technical details:
Production G-39.
Release no. R-601.
Filmed November 3 to 15, 1937. See the 'miscellaneous' section below for details.
Released December 18, 1937. It was the 162nd film in the series to be released.
Copyrighted December 21, 1937, by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Corporation. Registration no. LP7680. Since the
copyright was not renewed, this film is now in the public domain.
All-talking two-reeler.
Opening title: 'Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer presents "Our Gang Follies Of 1938".'
King World Productions episode no. 22, available in both colorized and original black-and-white versions. This
version is listed as "Follies Of 1938."
the crew:
- Produced by Hal Roach
- The film is credited as "A Hal Roach Production." The 1977 edition of Maltin & Bann's
book shows the credit as "Produced by Hal Roach for M-G-M."
- Associate Producer: S. S. Van Keuren
- Not listed by Maltin & Bann. This credit appears in the film. The third version of the script refers
to him as the production manager.
- Directed by Gordon Douglas
- This credit appears in the film.
- Assistant Director: Lawrence Tarver
- This credit derives from studio documentation.
- 2nd Assistant Director: Alex Finlayson
- This credit derives from the daily film reports.
- Photography: Art Lloyd, A. S. C.
- This credit appears in the film.
- Assistant Cameraman: Ernie Smith
- This credit derives from the press release.
- Film Editor: William Ziegler
- This credit appears in the film.
- Sound: W. B. Delaplain
- This credit appears in the film.
- Musical Director: Marvin Hatley
- This credit appears in the film.
- Dances Staged by Bud Murray
- Not listed by Maltin & Bann. This credit appears in the film.
- Written by Robert A. McGowan, Hal Law, Norman Blackburn and Charles Rogers
- This credit derives from early treatments, which credit McGowan, a press release, which credits McGowan,
Blackburn and Rogers, and a memo, which mentions the hiring of Law.
- Script Clerks: Ellen Hansen and Murphy
- These credits derive from the daily film reports, which don't mention Murphy's first name. On
most dates, Hansen was the script clerk, but Murphy handled these duties for the recording sessions on Nov. 1st and Dec.
6th, and shared this job with Hansen on Nov. 19th. Hansen was later known as Ellen Corby.
- Released by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
- It appears that M-G-M helped to finance this film. The leader at either end of the 35mm prints
refers to it as "A Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Musical." Normally, it reads "Hal Roach Comedy."
- Passed by the National Board of Review
- As indicated in the film.
- Western Electric System
- As indicated in the film.
- Approved by the Motion Picture Producers & Distributors of America
- Certificate no. 3871.
- studio personnel
- vice president in charge of production - S. S. Van Keuren
- secretary-treasurer - Mat O'Brien
- Roach's assistant on production activities - Lawrence Tarver
- assistant secretary-treasurer, comptroller - Hugh Huber
- film editor and sound department - Elmer Raguse
- story department - Jack Jevne
- property department - W. L. Stevens
- process department - Roy Seawright
- still photographer - Bud "Stax" Graves
- men's wardrobe - Harry Black
- paymaster - Mrs. Grace Cash
- transportation director - Bob Davis
- school teacher - Fern Carter
- possible uncredited involvement
- writing - James Parrott, Hal Law, Felix
Adler, Harry Langdon and Gordon Douglas may have been among the gag writers.
- property department - Charles Oelze was probably
involved in this capacity.
the kids:
- There was actually an additional title card made for this film which listed the nine most prominent kids
in the film. Presumably, the deletion of Ada Lynn's footage led to the removal of this title card.
- featured kids:
- Carl "Alfalfa" Switzer as "Alfalfa"
- Lead role. Referred to as "Alfalfa the Great" on the neon signs. He gives up crooning in favor
of opera. He was actually second-billed behind Spanky.
- George "Spanky" McFarland as "Spanky"
- Featured role. He runs the show, both as a kid and twenty years later in the Club Spanky sequence, where
he's addressed as "Mr. Spanky." He received top billing in the deleted title card.
- Eugene "Porky" Lee as "Porky"
- Featured role. He accompanies Alfalfa throughout the film. This was, incidentally, Porky's favorite
Our Gang film. He was fourth-billed.
- Darla Hood as "Darla"
- Supporting role. She's featured in three musical acts. She was third-billed.
- Billie "Buckwheat" Thomas as "Buckwheat" aka "Cab Buckwheat"
- Supporting role. He leads the band, both in the barn and at Club Spanky.
- Georgia Jean LaRue
- Small part. She sings to Philip MacMahon during the Love Bug act. She was eighth-billed.
- Philip MacMahon
- Small part. He sings to Georgia Jean LaRue during the Love Bug act. He was last-billed in the deleted
title card.
- Annabella Logan
- Small part. She sings the "Loch Lomond." She was actually Scotch, and the niece of Ella Logan.
She was sixth-billed.
- Ada Lynn
- Deleted small part. She sang "Your Broadway And Mine" during the Club Spanky sequence, only to
be cut from the finished film. She was a blues singer described as a 'vest-pocket edition of Martha Raye.'
She was seventh-billed.
- the 'eccentric girls':
- Betsy Gay
- Small part. She's the blonde girl on the left, the one that stands up and says 'Where's the
king of the crooners?'
- Gloria Mackey
- Small part. She's the middle girl.
- Trina Morris
- Small part. She's the girl on the right.
- the hula girls:
- This group includes Darla Hood, who's listed above.
- Gloria Brown
- Small part. Not listed by Maltin & Bann. Studio documentation lists her among the Bud Murray kids in
this film. She's the tallest of the hula girls during the final number, and among the chorus girls, she's the
first of the two girls with the letter 'L' on her sweater. She's also the middle Bowery girl.
- Gloria Hurst
- Small part. She's the blonde girl among the hula girls. She's also Tommy McFarland's
dancing partner.
- Laura June Williams
- Small part. Not listed by Maltin & Bann. She's the girl to the right among the hula girls. The
call sheet of Nov. 4th lists "Laura Ann Williams" among the extras in the opening cellar sequence, though
I'm not able to spot her in the publicity photo of the extras.
- the sailor boys:
- This group includes Alfalfa, Spanky and Porky, who are all listed above.
- Henry Lee
- Small part. He and Harold Switzer are the two 'farmer boys' who do an unseen harmonica act.
He's also part of the last number, and is in the cellar audience over to the left, wearing a cap. He's also to the
far left of the room in Club Spanky. The 1977 edition of Maltin & Bann's book and Maltin's earlier The
Great Movie Shorts both list Alvin Buckelew.
