full name: J.R. Smith
professional name: Jay R. Smith
adult nickname: Pinky
born Aug. 29, 1915, in Los Angeles, CA
died between Oct. 1 and 5, 2002, in Las Vegas, NV, of murder by stabbing and bludgeoning
Special note: According to people that knew him, Jay's actual name at birth was J.R. Smith, with neither initial standing for anything. He often signed his name this
way.
Also of note: The range of dates for Jay's death derives from the last time he was seen alive (Oct. 1st) and the date on which his body was discovered (Oct.
5th).
1925
- On April 18th of this year, Jay did his first day of work in the Our Gang series. He continued off and on as a day worker for the next four months.
- For the week ending August 22nd, Jay was officially under long-term contract for 40 dollars a week.
- The Motion Picture News of October 24th announced the addition of Jay Smith to the Our Gang series and stated that he was "distinguished for his freckles and
diffident manner." Jay was brought on board to eventually replace Mickey Daniels, who would soon be aged out.
- 42. Boys Will Be Joys (bit part)
- July 26, 1925 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-42 - Our Gang series
- Filmed Apr. 13 to 24, 1925. ©July 6, 1925.
- 43. Better Movies (featured role: Turkey-egg)
- Nov. 1, 1925 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. K-1 - Our Gang series
- Filmed May 27 to June 16, 1925. Originally production A-43. ©Aug. 20, 1925.
1926
- On April 5th of this year, Jay's salary was increased to $50.
- On May 16th, the following article was released into syndication (and credited to more than one writer): "Little Mickey Daniels 'growed up.' Mickey is
the brick-topped, freckle-faced lad who has been one of the bright lights of 'Our Gang' comedies for several years. With Farina, Joe Cobb, Mary Kornman and a few
other youngsters, he made two-reelers for Hal Roach which are shown the world over. But Mickey is acquiring height. He began towering over other members of the gang and when
Director Bob McGowan began filming 'Shivering Spooks' recently Mickey was not in the cast. 'Too big!' McGowan said. Just about that time the director espied a
skinny little urchin outside the studio gates whose face was one jumble of freckles. They piled and tumbled over each other trying to find some spot between the forehead and chin
which was unoccupied. The kid had more freckles than Mickey Daniels ever had. It took about 30 minutes for McGowan to get Jay Smith into the studio and make some screen tests. Now
Jay is the new member of the gang. Little Mickey doesn't know yet just what he will do." Of course, Jay had been in the series for nearly a year by this time, so the
details of this article should be taken with a grain of salt.
- 46. Good Cheer (supporting role: J.R.)
- Jan. 10, 1926 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. K-4 - Our Gang series
- Filmed Sep. 3 to 18, 1925. ©Jan. 23, 1926.
- 47. Buried Treasure (supporting role: Specks)
- Feb. 14, 1926 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. K-5 - Our Gang series
- Filmed Oct. 1 to 19, 1925. ©Jan. 23, 1926.
- 48. Monkey Business (supporting role)
- Mar. 21, 1926 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. K-6 - Our Gang series
- Filmed Oct. 30 to Nov. 18, 1925. ©Feb. 6, 1926.
- 50. Uncle Tom's Uncle (supporting role)
- May 30, 1926 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. K-8 - Our Gang series
- Filmed Jan. 12 to Feb. 3, 1926. ©Apr. 28, 1926.
- 51. Thundering Fleas (supporting role)
- July 4, 1926 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. K-9 - Our Gang series
- Also listed for July 28, 1926. Filmed Mar. 8 to 25, 1926. ©May 26, 1926.
- 52. Shivering Spooks (supporting role)
- Aug. 8, 1926 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. K-10 - Our Gang series
- Premiered July 4, 1926. Filmed Apr. 7 to 28, 1926. ©July 26, 1926.
- 53. The Fourth Alarm! (supporting role: Turkie-egg)
- Sep. 12, 1926 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. K-11 - Our Gang series
- Filmed May 24 to June 14, 1926. ©Sep. 17, 1926.
- 54. War Feathers (supporting role)
- Nov. 21, 1926 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. K-12 - Our Gang series
- Filmed Aug. 5 to Sep. 4, 1926. ©Dec. 13, 1926.
- 56. Telling Whoppers (supporting role: Jay R.)
- Dec. 19, 1926 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. K-14 - Our Gang series
- Also listed for Dec. 29, 1926. Filmed Sep. 10 to 18, 1926. ©Nov. 11, 1926.
