Carl "Alfalfa" Switzer


This filmography was made in collaboration with Matthew Lydick.


full name: Carl Dean Switzer
born Aug. 7, 1927, in Paris, IL
died Jan. 21, 1959, in Mission Hills, Los Angeles, CA, of gunshot wound


Special note: There's some controversy over Alfalfa's birthdate, with August 7th being the date shown on his gravestone. However, his birth certificate says August 8th. Nevertheless, it was reported during the making of "Track Of The Cat" that Carl shared his birthday with Robert Mitchum, with the two of them celebrating on the 7th. Pending any further information on this matter, I'm going to go with the 7th.

Also of note: So what did Carl Switzer prefer to be called by his family and friends? Carl? Alfalfa? Alfie? His post-Our Gang screen credits vary mostly between Carl and Alfalfa, with at least one instance where it was Alfy. However, near the end of his career, it was Carl more often than not. It's also worth mentioning that, when he died, both Spanky McFarland and Charles McGraw (from "The Defiant Ones") referred to him as Carl, with McGraw going as far as to say that Carl considered "Alfalfa" to be a childhood name. So does that settle it? Not by a long shot. The News-Pilot of San Pedro, CA, published an article about Carl's niece, Shirlee Dalton Kealy, on February 14, 1979, and she stated that the family had been calling him Alfalfa and Alfie since he first acquired his screenname. There were also a couple of letters sold on eBay some years ago in which Carl signs them off with "Your pal, Alfie." These letters were sent to friends of his and had something to do with a hunting dog, which would have had some connection to his business. His mother always addressed him as Carl Dean, but began calling him Alfie when speaking about him after his death. So it may be that whether he preferred Carl or Alfie depended on what point he had reached in his life, and who exactly it was that was addressing him. On this page, I will refer to him as Alfalfa during his Our Gang years, but since I'm firmly not in the "family and friends" category, I'll called him Carl the rest of the time.


1934


1935

135. Beginner's Luck (small part)
©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. Carl was one-half of Tom and Jerry, the Arizona Nightingales, who sing "She'll Be Comin' Round The Mountain."
136. Teacher's Beau (featured role: Alfalfa)
Apr. 27, 1935 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-29 - Our Gang series
Filmed Mar. 13 to 20, 1935. ©May 1, 1935. Alfalfa, along with Harold, sings "Ticklish Reuben." Earlier in the film, he tries to keep up with the Cabin Kids, as they sing "Old MacDonald Had A Farm."
137. Sprucin' Up (lead role: Alfalfa)
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. Alfalfa sings "She'll Be Comin' Round The Mountain" as he fixes his hair. Working title: Good Night Ladies!
Southern Exposure (small part)
early June 1935 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. C-31 - Charley Chase series
Filmed in late April 1935. ©June 3, 1935. The published release date of Apr. 6th is in error.
139. Little Papa (featured role: Alfalfa)
Sep. 21, 1935 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-32 - Our Gang series
Filmed June 3 to 10, 1935. ©Aug. 20, 1935. Alfalfa sings the baby to sleep with "Emmet's Lullaby."
140. Little Sinner (small part)
Oct. 26, 1935 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-33 - Our Gang series
Filmed July 8 to 16, 1935. ©Sep. 4, 1935.
Life Hesitates At 40 (bit part)
Nov. 18, 1935 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. C-36 - Charley Chase series
Also listed for Jan. 18, 1936. Filmed around Oct. 26 to Nov. 4, 1935. ©Dec. 11, 1935.
141. Our Gang Follies Of 1936 (supporting role: Alfalfa)
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. Alfalfa sings "She'll Be Comin' Round The Mountain" and "The Object Of My Affection."
Hearst Metrotone News (appearance)
Dec. 1935 - Hearst - 1 reel - newsreel
Featuring the Our Gang kids.