- Harold Switzer
- Small part. He and Henry Lee are the two 'farmer boys' who do an unseen harmonica act. He's
also part of the last number, and is the usher in the gang's barn theater. He can also be seen in Club Spanky sitting
at the same table with Darwood Kaye.
- the "Love Bug" girls:
- Sylvia Johnson
- Small part. She's Porky's girlfriend.
- Jo Ann Thomas
- Small part. According to the call sheets, she was the third girlfriend for Buckwheat in the "Love
Bug"sequence and only worked on Nov. 11th. However, memos reveal that she also filled this role on the 8th and 9th.
- Mona Jones
- Small part. According to the call sheets, she was Buckwheat's girlfriend on Nov. 8th, 9th and 10th.
However, since these documents were prepared prior to each day's shooting, it's more likely that Jo Ann Thomas was
the girl who ended up in the film. She's also among Ben Carter's kids, who worked on earlier shooting dates,
which means that she's probably among the band members in the cellar scenes.
- Jean Marshall
- Small part. According to the call sheets, she was Buckwheat's original girlfriend, on Nov. 6th.
Since "The Love Bug" was not among the numbers scheduled to be shot on this day, she's the least likely
among the three girlfriends to be the one seen in the film.
- the chorus line:
- This group includes Gloria Brown, who's listed above.
- Rae-Nell Laskey
- Small part. Studio documentation lists her among the Bud Murray kids in this film. She's the girl
with the 'O' on her sweater. She's also the Bowery girl to the right. She's also sitting in the cellar
audience along the right side in the next-to-last row.
- girl 151
- Small part. She's the second girl with an 'L' on her sweater. She's also the Bowery girl
on the left. She's also sitting in the cellar audience along the right side, directly in front of Rae-Nell Laskey.
- Camille Williams
- Small part. Studio documentation lists her among the Bud Murray kids in this film. She's the girl
with the 'E' on her sweater. She's also the middle Park Avenue girl. She's also sitting in the cellar
audience in the back/center area with some of the other chorus girls.
- Patricia Wheeler
- Small part. Studio documentation lists her among the Bud Murray kids in this film. She's the girl
with the 'S' on her sweater. She's also the left Park Avenue girl. She's also sitting in the cellar
audience in the back/center area with some of the other chorus girls.
- Jackie Horner
- Small part. An early 1938 directory states that Dorothy Horner had a week's contract on this film. Studio
documentation lists her as Jackie Horner. Other references verify her name as Jacqueline Horner. A perusal of the casting
directories reveals that they are one and the same, though the use of the name "Dorothy" is currently a mystery.
She's the girl wearing the sweater with the exclamation point.
- Noreen Rita Stein
- Small part. The 1938 directory states that she was in this film, and studio documentation lists her
among the Bud Murray kids. She's the girl wearing the 'F' sweater.
- Priscilla Montgomery
- Small part. This is the girl wearing the 'I' on her sweater. She's also Dickie Jones'
dance partner in the Club Spanky number, and is sitting just to the right of the slide in the cellar audience.
- the "Loch Lomond" boys:
- Billy Eckley
- Small part. A publicity photo of the cellar audience reveals a boy sitting next to Bobby Crockett who
looks entirely like this kid. I think he's probably also second from the right among the boys in kilts. However,
he's not listed in the studio documentation as being one of the Bud Murray kids, so this listing may change some day.
- Joe "Corky" Geil
- Small part. Studio documentation lists him among the Bud Murray kids in this film. He's the Scottish
dancer at the far right, and is also carrying a sign at the beginning of the film with Dickie Jones. He's also the
left Bowery boy.
- Bobby Crockett
- Small part. A 1938 casting directory states that he appeared in this film, and studio documentation lists
him among the Bud Murray kids. He's second from the left among the boys in kilts. It also looks like he might be the
middle boy in the Park Avenue group. He's also in the cellar audience sitting next to Rae-Nell Laskey. He's
also seen hanging out of the window in the opening shot.
- Billy Diamond
- Small part. Studio documentation lists him among the Bud Murray kids in this film. It appears that
he's to the far left among the boys in kilts. Even if he's not one of them, he's definitely sitting in the
audience between Patsy Currier and Billy Eckley in the second row from the back. It also appears that he's to the
left among the Park Avenue boys.
- other Ben Murray kids:
- Seven boys from the Murray school were hired for this film. At least three were used for the "Loch
Lomond" number, as listed above. All three of these boys, plus three more (including Dickie Jones) took part
in the "Love Bug" sequence. Nine girls from the Murray school took part in the film as well. Eight of these were
the chorus girls in the opening number, and six of these eight took part in the "Love Bug" sequence. Presumably,
the leftover girls were used as extras, but it can be assumed that 'girl 151' is one of the three listed below.
- Leon Higby
- Pete Trencalli
- Douglas Short
- Verna Dillon
- Susette Laveil
- the Ben Carter kids:
- Ten of these kids were recruited to perform in 'Cab' Buckwheat's band. There are nine of them
shown in the Club Spanky scene, and at least eight in the cellar band. Presumably, the same kids were utilized for both
scenes. The ten dancing porters and waitresses at Club Spanky are not shown in the same shots as the musicians, so
it's possible that this is the entire group of ten, especially since Carter ran a dancing school. One of these ten was
Mona Jones, who is listed above. The others were:
- Clarence Calvert
- Cullen Morris
- Alvin Morris
- Sherrill Luke
- Pauline James
- Dan Ellen Mabry
- Beverly Thomas
- Lorraine Long
- backstage in the cellar:
- This group includes Spanky, Alfalfa, Porky, Harold Switzer, Henry Lee, and Gloria Hurst, all of whom are
listed above.
- Cordell Hickman
- Small part. Judging by a press photo, it appears that he's second from the left among the cellar band
members. Maltin & Bann list Bobbie Hickman, presumably for the same part.
- Dickie Jones as "Dickie"
- Small part. He handles the curtains, and is also in the "Love Bug" act, as the Park Avenue boy
at the far right. He's also carrying a sign in the opening shot, and sits in the cellar audience in the back row next
to Darwood Kaye.
- Tommy McFarland as "Tommy"
- Bit part. He does an unseen act with Gloria Hurst when Alfalfa returns with his contract.
- the Club Spanky waiters:
- According to studio documentation, there were actually six waiters (in addition to head waiter
Clifford Severn), though only two are apparent from watching the film.
- Clifford Severn, Jr., as "Richard"
- Small part. He's the waiter who speaks with Spanky.
- Roger McGee
- Extra. He's directly behind Spanky as he announces that Alfalfa will croon.
