School's Out

film no. 102

availability:

The Little Rascals Remastered & Unedited Vol. 3 (VHS) from Cabin Fever and

The Little Rascals Remastered & Unedited Volume One (4 LD set) from Cabin Fever

Released July 6, 1994. Also released as part of 12 VHS boxed set. This is a complete original print with excellent picture quality. It lasts 20:38. This version has appeared on numerous bootlegs. There's also a clip lasting 0:02 included in the opening advertisement of all the Cabin Fever VHS releases, which shows Farina winking.

The Little Rascals Volume 3: Collector's Edition (VHS) from Hallmark Home Entertainment

Released Aug. 15, 2000. Also included as part of The Little Rascals Volumes 1-5: Collector's Edition (5 VHS set) and The Little Rascals Volumes 1-10: Collector's Edition (10 VHS set), both released Aug. 15, 2000.

The Little Rascals Remastered & Unedited Vol. 3 & Vol. 4 (DVD) from Cabin Fever

Same contents as the Cabin Fever VHS releases. Also released as part of The Little Rascals Remastered & Unedited (6 DVD set).

The Little Rascals (DVD) from Hallmark Home Entertainment

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

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 (3 LD set) from MGM/UA Home Video

Released 1994. This is an original print. The MGM lion has a different soundtrack than usual, as though somebody is adding a sound effect to silent footage.

The Little Rascals Festival (DVD) from Flashback Entertainment

This version has the MGM lion at the opening, but the sound effect heard in "Bear Shooters" (no. 98) is overdubbed.

Our Gang Comedies (VHS) from Viking Video Classics

Released 1986. This is an original print, but without the MGM lion. The picture quality is very good.

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 identical to the Viking release, but in LP mode.

Superstars Of Our Gang (DVD) from Genius Entertainment

Released Mar. 27, 2007. Also included as part of The Little Rascals In Color! (3 DVD set). This is an original print, but is missing the MGM lion. It's included both as a colorized print, and in the original black-and-white.

The Little Rascals Collection (5 DVD set) from Passport Video

Released July 13, 2004. This is an original print, except that the MGM lion is on sound film, suggesting that it was probably taken from a later film. There are also two clips, each lasting 0:02, included in the main menu of all 5 DVDs. The 1st shows Stymie and Wheezer, and the 2nd shows Farina. There are also 4 clips included in the documentary Kid Stuff: Inside Hollywood's Child Stars. The 1st lasts 0:03, and shows Miss Crabtree calling on Jackie. The 2nd lasts 0:17, and shows the gang in Miss Crabtree's car. The 3rd lasts 0:05, and shows the little kids stealing pies. The 4th lasts 0:08, and shows Miss Crabtree kissing Jackie.

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, which has a remade opening title. The original footage totals 20:22, but the original soundtrack lasts an additional 0:09.

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 0:05 showing Farina, a clip lasting 0:04 showing Chubby, a clip lasting 0:02 showing Jackie, a clip lasting 0:03 showing Wheezer, and a clip lasting 0:03 showing Stymie, Pete and Wheezer, with narration added.

The Little Rascals Colorized Collection (VHS) from Hallmark Home Entertainment

Released Apr. 19, 1999. One of six same-named VHS releases, each with three colorized films, deriving from the Cabin Fever versions.

The Little Rascals Book XXVI (VHS) from Blackhawk Video

This is a home movie print from Blackhawk.

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. Also included as part of The Best Of Our Gang Volumes 1 & 2 (2 DVD set).

Hal Roach's Little Rascals In Our Gang/Shirley Temple Classics (2 DVDs) from Disc Plaza

Laurel and Hardy and Friends - Volume One (LD) from Nostalgia Archive

Laurel and Hardy and Friends - Volume One (VHS) from Hal Roach Studios

Released Dec. 15, 1998.

Laurel and Hardy and Friends (DVD) from Hal Roach Studios

Released Mar. 23, 1999.

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 - 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, and Slapstick Comedy Greats (3 DVD set), released Dec. 10, 2002, and Comedy At Its Best (4 DVDs), released Dec. 10, 2002.

Our Gang Featuring "School's Out" Volume 2 (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

Our Gang Hollywood Classics Collectors Edition

Released Sep. 21, 1999.

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 (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 is of very poor quality without the original opening title. When the Crane twins announce the name of the film, the picture freezes, and the words 'Our Gang in School's Out' appear on the screen before the film proceeds.

The Kids Of Old Hollywood (DVD) from Alpha Video

Released Apr. 24, 2007.

The Little Rascals (PAL DVD)

Harold Lloyd & Friends (PAL DVD)

Jackie Remembers Our Gang - Memories From Little Rascals Family Theater (VHS/DVD) from Jackie Taylor

A clip lasting 0:05 is included, showing the kids in the car with Miss Crabtree.