1936

143. The Pinch Singer (lead role: Alfalfa)
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 Gong. Alfalfa sings "On The Road To California" and "I'm In The Mood For Love."
142. Divot Diggers (supporting role: Alfalfa)
Feb. 8, 1936 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-36 - Our Gang series
Filmed Nov. 18 to 25, 1935. ©Feb. 6, 1936. Alfalfa sings "She'll Be Comin' Round The Mountain."
138. The Lucky Corner (featured role: Alfalfa)
Mar. 14, 1936 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-31 - Our Gang series
Filmed May 13 to 20, 1935. ©Feb. 19, 1936. Alfalfa, along with Harold, sings "Little Brown Jug."
Too Many Parents (small part: Cactus Bill)
Mar. 20, 1936 - Paramount - 8 reels - feature
Credited as Carl "Alfalfa" Switzer. Also starring Frances Farmer, Lester Matthews, Henry Travers, Porter Hall, George Ernest, Douglas Scott, Buster Phelps and Billy Lee. ©Mar. 20, 1936. Alfalfa sings "A Little White Gardenia," accompanied by Harold on guitar.
144. Second Childhood (featured role: Alfalfa aka Carl)
Apr. 11, 1936 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-37 - Our Gang series
Filmed Jan. 1936. ©Mar. 17, 1936. Alfalfa, along with Spanky and Zeffie Tilbury, sings "Oh! Susanna."
145. Arbor Day (featured role)
May 2, 1936 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-38 - Our Gang series
Filmed Feb. 12 to 18, 1936. ©Apr. 9, 1936. Alfalfa sings "Trees."
Fox Movietone News (appearance)
1936 - Fox - 1 reel - newsreel
Our Gang's fifteenth anniversary is featured in a Hollywood Spotlight segment with Jimmie Fidler.
Kelly The Second (small part)
Aug. 21, 1936 - Roach/MGM - 7 reels - prod. F-10 - All Star feature
Starring Patsy Kelly, with Charley Chase and Guinn Williams. Filmed around Apr. 1936. ©July 27, 1936. Previewed at 85 and 82 minutes. Re-released in Jan. 1948.
146. Bored Of Education (lead 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. Alfalfa sings "Believe Me If All Those Endearing Young Charms." He also briefly sings "Good Morning To You," first on his own and then with the class.
147. Two Too Young (lead role: Alfalfa)
©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. Alfalfa recites "The Charge Of The Light Brigade."
Easy To Take (role: Alfred Bottle)
Nov. 6, 1936 - Paramount - 7 reels - feature
Filmed early Sep. 1936. ©Nov. 6, 1936. Starring Marsha Hunt, John Howard, Eugene Pallette, Richard Carle, Douglas Scott and Jan Duggan. Working title: Right In Your Lap.
148. Pay As You Exit (featured role: Alfalfa)
©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 (supporting role: Alfalfa)
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. Alfalfa sings "Just Before The Battle, Mother."
149. Spooky Hooky (featured role: Alfalfa)
©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

151. Reunion In Rhythm (featured role: Alfalfa)
Jan. 9, 1937 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-5 - Our Gang series
Filmed Dec. 9 to 14, 1936. ©Jan. 14, 1937. Alfalfa sings "I'm Through With Love," and joins the other kids for "Auld Lang Syne."
152. Glove Taps (lead role: Alfalfa)
©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 (lead role: Alfalfa)
Apr. 3, 1937 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-7 - Our Gang series
Filmed Feb. 2 to 10, 1937. ©Mar. 24, 1937. Alfalfa sings "Let Me Call You Sweetheart."
155. Rushin' Ballet (featured role: Alfalfa)
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: Alfalfa)
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: Alfalfa)
June 12, 1937 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-10 - Our Gang series
Filmed Apr. 22 to May 3, 1937. ©June 24, 1937.
Wild And Woolly (supporting role: Zero)
July 19, 1937 - 20th Century-Fox - 7 reels - Jane Withers feature
Credited as Carl "Alfalfa" Switzer. Filmed in late spring 1937. ©Sep. 10, 1937. Also starring Walter Brennan.
157. Night 'N' Gales (featured role: Alfalfa)
July 24, 1937 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-11 - Our Gang series
Filmed June 22 to 30, 1937. ©Aug. 18, 1937. Alfalfa takes part in singing "Home, Sweet Home."
158. Fishy Tales (lead role: Alfalfa)
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: Alfalfa Switzer)
©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. Alfalfa sings "Just An Echo In The Valley."
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 (lead role: Alfalfa)
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 (lead role: Alfalfa)
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. Alfalfa takes part in singing "Happy New Year To You."
162. Our Gang Follies Of 1938 (lead role: Alfalfa)
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. Alfalfa sings "Learn To Croon" and "Barber Of Seville."

