Growing Pains

film no. 77

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. I have been able to view some publicity photos, though, which verify the inclusion of the kids listed below.

technical details:

Production G-11.

Filmed February 27 to March 15, 1928.

Cutting continuity prepared on March 20, 1928.

Copyrighted September 22, 1928, by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Corporation. Registration no. LP25669. Renewed December 7, 1955, with registration no. R160738. This copyright is currently due to expire at the end of 2023.

Released September 22, 1928. It was the 77th film in the series to be released.

Silent two-reeler.

Opening title: '"Our Gang" Comedies - Hal Roach presents His Rascals in "Growing Pains".'

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, and also says "A Robert McGowan Production."
Supervised by Robert F. McGowan: The film credits him as supervising director, but without the middle initial.
Directed by Anthony Mack: This credit appears in the film. Mack was actually Robert A. (for Anthony) McGowan, the nephew of Robert F. He's credited in Rob Stone's list as "McGowan, Jr."
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, but is indicated in the cutting continuity.
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 Ann": Lead role. She continually pesters the other kids and sicks the giant on them.
Bobby "Wheezer" Hutchins as "Wheezer": Featured role. His mother constantly gives him cod liver oil. The kids think he's been turned into a giant.
Allen "Farina" Hoskins: Supporting role. He's the victim of several of Mary Ann's practical jokes.
Joe Cobb: Supporting role. He's also a frequent victim and has plenty of screen time.
Jay R. Smith: Supporting role. He's given a fair amount of attention.
Harry Spear: Supporting role. He's given some individual attention and is the first to successfully get back at the giant when he starts throwing eggs.
Jackie Condon: Supporting role. His big scene is the one where he keeps using bigger hammers to hit the giant on the head with.
Jean Darling: Small part. She's not mentioned in the continuity, but appears in the publicity photos.
Jimmy Perrin: Small part. He's not mentioned in the continuity, but appears in the publicity photos.

the animals:

Pete (no. 1): Supporting role. He's featured throughout the film. The continuity refers to him as "Pansy," but not in any of the inter-titles.
Leo: Bit part. The MGM lion appears at the opening of the film.
bugwatch: A hornets nest is put down the back of the giant's pants, but it isn't clear whether we actually see the hornets themselves, or if they might be animated.

the adults:

John Aason as "John Aason," the vaudeville giant: Featured role. Maltin & Bann spell his last name Aassen. He's the circus giant who stands in for Wheezer and scares the kids.
other adults: Small parts and bit parts.
(1.) Mary Ann and Wheezer's mother, known as "Mrs. James Jackson."
(2.) The cab driver.
(3.) The man who carries Mary back to the gang while she's dressed as a baby.
(4.) The woman Mary hides behind before pushing Harry in the mud.

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