General Spanky

film no. 150

availability:

General Spanky (VHS) from MGM/UA Home Video: Released Sep. 21, 1991. This is a complete original print with excellent picture quality. The total footage lasts 71:21.
General Spanky (LD) from MGM/UA Home Video: Released Apr. 1993.
The Little Rascals Two Pack (2 VHS set) from Brentwood Home Video: Released in 1994. The second VHS is Little Rascals Scrapbook Volume Two, and contains the theatrical trailer, which totals 2:27.
The Best Of Spanky (DVD) from Legend Films: Released Mar. 27, 2007. Also included as part of The Little Rascals In Color! (3 DVD set). This is theatrical trailer, which totals 2:22.
The Our Gang Story (VHS/DVD) from GoodTimes Home Video: VHS released 1994. DVD released May 21, 2002. Also included as part of Our Gang Collector Series 4 Pack (4 DVD set), released Mar. 21, 2001, Our Gang Collector Series 5 Pack (5 VHS/DVD set), released Feb. 2002 (VHS) and Mar. 2004 (DVD), and The Best Of Our Gang Volume 1 (DVD) released June 1, 2004. A clip lasting 0:09 is included, taken from the theatrical trailer. Another clip lasting 0:38 is included, also from the trailer. Both clips have narration added.
other releases: This film has appeared on at least one bootleg DVD-R, which is no longer on the market.

technical details:

Production F-12.

Filmed probably between July and September 1936, with additional footage in October. See the 'miscellaneous' section below for details.

Title sheet prepared by Elmer Raguse on November 9, 1936.

Cutting continuity submitted November 12, 1936.

Dialogue cutting continuity for theatrical trailer submitted December 1, 1936.

Copyrighted December 4, 1936, by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Corporation. Registration no. LP6811. Renewed December 6, 1963, with registration no. R327468. This copyright is currently due to expire at the end of 2031.

Released December 11, 1936. It was the 150th film in the series to be released.

Music cue sheet dated March 5, 1937.

All-talking eight-reeler. 71 minutes, 6,426 feet. See the 'miscellaneous' section below for details.

Opening title: 'Hal Roach presents 'Spanky' McFarland in "General Spanky".'

the crew:

Produced by Hal Roach: Credited in the film as a presenter.
Production managed by Sidney S. Van Keuren: This credit doesn't appear in the film.
Directed by Fred Newmeyer and Gordon Douglas: Roach recalled that Douglas probably directed the scenes with the kids.
Photography: Art Lloyd, A. S. C. and Walter Lundin, A. S. C.: This credit appears in the film.
Film Editor: Ray Snyder: This credit appears in the film.
Original Story and Screen Play by Richard Flournoy, Hal Yates and John Guedel, with Carl Harbaugh: Flournoy, Yates and Guedel receive onscreen credit, but not Harbaugh.
Musical Score: Marvin Hatley: This credit appears in the film.
Sound: William Randall, with Elmer A. Raguse: Randall is given onscreen credit, but not Raguse.
Photographic Effects: Roy Seawright: This credit appears in the film. Maltin & Bann credit him with 'special effects.' There is one animation effect in this film, showing an explosion.
Settings: Arthur I. Royce and W. L. Stevens: Both names are listed in the film. The 'W' stands for William. Maltin & Bann list him as William I. Stevens.
Casting by Joe Rivkin: This credit doesn't appear in the film.
Location scouting by Jack Roach: According to Maltin & Bann. This credit doesn't appear in the film.
Released by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer: Indicated in the opening title card.
Passed by the National Board of Review: As indicated in the film.
Western Electric System: As indicated in the film.
Approved by the Motion Picture Producers & Distributors of America: Certificate no. 2480.
studio personnel
possible uncredited involvement

the kids:

George "Spanky" McFarland as "Spanky" aka "Spanfield George Leonard": Lead role. Credited as 'Spanky' McFarland. Marshall calls him "Mr. Spanky," and at one point, "Sonny," which is what he was called offscreen. He's an orphan in this film, who is taken in by a captain in the Confederate army. He forms his own kiddie army, in which he is addressed as "General Spanky."
Billie "Buckwheat" Thomas as "Buckwheat": Supporting role. Credited as Billie 'Buckwheat' Thomas in the opening titles, and as Billie Thomas in the end title. He's a lost slave, and teams up with Spanky, and eventually his army.
Carl "Alfalfa" Switzer as "Alfalfa": Supporting role. Credited as Carl 'Alfalfa' Switzer in the opening titles, and as Carl Switzer in the end title. He leads his own army, but loses his troupes to Spanky. He then becomes second-in-command.
Flaette Roberts as "Flaette": Small part. Listed in the cutting continuity and at least one casting directory as Flayette Roberts. She's the nurse in the kiddie army, and accompanies Spanky and Alfalfa to the house and plays piano.
Jerry Tucker: Small part. He's part of the kiddie army and has a few lines of dialogue.
Harold Switzer: Small part. He's part of the kiddie army and has a few lines of dialogue.
John Collum: Small part. He's part of the kiddie army, but has no dialogue.
Dickie De Nuet: Small part. He's part of the kiddie army, but has no dialogue.
Rex Downing: Bit part. He's the lookout at the gang's cave and announces that the Yanks are coming.
other kids: Extras.
(1.) The kids in the yard having a birthday party, including three boys and three girls.
(2.) At least two kids among the slaves on the boat.
(3.) Two people, presumably kids, doubling for Spanky and Buckwheat as they swim to shore after going overboard.
questionable listings: Maltin & Bann list Eugene "Porky" Lee, but he doesn't seem to be in the film at all.

the animals:

Von the Dog as "Von": Small part. He eats the chicken in place of Buckwheat, and later discovers the wounded Mr. Marsh.
Leo: Bit part. The MGM lion appears at the opening of the film.
other animals: Bit parts and extras.
(1.) The mule that Spanky and Alfalfa ride to the northern camp.
(2.) The kitten followed by Buckwheat on the boat.
(3.) Numerous horses ridden by the various soldiers.

the adults:

Phillips Holmes as "Marshall Valient" aka "Marsh": Featured role. He receives onscreen credit. Spanky calls him "Mr. Marsh." The cutting continuity introduces him as "Captain Marshall Valient." He takes Spanky into his home, but leaves to fight in the war. He returns after being wounded and is arrested for being a spy.
Irving Pichel as "Capt. Simmons": Featured role. He receives onscreen credit. He's a crooked gambler that's befuddled by Spanky, and later becomes a corrupt captain in the union army and almost has Mr. Marsh executed. An insulted Alfalfa calls him "Mr. Simmons."
Ralph Morgan as the Yankee general: Supporting role. He receives onscreen credit. He befriends Spanky and intervenes in Mr. Marsh's trial.
Rosina Lawrence as "Louella Blanchard" aka "Miss Louella": Supporting role. She receives onscreen credit. She's in love with Mr. Marsh, and has to deal with the fast-moving Simmons.
Louise Beavers as "Cornelia": Small part. She receives onscreen credit. Maltin & Bann indicate that her character name is "'Mammy' Cornelia," but I haven't noticed the "Mammy" part. She's the black woman normally seen doing chores and talking with Louella.
James Burtis as the boat captain: Small part. He receives onscreen credit, but only during the end titles. He's repeatedly bufuddled by Buckwheat.
Robert Middlemass as the overseer: Small part. He receives onscreen credit, but only during the end titles. I'm assuming that Maltin & Bann are referring to the man in charge of the slaves on the boat, who repeatedly apologizes to the captain for Buckwheat's mischief.
Hobart Bosworth as "Colonel Blanchard": Small part. He receives onscreen credit. He throws Marshall out of his house for being against the war.
Buddy Roosevelt as "Lieutenant Johnson": Small part. He's the guy with the moustache who answers to Simmons, and is the one who informs Marshall of his impending execution. Maltin & Bann list him as the 1st Lieutenant.
Carl Voss as the 2nd Lieutenant: Small part. According to Maltin & Bann. He's presumably the other lieutenant under Simmons that's present in most of the scenes with Roosevelt.
Ernie Alexander: Small part. He's the friend of Marshall's that brings him to win back their friends' money, and earlier turns down a shoeshine from Spanky.
Richard R. Neill as "Colonel Parrish": Small part. Listed by Maltin & Bann as an extra, but it looks to me like he's the colonel that the Yankee general speaks to the most.
Walter Gregory as "Captain Haden": Small part. According to Maltin & Bann. I'm not familiar with this actor. The character name matches the officer standing behind Morgan's desk.
Willie "Sleep 'n' Eat" Best as "Henry": Bit part. He receives onscreen credit as William Best, but only during the end credits. He's seen painting the floor next to the front door of the mansion.
Frank H. LaRue as a slavemaster: Bit part. Listed as an extra by Maltin & Bann. It looks to me that he's one of the two slavemasters (the one on the left) discussing runaway slaves as Buckwheat listens.
Henry Hall as a slavemaster: Bit part. He's the other slavemaster (the one on the right) discussing runaway slaves.
Jeffrey Sayre: Bit part. His presence in this film is revealed by a casting directory. It appears that he's one of the two friends of Marshall's who are losing their money, specifically the one on the left. The two are named "Chris" and "Gregory," but it isn't specified in the film which is which.
Harry Bernard as a man on the boat: Bit part. He's the first man that Buckwheat asks to be his master.
Hooper Atchley as one of the southern gentlemen: Bit part. Maltin & Bann list him as a slavemaster, which is a logical assumption, but is not specifically stated in the film. As the men in Colonel Blanchard's home become indignant at Marshall's reluctance to rush to war, Atchley exclaims 'He's not with us!'
Karl Hackett: Bit part. Maltin & Bann list him among the extras, and I'm pretty sure he's the man steering the steamboat.
Ham Kinsey: Bit part. Listed by Maltin & Bann as a bit player. It appears that he's second in line to have his shoes shined among the men with paint on their shoes.
other adults: Small parts, bit parts and extras. Maltin & Bann list several extras that I've yet to identify in this film, including Jack Hill, Jack Cooper, Slim Whittaker, Alex Finlayson, Harry Strang, and Portia Lanning. They also state that Jack Daugherty plays the general's aide, but it's not clear who they're talking about.
(1.) Marshall's other gambling friend, either "Chris" or "Gregory."
(2.) Marshall's head slave, "Jessie."
(3.) The Yankee soldier who discovers the cave.
(4.) "Captain Gehrig," in charge of the fourth battalion. The cutting continuity identifies this character as "Captain Gerry."
(5.) The second man Buckwheat asks to be his master.
(6.) "Colonel Baker."
(7.) The soldier who Spanky gets rid of as Marshall hides nearby.
(8.) About ten remaining friends of Colonel Blanchard.
(9.) The passengers on the riverbank, including the one that tells the captain about Jefferson Davis.
(10.) The men reading the war notice.
(11.) The various passengers on the boat, including several shoeshine customers.
(12.) The adult slaves on the boat, including the one that finds Buckwheat in the barrel.
(13.) The orderly that takes the message to the general.
(14.) The three women and the black man in the yard with the birthday party.
(15.) Various military personnel for both the Union and the Confederacy, including those seen in the stock footage, and various townspeople shown in the stock footage.

the music:

"I'se Gwine Up De Ribba" by T. Marvin Hatley: This is played over the opening titles and as we first see the slaves and Spanky shining shoes. Another version is played during the bedtime scene. Later, it's sung by Willie Best before Simmons barges in. Still later, Buckwheat sings this tune after clobbering Simmons, where it overlaps "Oh! Dem Golden Slippers!." He also whistles it as he returns to the cave. The piece is played a last time as the Yankee general is inducted into the kiddie army and the end title appears.
"Comin' Round The Bend" by T. Marvin Hatley: A version of this piece is played on traditional instruments as the captain hands Buckwheat back to his master. An orchestrated version is played, and followed by the traditional version, during the card game. The orchestrated version is repeated as Spanky and Buckwheat go overboard. This version is played again as the kids hide Marshall behind a bush as Simmons goes by. It's repeated again as Spanky and Alfalfa ride off to the Union camp. The music cue sheet also credits this piece with turning up at the end of the dinner scene, but it's actually "Let's Get Acquainted."
"I'se A-Daubin" by T. Marvin Hatley: Oddly enough, this title seems to refer to the middle section of "Comin' Round The Bend." The title refers to the paint on the captain's derriere. The music cue sheet lists it separately as Buckwheat follows the cat onto the roof of the steamboat, but doesn't mention it as it's interspersed with the other song during the card game. After Spanky and Buckwheat go overboard, it's very briefly heard before the scene fades out, and this instance is indicated in the cue sheet. It's also listed separately during the scene where the kids hide Marshall behind a bush, even though it intertwines with the other tune.
"The Apologizing Planter" by T. Marvin Hatley: The title of this piece refers to the slavemaster's repeated apologies to the boat captain. It's played on traditional instruments as he puts Buckwheat in the barrel and continues as Spanky looks for a customer. An orchestrated version is played as Marshall is in the cave with the kids and Spanky tells him about his plans to reunite him with Louella. This version returns as the Yankee general arrives at the plantation and restarts the trial.
"Let's Get Acquainted" by T. Marvin Hatley: An orchestrated version of this is played as Spanky shines Mr. Marsh's shoes. A traditional version is played during the shoeshine gag. A short bit of the orchestrated version is repeated at the end of the dinner scene, where the music cue sheet misidentifies it as "Comin' Round The Bend." This version is played again as Simmons barges into the house. It's repeated again as Marshall puts on the robe and crown for the Yankee general.
"Ezekiel's Wheel": Also known as "Ezekiel Saw The Wheel" and "Zekiel Saw The Wheel." The music cue sheet lists it as "Ezekiel Saw De Wheel," and credits Hatley with the arrangement. This is sung by the slaves as Marshall saves Spanky from Simmons.
"Oh! Dem Golden Slippers!" by James A. Bland: Published in 1879. Hatley received the arrangement credit for this version. This is played as the slaves leave the boat. It's repeated as the kids trap Simmons and Marshall makes it back to the cave. It's played again as the second trial ends.
"Old Folks At Home" aka "Swanee River" by Stephen Collins Foster: Published in 1851. Hatley received arrangement credit for this version. This is played as Buckwheat overhears the two slavemasters talking. It's played again as Spanky gets a second helping of chicken.
"Deep River": This is an African-American spiritual is unknown origin. Hatley receives arrangement credit. It's played as Buckwheat realizes he's alone, and as he meets Spanky.
"My Old Kentucky Home, Good-Night" by Stephen Collins Foster: Published in 1853. Hatley received arrangement credit for this version, which is listed in the music cue sheet simply as "My Old Kentucky Home." This is played as Louella and Cornelia talk, and as Marshall arrives. It's played again as Marshall invites Spanky to stay at his home and dinner starts. It's played a third time as the kids barge in on Simmons and Louella.
"Long, Long Ago" by Thomas Haynes Bayly: Published around 1830. Hatley received arrangement credit for this version. This is played as Marshall argues with the other southern gentlemen. It's played again as Spanky gives Marshall advise about fighting in the war. It's played a third time as Buckwheat goes in through the window during dinner time. It's played a fourth time as Spanky gets rid of the Union soldier while Marshall is hiding.
"Nellie Gray" by Benjamin R. Hanby: Written in 1856. Hatley received arrangement credit for this version. The music cue sheet lists it as "My Darling Nellie Gray." This is played as Col. Blanchard kicks Marshall out of his house. It's played again as the boys from Alfalfa's army join Spanky. A short bit is repeated as Marshall and Louella meet at their rendezvous point. It's played again as Marshall is informed of his impending execution.
"Listen To The Mockingbird" by Septimus Winner: Winner published this song in April 1855 under the pseudonym Alice Hawthorne. Hatley received arrangement credit for this version. This is played as Spanky and Buckwheat cry over being hungry, and as Spanky reunites with Marshall. It's played again as the kids are in the cave and decide not to use blood.