1938

Scandal Street (role: Bennie Nordkudder)
Feb. 11, 1938 - Paramount - 7 reels - feature
©Feb. 11, 1938. Starring Lew Ayres, Louise Campbell, Roscoe Karns, Porter Hall, Edgar Kennedy, Elizabeth Patterson and Virginia Weidler.
163. Canned Fishing (featured role: Alfalfa)
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 (lead role: Alfalfa)
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 (lead role: Alfalfa)
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 (lead role: Alfalfa aka Wild Cat Alfalfa)
Apr. 16, 1938 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-19 - Our Gang series
Filmed Feb. 21 to 25, 1938. ©Apr. 12, 1938.
167. Feed 'Em And Weep (featured role: Alfalfa)
May 7, 1938 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-20 - Our Gang series
Filmed Apr. 4 to 7, 1938. ©May 11, 1938. Alfalfa sings "Many Happy Returns Of The Day." Also, along with Porky Lee and Philip Hurlic, he whistles "Yankee Doodle," which is then sung by the three as "Happy Birthday, Mr. Hood."
168. The Awful Tooth (lead role)
May 28, 1938 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-21 - Our Gang series
Filmed Apr. 12 to 16, 1938. ©May 26, 1938.
169. Hide And Shriek (lead role: Alfalfa aka X-10, Sooper-Slooth)
June 18, 1938 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-22 - Our Gang series
Filmed May 11 to 14, 1938. ©June 16, 1938.
170. The Little Ranger (lead role: Alfalfa aka Fearless Alfalfa)
Aug. 6, 1938 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2566 - Our Gang series
Filmed June 20 to 25, 1938. ©Aug. 10, 1938. Alfalfa sings "A Melody From The Sky."
171. Party Fever (lead role: Alfalfa)
Aug. 27, 1938 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2568 - Our Gang series
Filmed July 5 to 9, 1938. ©Aug. 25, 1938.
172. Aladdin's Lantern (featured role: Alfalfa)
Sep. 17, 1938 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2573 - Our Gang series
Filmed July 20 to 26, 1938. ©Sep. 14, 1938. Alfalfa sings "I'll Take You Home Again, Kathleen," which has been modified into "I'll Take You Home Again, Darling."
173. Men In Fright (lead role: Alfalfa)
Oct. 15, 1938 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2580 - Our Gang series
Filmed Aug. 15 to 20, 1938. ©Oct. 21, 1938.
174. Football Romeo (lead role: Alfalfa aka Alf)
Nov. 12, 1938 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2589 - Our Gang series
Filmed Sep. 19 to 24, 1938. ©Nov. 16, 1938.
175. Practical Jokers (lead role: Alfalfa)
Dec. 17, 1938 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2595 - Our Gang series
Filmed Oct. 24 to 27, 1938. ©Dec. 20, 1938. Alfalfa sings "Because It's Your Birthday Today (The Birthday Song)."

1939

176. Alfalfa's Aunt (lead role: Alfalfa aka Alf aka Alfie)
Jan. 7, 1939 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2600 - Our Gang series
Filmed Nov. 14 to 17, 1938. ©Dec. 31, 1938.
177. Tiny Troubles (featured role: Alfalfa aka Alf)
Feb. 18, 1939 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2606 - Our Gang series
Filmed Jan. 9 to 13, 1939. ©Mar. 1, 1939.
178. Duel Personalities (lead role: Alfalfa)
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: Alfalfa)
Apr. 15, 1939 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2613 - Our Gang series
Filmed Feb. 13 to 17, 1939. ©Apr. 12, 1939. Alfalfa sings "The Man On The Flying Trapeze."
180. Cousin Wilbur (lead role: Alfalfa aka Alf aka Cousin Alfie)
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: Alfalfa aka Alfie)
June 24, 1939 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2630 - Our Gang series
Filmed Apr. 17 to 21, 1939. ©June 24, 1939. Alfalfa sings "Listen To The Mockingbird."
182. Dog Daze (featured 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: Alfalfa)
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: Alfalfa)
Sep. 9, 1939 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2640 - Our Gang series
Filmed June 19 to 23, 1939. ©Sep. 6, 1939. Alfalfa sings "I Hear You Calling Me."
185. Dad For A Day (supporting role)
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 (lead role: Alfalfa aka Alf)
Dec. 2, 1939 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2655 - Our Gang series
Filmed Sep. 25 to 28, 1939. ©Dec. 5, 1939. Alfalfa takes part in singing "Boola Boola." Working title: Learn To Play.

1940

187. Alfalfa's Double (lead roles: Alfalfa aka Alfie aka Alf, and Cornelius Smythe III aka Corny)
Jan. 20, 1940 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2656 - Our Gang series
Filmed Oct. 2 to 6, 1939. ©Dec. 29, 1939. Alfalfa whistles a variation of "Pizzicato Polka."
189. The Big Premiere (featured role: Alfalfa)
Mar. 9, 1940 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2669 - Our Gang series
Filmed Dec. 11 to 14, 1939. ©Mar. 13, 1940. Alfalfa sings "Lorena."
190. All About Hash (featured role: Alfalfa)
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: Alfalfa)
Apr. 27, 1940 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2677 - Our Gang series
Filmed Feb. 7 to 10, 1940. ©Apr. 22, 1940. Alfalfa, along with Spanky, sings "Emmet's Lullaby."
188. Bubbling Troubles (lead role: Alfalfa aka Alf)
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.
I Love You Again (small part: Harkspur, Jr.)
prem. Aug. 2, 1940 - MGM - 10 reels - William Powell & Myrna Loy feature
Filmed in late spring 1940. ©Aug. 5, 1940. Released Aug. 9, 1940. Also featuring Mickey Gubitosi.
193. Good Bad Boys (lead role: Alfalfa Switzer)
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: Alfalfa)
Oct. 5, 1940 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2686 - Our Gang series
Filmed Apr. 22 to 25, 1940. ©Oct. 2, 1940. Alfalfa takes part in singing "How Dry I Am" and "Drink To Me Only With Thine Eyes."
Barnyard Follies (supporting role: Alfalfa)
Oct. 6, 1940 - Republic - 8 reels - Mary Lee feature
©Dec. 6, 1940. Credited as "Alfalfa" Switzer. Also featuring Darwood Kaye, Shirley Coates, and Pete the Pup.
192. Goin' Fishin' (featured role)
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: Alfalfa)
Nov. 23, 1940 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2687 - Our Gang series
Filmed May 27 to 31, 1940. ©Nov. 11, 1940.