- 45 Minutes From Hollywood (appearance)
- Dec. 26, 1926 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. H-3 - Glenn Tryon series
- Also featuring Stan Laurel, Oliver Hardy, Theda Bara and Our Gang. Filmed Oct. 27 to Nov. 8, 1925, with added scenes Nov. 16, 1925, and retakes Mar. 27, and Apr. 5 and 6,
1926. ©Dec. 13, 1926. A clip from "Thundering Fleas" is briefly seen in this film.
1927
- During the making of "Tired Business Men," Jay was fired from the series for pestering some chickens by rolling a ball at them. During this period, he rode back and
forth to work on his bicycle, since he lived nearby. Upon his dismissal, he got on his bike and headed for home, only to be tracked down by a studio rep and reinstated. This is
according to Jay himself in the "Inside The Clubhouse" documentary. Another source written shortly after his unfortunate death places it during "Chicken
Feed."
- The Oakland Tribune of July 10th of this year reported that the Our Gang kids would soon make a personal appearance in that city to perform for some orphans.
- On September 12th, Jay's salary was increased to 60 dollars a week.
- Around this time, the Our Gang kids, as well as Laurel & Hardy, were sent to the TeeVee studio to do an experimental broadcast. There isn't any date attached to this
occurrence, so it may have happened after Jay left the series.
- 57. Bring Home The Turkey (supporting role)
- Jan. 16, 1927 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. K-15 - Our Gang series
- Filmed Sep. 29 to Oct. 15, 1926. ©Jan. 14, 1927.
- 55. Seeing The World (supporting role)
- Feb. 13, 1927 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. K-13 - Our Gang series
- Filmed Oct. 29 to Nov. 15, 1926. European footage shot July and Aug. 1926. ©Jan. 14, 1927.
- 58. Ten Years Old (supporting role: Jay-R)
- Mar. 13, 1927 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. K-16 - Our Gang series
- Filmed Nov. 24 to Dec. 14, 1926. ©Feb. 14, 1927.
- 59. Love My Dog (supporting role)
- Apr. 10, 1927 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. K-17 - Our Gang series
- Also listed for Apr. 17, 1927. Filmed Dec. 21, 1926, to Jan. 4, 1927. ©Apr. 11, 1927.
- 60. Tired Business Men (supporting role)
- May 22, 1927 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. K-18 - Our Gang series
- Also listed for May 15, 1927, and May 21, 1927. Filmed Jan. 18 to Feb. 3, 1927. ©Apr. 11, 1927.
- 61. Baby Brother (supporting role)
- June 26, 1927 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. K-19 - Our Gang series
- Filmed Feb. 17 to Mar. 14, 1927. ©May 18, 1927.
- 64. The Glorious Fourth (supporting role)
- July 31, 1927 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. K-22 - Our Gang series
- Also listed for June 26, 1927, and July 30, 1927. Filmed May 10 to 21, 1927. ©July 22, 1927.
- 63. Olympic Games (supporting role: Spec)
- Sep. 11, 1927 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. K-21 - Our Gang series
- Also listed for Sep. 10, 1927. Filmed Apr. 22 to May 6, 1927. ©July 8, 1927.
- 67. Yale Vs. Harvard (supporting role)
- Sep. 24, 1927 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-1 - Our Gang series
- Filmed June 13 to 24, 1927. ©Aug. 17, 1927.
- 68. The Old Wallop (supporting role)
- Oct. 22, 1927 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-2 - Our Gang series
- Filmed Aug. 8 to 20, 1927. ©Oct. 22, 1927.
- 62. Chicken Feed (supporting role)
- Nov. 6, 1927 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. K-20 - Our Gang series
- Filmed Mar. 28 to Apr. 15, 1927. ©June 9, 1927.
- 69. Heebee Jeebees (featured role)
- Nov. 19, 1927 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-3 - Our Gang series
- Also listed for Nov. 29, 1927. Filmed Aug. 29 to Sep. 13, and Sep. 30, 1927. ©Nov. 1, 1927.
- 70. Dog Heaven (supporting role)
- Dec. 17, 1927 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-4 - Our Gang series
- Filmed Sep. 15 to Oct. 13, 1927, with retakes Nov. 1, 1927. ©Nov. 26, 1929.
1928
- Jay's contract expired on March 24th of this year. Upon his departure from the series, Jay quipped "You don't know what you will do without me."
