: 50.00 for A6
- July 29, 1922 - 150.00 - 50.00 for A5, 50.00 for A6, 50.00 for A7 (The Big Show)
Joseph: 50.00 - 16.67 for A5, 16.67 for A6, 16.66 for A7
- Aug. 5, 1922 - 150.00 for A7
Joseph: 50.00 for A7
- Aug. 12, 1922 - 150.00 for A7
Joseph: 50.00 for A7
- Aug. 19, 1922 - 150.00 - 50.00 for A7, 100.00 for A8 (The Cobbler)
Joseph: 50.00 - 16.67 for A7, 33.33 for A8
- Aug. 26, 1922 - 150.00 for A8
Joseph: 50.00 for A8
- Sep. 2, 1922 - 200.00 for A8
Joseph: 50.00 for A8
- Sep. 9, 1922 - 200.00 for A8
Joseph: 50.00 for A8
- Sep. 16, 1922 - 200.00 for A7
Joseph: 50.00 for A7
- Sep. 23, 1922 - 200.00 - 133.33 for A7, 66.67 for A8
Joseph: 50.00 - 33.33 for A7, 16.67 for A8
- Sep. 30, 1922 - 200.00 - 83.33 for A7, 116.67 for A8
Joseph: 50.00 - 20.83 for A7, 29.17 for A8
- Oct. 7, 1922 - 200.00 for A10 (Boys To Board)
Joseph: 50.00 for A10
- Oct. 14, 1922 - 200.00 for A10
Joseph: 50.00 for A10
- Oct. 21, 1922 - 200.00 for A10
Joseph: 50.00 for A10
- Oct. 28, 1922 - 200.00 for A10
Joseph: 50.00 for A10
- Nov. 4, 1922 - 200.00 - 116.67 for A10, 83.33 for A11 (A Pleasant Journey)
Joseph: 50.00 - 29.17 for A10, 20.83 for A11
- Nov. 11, 1922 - 200.00 for A11
Joseph: 50.00 for A11
- Nov. 18, 1922 - 200.00 - 133.33 for A11, 66.67 for A12 (Giants Vs. Yanks)
Joseph: 50.00 - 33.33 for A11, 16.67 for A12
- Nov. 25, 1922 - 200.00 for A12
Joseph: 50.00 for A12
- Dec. 2, 1922 - 200.00 for A12
Joseph: 50.00 for A12
- Dec. 9, 1922 - 200.00 for A12
Joseph: 50.00 for A12
- Dec. 16, 1922 - 200.00 - 133.33 for A12, 66.67 for A13 (Back Stage)
Joseph: 50.00 - 33.33 for A12, 16.67 for A13
- Dec. 23, 1922 - 200.00 - 16.67 for A12, 183.33 for A13
Joseph: 50.00 - 4.17 for A12, 45.83 for A13
- Dec. 30 1922 - 200.00 for A13
Joseph: 50.00 for A13
- Jan. 6, 1923 - 200.00 for A13
Joseph: 50.00 for A13
- Jan. 13, 1923 - 200.00 - 66.67 for A13, 66.67 for A14 (Dogs Of War!), 66.66 for A7
Joseph: 50.00 - 16.66 for A13, 16.67 for A14, 16.67 for A7
- Jan. 20, 1923 - 200.00 for A14
Joseph: 50.00 for A14
- Jan. 27, 1923 - 200.00 for A14
Joseph: 50.00 for A14
- Feb. 3, 1923 - 200.00 for A14
Joseph: 50.00 for A14
- Feb. 10, 1923 - 200.00 for A14
Joseph: 50.00 for A14
- Feb. 17, 1923 - 200.00 - 16.67 for A12, 183.33 for A15 (Lodge Night)
Joseph: 50.00 - 4.17 for A12, 45.83 for A15
- Feb. 24, 1923 - 200.00 - 83.33 for A14, 116.67 for A15
Joseph: 50.00 - 20.83 for A14, 29.17 for A15
- Mar. 3, 1923 - 233.33 - 41.67 for A13, 191.66 for A15
Joseph: 50.00 - 8.33 for A13, 41.67 for A15
- Mar. 10, 1923 - 250.00 for A16 (Fast Company)
Joseph: 50.00 for A16
- Mar. 17, 1923 - 250.00 - 208.33 for A16, 41.67 for A17 (Stage Fright)
Joseph: 50.00 - 41.67 for A16, 8.33 for A17
- Mar. 24, 1923 - 250.00 for A17
Joseph: 50.00 for A17
- Mar. 31, 1923 - 250.00 for A17
Joseph: 50.00 for A17
- Apr. 7, 1923 - 250.00 for A17
Joseph: 50.00 for A17
- Apr. 14, 1923 - 250.00 - 125.00 for A17, 125.00 for A18 (July Days)
Joseph: 50.00 - 25.00 for A17, 25.00 for A18
- Apr. 21, 1923 - 250.00 for A18
Joseph: 50.00 for A18
- Apr. 28, 1923 - 250.00 for A18
Joseph: 50.00 for A18
- May 5, 1923 - 250.00 - 125.00 for A18, 125.00 for A19 (Sunday Calm)
Joseph: 50.00 - 25.00 for A18, 25.00 for A19
- May 12, 1923 - 250.00 for A19
Joseph: 50.00 for A19
- May 19, 1923 - 250.00 for A19
Joseph: 50.00 for A19
- May 26, 1923 - 250.00 for A19
Joseph: 50.00 for A19
- June 2, 1923 - 250.00 - 50.00 for A18, 100.00 for A19, 100.00 for A20 (No Noise)
Joseph: 50.00 - 10.00 for A18, 20.00 for A19, 20,00 for A20
- June 9, 1923 - 250.00 for A20
Joseph: 50.00 for A20
- June 16, 1923 - 250.00 for A20
Joseph: 50.00 for A20
- June 23, 1923 - 250.00 - 83.33 for A17, 166.67 for A20