1941

The Singing Lesson (lead role: Alfalfa)
1941 - Minoco/Soundies - 1 reel - Soundie
Also starring Charles Judels.
Come Home, Father (lead role: Alfalfa)
c. 1941 - Minoco/Soundies - 1 reel - Soundie
Also starring Snub Pollard.
Reg'lar Fellers (featured role: Bump Hudson)
Sep. 5, 1941 - PRC - 7 reels - feature
©Aug. 15, 1941. Starring Sarah Padden and Roscoe Ates. Also featuring Billy Lee and Henry Lee.

1942

My Favorite Blonde (small part: Frederick)
prem. Apr. 2, 1942 - Paramount - 8 reels - Bob Hope & Madeleine Carroll feature
©Mar. 16, 1942.
Henry And Dizzy (supporting role: Billy Weeks)
prem. May 20, 1942 - Paramount - 7 reels - Aldrich Family feature
Starring Jimmy Lydon. Filmed around late summer/early fall 1941. ©Mar. 13, 1942. Released June 5, 1942.
There's One Born Every Minute (small part: Junior Twine)
June 26, 1942 - Universal - 7 reels - Hugh Herbert feature
Credited as "Alfalfa" Switzer. ©Feb. 27, 1942. Working title: Man Or Mouse. Carl sings "Lemuel P. Twine For Mayor," along with Elizabeth Taylor.
The War Against Mrs. Hadley (small part: messenger boy)
prem. Sep. 23, 1942 - MGM - 9 reels - feature
Credited as Carl Switzer. Starring Edward Arnold and Fay Bainter. ©Aug. 6, 1942. Released Nov. 25, 1942. Carl sings "Happy Birthday To You."
Mrs. Wiggs Of The Cabbage Patch (supporting role: Billy Wiggs)
Oct. 1942 - Paramount - 9 reels - feature
Filmed around late winter/early spring 1942. ©Oct. 1, 1942. Starring Fay Bainter, Hugh Herbert, Vera Vague and Carolyn Lee.
Johnny Doughboy (supporting role: Alfalfa)
Dec. 31, 1942 - Republic - 7 reels - Jane Withers feature
Credited as "Alfalfa" Switzer. Filmed in late summer 1942. ©Dec. 31, 1942. Also featuring Spanky McFarland.

1943

The Human Comedy (small part: Auggie)
prem. Mar. 2, 1943 - MGM - 12 reels - Mickey Rooney feature
Filmed in late 1942. ©Mar. 10, 1943. Also starring Frank Morgan.
Shantytown (supporting role: Bindy)
Apr. 20, 1943 - Republic - 7 reels - Mary Lee feature
©Apr. 12, 1943. Also starring John Archer, and Marjorie Lord.
Dixie (bit part: boy in street)
prem. June 23, 1943 - Paramount - 9 reels - Technicolor - Bing Crosby & Dorothy Lamour feature
©June 24, 1943.

1944

Rosie The Riveter (supporting role: Buzz Prouty)
Apr. 9, 1944 - Republic - 8 reels - feature
Credited as Carl Switzer. ©Feb. 27, 1944. Starring Jane Frazee, Frank Albertson, and Vera Vague.
Going My Way (supporting role: Herman Langerhanke)
prem. May 3, 1944 - Paramount - 14 reels - Bing Crosby feature
©Feb. 25, 1944.
The Great Mike (featured role: Speck)
Nov. 15, 1944 - PRC - 8 reels - Stuart Erwin feature
Credited as Carl "Alfalfa" Switzer. ©Nov. 15, 1944. Later released to TV as 25 min. featurette called Great Mike Wins.
Together Again (bit part: elevator boy)
Dec. 22, 1944 - Columbia - 10 reels - Irene Dunne & Charles Boyer feature
Filmed in summer 1944. ©Dec. 22, 1944. Working title: A Woman's Privilege.