Jackie Remembers Our Gang - The Silent Era (VHS/DVD) from Jackie Taylor

A clip lasting 0:05 is included, showing Farina at his desk, with narration added.

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. Seven clips from this film are shown. The first three are all part of the introduction. The first lasts 0:11, and shows the Crane twins. The second lasts 0:15, and shows Jackie's answer to Miss Crabtree's question. The third lasts 0:20, and shows Farina's answer regarding Lincoln's Gettysburg address. The fourth lasts 1:46, and combines the petition scene with a short shot of Miss Crabtree in her car with her brother. The fifth lasts 0:22, and shows more footage of the car ride. The sixth lasts 0:58, and shows the kids getting into Miss Crabtree's car. The seventh lasts 4:34 seconds, and is taken from various scenes, but mostly shows the question-and-answer sequence. These last four clips have narration added. A freeze-frame of the opening title of the Interstate Television print is also shown.

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, 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 shown. The first, shown during the opening titles, lasts 0:54, and shows the petition scene. The second lasts 1:08, and shows the car ride. This followed by a clip lasting 3:40, showing the kids conversation with Miss Crabtree's brother and the taking of his clothes. This is followed by a clip lasting 2:40, showing Farina's confession and the return of Miss Crabtree's brother.

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. Five clips from this film are shown. The first lasts 0:26, and shows Wheezer opening Jackie's lunchbox. The second lasts 0:01, and shows Pete. The third lasts 2:11, and shows the little kids with Miss Crabtree and also the stolen pie. This is followed by a clip lasting 0:32, showing the kids buying the answers from Bonedust. This is followed by a clip lasting 4:40, showing the quiz sequence.

Classic Comedy Teams (VHS) from GoodTimes Home Video

Four clips from this film are included. The first lasts 0:10, and shows the Crane twins. This is followed by a clip lasting 0:23, showing the little kids with pie on their faces. The third lasts 3:27, and is taken from various parts of the film, but especially the quiz sequence. The fourth lasts 0:01, and shows Donald Haines.

Hal Roach's Rascals 3-Tape Set (3 VHS set) and

Hal Roach's Rascals (DVD) from Brentwood Video

VHS release Feb. 2000. DVD also available in a 2 DVD set with another same-named DVD. Included is a documentary entitled Hollywood Hall Of Fame, with 2 clips from this film. The 1st lasts 0:01, and shows the gang in the car with Miss Crabtree. And the 2nd lasts 0:02, and shows Farina and Jackie.

Laurel And Hardy Collection (2 DVD set) from Warner Home Video

Released Apr. 18, 2006. Includes a documentary entitled "Added Attractions: The Hollywood Shorts Story. This documentary contains a clip from this film lasting 0:06, and showing the kids in Miss Crabtree's car.

technical details:

the crew:

Produced by Hal Roach

Credited in the film as a presenter.

Direction by Robert F. McGowan

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

Photographed by Art Lloyd

This credit appears in the film.

Edited by Richard Currier

This credit appears in the film.

Recording by Elmer Raguse

Not listed by Maltin & Bann. This credit appears in the film.

Dialogue by H. M. Walker

This credit appears in the film. Studio documentation credits him as a story editor.

Animal Trainer: Harry Lucenay

He was Pete's owner and trainer.

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

• general manager - Warren Doane
• assistant general manager - L. A. French
• secretary-treasurer - C. H. Roach
• assistant secretary - Mat O'Brien
• 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

• assistant direction - Possibly Charles Oelze.
• writing - Robert F. McGowan probably headed story development, while Robert A. McGowan, Carl Harbaugh, Jean Yarbrough, Charlie Hall and Harry Keaton may have been among the gag writers.
• property department - Charles Oelze, Don Sandstrom, Thomas Benton Roberts and Bob Saunders were probably involved in this capacity.
• titles - Louis McManus probably designed the main titles.

the kids:

Jackie Cooper as "Jack Cooper" aka "Jackie Cooper"

Featured role. Most of the ideas for keeping Miss Crabtree from getting married are his.

Allen "Farina" Hoskins as "Farina"

Featured role. He gets plenty of dialogue, with a big crying scene at the end of the film.

Norman "Chubby" Chaney as "Chubby Chaney"

Featured role. He has a lot of the more humorous lines.

Bobby "Wheezer" Hutchins

Featured role. The nickname wasn't used in this film, but does appear in the cutting continuity. He does most of the talking among the younger set.

Mary Ann Jackson as "Mary" aka "Mary Ann Jackson"

Featured role. She's present through most of the film, with her big scene being the one with Creighton Hale.