- Jay returned later in the year for two more appearances. Otherwise, he spent his time being a normal kid outside of show business.
- 65. Playin' Hookey (supporting role)
- Jan. 1, 1928 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. K-24 - Our Gang series
- Filmed June 27 to 29, and Aug. 1 to 6, 1927. ©Feb. 6, 1928.
- 71. Spook-Spoofing (featured role: Farina)
- Jan. 14, 1928 - Roach/MGM - 3 reels - prod. G-5 - Our Gang series
- Filmed Oct. 11 to 27, 1927. ©Jan. 14, 1928.
- 72. Rainy Days (lead role)
- Feb. 11, 1928 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-6 - Our Gang series
- Filmed Nov. 4 to Dec. 28, 1927. ©Feb. 11, 1928, and Sep. 4, 1929.
- 66. The Smile Wins (supporting role)
- Feb. 26, 1928 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. K-23 - Our Gang series
- Filmed May 24 to June 7, 1927. ©Sep. 2, 1927.
- 73. Edison, Marconi & Co. (featured role)
- Mar. 10, 1928 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-7 - Our Gang series
- Also listed for Mar. 9, 1928. Filmed Dec. 16 to 22, and Dec. 28, 1927. ©Mar. 10, 1928.
- 74. Barnum & Ringling, Inc. (supporting role)
- Apr. 7, 1928 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-8 - Our Gang series
- Filmed Dec. 21, 1927, to Jan. 9, 1928. ©Apr. 7, 1928. Released with a synchronized soundtrack.
- 75. Fair And Muddy (featured role)
- May 5, 1928 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-9 - Our Gang series
- Filmed Jan. 16 to Feb. 8, 1928. ©May 5, 1928.
- 76. Crazy House (featured role: Percy)
- June 2, 1928 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-10 - Our Gang series
- Filmed Feb. 10 to 24, 1928. ©May 16, 1928.
- 77. Growing Pains (supporting role)
- Sep. 22, 1928 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-11 - Our Gang series
- Filmed Feb. 27 to Mar. 15, 1928. ©Sep. 22, 1928.
1929
- Jay made one last appearance in the Our Gang series on September 11th of this year.
- 81. Election Day (supporting role: Jay R.)
- Jan. 12, 1929 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-15 - Our Gang series
- Filmed July 19 to Aug. 4, 1928, with retakes Aug. 22 to 24, 1928. ©Dec. 10, 1928.
- 82. Noisy Noises (bit part)
- Feb. 9, 1929 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-16 - Our Gang series
- Filmed Oct. 29 to Nov. 10, 1928. ©Mar. 5, 1929. Released with a synchronized soundtrack.
- 94. Moan & Groan, Inc. (small part)
- Dec. 7, 1929 - Roach/MGM - talkie - 2 reels - prod. G-28 - Our Gang series
- Filmed Sep. 3 to 14, 1929. ©Dec. 2, 1929.
1930
- Jay returned to the Roach studio on October 5th and 7th of this year to appear in a Boy Friends comedy. This would be his final piece of work in the movie business.
1931
- Blood And Thunder (bit part: prop man of stage production)
- Jan. 17, 1931 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. S-35 - All Star series with The Boy Friends
- Filmed Aug. 23 to Sep. 4, 1930, with retakes Sep. 27, 1930, and added scenes Oct. 4 to 7, 1930. ©Nov. 28, 1930. Jay throws water to simulate a storm during the gang's
play.
1933
- Around this time, Jay graduated from high school in Culver City.
1934
- In a Roach Studio press release of July 11th of this year regarding the whereabouts of former Our Gang members, Jay was said to be living in Culver City and working as a
messenger boy. It also states that he had not worked in the film industry since leaving the series (though this is not strictly true).
1935
- In an article titled "A Hasty Glance At Hal Roach's Famous Our Gang," Jay was said to be a messenger boy in Culver City. It also states that he was the oldest,
at age 15, upon his departure from the series. Not only was this inaccurate, Jay being 14 when he made his final appearance, but there were a couple of other kids who were older
when they retired from the series, though it's possible that the studio was not aware of their true ages.
1936
- According to the Daily Variety, Jay married actress Gloria Narath during this year. It's not clear from the online source if the publication was in October, or if
the wedding place that month. Gloria's chief claim to fame was being the original voice of Minnie Mouse.