- Bill Cody, Jr.
- Extra. He's presumably the remaining waiter who's seen clearly in the film.
- the Club Spanky check room girls:
- Jana Ekelund
- Bit part. She's the girl on the left.
- Baby Patsy May
- Bit part. She's the girl on the right.
- at the opera house:
- In addition to the three listed below are at least seven orchestra members, three girls and three
additional boys in the first balcony group, and three girls and four boys in the second balcony group. Jimmy
Sommerville is listed by Maltin & Bann as appearing in this film, and I think he might be the blonde boy in this
second group. There are also perhaps ten kids behind the orchestra pit. Studio documentation reveals that the studio
deliberately used different kids in this scene than in the other scenes in the film, with the apparent exception of
Freeman. The number of girls indicated in the documentation corresponds to what's seen on film, while the number of
boys indicates that perhaps one or more audience members doubled as an orchestra member. It's also apparent that the
group behind the orchestra pit were made up of the kids on the balconies.
- David Freeman
- Bit part. Studio documentation reveals that he's the conductor. He later is seen on the dance floor
of Club Spanky with a much shorter girl. The two of whom are closest to Darla as she first sees Alfalfa.
- Daniel Boone
- Extra. He's in the first balcony group to the far right.
- Barry Downing
- Extra. It looks like he's second to the left in the initial balcony shot.
- outside Club Spanky:
- Most notable is the doorman, who may be one of the Ben Carter kids. There are also several kids walking
down the sidewalk.
- Billy Minderhout
- Bit part. Also known as Billy Mindy. Studio documentation reveals that he played Spanky's chauffeur.
- cellar extras:
- According to a publicity photo, there were 41 audience members, plus Harold Switzer as the usher. Three
of these are the 'eccentric girls' listed above. At least ten of the other kids listed above were in the cellar
audience. The call sheet for Nov. 5th mentions an extra named David Wilmot, but I'm not familiar with him.
- Tommy Braunger
- Extra. He's wearing a cap and sitting right behind the 'eccentric' girls.
- girl 160
- Extra. She sits directly behind the middle 'eccentric' girl.
- John Collum
- Extra. He's sitting directly behind girl 160, but is best seen at Club Spanky as Alfalfa tries to
get away from the impresario.
- Robert Winckler
- Extra. He's seen carrying the second sign at the beginning of the film, and is sitting in front and
towards the left in the audience. Maltin & Bann list him as Robert Winkler.
- Patsy Currier
- Extra. She's sitting directly in front of Dickie Jones.
- Darwood Kaye
- Extra. He's in the back row next to Dickie Jones, and is also at a back table in Club Spanky, sitting
with Harold Switzer.
- boy 141
- Extra. He's sitting in the back next to Dickie Jones.
- Dolores Freymouth
- Extra. She sits to the left of girl 160, and is also at the same Club Spanky table as Harold Switzer and
Darwood Kaye.
- Charline Flanders
- Extra. She appears to be the girl sitting two rows directly in front of Darwood Kaye in the cellar
audience.
- Club Spanky extras:
- Six of the kids listed above are sitting in the audience at Club Spanky. There were also three
stand-ins involved in this scene. The press release states that 150 kids were sitting at the tables in this scene.
Studio documentation reveals that the number reached 60 at its highest.
- Norman Salling
- Extra. A 1938 directory states that he appeared in this film. He sits at the table closest to the stage,
and is seen at the end of Spanky's introduction to the "Love Bug" number.
- Paul Hilton
- Extra. He sits at the table to the left of the table with the main kids.
- Dorothy Heinrichs
- Extra. A 1938 directory states that she appeared in this film. She sits at the table closest to the gang's.
- Dix Davis
- Extra. He's sitting at the table closest to the gang's, and is right next to Spanky during this scene.
- Tim Davis
- Extra. He sits at the table behind Georgia Jean LaRue and Philip MacMahon.
- Raymond Rayhill Powell
- Extra. Credited by Maltin & Bann as well as casting directories for appearing in this film. It
appears that he's at the table right behind the table with the main kids.
- Rhoda Williams
- Extra. A 1938 directory states that she appeared in this film. A girl shown in the background of the shot
in which Darla first notices Alfalfa has hair and a dress that matches the photo in the directory.
- unconfirmed listings
- Extras. Maltin & Bann list Kenneth
Wilson, Bobs Watson, Josephine Roberts and Philip Hurlic, but I don't see any of them in the
film. A press release states that 179 children appeared as 'atmosphere,' but this is probably an
exaggeration. A press release states that Maria Ayres was slated to appear in this film. I'm
assuming she didn't make the final cut, since an announcement to the press would imply that her role would have been
more than that of an extra. Casting directories state that Frances Bowling, Leona McDowell, Jeanie
Flickenger, Janet Johnson, Darryl Hickman and Charles Flickinger all appeared in this film, but I
haven't been able to spot any of them. Presumably, they're purely extras.
the animals:
- Leo
- Bit part. The MGM lion appears at the opening of the film.
the adults:
- Henry Brandon as the opera impresario
- Supporting role. Named "Barnaby" in the script, but not on screen. He signs Alfalfa to a
contract and makes him sing in the streets.
- Gino Corrado as the opera singer
- Small part. His rehearsal is interrupted by Alfalfa.
- Wilma Cox as "Miss Jones," the stenographer
- Small part. She draws up the contract for Alfalfa.
- Winstead "Doodles" Weaver as the piano player
- Bit part. He's seen in the background during the scene with the other adults. The press release
states that he 'improvised eccentric tunes and daffy lyrics for the kids on the set. Director Douglas finally had to
close the cover over the keyboard long enough to realign the gang for their musical paces.'
the music:
- "Stage-Coach Conversation" by T. Marvin Hatley
- Copyrighted Mar. 20, 1937. This is played over the opening titles and as the kids file into the barn.
This tune was originally used in the Laurel & Hardy feature "Way Out West."
- "King Alfalfa" by T. Marvin Hatley
- Copyrighted Dec. 22, 1937. This is sung by Spanky, Darla and the chorus girls to open the review. A
closing version is sung to end the film.
- "Good Morning Children" by T. Marvin Hatley
- Copyrighted Jan. 2, 1934. The introduction to this piece is played to introduce Alfalfa right before he
sings "Barber Of Seville."
- "Barber Of Seville" by Gioachino Rossini
- From the opera "Il barbiere di Siviglia." The libretto was written by Cesare Sterbini.