Dorothy "Echo" DeBorba

Supporting role. She accompanies Wheezer throughout the film, repeating most of what he says. This was her first film under her new five year contract. Presumably, she was a day worker for her two earlier appearances. Her nickname was used in the publicity photos, though she's listed as "Dorothy" in the cutting continuity.

Matthew "Stymie" Beard

Supporting role. The nickname wasn't used in this film. He's with Wheezer and Dorothy throughout the film, adding comic punctuation to their scenes. The nickname wasn't used in the film.

Bobby "Bonedust" Young as "Bonedust" aka "Robert"

Supporting role. He sells the answers to the quiz, which backfires on him. The cutting continuity introduces him as "Bonedust (Robert Young)."

Thomas "Buddy" McDonald as "Bud" aka "Buddy O'Donnell"

Supporting role. Maltin & Bann list him as Buddy MacDonald. He's with the main kids throughout the film, but only has a few lines.

Donald Haines as "Donald Haines"

Supporting role. He's also with the main kids, with only a few lines of dialogue. He's listed as "Don" in the dialogue sheet, though Wheezer gives him the nickname "Turkey." His full name is used in the cutting continuity.

Bobby Mallon as "Bobby Mallon"

Small part. He's mostly seen in the background in the classroom, but has his one joke answer to Miss Crabtree's question.

Douglas Greer as "Douglas Greer"

Small part. He's also seen in the background, but also has his one joke answer.

boy 101

Extra. It appears that the blonde boy that played "Tom" in "Teacher's Pet" (no. 101) is also in this film, in the background of the classroom scenes, as well as in the doorway of the school as the kids talk to Creighton Hale.

other kids

Bit parts and extras. There are probably another ten or fifteen kids in the class, most of whom aren't shown clearly. According to Maltin & Bann, these include Mildred Kornman and Barbara Roach, but I don't know which ones they are. Also listed is Billy Seay, who may be the boy in the third seat, second from the right, but this is just a guess. Perhaps he's also "Bill," one of the boys shown at the creek as the bell rings.

the animals:

Pete the Pup III

Supporting role. He accompanies the little kids in this film, without drawing much attention. He's still less than full-grown. Listed as "Petie the pup" in publicity photos for this film, and "Pete" in the cutting continuity.

Leo

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

the talking titles:

Beverly and Betty Mae Crane as the talking titles

Small parts. They appear in addition to the opening title card, and in place of the crew credits.

the adults:

June Marlowe as "Miss Crabtree"

Featured role. She's featured strongly throughout the short, particularly during the quiz sequence.

Creighton Hale as "Jack"

Featured role. He visits his sister, Miss Crabtree, only to have his clothes stolen.

William Courtwright as the old man

Presumed bit part. A publicity photo reveals that he appeared in deleted footage in which he carried a present to the school, presumably for Miss Crabtree.

other adults

Bit parts and extras.
(1.) The woman walking through the trees, who Maltin & Bann identify as Lyle Tayo, but I'm not convinced.
(2.) The driver of a background car as Miss Crabtree drops off her brother.

the music:

"Good Old Days" by Leroy Shield

Copyrighted Jan. 10, 1931.
(A1.) This is played over the opening titles and talking titles, and as we first meet Miss Crabtree and her brother. It's played again as Jackie tries to get the other kids to sign the 'partition.' It's played again as the kids arrive at school and enter the schoolhouse.
(A9.) The ninth version is played as the older kids discover that their pie is missing.
(A3.) The third version is played as the kids lie about Miss Crabtree to her brother.
(A6.) The sixth version is played as Farina confesses to Miss Crabtree.
(A4.) The fourth version is played as Jack shows up in a dress and the little kids show up with his clothes and the end title appears.

"Crabtree" by Leroy Shield

Also known as "Girl & Stick." The middle 'laugh' segment of this tune is played very briefly as brother Jack teases Miss Crabtree. A more complete edit of the piece is heard when Miss Crabtree picks up the kids in her car. The 'laugh' bit is heard again as Bonedust reacts to Chubby's correct answer.

"Garden Gaities" by Leroy Shield

This is played briefly as Miss Crabtree drops off her brother.

"Wishing" by Leroy Shield

Copyrighted Jan. 10, 1931. The second half of this is played as the kids contemplate the possibility of losing Miss Crabtree.

piece 102

This is a short effect piece played on a single violin as Wheezer reacts to what Farina says.

"Teeter-Totter" by Leroy Shield

This is played as Wheezer opens Jackie's lunchbox and Chubby arrives.

"By Rote" by Leroy Shield

This is played as the car pulls away, living the little kids behind in their wagon.