"Sweet Evalina": Hatley received arrangement credit for this version. The music cue sheet lists it as "Dear Evalina." Part of this piece is played as Spanky and Marshall finish their conversation as they walk. It's played again as Marshall gives Spanky final instructions before going off to war. Part of it is played again at the end of the second trial scene.
"Old Black Joe" by Stephen Collins Foster: Published in 1860. Hatley received arrangement credit for this version. This is played as Von gets under the table with Buckwheat. It's played again as Marshall discovers Buckwheat under the table.
"Double Quick Time": This is the drum and bugle music played at the beginning of the war sequence. Hatley received arrangement credit.
"Dixie (I Wish I Was In Dixie Land)" by Daniel Decatur Emmett: Published in 1859. Also known as "Dixie's Land." Hatley received arrangement credit for this version. This is played as Marshall swears in the two soldiers. It's played again at the beginning of the scene at the kiddie fortress. It's played again as the kids fire on the Union army. A part of it is played again as the kids pretend to bring in reinforcements. It's played again as Buckwheat spills the gun powder.
"Tramp! Tramp! Tramp!" by George F. Root: Originally a civil war song, this was featured in the musical "Naughty Marietta" and was a number one hit for Byron Harlan & Frank Stanley in 1910. It was later given new lyrics and retitled "Jesus Loves The Little Children." Hatley received arrangement credit for the instrumental version heard in this film. It's first played as the two kiddie armies meet. It's played again as Alfalfa joins Spanky's army.
"Columbia, The Gem Of The Ocean" by David T. Shaw: Published in 1843. Hatley received arrangement credit for this version, which is listed in the cue sheet as "Columbia, Gem Of The Ocean." This is played as Simmons is given his orders. It's played again as the orderly arrives to tell the Yankee general of the battle at Blanchard Hill. It's played again with the Union's victory over the gang. A vocal version is played, and followed by the instrumental version, as Spanky and Alfalfa arrive at the Union camp.
"Yankee Doodle": This derives from a 15th century Dutch harvesting song. Richard Schuckburgh wrote the words as we know them today during the French and Indian War to ridicule the colonists. During the Revolutionary War, colonists used it as a rallying anthem. Hatley received arrangement credit for the instrumental version heard in this film. It's first played as Rex Downing announces that the Yanks are coming. A part of it is played again as the Union army arrives near the gang's fort. A short bit is played at the end of "Charge Of Victory."
"Captain Jinks" by T. MacLagan: Maclagan wrote the music, with lyrics by William Horace Lingard, in the 19th century. The song was featured in the Broadway show "Captain Jinks Of The Horse Marines" in 1901. Hatley received arrangement credit for the instrumental version heard in this film. This is played as Simmons sends the orderly for reinforcements. Part of it is repeated as the Union fires back on the kiddie fort. It's repeated again as Buckwheat tries to clobber Simmons. It's played again as the gang prepares for Marshall's initiation into their army, and soon continues as he joins the kiddie army and the cave is discovered by the Union.
"Commence Firing": This is the bugle piece played as the Union starts their barrage of gun fire on the gang's fortress. Hatley received arrangement credit.
"Cease Firing": This is the bugle piece played as the gang surrenders. Hatley received arrangement credit.
"The Battle Hymn Of The Republic": Published in 1862. Hatley received arrangement credit for the instrumental version heard in this film. It's played as Simmons brags to the general about his triumphant victory.
"The Battle Cry Of Freedom" by George F. Root: Published in 1862. Hatley received arrangement credit for the instrumental version heard in this film. A short bit of this piece is played as Simmons is ordered to stay behind at Blanchard Hill.
"Charge Of Victory" by T. Marvin Hatley: This is the piece played during the adult battle footage. There's a bit of "Yankee Doodle" at the end.
"Just Before The Battle, Mother" by George F. Root: Published in 1864. Hatley received arrangment for the version sung by Alfalfa in this film.
"Raccoon Jig" by T. Marvin Hatley: This is played as Simmons excuses himself after listening to Alfalfa sing.
"Tenting Tonight On The Old Camp Ground" by Walter C. Kittredge: Published in 1863. Hatley received arrangement credit for the version heard in this film. The music cue sheet lists it as "Tenting Tonight On Old Camp Ground." This is the spiritual song played as Marshall is wounded and Spanky finds him.
"When Johnny Comes Marching Home" by Louis Lambert: Published in 1863. Hatley received arrangement credit for the instrumental version heard in this film. It's played as Marshall and the kids are back in the cave after his rendezvous with Louella.
"Massa's In The Cold, Cold Ground" by Stephen Collins Foster: Published in 1852. Hatley received arrangement credit for the instrumental version heard in this film. This is played as Marshall is in the robe and crown and Simmons arrests him.
"The Sad Comic" by Nathaniel Shilkret: This is played during the initial trial.
other music: The only remaining music is the tune that Cornelia briefly hums to herself. She ends it after very few notes, but it's likely that she's humming "I'se Gwine Up De Ribba," since other characters sing and whistle it elsewhere in the film.

