The Smile Wins

film no. 66

availability:

This film was considered lost until 1991, when a 35mm print was uncovered in France. There is also a Dutch print. The film is currently unavailable on video, but Festival Films sells 16mm copies of the French print, and it's one of these that I've researched.

technical details:

Production K-23. This throws some doubt on the order of production as shown in Maltin & Bann's book, as this film might rightfully be thought of as the 65th in the series.

Filmed May 24 to June 7, 1927. The original title of this film was "Keep Smiling."

Copyrighted September 9, 1927, by Pathé Exchange, Inc. Registration no. LU24345. Renewed January 10, 1955, with registration no. R142113. This copyright is currently due to expire at the end of 2022.

Released February 26, 1928. It was the 72nd film in the series to be released.

Silent two-reeler.

Probable opening title: '"Our Gang" Comedies - Hal Roach presents His Rascals in "The Smile Wins".' A lobby photo reads this way, except that "Comedies" is replaced with "Comedy."

the crew:

Produced by Hal Roach: Probably credited in the film as a presenter.
Directed by Robert F. McGowan: This credit probably appears in the film, but without his middle initial.
Photographed by Art Lloyd: This credit probably appears in the film.
Edited by Richard Currier: This credit probably appears in the film.
Titles by H. M. Walker: This credit probably appears in the film.
Story by Hal E. Roach and Robert F. McGowan: This credit probably doesn't appear in the film.
Released by Pathé Exchange, Inc.
Passed by the National Board of Review: Probably indicated in the film.
studio personnel
possible uncredited involvement

the kids:

Allen "Farina" Hoskins as "Farina": Lead role. He's the star of the film, taking over his mother's laundry business when she gets sick.
Jannie Hoskins: Featured role. She's Farina's little sister in this film, and appears almost as much as he does.
Joe Cobb: Supporting role. He seems to be the leader of the gang, and gets them to change their attitude toward Farina.
Jackie Condon: Supporting role. He does mostly ensemble acting in this film.
Jay R. Smith: Supporting role. He does mostly ensemble acting in this film.
Harry Spear: Supporting role. He does mostly ensemble acting in this film.
Mildred Kornman: Small part. Not listed by Maltin & Bann. She's seen near the beginning of the film riding on the gang's merry-go-round.
Johnny Aber: Small part. He throws a tomato at Farina.
questionable listings: Both Jean Darling and Bobby "Wheezer" Hutchins are listed by Maltin & Bann, but they don't appear in the film. However, there is a scene where the boys are away from their merry-go-round and in the foreground, while Mildred remains on the merry-go-round in the background. It appears that one other kid is back there with her, and it's not any of the other kids mentioned here.

the animals:

Pete (no. 1): Supporting role. He's the family dog at Farina's house. He attacks the bad guy and gets into the chloroform and limburger.
mule 053: Small part. This mule provides locomotion for the contraption Farina rigs up to do the laundry. Presumably the other mule that appeared in "The Fourth Alarm!" (no. 53).
bugwatch: There are numerous flies all over the food that the gang has brought for Farina and his family.

the adults:

Florence Hoskins as Farina's mother: Supporting role. She's sickly through most of this short, that is, until she gets rich.
George B. French as "Simon Sleazy": Supporting role. He's the evil landlord who buys the oil deed, not realizing that the gusher is the result of somebody's busted pipe.
other adults: Small parts and bit parts.
(1.) "Dr. B. V. Dee," physician and surgeon, who examines Farina's mother.
(2.) The woman who receives the dirty laundry.
(3.) The man whose pipe gets broken.
(4.) "Humidor," Farina's chauffeur.
(5.) The stunt double for Farina's mom, possibly David Sharpe.
(6.) Drivers and pedestrians shown in the background.
(7.) Maltin & Bann list Budd Fine and Lyle Tayo with undetermined roles.

the music (sort of):

"Pack Up Your Troubles In Your Old Kit Bag And Smile, Smile, Smile!" by George Asaf and Felix Powell: Published in 1915 with lyrics by Asaf and music by Powell. This was a number one hit for James F. Harrison and Knickerbocker Quartet in 1917. The sheet music for this song is shown at the beginning of the film.

the locations:

Turner's Style Shop: This is shown in the background as Farina gets into his new car.
bank: At the end of the film, Farina walks out of a bank, which looks like it could be authentic.

miscellaneous:

The name of the gang's oil company is "Farina Oil Co. Ink." The oil well is named "Well Nu. 1."

The name on the bottle of chloroform is "Clyde W. Slater, druggist."

Signs on Farina's house say "Hand Laundry," presumably the name of their business.

There were 40 copies of this film printed for its initial release.

Copyright Mar. 9, 2005, by Robert Demoss.
2005 updates: 4/1, 4/25.
2006 updates: 1/9, 6/11, 6/12.
2007 updates: 4/1, 10/22, 12/8.
2008 updates: 3/31.

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