Dog Heaven

film no. 70

availability:

For Pete's Sake (VHS) from Cabin Fever

Released Aug. 27, 1997. This copy is an original print with very good picture quality. The total footage lasts 31:23. This version has appeared on numerous bootlegs.

The Little Rascals (DVD) from Hallmark Home Entertainment

Released Aug. 19, 2003. This is a copy of the Cabin Fever version.

Our Gang Volume #7 (VHS) from Grapevine Video and also from The Picture Palace

This copy is a home movie print from Blackhawk Films, but with the Blackhawk logo blacked out. The inter-titles was remade by Blackhawk, but with the original wording. The end title has been replaced. The picture quality is good, and more of the frame is shown than in the Cabin Fever version. The print totals 21:38, with about 18:45 of it original footage. This version has appeared on numerous bootlegs.

special note

There's a European video release of this film lasting 22:33. The titles are all remade, with the object of making them appear original. However, the font is not quite the same as on the original prints, and there are one or two mistakes. Music is provided by the Beau Hunks with sound effects.

technical details:

the crew:

Produced by Robert F. McGowan for Hal Roach

This is the way Maltin & Bann put it. The film lists Roach as the presenter, and reads "A Robert McGowan Production."

Supervised by Robert F. McGowan

This credit appears in the film, but without his middle initial.

Directed by Anthony Mack, Charles Oelze and Robert F. McGowan

Mack was actually Robert A. "for Anthony" McGowan, the nephew of Robert F. No onscreen credit was given to Oelze, but Jean Darling's mother noted his role as co-director. However, Rob Stone's notes indicate that Oelze wasn't listed as director for any of the shooting dates. These notes also indicate that Robert F. McGowan directed the retakes, even though he didn't receive onscreen credit.

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.

Story by Robert F. McGowan

This credit doesn't appear in the film.

Location scouting by Jack Roach

According to Maltin & Bann.

Released by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

As indicated in the film.

Passed by the National Board of Review

As indicated in the film.

studio personnel

• director-general - Leo McCarey
• general manager - Warren Doane
• assistant general manager - L. A. French
• secretary-treasurer - C. H. Roach
• construction supervisor - C. E. Christensen
• laboratory superintendent - Charles Levin
• optical effects supervisor - Roy Seawright
• still photographer - Bud "Stax" Graves
• transportation director - Bob Davis
• school teacher - Fern Carter

possible uncredited involvement

• editing - Bert Jordan and William Terhune were among the cutters during this period.
• writing - Robert A. McGowan, Jean Yarbrough and Charlie Hall may have been among the gag writers.
• property department - Charles Oelze, Don Sandstrom and Thomas Benton Roberts were probably involved in this capacity, and possibly Ted Driscoll, William A. Collins and Roy Seawright.
• animal training - Harry Lucenay was Pete's trainer.

the kids:

Joe Cobb as "Joe"

Lead role. He neglects Pete in favor of Clarabelle, but realizes his mistake in the end.

Bobby "Wheezer" Hutchins

Supporting role. The nickname doesn't appear in the film. He has a few funny moments at the drinking fountain and putting worms in Joe's hat.

Jay R. Smith

Supporting role. He has a fist fight with Joe, and later exchanges kisses with Jackie.

Jackie Condon

Supporting role. Jay calls him "Clementina" before the two of them kiss each other repeatedly.

Allen "Farina" Hoskins

Supporting role. The nickname doesn't appear in the film. He fishes using a mousetrap.

Jean Darling

Supporting role. She does mostly ensemble acting, but also holds Wheezer while he tries to drink from the fountain.

Mildred Kornman

Supporting role. She does mostly ensemble acting, but works the water pressure for the fountain.

other kids

Featured role. The only remaining kid is the girl who plays "Clarabelle." She aggresively pursues Joe, and later blames Pete for pushing her in the lake. A 1927 casting directory lists a child actress named Annette De Kirby as appearing in this film, so this is probably the role she played.

the animals:

Pete (no. 1) as "Pete"

Lead role. He attempts suicide after losing Joe to a girl.

cat 060 as "Gertrude"

Small part. This is Clarabelle's cat, who takes a disliking to Pete. She's also seen in the opening scene with the black cat. Previously seen in "Tired Business Men" (no. 60).

dog 034

Bit part. This is the dog that pushes Clarabelle into the water.

Leo

Bit part. The MGM lion appears at the opening of the film.

other animals

Supporting roles, bit parts and extras.
(1.) The dog that listens to Pete's story.
(2.) The 'lady dog from the Follies' that Pete has the affair with.
(3.) The five drunken dogs.
(4.) The black cat that's glad Pete is kicking the bucket.
(5.) The five chickens on the fence watching Pete hang himself.
(6.) The seven puppies born to Pete and the lady dog.
(7.) Farina's fish.
(8.) Many worms.
(9.) The white chicken passing in the background while Pete's necking with the lady dog.
(10.) The duck in the lake.

bugwatch

Numerous flies buzzing around, particularly while Pete's drunk.

the adults:

Charley Young as the man in the wheelchair

Small part. He reveals that Pete is the hero.

Lyle Tayo as Clarabelle's mom

Small part. Maltin & Bann list her as the "lady at accident scene." She rewards Joe for saving her daughter.

Charles Bachman as the cop

Bit part. He's the cop that arrives on the scene after Pete rescues Clarabelle.

Ed Brandenberg as the lover on the park bench

Bit part. According to Maltin & Bann. I can't really differentiate him from Chet Brandenberg.

other adults

Bit parts and extras.
(1.) The cop who ties Pete to the tree.
(2.) The proprietor at the hardware store where the dog collar is for sale.
(3.) The woman who sells the candy and flowers to Joe.
(4.) The woman on the park bench with Brandenberg.
(5.) The man picking up litter who gets knocked over by Pete.
(6.) The man who gets rolled down the hill by Pete.
(7.) The two men and two women who arrive at the scene after Clarabelle is rescued.
(8.) The pedestrian in the background during the drinking fountain scene, plus several more at the park.

the locations:

Hollenbeck Park

The scene where Clarabelle is pushed into the lake and rescued was shot at this park.

Motor and Woodbine Avenues, Palms district, Los Angeles

The location of Pete's suicide attempt is in the barn adjacent to the vacant lot at the southwest corner of this intersection. The buildings on the corner are shown in the background as Pete's friend is running to rescue him.

S. A. Franklin Hardware, Palms district, Los Angeles

This was located at 9907 Venice Boulevard.

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