1945

Primary Flight Training: Before You Fly (featured role: Mac)
1945 - Wilding/US Navy - 35 min. - prod. MN3474B - training film
Featuring Robert Taylor.
Primary Flight Training: First Flight, Part II (supporting role: McDribble aka Mac)
Nov. 16, 1945 - Wilding/US Navy - 14 min. - prod. MN3474E - training film
Featuring by Robert Taylor.
Man Alive (role: Ignatius)
prem. Nov. 16, 1945 - RKO - 70 min. - feature
Starring Pat O’Brien, Adolphe Menjou, and Ellen Drew. Filmed around Apr. 1945. ©Oct. 19, 1945. Working titles: The Amorous Ghost and The Passionate Ghost.
Primary Flight Training: Taxiing And Take-Offs (supporting role: Cadet Sylvester McDribble aka Mac)
Nov. 24, 1945 - Wilding/US Navy - 19 min. - prod. MN3474H - training film
Featuring Robert Taylor.
She Wouldn't Say Yes (bit part: delivery boy)
Nov. 29, 1945 - Columbia - 9 reels - Rosalind Russell & Lee Bowman feature
Filmed around June 1945. ©Nov. 10, 1945. Working title: Some Call It Love.
Primary Flight Training: Landings (small part: McDribble)
1945 - Wilding/US Navy - 14 min. - prod. MN3474I - training film
Featuring Robert Taylor.
Primary Flight Training: Keep It Flying, Part II (small part: Cadet Sylvester McDribble aka Mac)
1945 - Wilding/US Navy - 15 min. - prod. MN3474M - training film
Featuring Robert Taylor.

1946

Courage Of Lassie (small role: first youth)
prem. July 24, 1946 - MGM - 10 reels - Technicolor - Lassie feature
Starring Elizabeth Taylor, Frank Morgan and Tom Drake. ©Apr. 25, 1946, as Blue Sierra. Released Nov. 8, 1946. Working title: Hold High The Torch.
Gas House Kids (featured role: Sammy Levine)
Oct. 9, 1946 - Neufeld/PRC - 7 reels - Gas House Kids feature
Credited as Carl Switzer. Starring Robert Lowery, Teala Loring and Billy Halop. ©Oct. 7, 1946. Working title: East Side Rascals.
It's A Wonderful Life (small part Freddie Othello)
prem. Dec. 20, 1946 - Liberty/RKO - 129 min. - feature
Starring James Stewart and Donna Reed. Released Jan. 7, 1947. ©Feb. 6, 1947. Working title: The Greatest Gift.

1947

Gas House Kids Go West (featured role: Alfalfa)
July 1947 - PRC - 62 min. - Gas House Kids feature
Credited on poster as Carl "Alfalfa" Switzer. Filmed in April 1947. ©June 28, 1947. Release date published as June 12, 1947, but earliest verified screening was July 20, 1947. Also featuring Tommy Bond.
The Gas House Kids In Hollywood (featured role: Alfie)
Sep. 1947 - PRC - 62 min. - Gas House Kids feature
Credited as Carl "Alfalfa" Switzer. Filmed in May 1947. Release date published as Aug. 23, 1947, but earliest verified screening was Sep. 3, 1947. ©Sep. 8, 1947 as The Gas House Kids In Hollywood. Also featuring Tommy Bond. The opening title card puts quotations around the words "In Hollywood." The film is usually referred to by its copyright title. Working titles: It's Moider! and Help, Moider, Police.
Driftwood (bit part: messenger)
Sep. 15, 1947 - Republic - 90 min. - feature
Starring Ruth Warrick, Walter Brennan, Dean Jagger, Charlotte Greenwood and Natalie Wood. ©Sep. 17, 1947.

1948

On Our Merry Way (supporting role: Leopold "Zoot" Wirtz)
prem. Feb. 3, 1948 - Miracle/UA - 12 reels - feature
Credited as Carl Switzer. Starring Paulette Goddard, Burgess Meredith, James Stewart, Henry Fonda, Dorothy Lamour, Victor Moore, and Fred MacMurray. Filmed in early 1947. Premiered as A Miracle Can Happen, then re-edited for general release with new title. Released in June 1948. Working title: Along Came Baby.
State Of The Union (small part: bellboy)
prem. Apr. 7, 1948 - Liberty/MGM - 122 min. - feature
Credited as Carl "Alfalfa" Switzer. Starring Spencer Tracy, Katharine Hepburn, and Van Johnson. Filmed around Nov. 1947. ©Mar. 23, 1948. Released Apr. 30, 1948.
Big Town Scandal (supporting role: Frankie Snead)
prem. Apr. 1948 - Pine-Thomas/Paramount - 7 reels - feature
Credited as Carl "Alfalfa" Switzer. Starring Philip Reed and Hillary Brooke. Filmed in June/July 1947. Earliest verified screening Apr. 20, 1948. Released May 27, 1948. ©July 30, 1948. Reissued as Underworld Scandal. Also featuring Tommy Bond.