Premiered Feb. 20, 1816. This is sung by Alfalfa as he first takes the stage. It's then sung by Gino Corrado, and by
Alfalfa, at the opera house. Alfalfa sings it again during his unsuccessful performance during the dream sequence, and
then continues while carrying the tin cup. It should be noted that only the "Figaro" portion derives from the
opera, and is listed on the daily film report for the recording session as a separate piece. The portion containing the
words "I'm the barber of Seville" is apparently something that Marvin Hatley added and does not come from
the opera. Hatley received arrangement credit for the overall piece. The daily film report lists the added portion as
"Introduction To The Barber Of Seville."
- "Pick A Star" by R. Alex. Anderson
- This is the harmonica music played as Alfalfa walks out on Spanky.
- "Loch Lomond"
- Originally titled "Bonnie Banks O' Loch Lomond" and written around 1745. Evan Williams had
a number ten hit with this song in 1912. Maxine Sullivan (with Claude Thornbill's Orchestra) reached number
nine with this song ten days after this film was released. In this film, it's sung by Annabella Logan.
- "Honolulu Baby" by T. Marvin Hatley
- Copyrighted Oct. 18, 1933. This is played as Alfalfa sits back in the easy chair and starts to doze off.
This song was introduced in the Laurel & Hardy feature "Sons Of The Desert."
- "Interlude" by Leroy Shield
- Copyrighted Dec. 22, 1937. This is played as Alfalfa's dream sequence begins. This was the last
composition submitted to the Roach studio by Shield, and was written especially for this film.
- "All Dressed Up In Rhythm" by T. Marvin Hatley
- Originally copyrighted Sep. 19, 1936. This version copyrighted Mar. 22, 1937. This is played as the kids
enter Club Spanky.
- "Fanfare" by T. Marvin Hatley
- This is played as "Cab" Buckwheat takes the stage.
- "Follow The Leader" by Arthur Morton
- The is played by the band led by "Cab" Buckwheat.
- "The Love Bug Will Bite You (If You Don't Watch Out)" by Pinky Tomlin
- Published in 1936. This was a number six hit for Jimmy Dorsey & His Orchestra in 1937. In this film,
it's sung by Darla, with help from Porky, Buckwheat and Georgia Jean LaRue. The alternate title "The Love Bug
Will Get You" applies to this version.
- "That Foolish Feeling" by Harold Adamson and Jimmy McHugh
- Published in 1936. Lyrics by Adamson and music by McHugh. From the film "Top Of The Town." This
was a number fifteen hit for Tommy Dorsey & His Orchestra in 1937. In "Our Gang Follies Of 1938," it's
sung by Georgia Jean LaRue.
- "There's No Two Ways About It" by Harold Adamson and Jimmy McHugh
- Published in 1936. Lyrics by Adamson and music by McHugh. From the films "The Voice Of Bugle
Ann" and "Top Of The Town." In "Our Gang Follies Of 1938," it's sung by Philip MacMahon.
- "Lohengrin Wedding March" by Richard Wagner
- Written in 1846 as the "Bridal Chorus," or "Treulich geführt," from Act III
Scene 1 of the opera "Lohengrin." Premiered Aug. 28, 1850. This melody ends the big production number at Club
Spanky. This swing version was arranged by Jimmie Grier, and had previously been performed by Grier and his orchestra in
the Roach feature "Nobody's Baby." The term "Wedding March" is somewhat of a misnomer in this
case, since the Wagner piece is generally referred to as the "Bridal Chorus," or more popularly, "Here
Comes The Bride," and used as the processional music at most western weddings. What is normally referred to as the
"Wedding March" derives from Felix Mendelssohn's "A Midsummer Night's Dream," and is commonly
used as the recessional music.
- "Learn To Croon" by Sam Coslow and Arthur Johnston
- Published in 1933. Lyrics by Coslow and music by Johnston. From the film "College Humor." It
was a number three hit for Bing Crosby in 1933. In "Our Gang Follies Of 1938," it's sung by Alfalfa.
- other music
- The only remaining music is when Alfalfa (twice) practices his singing with 'me me!'
much like he did in "Framing Youth" (no. 159).
- unused music
- "Your Broadway And Mine" by Nacio Herb Brown and Arthur Freed
- Music by Brown and lyrics by Freed. From the film "Broadway Melody Of 1938." This was sung by
Ada Lynn during the Club Spanky sequence in footage deleted from the final film. It's sometimes referred to in studio
documentation as "Your Broadway And My Broadway." Darla later sang this song in "Aladdin's
Lantern" (no. 172).
- "Sextet From Lucia" by Gaetano Donizetti
- "Chi mi frena in tal momento" - "Chi raffrena il mio furore?" from
"Lucia di Lammermoor." Libretto by Salvatore Cammarano. Premiered Sep. 26, 1835. This was the original opera
piece selected for Alfalfa to sing, but was replaced by "Barber Of Seville." Worries over perceived Italian
reaction to any burlesque version of the Sextet might explain why "Barber Of Seville" retained so little of its
original content.
the locations:
- Hal E. Roach Studios
- The entire film was shot here. The interior cellar and tenement alley footage was shot on Stage 4. The
interior and exterior Club Spanky, and interior opera house footage was all shot on Stage 3. There is some contradiction
in studio documentation regarding the exterior opera house and interior cellar backstage sets, which are variously listed
as being on Stage 3 and Stage 4.
miscellaneous:
Eleven shooting dates went into the making of this film. An eBay photo of some of the black kids in this film includes
the following note on the reverse: 'Well here is the young lady today 5 years old Sept. 7th, 1937, with some of
her dancing partners on the lot at Hal Roach Studio between shots where she was playing in a picture title "Our Gang
Follies of 1938." Be sure and see it when it comes there. Was released Dec. 11.' In light of the documentation in
the archives at USC, it seems that the Sep. 7th date pertains to the girl's birthday and not the shooting date. The
release date might have actually been more of a preview or premiere date. The spellings of names listed in these notes are
according to the original documents and are not always correct. Here's a breakdown of the activities, deriving from
the call sheets, daily film reports, crew production sheets, and various memos:
Oct. 6 - A thumbnail synopsis by Robert A. McGowan carries this date, though it indicates that it was written the
previous day. At this point, it was called "Gang Musical," and had been given the production number G39. The
bad guy in the synopsis was named "A. Zilch."
Oct. 7 - A first treatment by McGowan carries this date, entitled "Our Gang Musical." It was already slated
to be a two-reeler. An attached note from Gordon Douglas to Van Keuren indicates the removal of the idea of having
Alfalfa sing during the Club Spanky sequence. The "A. Zilch" character in this treatment is said to transform
into 'a Scrooge - a Barnaby.'
