Bear Shooters

film no. 98

availability:

Our Gang Comedies (3 LD set) from MGM/UA Home Video: Released 1994. This is an original print. Interestingly, the MGM lion has a different soundtrack than usual, and sounds like somebody doing a sound effect over silent film footage.
Laurel and Hardy and Friends - Volume One (LD) from Nostalgia Archive
The Little Rascals Festival (DVD) from Flashback Entertainment: This is the version seen on the MGM/UA laserdisc.
Laurel and Hardy and Friends - Volume Four (VHS) from Hal Roach Studios: Released Dec. 15, 1998. This is an original print, except for the MGM lion, which is on sound film and taken from a later film.
Laurel and Hardy and Friends (DVD) from Hal Roach Studios: Released Mar. 23, 1999.
The Little Rascals Collection (5 DVD set) from Passport Video: Released July 13, 2004. This is the same version as on the Laurel & Hardy VHS.
The Little Rascals Remastered & Unedited Vol. 17 (VHS) from Cabin Fever and
The Little Rascals Remastered & Unedited Volume Three (4 LD set) from Cabin Fever: Released 1995. This is a nearly complete original print with excellent picture quality. Missing is a few seconds of footage of Mary Ann and Wheezer sneaking towards the wagon. The total footage is 20:16. This version has appeared on numerous bootlegs.
The Little Rascals - The Complete Collection (8 DVD set) from Genius Products: Released late Oct. 2008. This is identical to the Cabin Fever version.
Our Gang Comedies (VHS) from Viking Video Classics: Released 1986. This is a complete original print, but without the fanfare played over the MGM lion.
Our Gang Comedies (VHS) from Parade Video: Released Nov. 11, 1998. This is in EP mode.
Our Gang Comedies (DVD) from PC Treasurea, Inc.
"Our Gang" Comedies Presents The Little Rascals (3 VHS set) from AmVest Video: Released 1989. This is the same version as on the Viking release, but in LP mode.
The Little Rascals Two Pack (2 VHS set) from Brentwood Home Video: Released in 1994. The first VHS is Little Rascals Scrapbook Volume One, and contains a nearly complete print, but without the MGM lion. The second VHS is Little Rascals Scrapbook Volume Two, and contains a clip lasting 0:03, showing Mary Ann, with narration added.
The Little Rascals Comedy Classics Vol. 1 (VHS) from NTA Home Entertainment: Released Apr. 1991. This is a home movie print from Blackhawk, with a remade opening title, no crew credits, and the original end title. The soundtrack starts with "Good Old Days," which is abruptly replaced by the original soundtrack. The original footage totals 19:54, while the original soundtrack lasts an additional 0:02.
The Little Rascals Book II (VHS) from Blackhawk Video: This is the Blackhawk print.
Our Gang Festival: Also included as part of 50 Movie Pack Comedy Classics (12 DVD set) from Treeline Films, released 2004. This is the Blackhawk print.
Our Gang - 3 Features (VHS/DVD) from Platinum Disc Corporation: VHS released Jan. 11, 2000. DVD also packaged as part of Comedy Classics, Vol. 2: Our Gang/The Road To Bali (2 DVDs), Family Classics: The East Side Kids/Our Gang/The Road To Bali (3 DVDs), both released June 29, 1999, Slapstick Comedy Greats (3 DVD set), released Dec. 10, 2002, and Comedy At Its Best (4 DVDs), released Dec. 10, 2002. This version is only 12:20, since it begins at the point where the kids have arrived at their campsite.
The Little Rascals - Funniest Episodes (5 VHS set) from GoodTimes Home Video: Released June 25, 2002. This version has also appeared in bootleg form.
The Best Of Our Gang Volume 1 (DVD) from GoodTimes Home Video: Released June 1, 2004.
Hal Roach's Little Rascals In Our Gang/Shirley Temple Classics (2 DVDs) from Disc Plaza
The Little Rascals: Bear Shooters/Waldo's Last Stand/Dogs Of War! (VHS/DVD)