"Riding Along" by Leroy Shield

Copyrighted Dec. 23, 1930. This is played as the kids discourage Miss Crabtree from getting married. This is the faster version heard in "Teacher's Pet" (no. 101), and it's played twice in a row, the first time without the introduction. This introduction is heard on its own as Wheezer looks into the window at the apples. The introduction is played again as Donald is called.

"Laugh" by Leroy Shield

A small bit of this, the 'salute' bit, is played as Miss Crabtree and Wheezer wave to each other. This is the first of the four effect pieces with this title heard on the first Beau Hunks CD. A bit of this same piece is played after Farina gives his first answer. The 'salute' bit returns as Jackie stands up in class. Another bit is played as Farina is called a second time. The low note heard in this piece is played as Farina retreats to his seat. One chord is played as Jack discovers his clothes missing (the second chord played in this scene). This low note is played again as Farina realizes the mistake they made with Miss Crabtree's brother.

"The One I Love Best" by Leroy Shield

Copyrighted Jan. 10, 1931. Also known as "All The World (To Me)." Most of this piece is played as Miss Crabtree hands the apples to the three little kids. It returns briefly as Miss Crabtree enters the classroom and questions Chubby. It returns briefly again as Miss Crabtree asks the class about her brother.

"Little Dancing Girl" by Leroy Shield

Copyrighted Jan. 10, 1931. Also known as "Dancing Girl" and "Dancing Girls." A small part of the slower version of this tune is played as Miss Crabtree kicks the bucket and walks back into class. The alternate xylophone-dominated version (heard on the second Beau Hunks CD) is played as brother Jack talks to Mary Ann.

"Sneaking" by Leroy Shield

Copyrighted Jan. 10, 1931. This is played briefly as the little kids steal the older kids' lunches. It's played in full as the kids steal the clothes.

"Ants (Hurry)" by Leroy Shield

Also known as "Antics" and "Sneaking," but not to be confused with either of the other pieces with those names. This is played briefly as the kids decide to follow Miss Crabtree's brother. Part of it is played again as Jack tries to avoid being seen by a woman walking down the path.

"Confusion" by Leroy Shield

This is played briefly as the kids hide the clothes. Part of it is played again as Miss Crabtree questions Bonedust.

"Your Piktur" by Leroy Shield

Copyrighted Jan. 10, 1931. Part of the "School Room Suite." Two bits of this piece are played as Chubby says 'hunged', only to be corrected with 'hanged'. Two more bits of this are played as Miss Crabtree reacts to Jackie's answer. Another bit is played as Farina stands up a second time.

"Stand Up" by Leroy Shield

One chord from this effects piece is played the first time Farina stands up. More of the piece is played as Miss Crabtree reacts to Farina's answer. Isolated chords are played as Donald gives his answer and sits back down as Miss Crabtree frowns. Two more chords are played as Douglas Greer stands and as Miss Crabtree reacts to his answer. Another chord is played as Miss Crabtree reacts to Bobby's answer. Another bit is played as Mary Ann stands up. One more chord is played as Jack discovers that his clothes are missing (the first of the two chords in this scene).

"Fliver Flops" by Leroy Shield

Copyrighted Jan. 10, 1931. A small bit of this piece is played as Miss Crabtree asks the children if they're trying to be funny. Another short bit is played as Miss Crabtree makes her second threat. Another short bit is played as Miss Crabtree threatens to punish the next child severely.

"Hide And Go Seek" by Leroy Shield

Copyrighted Dec. 23, 1930. A small bit of the introduction to this piece is played as Miss Crabtree quizzes Buddy.

"Ezra" by Leroy Shield

Also known as "Ears." Part of this piece is played as Miss Crabtree quizzes Bobby.

the locations:

Hal Roach Ranch

District School No. 6 was located here. The spot where Miss Crabtree picks up the kids was the access road leading into the ranch. This was located roughly where David Avenue is nowadays, just west of Robertson Boulevard.

Ballona Creek, Culver City

The swimming scene and presumably the earlier creek scene were shot here.

miscellaneous:

©May 12, 2005, by Robert Demoss.
2005 updates: 5/23, 7/4, 7/9, 7/10, 8/27, 8/30, 12/19.
2006 updates: 1/2, 1/3, 1/15, 1/16, 2/11, 2/13, 2/20, 4/3, 5/16, 6/11, 7/5, 7/25, 10/25, 11/2.
2007 updates: 4/1, 6/15, 10/21, 10/22, 11/25.
2008 updates: 2/21, 2/26, 7/6, 7/12, 7/22, 8/19, 9/28, 11/6.
2009 updates: 3/9, 6/8, 6/9, 7/23.

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