The Holy Terror

film no. 83

availability:

This film is considered to be lost and is therefore unavailable on video. Most of the information listed below derives from the cutting continuity, which was submitted for copyright purposes to the Library of Congress.

technical details:

Production G-17.

Filmed November 19 to 28, 1928. See the 'miscellaneous' section below for details.

Title sheet prepared by H. M. Walker on December 10, 1928.

Cutting continuity submitted December 13, 1928.

Released March 9, 1929. It was the 83rd film in the series to be released.

Copyrighted July 11, 1929, by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Corporation. Registration no. LP522. Renewed September 13, 1956, with registration no. R176904. This copyright is currently due to expire at the end of 2024.

Silent two-reeler.

Opening title: '"Our Gang" Comedies - Hal Roach presents His Rascals in "The Holy Terror".'

the crew:

Produced by Robert F. McGowan for Hal Roach: This is the way Maltin & Bann put it. The film credits Roach as a presenter, with a separate credit reading "A Robert McGowan Production."
Supervising Director: Robert F. McGowan: This credit appears in the film, but without his middle initial. Maltin & Bann omitted this credit.
Directed by Robert F. McGowan and Anthony Mack: This film credits Mack only, who was actually Robert A. (for Anthony) McGowan, the nephew of Robert F. According to the 1928 studio datebook, the uncle directed on all of the shooting dates except the last, when the nephew took over.
Photographed by Art Lloyd: This credit appears in the film.
Edited by Richard Currier: This credit appears in the film.
Titles by H. M. Walker: This credit appears in the film.
Animation by Roy Seawright: This credit derives from Seawright's payroll status as the studio animator during this period. In this film, musical notes, words, noises and lightning are all animated.
Animal Trainer: Harry Lucenay: He was Pete's owner and trainer.
Teacher: Fern Carter
Released by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer: Indicated in the opening title card.
Passed by the National Board of Review: As indicated in the film.
All Rights Reserved Under International Convention of Buenos Aires: As indicated in the film.
studio personnel
possible uncredited involvement

the kids:

Mary Ann Jackson as "Mary": Lead role. She's identified in the titles as "The Holy Terror." She makes everybody's life miserable until Joe finally succeeds in training her.
Joe Cobb as "Joe Cobb": Featured role. He makes a hundred dollars subduing Mary.
Allen "Farina" Hoskins: Supporting role. It's his idea to recruit Joe to train Mary. Much of the gag material involves him.
Jean Darling: Supporting role. She's Mary's sister in this short, and is present through most of the action.
Bobby "Wheezer" Hutchins: Supporting role. He's Joe's first training subject.
Harry Spear: Supporting role. He's present through most of the short, but isn't given too many specific things to do.

the animals:

Pete (no. 1) as "Petey": Supporting role. He assists Mary Ann with her malevolent behavior.
Leo: Bit part. The MGM lion appears at the opening of the film.

the adults:

adults: Featured roles, supporting roles, small parts and bit parts.
(1.) The man in the gorilla costume who plays the Algerian ape, "Algy."
(2.) Mary Ann's mother.
(3.) "Grandpa."
(4.) The butler.
(5.) The negro maid.
(6.) The other ladies at the bridge party.

miscellaneous:

9 shooting dates went into the making of this film. Roughly a week after shooting finished for "Noisy Noises" (no. 82), the 'start' date arrived for "The Holy Terror" on Nov. 19th. Shooting continued until the 'finish' date of Nov. 28th. Robert F. McGowan directed on each of the shooting dates except Nov. 28th, when Anthony Mack took over. No shooting took place on Nov. 18th or 25th, which were both Sundays. After this, six days passed before the Our Gang unit began shooting "Wiggle Your Ears" (no. 84).

The script submitted to MGM was given the catalog number B453.

Thanks to Rob Stone and Joe Moore for assistance on this page.