from GoodTimes Home Video: Released Mar. 1 or 21, 2001. Presumably released initially on VHS. Included as part of The Little Rascals 4-Pack DVD, released May 29, 2001, and probably also Our Gang Collection (10 VHS set/8 DVD set), released May 7, 2002.
The Little Rascals & Our Gang Collection Vol. 1 (DVD) from Janus Entertainment, Inc.: Also compiled with Vol. 2 into a 2 DVD set entitled The Little Rascals Our Gang Collector's Edition.
Our Gang (VHS)
The Our Gang Collection (VHS)
Our Gang Featuring "Bear Shooters" Volume 3 (VHS) from Sterling Entertainment Group
Hollywood Favorites - Our Gang Comedies (VHS)
National Lampoon's Golf Punks/Our Gang 2 Pack (2 DVDs): Released Dec. 2002.
Our Gang Comedies And Laurel & Hardy (DVD)
The Little Rascals (2 DVD set) from TV Time
TV Time Comedy 100 TV Episodes (10 DVD set) from TV Time
Comedy Classics (DVD) from Vintage Home Entertainment: Released May 18, 2004.
Hal Roach's Little Rascals: Our Gang (DVD) from Family DVD Store
Three Stooges, Little Rascals & East Side Kids Collection (5 DVD set) from Diamond Ent. Corp.: Released Aug. 30, 2005.
Classic Troublemakers (3 DVD set) from St. Clair Entertainment: Released Oct. 25, 2005.
Our Gang Hollywood Classics Collectors Edition: Released Sep. 21, 1999.
Our Gang (DVD) from Quality Television: Released July 24, 2006. Also included as part of Our Gang: Terrific Tot Tales (2 DVD set) released Apr. 24, 2007.
Our Gang's Greatest Hits (VHS) from Video Dimensions: Released 1981. This version opens with a freeze-framed shot of Jackie Cooper and Chubby Chaney taken from later in the film. The music played over this is from the TV series Those Lovable Scallawags With Their Gangs. There is also some footage missing from this print.
The Kids Of Old Hollywood (DVD) from Alpha Video: Released Apr. 24, 2007.
The Little Rascals (PAL DVD)
Harold Lloyd & Friends (PAL DVD)
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 1:26 is included, showing parts of the beginning of the film, with narration added.
Our Gang Comedy Festival (VHS/DVD) from GoodTimes Home Video: Copyrighted in 1986 by Movietime Inc. Released on VHS in 1987, it was made available on DVD in 2000. The VHS is also part of a collection called Our Gang Collector Series 5 Pack in 2002. The DVD was also part of a collection called Our Gang Collector Series 4 Pack in 2001, which was superseded by Our Gang Collector Series 5 Pack in Mar. 2004. It was also included as part of the Our Gang Double Feature released June 25, 2002, a double DVD set called The Best Of Our Gang Volume 2 released June 1, 2004, and The TV Laugh Pack DVD (released Dec. 6, 2005). Four clips from this film are included, all presented consecutively. The first clip, lasting 1:17, shows the boys trying to take Spud's mule. The second clip, lasting 2:12, shows the kids leaving in the wobbly wagon. The third clip, lasting 3:21, shows the kids at the campsite. The final clip, lasting 3:26, shows the gorilla chasing the kids around.
Our Gang Comedy Festival II (VHS/DVD) from GoodTimes Home Video: VHS first released 1989. The initials 'GT' are superimposed in the right-hand corner throughout the print, and the VHS is in LP mode. This VHS was included as part of the Our Gang Collector Series 5 Pack released Feb. 2002, while the DVD was included as part of a 5 DVD set of the same name released Mar. 2004. Three clips from this film are included, presented consecutively. The first clip, lasting 2:16, shows the beginning of the film. The second clip, lasting 1:00, shows Spud talking to Mary Ann. The final clip, lasting 2:23, shows Farina's encounter with the gorilla.
100 Years Of Comedy (DVD) from Passport Video: Released June 24, 2003. Included in this documentary are three clips from this film totaling 0:22. We first see the boys saying goodbye to Spud, then the gorilla coming up behind Farina, and then the kids starting their journey in the wagon.