Oct. 14 - A Funk memo to Van Keuren from this date states that a quotation and availability for possible instrumental,
vocal, visual use had been requested through New York for "Your Broadway And My Broadway," "Sextet From
Lucia," and "Learn To Croon."
Oct. 15 - A quotation was received from Jack Robbins for "Your Broadway And My Broadway" indicating a fee
of two hundred dollars per use.
Oct. 16 - A Funk memo to Van Keuren and Tarver from this date relays a wire from Mr. Decker in New York which stated
that the publishers of "Learn To Croon" were absolutely refusing its use in the film. Decker also stated that
"Sextet From Lucia" was in the public domain, but that any burlesque-style use of this song would lead
foreign censors, especially those in Italy, to delete it from the film. Decker suggested that an exact description of its
use be sent to him.
Oct. 18 - A Van Keuren memo from this date to Huber and Cash instructs them to 'start' writer Harold Law as of
this date and charge it to this production. Copied in was O'Brien.
Oct. 20 - A Funk memo from this date to Van Keuren and Tarver states that MGM in New York was being wired as to the
availability and cost of "The Love Bug Will Bite You" for instrumental, vocal and visual usage.
Oct. 21 - A Funk memo from this date to Van Keuren and Tarver states that Mr. Decker at MGM in New York quoted two
hundred and fifty dollars for visual vocal use of "The Love Bug." Another Funk memo to the same two people
states that Jack Robbins of New York was being wired as to the availability and cost of instrumental, vocal and visual use
of "That Foolish Feeling" and "There's No Two Ways About It."
Oct. 22 - Another Funk memo to Van Keuren and Tarver relays the following wire from Decker: 'Re your wire
October fifteenth the quote Learn To Croon unquote desired is from picture College Humor released 1933 composed Coslow and
Johnson published by Famous - stop - Please advise earliest possible moment availability and cost instrumental
vocal visual usage forthcoming our gang two reeler untitled.'
Oct. 25 - A Funk memo from this date to Van Keuren, Tarver and Douglas, relays a wire from Decker stating that
Paramount wants one hundred and fifty dollars for visual vocal use of "Learn To Croon."
Oct. 26 - A letter from this date reads: 'Dear Mr. Raguse: This is to confirm my conversation with Mr.
Funk concerning your proposed use of the songs entitled "That Foolish Feeling" and "There's No Two Ways
About It" both composed by McHugh and Adamson. We are agreeable to permit you to make visual vocal uses at the rate
of two hundred dollars each as quoted. I understand further that these uses will not in any way burlesque the songs in
question. If these terms are in order, I will appreciate your acknowledgement which will be considered a binding agreement
between us. With kind regards, I am sincerely yours, Jack Bregman.' This was copied to Van Keuren, Tarver and
Douglas.
Oct. 27 - A Funk memo from this date to Van Keuren and Tarver states that "Lohengrin Wedding March" by
Wagner was being cleared through MGM in New York for instrumental, non-visual usage, and that the number was in the
public domain provided a new arrangement was used. A second Funk memo to the same two people states that three numbers
were being cleared, which, according to local information, were all in the public domain. These were "Lohengrin
Wedding March," "Loch Lomond," and "Barber Of Seville" (largo al factotum movement). The
memo also reads: 'Confirmation of availability of the above numbers completes the music set-up of outside
numbers to be used in this production.
Oct. 30 - Film costs for the previous week were $1934.17.
Oct. 30 to Nov. 3 - Script no. 3 is dated Nov. 3rd, but the first page carries the date Oct. 30th, suggesting that it
was put together over a period of five days. At this point, the film was called "Our Gang Follies Of '38."
The bad guy is named "Barnaby," with Alfalfa actually calling him "Mr. Barnaby" in the dialogue.
Buckwheat is given the name "Cab Buckwheat" for the first time. Already slated were "Your Broadway And
Mine" sung by Ada Lynn, and the "Love Bug" number featuring Phil McMahon and Georgia Jean LaRue. Most
curious is the fact that Alfalfa sings with an adult voice during the flash-forward sequence.
Nov. 1 - The following musical pieces and backing tracks were recorded on this day: "Introduction To The
Barber Of Seville," "Figaro," "Stage-coach Conversation," "Loch Lomond,"
"There's No Two Ways About It," "The Love Bug," "That Foolish Feeling," "King
Alfalfa," "Your Broadway And My Broadway," and "Learn To Croon." A Raguse memo from this date
copying in Van Keuren, O'Brien, Douglas and Burch, states that the official title of the film was "Our Gang
Follies Of 1938." A Funk memo from this date to Van Keuren, Tarver and Douglas, relays a wire from Decker which
states that "Lohengrin Wedding March," "Barber Of Seville" and "Loch Lomond" were all in the
public domain provided new arrangements were used.
Nov. 2 - A Van Keuren memo from this date to Huber and Cash (and copying O'Brien) states that Alex
Finlayson 'started' as an assistant director on this production as of this date.
Nov. 3 - This was the first day of shooting. Scheduled were the five main kids, 3 eccentric girls (two of
whom would be Trina Morris and Betsy Gay), 2 boy ushers, 7 'Murray boys,' 9 chorus girls ('Murray
kids'), 10 members of a 'colored' band, Harold Switzer and Henry Lee. The Murray kids were to be included
in the audience of 40. Shooting was to take place on the tenement alley/exterior cellar set and the interior cellar
set, both on Stage 4. Playbacks were to be Spanky's 1st number (intro), Darla's 1st number, and
"Alfalfa Is The King." The title on the call sheet is "Our Gang Follies '38." The daily film
report reveals that 9 script scenes (that is, shots) were completed, which is a bit fewer than planned, and that
16 Bud Murray kids, 10 Ben Carter kids, and 25 extra kids were used. It should be noted that combining the 16 Murray kids
and the 25 extras just about adds up to the total number of kids in the audience, which numbered at least 42 in the film.
A Tarver memo to Van Keuren, Huber and Collum, states that the five main kids 'started' as of this date.
