Baby Blues

film no. 197

availability:

This film appeared on at least one bootleg release.

technical details:

Production 2706.

Release no. C-296.

Filmed October 31 to November 4, 1940, over five days of shooting.

Released February 15, 1941. It was the 197th film in the series to be released.

All-talking one-reeler, lasting 9 minutes and 18 seconds.

Opening title: 'Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer presents Our Gang in "Baby Blues".'

the crew:

Produced by M-G-M: The film credit reads: Produced by Loew's Incorporated.
Directed by Edward Cahn: This credit appears in the film.
Director of Photography: Jackson Rose, A. S. C.: This credit appears in the film.
Editing by Leon Bourgeau: This credit appears in the film.
Screen Play by Hal Law and Robert A. McGowan: This credit appears in the film, but without McGowan's middle initial.
Art Director: Richard Duce: Not listed by Maltin & Bann. This credit appears in the film.
Released by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer: Indicated in the opening title card.
Western Electric Sound System: As indicated in the film.
Approved by the Production Code Adminstration of the Motion Picture Producers & Distributors of America
Passed by the National Board of Review: As indicated in the film.
Teacher: Fern Carter

the kids:

Mickey Gubitosi as "Mickey Gubitosi": Lead role. He enlists the gang to help when he finds out that every fourth child born is Chinese, and a new baby in the family is due that day.
George "Spanky" McFarland as "Spanky": Featured role. He's the leader of the gang and does a lot of the talking.
Billy "Froggy" Laughlin as "Froggy": Featured role. He has a large amount of the dialogue and scatters the bullies who are picking on Lee.
Billie "Buckwheat" Thomas: Supporting role. He's present with the other boys of the gang, but isn't given very much dialogue.
Edward Soo Hoo as "Lee Wong": Supporting role. The gang saves him from Bully and his bunch, and then eat lunch at his house.
Mickey's sisters
Betty Scott as "Gladys": Small part. When her mother about ready to give birth, she's in charge of the cooking, much to Mickey's dismay. A 1941 directory casting directory shows her photo, and there is a resemblance, but I'm not absolutely sure.
Janet Burston as "Mamie": Small part. She's present during the home scenes.
Bully and His Bunch
Freddie Chapman as "Bully": Small part. He's the leader among the bad kids.
James Gubitosi: Small part. I'm pretty sure he's the first boy punched by Froggy.
Billy Ray Smith: Small part. He's mostly standing in back during the scene with the bullies. This boy's name might be Vincent Graeff.
other kids: Small part. There is one additional bully, standing in back.

the animals:

Leo: Bit part. The MGM lion appears during the opening titles.
other animals: Small part and extras.
(1.) "Elmer" the stork, or "Mr. Stork."
(2.) The other animals at the zoo, including two bears. The animals on either side of the stork are too difficult to identify.

the adults:

William Edmunds as "Mr. Gubitosi," Mickey's dad: Small part. He tries to phone the doctor while his kids make a racket.
Jennie Lee as "Mrs. Wong," Lee's mom: Small part. Spanky calls her both "Mrs. Wong" and "Miss Wong." She serves ham and eggs to the boys for lunch.
Eddie Lee as "Mr. Wong," Lee's dad: Small part. He's doing laundry when Lee and the boys walk in.
Hank Mann as the zoo attendant: Small part. He talks to the boys about the stork.
Margaret Bert as the receptionist: Small part. She tells the boys that the doctor has already left for Mickey's house.
other adults: Small parts and extras.
(1.) Mickey's mom;. Her husband calls her "Momma."
(2.) At least two background pedestrians during the bullying scenes.
(3.) A portrait on the wall of the Wong home.

the music:

"Our Gang" by David Snell: This is played over the opening titles. This is the earlier recording, used prior to "The Big Premiere" (no. 189). This is a medley of three songs:
(1.) "London Bridge" - The earliest reference to this nursery rhyme is in a play from 1659, and it was associated with children by 1720. It may derive from a part of the "Heimskringla" by Snorri Sturluson, which was composed around 1225.
(2.) "Mulberry Bush" - Also known as "So Early In The Morning" and "This Is The Way." It was probably originally called "Here We Go Round The Bramble Tree" in the mid 18th century, with the type of tree changed by inmates of Wakefield Prison, who exercised around a mulberry bush.
(3.) "The Farmer In The Dell" - This nursery rhyme is of uncertain origins.
"The Gang Goes Home" by David Snell: This is a shorter version of "Our Gang," including only "London Bridge."

miscellaneous:

The preliminary title for this film was "Too Many Sisters." This title was still in effect as of November 30, 1940, when the publicity photos were approved by the Advertising Advisory Council.

Mickey reads out of an almanac, but I can't make out the name. It has one letter too few to be the Farmer's Almanac.

The Gubitosi familiy lives at 310 Elm Street.

In the category of unseen characters is "Dr. Wiggins."

See page 236 of Maltin & Bann's book for this film's expenses and profits.