1949

A Letter To Three Wives (role: Leo)
prem. Jan. 20, 1949 - 20th Century-Fox - 11 reels - feature
Starring Jeanne Crain, Linda Darnell and Ann Southern. ©Jan. 20, 1949. Released Feb. 3, 1949. Working titles: A Letter To Five Wives, A Letter To Four Wives and Three Wives.
Alias The Champ (bit part: newsboy)
Oct. 15, 1949 - Republic - 60 min. - feature
Starring Robert Rockwell, Barbara Fuller, Audrey Long and Gorgeous George. ©Oct. 5, 1949. Working title: Pardon My Toe-Hold.

1950

House By The River (role: Walter Herbert)
prem. Mar. 23, 1950 - Fidelity/Republic - 9 reels - feature
Starring Louis Hayward, Lee Bowman, and Jane Wyatt. ©Mar. 23, 1950. Released Mar. 25, 1950. Working title: Floodtide.
Redwood Forest Trail (featured role: Alfie Donahue)
Sep 18, 1950 - Republic - 67 min. - Rex Allen feature
Credited as Carl "Alfalfa" Switzer. Filmed around Dec. 1949. ©Oct. 23, 1950.

1951

Belle Le Grand (bit part: messenger boy)
Jan. 27, 1951 - Republic - 90 min. - feature
Starring Vera Ralston and John Carroll. ©Feb. 15, 1951. Working title: The Story Of Belle Le Grand.
Cause For Alarm! (bit part: guy with Tex)
prem.Feb. 2, 1951 - MGM - 74 min. - Loretta Young feature
Filmed in mid-1950. ©Jan. 23, 1951 (in notice: 1950). Released Mar. 30, 1951.
Two Dollar Bettor (supporting role: Chuck Nordlinger)
Sep. 9, 1951 - Broder/Realart - 8 reels - feature
Credited as Carl Switzer. Starring John Litel, Marie Windsor, and Steve Brodie. ©Aug. 29, 1951.
Here Comes The Groom (bit part: messenger)
Sep. 20, 1951 - Paramount - 114 min. - feature
Starring Bing Crosby, Jane Wyman, Alexis Smith, Franchot Tone and James Barton. ©Sep. 2, 1951. Working title: You Belong To Me.

1952

The Roy Rogers Show episode: The Treasure Of Howling Dog Canyon (role: Clyde Stockton)
Jan. 27, 1952 - Rogers/NBC - 30 min. - TV episode
Credited as Alfalfa Switzer.
The Roy Rogers Show episode#58; Shoot To Kill (role: Elmer Kirby)
Apr. 27, 1952 - Rogers/NBC - 30 min. - TV episode
Credited as Alfalfa Switzer.
Pat And Mike (bit part: busboy)
prem. June 5, 1952 - MGM - 95 min. - Spencer Tracy & Katharine Hepburn feature
Credited as Carl Switzer. Filmed early 1952. ©May 12, 1952. Released June 13, 1952. This was publicized as Carl's 200th role.
I Dream Of Jeanie (small part: Freddie)
June 15, 1952 - Republic - 90 min. - Trucolor - feature
Credited as Carl Dean Switzer. Starring Ray Middleton, Bill Shirley, and Muriel Lawrence. ©May 1, 1952.
The WAC From Walla Walla (role: Pvt. Cronkheit)
Oct. 10, 1952 - Republic - 83 min. - Judy Canova feature
©Sep. 4, 1952.
The Roy Rogers Show episode: Go For Your Gun (role: Bob)
Nov. 23, 1952 - Rogers/NBC - 30 min. - TV episode
Credited as Alfalfa Switzer.

1953

Schlitz Playhouse Of Stars episode: Vacation For Ginny (undermined role)
May 15, 1953 - Meridian/CBS - 30 min. - TV episode
Island In The Sky (supporting role: Sonny Hopper)
prem. Sep. 3, 1953 - Wayne-Fellows/Warner Bros. - 109 min. - John Wayne feature
Credited as Carl Switzer. Filmed in early 1953. Released Sep. 5, 1953. ©Sep. 17, 1953.
Flight Nurse (role: rifleman)
prem. Nov. 4, 1953 - Republic - 90 min. - feature
Starring Joan Leslie and Forrest Tucker. ©Sep. 23, 1953. Released Nov. 15, 1953. Working titles: Angels Over Korea and Angels Take Over.