1943
- During this year, the February 18th syndicated column "Star Dust" by Virginia Vale, reporting on the whereabouts of former Our Gang kids, stated that Jay was
currently a successful salesman.
early 1940s
- During World War II, Jay served in the Navy and was stationed in Guam.
1945
- After the war ended, Jay returned to California and opened a paint store in Arcadia called Sundry Sales, Inc. He operated the store for the next 15 years.
1959
- Take A Good Look episode (appearance)
- Oct. 22, 1959 - Mansfield-Arnell/ABC - 30 min. - TV episode
- Hosted by Ernie Kovacs. Jay appeared along with Jean Darling, Jack Davis, Sherwood Bailey, Johnny Downs and Farina Hoskins.
1960
- During this period, Jay moved to Kailua, Hawaii, and opened a paint and picture frame store, which he operated for the next 20 years.
1980
- This was the year that Jay retired. He later left Hawaii and moved to Las Vegas.
1982
- Hollywood: The Gift Of Laughter (archival)
- May 16, 1982 - Wolper/Haley/MPA/ABC - 135 min. - TV movie
- Includes footage from "Monkey Business."
1984
- Our Gang: Inside The Clubhouse (appearance/archival)
- May 8, 1984 - Lang/Camellia City Telecasters - 93 mins. - TV documentary
- Jay was interviewed for this documentary. Includes footage from "Thundering Fleas."
1994
- The Our Gang Story (archival)
- 1994 - Film Shows/GoodTimes - 120 min. - video documentary
- Includes footage from "Monkey Business" and "Shivering Spooks."
1998
- At about this time, Jay became a semi-regular at the Hollywood Collectors Show in North Hollywood, CA.
- Hal Roach: The Lot Of Fun (archival)
- June 27, 1998 - Film Preservation Associates/Kino Lorber - 133 min. - video documentary
- Released on "Slapstick Encyclopedia Vol. 6."
2000
- On January 24th of this year, Jay attended the Way Out West (Sons of the Desert) meeting at the Mayflower Club, along with Dorothy DeBorba.
2001
- On October 6th of this year, Jay attended the Way Out West 30th Annual Banquet at the Pickwick Banquet Center in Burbank, along with several other Our Gang members.
2002
- From July 11th to 14th of this year, Jay attended the Sons of the Desert 13th International Convention in Nashville, along with Jean Darling, Dorothy DeBorba and Jerry Tucker. All four
attended the entire convention, but their part of the festivities took place on the 12th.
- After Jay's tragic death later that year, the Way Out West tent held memorial services for both him and the recently-departed Joe Cobb.
- Added Attractions: The Hollywood Shorts Story (appearance)
- Feb. 5, 2002 - Jones/TCM - 89 min. - TV documentary
- Jay was interviewed for this documentary. Includes footage from "The Fourth Alarm!
- 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 "Barnum & Ringling, Inc.."
Jay R. Smith's payroll history
The following is a list of Jay'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.
- Apr. 18, 1925 - 5.00 charged to prod. A42 (Boys Will Be Joys)
Starting as a day worker, Jay was given one check for $5 on Apr. 18, reflecting his status as a virtual extra in this film. His name is listed as Jr. Smith.
- Apr. 25, 1925 - 20.00 charged to prod. A42
Jay was given checks for $5 on Apr. 20th, 21st, 23rd and 24th.
After this, it would be about a month before Jay returned to the studio.
- May 30, 1925 - 15.00 charged to prod. A43 (Better Movies)
Jay was given a check for $5 on May 27th, listed as Jr. Smith. He was then given a check for $10 on May 29th, covering both that day and May 28th. His name appears in the
ledger as Junior Smith in this latter entry.
- June 6, 1925 - 30.00 charged to prod. A43
On June 6th, Jay was given a check for $30, covering the entire 6-day week at $5 a day. He was now listed in the ledger as J.R. Smith.
- June 13, 1925 - 30.00 charged to prod. A43
On June 13th, Jay was given a check for $30, covering the entire 6-day week at $5 a day.
- June 20, 1925 - 10.00 charged to prod. A43
On June 16th, Jay was given a check for $10, covering both that day and June 15th at $5 a day. He was back to being listed as Jr. Smith.
After this, it would be three weeks before Jay returned to the studio.
- July 11, 1925 - 5.00
During this week Jay was given a check for $5 for one day of work. It's likely that he worked either in the Glenn Tryon comedy Flaming Flappers or the All-Star
comedy A Punch In The Nose.