technical details:

Production G-32.

Filmed December 19, 1929 to January 4, 1930, and January 21, 1930. See the 'miscellaneous' section below for details.

Also filmed in Spanish as "Los cazadores de osos" with the same production number, as well as in French. The Spanish version was 1,867 ft.

It appears that MGM either failed to copyright this film back in 1930, or copyrighted it under a different title. Because of this, it is treated as a public domain film.

Released May 17, 1930. It was the 98th film in the series to be released.

All-talking two-reeler.

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

Opening title in Spanish version: 'Hal Roach presenta Sus Actores Chiquitos en "Los Cazadores De Osos".'

King World Productions episode no. 2, available in both colorized and original black-and-white versions.

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."
Directed by Robert F. McGowan: This credit appears in the film, but without his middle initial. He's also credited in the Spanish version.
Photographed by Len Powers: This credit appears in the film. He's credited as Len Power in the Spanish version.
Film Editor: Richard Currier: This credit appears in the film. He's also credited in the Spanish version.
Story Editor: H. M. Walker: This credit appears in the film. Some of the studio documentation for this film credits him as Harley M. Walker. He's also credited in the Spanish version.
Recording Engineer: Elmer Raguse: Not listed by Maltin & Bann. This credit appears in the film. He's also credited in the Spanish version.
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.
A Victor Recording, Western Electric System: As indicated in the film.
studio personnel
possible uncredited involvement

the kids:

Leon Janney as "Spud" aka "Donald": Lead role. He has to take care of Wheezer, but recruits Mary Ann for the purpose so he can go camping. Publicity material lists his character name as "Don." His character name in the Spanish version is "Pancho."
Allen "Farina" Hoskins as "Farina": Featured role. He's present throughout the film and is featured in a lot of the humorous moments, particularly with the gorilla. He wears a Daniel Boone cap throughout the film. His character name in the Spanish version is the same.
Bobby "Wheezer" Hutchins as "Wheezer": Featured role. He has the croup and must be 'greased' periodically. His character name in the Spanish version is the same.
Mary Ann Jackson as "Mary": Supporting role. She gets to go along on the camping trip since she's agreed to take care of Wheezer. Her character name in the Spanish version is "Maria."
Norman "Chubby" Chaney as "Chubby": Supporting role. He's mostly preoccupied with eating and puts limburger on Wheezer's neck instead of goose grease. His character name in the Spanish version is "Gordito."
Jackie Cooper as "Jack": Supporting role. He's present through most of the proceedings, but isn't given much to do. It's his idea to take Spud's mule, and later he throws the bees nest under the gorilla's butt. His character name in the Spanish version is "Juanito."
other kids: The only other kid in the film is the little girl in the picture on Wheezer's bedroom wall.

the animals:

Pete the Pup (no. 1): Supporting role. He's present through most of the film, but doesn't do too much until the end, when he chases the bootlegger into the lake. His character name in the Spanish version is "Pepe."
Dinah the Mule: Supporting role. She pulls the gang's wagon, then later kicks the gorilla.
skunk 014: Bit part. Presumably the same skunk seen previously. He provides the closing gag.
Leo: Bit part. The MGM lion appears at the opening of the film.
other animals: Small parts and bit parts.
(1.) The goose that serves as the horn on the gang's wagon.
(2.) Six chicks hatched inside the stove.
(3.) Two fish, at least one of which is fake, and probably the other as well.

the adults:

Charles Gemora as "Charlie," the bootlegger in the gorilla suit: Supporting role. Listed by Maltin & Bann as Charles Gamora. He was the one inside the gorilla suit, but the part is otherwise played by Charlie Hall.
Charlie Hall as "Charlie," the bootlegger in the gorilla suit: Supporting role. He's shown in the shots in which the head of the gorilla suit is off.
Robert Kortman as "Bob," the other bootlegger: Supporting role. He tries to rescue his friend, but is chased into the lake by Pete.
Fay Holderness by Spud's mom: Small part. She's seen briefly at the beginning ordering Spud to take care of Wheezer.

the music:

The music cue sheet only lists four titles for this film. One of these is "Mademoiselle Promenade" by H. Maurice Jacquet. I don't yet know which tune this is.
"That Old Gang Of Mine" by Ray Henderson: Written in 1923 with lyrics by Billy Rose and Mort Dixon. An instrumental version is played over the opening titles and continues through the introductory inter-title. It returns for the last gag where the kids hide in the log and Wheezer arrives with the skunk, and continues over the end title.
"Dance Of The Jacks" by Poldini: Also known as "Danse des Valets." A short bit of this is played as we're first introduced to Wheezer and Spud. More of it is heard as Spud's mother orders him to stay home and continues as we're introduced to Jackie and Chubby.
"Never Mind Bo Peep" by Victor Herbert: Published in 1903 as part of "Babes In Toyland," with lyrics by Glen MacDonough. A instrumental segment is heard as Wheezer tries to pick a fight with Spud and their mother enters the room.
"Marionette" by Felix Arndt: Published in 1914. This arrangement is by J. S. Zamecnik. A full version of this piece is played from the time Farina arrives until the scene where Spud tries to bribe Mary. A shorter piece of it is played as Wheezer catches the gorilla.
"Jack In The Box" by Zez Confrey: Copyrighted 1927. This is played from the time Spud joins the boys until they finally get on the road.
piece 098b: This is played as Chubby eats the limburger and Wheezer chases himself. It returns as Chubby greases Wheezer and he gets reactions to the smell.
piece 098c: This is played after Mary discovers the chicks and continues as Farina rows and Wheezer coughs.
piece 080j: This is played as Farina fishes and we're introduced to the first bootlegger.
"Flirtation" by Sommer: The second half of this piece is played as Farina puts the rope around Wheezer. "Music Box" appears as the middle section.
"Music Box" by Paul Lincke: This is played as the middle section of "Flirtation."
"Toddling" by Erno Rapee and Dr. William Axt: Most of this is played as the gorilla comes up behind the kids and Farina mouths off. The ear wiggling sounds from "Wiggle Your Ears" (no. 84) can be heard.
piece 097d: This is played as Farina first meets the gorilla.
piece 097e: A part of this piece is played as the gorilla carries Farina and Wheezer throws a rock at his head.
piece 097c: This is played from the time the gorilla starts chasing the kids until Mary finds herself right in front of him.
piece 098d: This is a short piece played as the gorilla chases Mary.
piece 098e: This is played as the gorilla chases Wheezer, and continues until Mary konks him on the head.
piece 098f: This is a short effects piece played as the gorilla gets up after having been konked on the head.
piece 097a: This is played as the gang is trying to trap the gorilla, and continues as he is trapped. It is played again during the sequence with the bees.
piece 080i: About two seconds of this is played as the second arrow goes into the gorilla's butt.
piece 097b: This is a short effects piece played as the third arrow goes into the gorilla's butt.
piece 097l: This is played as Pete chases the bootlegger into the lake.
music from alternate prints
"Good Old Days" by Leroy Shield: This is played at the beginning of the Blackhawk print, but is abruptly replaced by "That Old Gang Of Mine."

miscellaneous:

14 shooting dates went into the making of this film. A little more than a week after shooting finished for "When The Wind Blows" (no. 97), the 'start' date arrived for "Bear Shooters" on Dec. 19th. Shooting continued until the 'finish' date of Jan. 4th. No shooting took place on Dec. 22nd or 29th, which were both Sundays, nor on Dec. 25th or Jan. 1st, which were both holidays. About a week and a half after the finish date, retakes were shot on Jan. 21st. Robert F. McGowan directed on each of the shooting dates. Six days later, the Our Gang unit began to film "A Tough Winter" (no. 99).

©May 8, 2005, by Robert Demoss.
2005 updates: 5/16, 5/23, 7/4, 7/9, 8/27, 8/30, 12/19.
2006 updates: 1/2, 1/3, 1/15, 1/16, 2/11, 2/13, 2/20, 5/16, 6/8, 7/5, 7/25, 7/26, 10/25.
2007 updates: 4/1, 10/21, 10/22, 11/25.
2008 updates: 1/19, 7/6, 7/12, 7/20, 8/19, 8/24, 9/12, 9/30, 11/6, 12/14.
2009 updates: 3/9, 5/19.

Thanks to Rob Stone, Joe Moore, Piet Schreuders, Paul Fitzpatrick, Tony Foy, Paul Mular and mtw12055 for assistance on this page.