1954

The High And The Mighty (small part: Ensign Keim)
prem. May 27, 1954 - Wayne-Fellows/Warner Bros. - 147 min. - WarnerColor - feature
Credited as Carl Switzer. Starring John Wayne, Claire Trevor, Laraine Day, Robert Stack, Jan Sterling, Phil Harris, Robert Newton and David Brian. Filmed around late 1953. ©July 3, 1954. Released July 3, 1954. Released in CinemaScope and 4-Track Stereo.
White Christmas (role: Bennie Haynes)
prem. Oct. 14, 1954 - Paramount - 13 reels - Technicolor - feature
Starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen. ©Oct. 14, 1954. Released in VistaVision.
This Is My Love (role: customer)
prem. Nov. 3, 1954 - Dowling/RKO - 91 min. - Pathécolor - feature
Starring Linda Darnell, Rick Jason, Dan Duryea, and Faith Domergue. ©Oct. 24, 1954. Released Dec. 9, 1954. Working titles: Night Music, Night Without End and People Like Us.
Track Of The Cat (supporting role: Joe Sam)
Nov. 12, 1954 - Wayne-Fellows/Warner Bros. - 102 min. - WarnerColor - Robert Mitchum & Teresa Wright feature
Credited as Carl Switzer. Filmed in mid-1954. ©Nov. 27, 1954. Released in CinemaScope and 4-Track Stereo. Working title: Drum Beat. According to Carl's niece, Shirlee, this was his favorite film role.
The George Burns And Gracie Allen Show episode: George Gets Call From Unknown Victor (small part: Victor the delivery boy)
Dec. 13, 1954 - McCadden/CBS - 30 min. - TV episode
Credited as Carl Switzer.
The Donald O'Connor Show episode (guest appearance)
Dec. 25, 1954 - O'Connor/NBC - 30 min. - TV episode
Credited as Carl Switzer.

1955

The Roy Rogers Show episode: Dead End Trail (role: Timmy Horton)
Feb. 20, 1955 - Rogers/NBC - 30 min. - TV episode
Credited as Alfalfa Switzer.
The Roy Rogers Show episode: Quick Draw (role: Dunc Wright)
Mar. 20, 1955 - Rogers/NBC - 30 min. - TV episode
Credited as Alfalfa Switzer.
Lux Video Theatre episode: Eight Iron Men (role: mailer)
May 12, 1955 - Thompson/NBC - 60 min. - TV episode
Not As A Stranger (bit part: expectant father)
prem. June 28, 1955 - Kramer/UA - 135 min. - feature
Starring Olivia de Havilland, Robert Mitchum, Frank Sinatra, Gloria Grahame, Broderick Crawford and Charles Bickford. ©June 29, 1955. Released July 1955.
Francis In The Navy (bit part: timekeeper)
prem. Aug. 5, 1955 - Universal-International - 80 min. - Francis the Talking Mule feature
Starring Donald O'Connor and Martha Hyer. ©May 10, 1955. Released Aug. 24, 1955.
Science Fiction Theatre episode: The Negative Man (small part: Pete)
Sep. 6, 1955 - ZIV - 30 min. - color - TV episode
Credited as Carl Switzer. Released to syndication. Filmed in mid-1955. IMDb lists the release date as Sep. 10, but I've found a TV listing in Los Angeles for the 6th.
The Roy Rogers Show episode: And Sudden Death (role: Mike Moore)
Oct. 9, 1955 - Rogers/NBC - 30 min. - TV episode
Credited as Alfy Switzer.
Dig That Uranium (small part: Shifty Robinson)
Dec. 25, 1955 - Allied Artists - 61 min. - The Bowery Boys feature
Starring Leo Gorcey and Huntz Hall. ©Nov. 21, 1955.

1956

Between Heaven And Hell (role: Savage)
prem. Oct. 11, 1956 - 20th Century-Fox - 93 min. - DeLuxe - feature
Starring Robert Wagner, Terry Moore and Broderick Crawford. Filmed in mid-1956. ©Oct. 10, 1956. Released in CinemaScope and 4-Track Stereo. Working title: The Day The Century Ended.

1957

Motorcycle Gang (supporting role: Speed)
Oct. 22, 1957 - Golden State/AIP - 78 min. - feature
Credited as Carl Switzer. Also starring Anne Neyland, Steven Terrell, and John Ashley. Filmed around Aug. 1957. ©Oct. 10, 1957.

1958

The Defiant Ones (small part: Angus)
prem. June 29, 1958 - Curtleigh-Lomitas/UA - 97 min. - Tony Curtis & Sidney Poitier feature
Credited as Carl Switzer. Filmed Mar. to Apr. 1958. ©Aug. 13, 1958. Released Sep. 27, 1958.