After this, it would be nearly two months before Jay worked at the studio again.
- Aug. 22, 1925 - 40.00 charged to prod. K2 (Your Own Back Yard)
The studio was closed during this week for summer vacation, but it's apparent that Jay had been signed to a long-term contract at this time. His name is absent from
the payroll ledger, but the payroll summaries indicate that he was making $40 a week.
- Aug. 29, 1925 - 40.00 charged to prod. K4 (Good Cheer)
The studio was closed for a second week, and Jay was again absent from the ledger, but the payroll summeries still indicated that he made $40.
- Sep. 5, 1925 - 40.00 charged to prod. K4
- Sep. 12, 1925 - 40.00 charged to prod. K4
- Sep. 19, 1925 - 40.00 charged to prod. K4
- Sep. 26, 1925 - 40.00 charged to prod. K4
- Oct. 3, 1925 - 40.00 - 20.00 for K4, 20.00 for K5 (Buried Treasure)
- Oct. 10, 1925 - 40.00 charged to prod. K5
- Oct. 17, 1925 - 40.00 charged to prod. K5
- Oct. 24, 1925 - 40.00 charged to prod. K5
- Oct. 31, 1925 - 40.00 - 33.33 charged to prod. K5, 6.67 charged to prod. K6 (Monkey Business)
- Nov. 7, 1925 - 40.00 charged to prod. K6
- Nov. 14, 1925 - 40.00 charged to prod. K6
- Nov. 21, 1925 - 40.00 charged to prod. K6
- Nov. 28, 1925 - 40.00 charged to prod. K6
- Dec. 5, 1925 - 40.00 charged to prod. K6
- Dec. 12, 1925 - 40.00 charged to prod. K7 (Baby Clothes)
Jay continued to receive his salary during the making of this film, even though he wasn't in it.
- Dec. 19, 1925 - 40.00 charged to prod. K7
- Dec. 26, 1925 - 40.00 charged to prod. K7
There were no ledger sheets for the week ending Jan. 2nd, due to the studio being closed, but Jay was still paid his $40.
- Jan. 9, 1926 - 40.00 charged to prod. K7
- Jan. 16, 1926 - 40.00 - 6.67 charged to prod. K7, 33.33 charged to prod. K8 (Uncle Tom's Uncle)
- Jan. 23, 1926 - 40.00 charged to prod. K8
- Jan. 30, 1926 - 40.00 charged to prod. K8
- Feb. 6, 1926 - 40.00 charged to prod. K8
- Feb. 13, 1926 - 40.00 charged to prod. K8
- Feb. 20, 1926 - 40.00 charged to prod. K8
- Feb. 27, 1926 - 40.00 charged to prod. K9 (Thundering Fleas)
- Mar. 6, 1926 - 40.00 charged to prod. K9
- Mar. 13, 1926 - 40.00 charged to prod. K9
- Mar. 20, 1926 - 40.00 charged to prod. K9
- Mar. 27, 1926 - 40.00 charged to prod. K9
- Apr. 3, 1926 - 40.00 charged to prod. K9
- Apr 10, 1926 - 50.00 charged to prod. K10 (Shivering Spooks)
- Apr. 17, 1926 - 50.00 charged to prod. K10
- Apr. 24, 1926 - 50.00 charged to prod. K10
- May 1, 1926 - 50.00 charged to prod. K10
- May 8, 1926 - 50.00 charged to prod. K10
- May 15, 1926 - 50.00 charged to prod. K10
- May 22, 1926 - 50.00 charged to prod. K10
- May 29, 1926 - 50.00 charged to prod. K11 (The Fourth Alarm!)
- June 5, 1926 - 50.00 charged to prod. K11
- June 12, 1926 - 50.00 charged to prod. K11
- June 19, 1926 - 50.00 charged to prod. K11
- June 26, 1926 - 50.00 charged to prod. K11
- July 3, 1926 - 100.00 - 50.00 charged to prod. K11 (War Feathers), 50.00 vacation pay
For four weeks during July, the studio was closed for summer vacation. Jay didn't receive any check during this stretch, but he did get the extra $50 the week before
the hiatus.