Nov. 4 - This was the second day of shooting. Scheduled were the five main kids, 10 members of the
'colored' band, 9 Murray girls, 7 Murray boys, 2 farmer boys, 3 eccentric girls, Bob Winkler and 3 extra boys, and
Laura Ann Williams and 3 extra girls. Shooting was to take place on the interior cellar set on Stage 4. Playbacks were to
be Spanky's 1st number, Darla's 1st number, and "Alfalfa Is The King." The daily film report reveals
that 8 script scenes were completed. A Collum memo from this date to O'Brien, Van Keuren, Huber and Cash, states that
the five main kids 'started' as of Nov. 3rd. Another Collum memo to the same four people states that Phil McMahon
'started' as of Nov. 4th. Another Collum memo to the same four people states that the following children
'started' as of Nov. 2nd: (D. Murray's Kids) Leon Higby, Pete Trencalli, Joe Geil, Dickey Jones,
Bobby Crockett, Billy Diamond, Douglas Short, Noreen Stein, Raynel Lasky, Gloria Brown, Verna Dillon, Purcilla Montgomery,
Camille Williams, Jackie Horner, Patsy Wheeler, Susette Laveil, (Ben Carter's Kids) Clarence Calvert, Cordell
Hickman, Cullen Morris, Alvin Morris, Sherrill Luke, Pauline James, Dan Ellen Mabry, Beverly Thomas, Mona Marie Jones, and
Lorraine Long. Not mentioned on the call sheet was the "Loch Lomond" number featuring Annabella Logan, who
'finished' as of this date.
Nov. 5 - This was the third day of shooting. Scheduled were the five main kids, 10 members of the
'colored' band, 9 Murray girls, 7 Murray boys, 2 boys in sailor outfits (Henry Lee and Harold Switzer), 3
girls in hula costumes (Gloria Hurst, Gloria Brown, Lora June), 15 girls over 6 years of age (good types),
3 eccentric girls included among the 15 girls (Betsy Gay, Gloria Mackie, Trina Morris), and 9 boys over 6 years of
age (good types). Called back from the set would be Bob Winkler, John Collum and David Wilmot. Shooting was to
take place on the interior cellar set on Stage 4. The only playback scheduled was for "Learn To Croon."
According to the daily film report, 11 script scenes were completed. It appears that all of the cellar footage, both for
the beginning and the end of the film, were completed, not counting the backstage footage. A memo from this date mentions
the use of Tommy McFarland and Gloria Hurst as two tapdancers.
Nov. 6 - This was the fourth day of shooting. Scheduled were the five main kids, Ada Lynn, headwaiter Clifford
Severn, 2 check room girls (Patsy May and Jana Ecklund), 2 "Love Bug" girls (Jean Marshall and
Sylvia Johnson), 9 Murray girls, 7 Murray boys, 6 waiters, 25 girls (6 to 10 years of age), 25 boys (6 to
10 years of age), and 10 members of the 'colored' band. Shooting was to take place on the interior Club Spanky
set on Stage 3. Playbacks were to include the "Broadway" number, "No Two Ways About It" and
"Foolish Feeling." The daily film report states that 3 script scenes were completed, and also lists Clifford
Severn, Jana Eckliend, Jean Marshall and Sylvia Johnson. A Tarver memo from this date to Van Keuren, Huber and Collum,
states that Patsy May 'started' as of this date. Another memo states that this day's shooting involved 60
extras, 1 bit player and 3 stand-ins. Film costs for the previous week were $7406.83, bringing the total to
$9341.00 so far.
Nov. 7 - This was a Sunday. No shooting took place.
Nov. 8 - This was the fifth day of shooting. Scheduled were the five main kids, Ada Lynn, Georgia LaRue, Phil
McMahon, head waiter Clifford Severn, the other waiters, the two "Love Bug" girls (Sylvia Johnson and Mona
Jones), 9 Murray girls, 7 Murray boys, 10 members of the 'colored' band, and extras as needed. Shooting was to
take place on the interior Club Spanky set on Stage 3, with playbacks of the same numbers as on the previous shooting
date. The daily film report states that 7 script scenes were completed. A memo from this date mentions the use of 32
extras and 3 stand-ins. Another memo states that Jo Ann Thomas was Buckwheat's girlfriend, indicating that Mona
Jones didn't work out.
Nov. 9 - This was the sixth day of shooting. Scheduled were the five main kids, Georgia LaRue, Phil McMahon, 9
Murray girls, 7 Murray boys, 10 members of the 'colored' band, the two "Love Bug" girls (Sylvia
Johnson and Mona Jones), two waiters (Bill Cody, Jr., and Roger McGee), and extras as needed. Shooting was to
take place on the interior Club Spanky set on Stage 3, with playbacks of "No Two Ways" and "Foolish
Feeling." A memo from this date states that Jo Ann Thomas was Buckwheat's girlfriend, indicating that Mona Jones
didn't work out. According to the daily film report, 7 script scenes were completed. A Collum memo from this date to
O'Brien, Van Keuren, Huber and Cash, requests that Georgia Jean LaRue be 'started' as of Nov. 4th, and Ada
Lynne and Annabelle Logan be 'started' as of Nov. 4th and 'closed' as of Nov. 8th. Another Collum memo to
the same four people requests that Philip McMahon be 'started' as of Nov. 4th. A Tarver memo (actually written
by Alex Finlayson) to Van Keuren, Huber and Collum, states that Annabella Logan finished working on Nov. 4th, Clifford
Severn finished working on Nov. 6th, and Ada Lynn finished working on Nov. 8th. Another Tarver memo to the same three
people advises that the following children finished working as of Nov. 9th: Leon Higby, Joe Geil, Dickie Jones, Bobby
Crockett, Billy Diamond, Douglas Short, Noreen Stein, Ray Nell Laskey, Gloria Brown, Verna Dillon, Priscilla Montgomery,
Camille Williams, Jackie Horner, Patsy Wheeler, Suzzette La Veil, and Peter Troncelli.
Nov. 10 - This was the seventh day of shooting. Scheduled were the five main kids, Georgia LaRue, Phil
McMahon, the "Love Bug" girls (Sylvia Johnson and Mona Jones), 10 members of the 'colored' band,
and extras as needed. Shooting was to take place on the interior Club Spanky set on Stage 3, with playbacks of "Love
Bug," "Foolish Feeling" and "No Two Ways." The call sheet mentions that the following day's
shooting was to take place on the interior opera house set. However, shooting was clearly falling behind, since cast and
crew were back on the Club Spanky set instead. According to the daily film report, 6 script scenes were completed. A
Tarver memo from this date to Van Keuren, Huber and Collum, states that Ben Carter's 10 colored children finishing
working on this date. A Collum memo to O'Brien, Van Keuren, Huber and Cash, requests that the following children be
'closed': Clarence Calvert, Cordell Hickman, Cullen Morris, Alvin Morris, Sherrill Luke, Pauline James, Dan
Ellen Mabry, Beverly Thomas, Mona Marie Jones, and Lorraine Long. Another Collum memo to the same four people requests
that the 16 Bud Murray kids listed on the Nov. 9th memo be closed as of that date.