1959

Little Rascals Varieties (archival)
May 5, 1959 - Allied Artists - 63 min. - compilation feature

1960


1962


1967


1971


1976


1977


1978

Rascal Dazzle (archival)
1978 - King World/Picture Scores - 93 min. - documentary feature
©1978. Seems to have debuted on TV, followed by a theatrical release in late 1979. Includes footage from "Beginner's Luck," "Sprucin' Up," "The Lucky Corner," "Little Papa," "Our Gang Follies Of 1936," "Divot Diggers," "The Pinch Singer," "Second Childhood," "Bored Of Education," "Two Too Young," "Spooky Hooky," "Reunion In Rhythm," "Hearts Are Thumps," "Rushin' Ballet," "Roamin' Holiday," "Fishy Tales," "Framing Youth," "Mail And Female," "Our Gang Follies Of 1938," "Bear Facts," "Three Men In A Tub," "Came The Brawn" and "Feed 'Em And Weep."

1979


1980


1982

Hollywood's Children (archival)
Feb. 24, 1982 - Wombat/Janson - 60 min. - TV documentary
Includes footage from "Divot Diggers."
Hollywood: The Gift Of Laughter (archival)
May 16, 1982 - Wolper/Haley/MPA/ABC - 135 min. - TV movie
Includes footage from "Hearts Are Thumps" and "The Big Premiere."
Henry Fonda: The Man And His Movies (archival)
1982 - RKO-Nederlander - 60 min. - TV documentary
Includes footage from "On Our Merry Way."

1983


1984

Our Gang: Inside The Clubhouse (archival)
May 8, 1984 - Lang/Camellia City Telecasters - 93 mins. - TV documentary
Includes footage from "Teacher's Beau," "Sprucin' Up," "The Lucky Corner," "Little Sinner," "Our Gang Follies Of 1936," "The Pinch Singer," "Second Childhood," "Bored Of Education," "Two Too Young," "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," "The Little Ranger," "Aladdin's Lantern," "Alfalfa's Aunt," "The Big Premiere" and "Kiddie Kure."
Alfalfa Lives! An Our Gang Spectacular (archival)
May 13, 1984 - 120 min. - TV special
Going Hollywood: The '30s (archival)
1984 - Castle Hill - 76 min. - TV documentary

1986

Classic Comedy Teams (archival)
1986 - Bergamn-Harris/Movietime/GoodTimes - 108 min. - video
Includes footage from "Our Gang Follies Of 1938."

1987


1988

Hollywood Scandals And Tragedies (archival)
1988 - Gorgon - 87 min. - video documentary
Includes footage from "Our Gang Follies Of 1938" and "The Roy Rogers Show" episode "Shoot To Kill."
Samsung advertisement (archival)
1988 - 30 sec. - TV advertisement
Includes footage from "The Pinch Singer."

1990

When The Applause Died (archival)
May 6, 1990 - Golden West/Rentertainment/Simitar - 87 min. - video documentary

1993

The Joan Rivers Show episode (use of photo)
Feb. 23, 1993 - PGHM/Tribune - 60 min. - TV episode
Syndicated program.

1994

Hal Roach: Hollywood's King Of Laughter (appearance/archival)
Apr. 7, 1994 - RHI/Disney Channel - 49 min. - TV documentary
Includes footage from "Divot Diggers," "Hearts Are Thumps" and "Our Gang Follies Of 1938."
The Our Gang Story (archival)
1994 - Film Shows/GoodTimes - 120 min. - video documentary
Includes footage from "Beginner's Luck," "Our Gang Follies Of 1936," "Fox Movietone News," "General Spanky," "Reunion In Rhythm," both "News Of The Day" clips, "Our Gang Follies Of 1938," "Waldo's Last Stand," "The Singing Lesson," "Reg'lar Fellers," "Going My Way," "It's A Wonderful Life," "The Gas House Kids In Hollywood" and "The Roy Rogers Show."

1995


1999

E! Mysteries & Scandals episode: Alfalfa And The Gang (archival)
Jan. 4, 1999 - E! Entertainment - 30 min. - TV episode
Laugh? I Thought I'd Die! (archival)
1999 - Reader's Digest - 112 min. - video compilation
Includes footage from "Pay As You Exit" and "Hearts Are Thumps."

2002

Added Attractions: The Hollywood Shorts Story (archival)
Feb. 5, 2002 - Jones/TCM - 89 min. - TV documentary
Includes footage from "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

2003

Biography episode: Elizabeth Taylor: Facets (archival)
Mar. 16, 2003 - A&E - 60 min. - TV episode
Murders Of Hollywood (use of photos)
May 27, 2003 - Farmhouse/Delta - 60 min. - video documentary
A segment of this documentary focuses on Alfalfa's death.

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 "Sprucin' Up," "Pay As You Exit," "Our Gang Follies Of 1938" and the "News Of The Day" clip showing Vittorio Mussolini.

2024


Alfalfa Switzer's payroll history

The following is a list of some of Alfalfa'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.

After this, it would be nearly two weeks before Alfalfa returned to the studio.

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.


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


© Robert Demoss and Matthew Lydick.

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