- Aug. 7, 1926 - 50.00 charged to prod. K12
- Aug. 14, 1926 - 50.00 charged to prod. K12
- Aug. 21, 1926 - 50.00 charged to prod. K12
- Aug. 28, 1926 - 50.00 charged to prod. K12
- Sep. 4, 1926 - 50.00 charged to prod. K12
- Sep. 11, 1926 - 50.00 - 30.00 charged to prod. K13 (Seeing The World), 20.00 charged to prod. K14 (Telling Whoppers)
- Sep. 18, 1926 - 50.00 charged to prod. K14
- Sep. 25, 1926 - 50.00 charged to prod. K14
- Oct. 2, 1926 - 50.00 - 16.67 charged to prod. K14, 33.33 charged to prod. K15 (Bring Home The Turkey)
- Oct. 9, 1926 - 50.00 charged to prod. K15
- Oct. 16, 1926 - 50.00 charged to prod. K15
- Oct. 23, 1926 - 50.00 - 41.67 charged to prod. K15, 8.33 charged to prod. K13
- Oct. 30, 1926 - 50.00 - 33.33 charged to prod. K13, 16.67 charged to prod. K15
- Nov. 6, 1926 - 50.00 charged to prod. K13
- Nov. 13, 1926 - 50.00 charged to prod. K13
- Nov. 20, 1926 - 50.00 charged to prod. K13
- Nov. 27, 1926 - 50.00 - 16.67 charged to prod. K13, 33.33 charged to prod. K16 (Ten Years Old)
- Dec. 4, 1926 - 50.00 charged to prod. K16
- Dec. 11, 1926 - 50.00 charged to prod. K16
- Dec. 18, 1926 - 50.00 charged to prod. K16
- Dec. 25, 1926 - 50.00 charged to prod. K17 (Love My Dog)
- Jan. 1, 1927 - 50.00 charged to prod. K17
The payroll ledger for 1927 has gone missing, which makes some of the details for these dates unavailable. There are, however, datebooks and payroll summaries that have
survived, and these verify most of the information about Jay's salary that would be found in the ledger. The main exception is that, during the interim between films, it
isn't clear which production the player's salary is being charged to.
- Jan. 8, 1927 - 50.00 charged to prod. K17
- Jan. 15, 1927 - 50.00
- Jan. 22, 1927 - 50.00 charged to prod. K18 (Tired Business Men)
- Jan. 29, 1927 - 50.00 charged to prod. K18
- Feb. 5, 1927 - 50.00 charged to prod. K18
- Feb. 12, 1927 - 50.00
- Feb. 19, 1927 - 50.00 charged to prod. K19 (Baby Brother)
- Feb. 26, 1927 - 50.00 charged to prod. K19
- Mar. 5, 1927 - 50.00 charged to prod. K19
- Mar. 12, 1927 - 50.00 charged to prod. K19
- Mar. 19, 1927 - 50.00 charged to prod. K19
- Mar. 26, 1927 - 50.00
- Apr. 2, 1927 - 50.00 charged to prod. K20 (Chicken Feed)
- Apr. 9, 1927 - 50.00 charged to prod. K20
- Apr. 16, 1927 - 50.00 charged to prod. K20
- Apr. 23, 1927 - 50.00 charged to prod. K21 (Olympic Games)
- Apr. 30, 1927 - 50.00 charged to prod. K21
- May 7, 1927 - 50.00 charged to prod. K21
- May 14, 1927 - 50.00 charged to prod. K22 (The Glorious Fourth)
- May 21, 1927 - 50.00 charged to prod. K22
- May 28, 1927 - 50.00 charged to prod. K23 (Playin' Hookey)
- June 4, 1927 - 50.00 charged to prod. K23
- June 11, 1927 - 50.00 charged to prod. K23
- June 18, 1927 - 50.00 charged to prod. G1 (Yale Vs. Harvard)
- June 25, 1927 - 50.00 charged to prod. G1
- July 2, 1927 - 50.00 charged to prod. K24 (The Smile Wins)
As distribution was shifting from Pathé to MGM, the Kid Co. transitioned into the Gang Co. During the weeks ending July 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th, the studio was closed.
The datebooks indicate that Jay wasn't paid during this stretch, but the payroll summaries indicate that he was.
- Aug. 6, 1927 - 50.00 charged to prod. K24
- Aug. 13, 1927 - 50.00 charged to prod. G2 (The Old Wallop)
- Aug. 20, 1927 - 50.00 charged to prod. G2
- Aug. 27, 1927 - 50.00
- Sep. 3, 1927 $5; 50.00 charged to prod. G3 (Heebee Jeebees)
- Sep. 10, 1927 - 50.00 charged to prod. G3
- Sep. 17, 1927 - 60.00 charged to prod. G3 and G4 (Dog Heaven)
Judging by the numbers, it appears that Jay's salary increase took place on Sep. 12th. It isn't clear whether his salary was split in half between the two
productions, or perhaps 1/3 for G3 and 2/3 for G4.