Nov. 11 - This was the eighth day of shooting. Scheduled were the five main kids, Georgia LaRue, Phil McMahon,
Henry Brandon, the two "Love Bug" girls (Sylvia Johnson and Jo Ann Thomas), chauffeur Billy Minderhout,
and extras as needed. Plans to shoot the opera house footage were delayed in favor of finishing footage on the interior
Club Spanky set on Stage 3. Playbacks were to include "Love Bug" and "Foolish Feeling." An extra
camera and operator would be needed. According to the daily film report, 11 script scenes were completed. Plans to move on
to the exterior Club Spanky set were put off for a later date. A Tarver memo to Van Keuren, Huber and Collum, states that
Henry Brandon started working as of this date.
Nov. 12 - This was the ninth day of shooting. Scheduled were Spanky, Alfalfa, Porky, Henry Brandon, Wilma Cox,
Gino Corrado, an accompanist, 'kid chauffeur' Billy Minderhout, a kid orchestra led by David Freidman, and a group
of extras made up of all new faces. These would include 6 girls (2 six-year-olds, 2 seven-year-olds,
and 2 nine-year-olds) and 12 boys (3 six-year-olds, 3 seven-year-olds, 3
eight-year-olds and 3 nine-year-olds). An Austin car would also be needed. Shooting was to take place
on the exterior Club Spanky set on Stage 3 and the interior opera house set, also on Stage 3. However, delays from the
previous day required the shooting of footage on the interior Club Spanky set, finally finishing that portion of the film.
The exterior Club Spanky footage was also finished on this date, but the opera house footage was delayed for another day.
According to the daily film report, 12 script scenes were completed. A Tarver memo from this date to Van Keuren, Huber and
Collum, states that Patsy May finished working on the previous day, and that Phil Mc Mahon, Georgia Larue, and Buckwheat
Thomas finished as of this date.
Nov. 13 - This was the tenth day of shooting. Scheduled were Spanky, Alfalfa, Porky, Henry Brandon, Wilma Cox,
Gino Corrado, Doodles Weaver, and extras as needed. Shooting was to take place on the interior and exterior opera house
sets on Stages 3 and 4. However, it appears that only the interior footage was completed on this date. According to the
daily film report, 14 script scenes were completed, with 23 still left to be shot. A note on the call sheet indicates that
filming was scheduled for the interior cellar set on Stage 4 for the following Monday. A Tarver memo to Van Keuren, Huber
and Collum, states that Doodles Weaver started working on this date, and that Darla finished working the previous day. A
Collum memo to O'Brien, Van Keuren, Bren and Cash, relays the information about Weaver. Another Collum memo to the
same four people requests that Patsy May be 'closed' as of Nov. 11th, and that Philip McMahon, Georgia Larue and
Buckwheat Thomas be 'closed' as of Nov. 12th. Film costs for the previous week were $6687.08, bringing the
total to $16,028.08 so far.
Nov. 14 - This was a Sunday. No shooting took place.
Nov. 15 - This was the final day of shooting. Prior to this date, 23 script scenes (that is, shots)
were still left to be filmed. No call sheet or daily film report were available for research from this date, but the crew
production sheet reveals that shooting took place on the exterior opera house stage door set and the interior cellar back
stage set on Stage 3. There is also some indication that shooting was tentatively planned for Nov. 16th, but it appears
that this wasn't needed.
Nov. 16 - A Tarver memo from this date to Huber and Cash requests that a check for two hundred dollars be given to Bud
Murray, covering services rendered from Oct. 25th to Nov. 9th. A Tarver memo from this date to Van Keuren, Huber and
Collum, advises that Henry Brandon, Spanky, Alfalfa, and Porky, all finished working as of the previous day. A Collum memo
from this date to O'Brien, Van Keuren, Huber and Cash, requests that Spanky, Alfalfa and Porky be 'closed' as
of Nov. 15th. A Van Keuren memo from this date to Huber and Cash, states that assistant director Alex Finlayson completed
his assignment the previous night. These last items give us a pretty good indication that no shooting took place after the
15th.
Nov. 19 - Sound effects were recorded on this date, specifically taps to match the dance routines for "Your
Broadway And My Broadway" and "There's No Two Ways About It."
Nov. 20 - Film costs for the previous week were $4137.77, bringing the total to $20,165.85 so far.
Nov. 22 - A Raguse memo from this date gives details regarding the opening titles for this film. It's apparent
that one of the title cards prepared for the film listed cast members. The names on the card were Spanky McFarland,
Alfalfa Switzer, Darla Hood, Porky Lee, Buckwheat Thomas, Annabelle Logan, Ada Lynn, Georgia Jean LaRue and Phil McMahon.
Presumably, this card was cut from the film at the same time as Ada Lynn's big scene.
Nov. 27 - Film costs for the previous week were $1512.31, bringing the total to $21,678.16 so far.
Dec. 4 - Film costs for the previous week were $973.63, bringing the total to $22,651.79 so far.
Dec. 6 - Soundtracks were recorded on this day.
Dec. 10 - The domestic negative and the domestic negative soundtrack were delivered to the MGM lab, and the domestic
positive Movietone print was shipped to W. D. Kelly in New York.
Press information describes Porky using a candid news camera to take photos of the 'celebrities' on the Club
Spanky set. At least one photograph supports this story.
October 31st was Halloween, and Mr. and Mrs. R. E. McFarland and their sons Spanky and Tommy hosted a Hallowe'en
dinner that evening. In attendence were Pat Ross, Penny Laws, Dickie Jones, Clark Flake, Darla Hood, Baby Patsy May,
Alfalfa and Harold Switzer, Buckwheat Thomas, Porky Lee, and their parents.
November 4th was Darla's birthday (promoted as her sixth even though it was her seventh), and the studio
held a gala luncheon party in her honor, which also celebrated the completion of this film (suggesting that perhaps
the luncheon took place later than the actual birthday). Youngsters in attendance were Spanky and Tommy McFarland,
Porky Lee, Alfalfa, Harold and Janice Switzer, Baby Patsy May, Gary Jasgur, Dorothea Page, Lee Anne Van Keuren, and Clarke
Flake.
One of the press items for this film covered the history of the Our Gang series, so even though he wasn't in this
film, Pete the Pup got some coverage. It turns out that Pete the Pup IV was still the dog starring in the series, which
means Pete the Pup V probably never replaced his father.