the locations:

Sacramento River: Filmed along an eight-mile stretch for the duration of a week. The boat was called The Cherokee.
Hal Roach Ranch: A location sheet of October 19th for "Pay As You Exit" (no. 148) reveals that footage was shot here for "General Spanky," specifically the shot of Spanky and Alfalfa riding the mule.

miscellaneous:

It seems apparent that principle shooting for this feature took place in between the shooting of "Bored Of Education" (no. 146) and "Two Too Young" (no. 147), which would stretch it between July and September of 1936. A press release from August of 1936 states that "General Spanky" was in its third week of production. According to a casting directory entry for Flayette Roberts, she worked in this film for three months, which might be true if added scenes are taken into account. In fact, a location sheet for "Pay As You Exit" (no. 148) reveals that added scenes were scheduled to be shot at the Hal Roach Ranch on October 19th, involving a white mule. This was in addition to footage shot that day for the one-reeler.

According to the copyright deposit, this film was an eight-reeler, which seems consistent with its length. However, the cutting continuity divides everything into four reels. In this setup, reel one ends as Spanky and Buckwheat are feeling hungry, with reel two beginning with the birthday party on the lawn. Reel two ends as the Yankee general gives Simmons his orders. Reel three ends as Spanky takes the injured Marsh to the cave.

The shot of the cannons firing derives from footage left over from D. W. Griffith's 1930 feature "Abraham Lincoln." In the original film, they fire one at a time, but in "General Spanky," they fire simultaneously. Otherwise, the setting is identical. Maltin & Bann state that stock footage was also derived from Buster Keaton's 1926 feature "The General," but I haven't spotted any identical footage. The shots of the Union army marching might have been left over from that film.

The gang's army is called The Loyal Protection of Women and Children Regiment Club of the World and Mississippi River.

The 1937 casting directory credits Jeffrey Sayre with appearing in "Colonel Spanky." It's not clear whether this is an error or a working title.

In early 1935, Roach contracted with MGM to make an Our Gang feature called "Crook's Incorporated," which would have co-starred Thelma Todd, Patsy Kelly and Charley Chase. The script was written by Roach himself.

Nominated for the Academy Award in the Best Sound Recording of 1936 category. The awards ceremony took place on Mar. 4, 1937.

The script submitted to MGM was given the catalog number B430.

©July 27, 2005, by Robert Demoss.
2006 updates: 1/3, 1/16, 5/16, 6/14, 7/5, 10/25.
2007 updates: 4/1, 12/8.
2008 updates: 5/26, 8/9, 8/11.

Thanks to James A. Gipson, Joe Moore and Rob Stone for assistance on this page.