- Sep. 24, 1927 - 60.00 charged to prod. G4
- Oct. 1, 1927 - 60.00 charged to prod. G3 and G4
It isn't clear whether Jay's salary was split 5/6 for G4 and 1/6 for G3, or 11/12 for G4 and 1/12 for G3.
- Oct. 8, 1927 - 60.00 charged to prod. G4
- Oct. 15, 1927 - 60.00 charged to prod. G4 and G5 (Spook-Spoofing)
It appears that Jay's salary was probably split 5/12 for G4 and 7/12 for G5.
- Oct. 22, 1927 - 60.00 charged to prod. G5
- Oct. 29, 1927 - 60.00 charged to prod. G5
- Nov. 5, 1927 - 60.00 charged to prod. G4 and G6 (Rainy Days)
It appears that Jay's salary was probably split 1/3 for G4 and 2/3 for G6.
- Nov. 12, 1927 - 60.00 charged to prod. G6
- Nov. 19, 1927 - 60.00 charged to prod. G6
- Nov. 26, 1927 - 60.00 charged to prod. G6
- Dec. 3, 1927 - 60.00 charged to prod. G6
- Dec. 10, 1927 - 60.00 charged to prod. G6
- Dec. 17, 1927 - 60.00 charged to prod. G6 and G7 (Edison, Marconi & Co.)
It appears that Jay's salary was probably split 5/6 for G6 and 1/6 for G7.
- Dec. 24, 1927 - 60.00 charged to prod. G6, G7 and G8 Barnum & Ringling, Inc.)
It appears that Jay's salary was probably split 14/36 for G6, 11/36 for G7 and 11/36 for G8
- Dec. 31, 1927 - 60.00 charged to prod. G6, G7 and G8
It appears that Jay's salary was probably split 1/6 for G6, 1/6 for G7 and 4/6 for G8
With the start of 1928, we can return to the payroll ledgers for a more accurate picture of Jay's history.
- Jan. 7, 1928 - 60.00 charged to prod. G8
- Jan. 14, 1928 - 60.00 charged to prod. G8
- Jan. 21, 1928 - 60.00 charged to prod. G9 (Fair And Muddy)
- Jan. 28, 1928 - 60.00 charged to prod. G9
- Feb. 4, 1928 - 60.00 charged to prod. G9
- Feb. 11, 1928 - 60.00 - 40.00 charged to prod. G9, 20.00 charged to prod. G10 (Crazy House)
- Feb. 18, 1928 - 60.00 charged to prod. G10
- Feb. 25, 1928 - 60.00 charged to prod. G10
- Mar. 3, 1928 - 60.00 charged to prod. G11 (Growing Pains)
- Mar. 10, 1928 - 60.00 charged to prod. G11
- Mar. 17, 1928 - 60.00 charged to prod. G11
- Mar. 24, 1928 - 60.00 charged to prod. G11
After this, Jay's contract expired and he left the Our Gang series. However, he did come back for one day 5 months later.
- Aug. 25, 1928 - 10.00 charged to prod. G15 (Election Day)
Jay received a check for $10 on Aug. 22nd.
After this, Jay returned to the studio two and a half months later.
- Nov. 10, 1928 - 20.00 charged to prod. G16 (Noisy Noises)
Jay (identified as Jay Smith) received a check for $7.50 on Nov. 5th, and then two checks on Nov. 6th, one for $2.50 and the other for $10. It seems that
his daily wage was meant to be $10 and a mistake was made on the 5th.
After this, it would be 10 months before Jay returned to the Roach studio.
- Sep. 14, 1929 - 450.00 charged to prod. G28 (Moan & Groan, Inc.)
Jay received a check for $7.50 on Sep. 11th. This was his final appearance in the Our Gang series.
After this, it would be a year and a month before Jay returned to the Roach studio for one last day of work. When he did, it was for the Boy Friends series.
- Oct. 11, 1930 - S35 (Blood And Thunder)
I don't have information on Jay's daily wage, but he did work on this film for two days, on Oct. 5th and 7th.
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