Joseph: 50.00 - 8.33 for A17, 41.67 for A20
- June 30, 1923 - 250.00 for A17
Joseph: 50.00 for A17
- July 7, 1923 - 250.00 - 50.00 for A17, 200.00 for A19
Joseph: 50.00 - 10.00 for A17, 40.00 for A19
- July 14, 1923 - 250.00 for A19
Joseph: 50.00 for A19
- July 21, 1923 - 250.00 for A21 (Derby Day)
Joseph: 50.00 for A21
- July 28, 1923 - 250.00 for A21
Joseph: 50.00 for A21
- Aug. 4, 1923 - 250.00 for A21
Joseph: 50.00 for A21
- Aug. 11, 1923 - 250.00 for A21
Joseph: 50.00 for A21
- Aug. 18, 1923 - 250.00 - 41.67 for A21 208.33 for A22 (Tire Trouble)
Joseph: 50.00 - 8.33 for A21, 41.67 for A22
- Aug. 25, 1923 - 250.00 for A22
Joseph: 50.00 for A22
- Sep. 1, 1923 - 250.00 for A22
Joseph: 50.00 for A22
- Sep. 8, 1923 - 250.00 - 100.00 for A22, 150.00 for A23 (Big Business)
Joseph: 50.00 - 20.00 for A22, 30.00 for A23
- Sep. 15, 1923 - 250.00 for A23
Joseph: 50.00 for A23
- Sep. 22, 1923 - 250.00 for A23
Joseph: 50.00 for A23
- Sep. 29, 1923 - 250.00 - 125.00 for A23, 125.00 for A24 (The Buccaneers)
Joseph: 50.00 - 25.00 for A22, 25.00 for A23
- Oct. 6, 1923 - 250.00 for A24
Joseph: 50.00 for A24
- Oct. 13, 1923 - 250.00 for A24
Joseph: 50.00 for A24
- Oct. 20, 1923 - 250.00 for A24
Joseph: 50.00 for A24
- Oct. 27, 1923 - 250.00 - 125.00 for A24, 125.00 for A25 (Seein' Things)
Joseph: 50.00 - 25.00 for A24, 25.00 for A25
- Nov. 3, 1923 - 250.00 for A25
Joseph: 50.00 for A25
- Nov. 10, 1923 - 250.00 - 142.86 for A25, 107.14 for A26 (Commencement Day)
Joseph: 50.00 - 28.57 for A25, 21.43 for A26
- Nov. 17, 1923 - 250.00 for A26
Joseph: 50.00 for A26
- Nov. 24, 1923 - 250.00 for A26
Joseph: 50.00 for A26
- Dec. 1, 1923 - 250.00 for A26
Joseph: 50.00 for A26
- Dec. 8, 1923 - 250.00 - 125.00 for A26, 125.00 for A27 (It's A Bear)
Joseph: 50.00 - 25.00 for A26, 25.00 for A27
- Dec. 15, 1923 - 250.00 for A27
Joseph: 50.00 for A27
- Dec. 22, 1923 - 250.00 - 35.71 for A25, 214.29 for A27
Joseph: 50.00 - 7.14 for A25, 42.86 for A27
- Dec. 29, 1923 - 250.00 for A27
Joseph: 50.00 for A27
- Jan. 5, 1924 - 250.00 for A27
Joseph: 50.00 for A27
- Jan. 12, 1924 - 250.00 - 13.89 for A25, 180.55 for A26, 55.56 for A27
Joseph: 50.00 - 2.78 for A25, 36.11 for A26, 11.11 for A27
- Jan. 19, 1924 - 250.00 - 166.67 for A27, 83.33 for L12 (Short Kilts)
Joseph: 50.00 - 33.33 for A27, 16.67 for L12
Note: this probably pertains to L11 (Rupert Of Hee Haw)
- Jan. 26, 1924 - 250.00 - 200.00 for A26, 100.00 for R11 (Going To Congress)
Joseph: 50.00 (not charged to any production)
- Feb. 2, 1924 - 250.00 for A28 (Cradle Robbers)
Joseph: 50.00 for A28
- Feb. 9, 1924 - 250.00 for A28
Joseph: 50.00 for A28
- Feb. 16, 1924 - 250.00 for A28
Joseph: 50.00 for A28
- Feb. 23, 1924 - 250.00 - 83.34 for A28, 83.33 for E1 (Hoss And Hoss), 83.33 for T2 (The Battling Orioles)
Joseph: 50.00 - 16.66 for A28, 16.67 for E1, 16.67 for T2
- Mar. 1, 1924 - 250.00 for A28
Joseph: 50.00 for A28
- Mar. 8, 1924 - 125.00 for A27
Joseph: 25.00 for A27
- Mar. 15, 1924 - 125.00 for A27
Joseph: 25.00 for A27
After this, Ernie was away from the studio for three months prior to his final appearance in the Our Gang series.
- June 21, 1924 - 250.00 for A16 (Fast Company)
Joseph: 50.00 for A16
It would be another two years before Ernie's name turned up in the ledgers again. For the week ending Oct. 2, 1926, a portion of cameraman J. B.
Roach's salary was charged to an Ernie Morrison "trailer" made at that time. Ernie himself is listed in the "stage" section of the
ledger. This "trailer" was probably a collection of film clips used for booking vaudeville dates.
See anything that needs changing? Contact me at BtheW@aol.com.