One broadcast of the radio show "George Jessel's 30 Minutes In Hollywood" featured Norma Talmadge, Johnny
Downs, and Our Gang, 'by courtesy of the Hal Roach Studios, fresh from their current picture, "Our Gang Follies
Of 1938".'
From a Dec. 18th press release: 'Santa Claus paid an early call at the Hal Roach Studios. He arrived at eleven
o'clock Saturday morning, early enough to escort Spanky McFarland, Alfalfa Switzer, Porky Lee, Buckwheat Thomas, Darla
Hood and Baby Patsy May, members of "Our Gang," to the studio's annual Christmas party for these popular
young players. Stage 4 was given over entirely to the festivities, with a mountain setting providing a background for a
huge and elaborately decorated tree. Learning through Santa Claus of the contents of the children's letters, Mr. Roach
gave each of them what he or she most desired. There was a pony, saddled and ready to be ridden off the stage, for
Alfalfa, a gold trumpet for Spanky, bicycles for Porky and Buckwheat, and identical playhouses, large enough to let them
carry on their housekeeping duties, for Darla and Patsy. Mr. Roach, his associate producers, Milton H. Bren and S. S. Van
Keuren, other studio executives, members from other companies on the lot, and almost the entire studio personnel attended
the party.
A synopsis dated November 3, 1937, describes a story that was never used entitled "Calling All Curs." In this
story, Butch kidnaps Pete and sells him to a lab that's testing a new flea exterminator. The four main boys of the
gang sneak in to rescue him.
This film was marketed by MGM as a "special" two-reeler, independent of the regular Our Gang series.
The opera house that Alfalfa visits is called the Cosmopolitan Opera House.
When Alfalfa stars in "The Barber Of Seville," a poster on the wall of the opera house reveals that his
co-stars are Toni Tonelli and Bruna Wildman.
The ice cream cones were mashed potatoes whipped up with cotton. A variation of this story describes the ice cream as
being of mashed potatoes, with the cones made of cotton.
Some reissue and television prints carry the title "Follies Of 1938."
The negative cost on this film was $58,815.
This film was 1948 feet in length.
availability:
- The Little Rascals Remastered & Unedited Vol. 12
(VHS) from Cabin Fever and
- The Little Rascals Remastered & Unedited Volume
Two (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. The total footage lasts 21:16. This version has appeared on numerous bootlegs. There's
also a clip lasting 0:01 included in the opening advertisement of all the Cabin Fever VHS releases, showing Porky in
Club Spanky. There's also a clip lasting 0:01 included in the opening montage of all the Cabin Fever releases,
showing Cab Buckwheat.
- The Little Rascals Remastered & Unedited Vol. 11 &
Vol. 12 (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 - The Complete Collection
(8 DVD set) from Genius Products
- Released late Oct. 2008. This is identical to the Cabin Fever version. There is also a clip from this
film included in the interview segment Catching Up With The Rascals: Annie Ross, and five clips included in the
interview segment Memories Of Spanky (With Rick Sapphire).
- Our Gang Comedies (VHS) from
Viking Video Classics
- Released 1986. This is an original print.
- Our Gang Comedies (VHS) from
Parade Video
- Released Nov. 11, 1998. This is in EP mode.
- Our Gang Comedies (DVD) from
PC Treasurea, Inc.
- The Little Rascals Festival (DVD)
from Flashback Entertainment
- The Little Rascals Two Pack (2 VHS
set) from Brentwood Home Video
- Released in 1994. The second VHS is Little Rascals Scrapbook Volume Two, and contains a nearly
complete print, but without the MGM lion. It also contains a clip lasting 0:08 showing Alfalfa crooning, a clip
lasting 0:04 showing Cab Buckwheat, a clip lasting 0:02 showing Darla, a clip lasting 0:02 showing Porky, a
clip lasting 0:03 again showing Alfalfa crooning, a clip 0:03 showing Spanky, and a clip lasting 0:09 showing
the last shot in the film, with narration added.
- The Little Rascals Comedy Classics Vol. 2
(VHS) from Republic Pictures Home Video
- Released Apr. 1991. This is a home movie print from Blackhawk. The opening title is remade, but the crew
credits and end title are original. The picture quality is very good. The original footage totals 21:09, but the
original soundtrack lasts an additional 0:13.
- The Little Rascals - Funniest Episodes
(5 VHS set) from GoodTimes Home Video
- Released June 25, 2002.
- 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). This version has also appeared in bootleg form.
- Hal Roach's Little Rascals In Our Gang/Shirley Temple
Classics (2 DVD set) from Disc Plaza
- Laurel and Hardy and Friends - Volume Two
(LD) from Nostalgia Archive
- Laurel and Hardy and Friends (DVD) from
Hal Roach Studios
- Released Mar. 23, 1999.
- Laurel and Hardy and Friends - Volume Eight
(VHS) from Hal Roach Studios
- Released June 1, 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.
- The Little Rascals Collection (5 DVD
set) from Passport Video
- Released July 13, 2004. This included the entire film, but there are also 4 clips included in the main
menu of all 5 DVDs. The 1st lasts 0:02, and shows Alfalfa singing. The 2nd lasts 0:02, and shows Spanky. The 3rd
lasts 0:02, and shows Porky. The 4th lasts 0:02, and shows Philip MacMahon. There are also 4 clips included in the
documentary Kid Stuff: Inside Hollywood's Child Stars. The 1st lasts 0:03, and shows the final song.
The 2nd lasts 0:18, and shows Alfalfa crooning. The 3rd lasts 0:22, and shows the final song. The 4th lasts
0:04, and shows the four discouraged sailor boys.
- Our Gang Comedies (3 LD set) from
MGM/UA Home Video
- Released 1994.
- Our Gang (VHS)
- 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.
- The Little Rascals Book XI (VHS) from
Blackhawk Video
- This is the Blackhawk print.
- 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 "Follies Of 1938"
(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)
- Our Gang Follies - The Original Little
Rascals
- 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
- Two Reelers - Comedy Classics 6 (VHS)
from Video Yesteryear
- Our Gang Hollywood Classics Collectors
Edition
- Released Sep. 21, 1999.
- "Our Gang" Comedies Presents The Little
Rascals (3 VHS set) from AmVest Video
- Released 1989.
- Amos N' Andy (DVD)
- 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.
- The Little Rascals (PAL DVD)
- Harold Lloyd & Friends (PAL DVD)
- Little Rascals Varieties (VHS/DVD)
from GoodTimes Home Video
- Included as part of
Our Gang Collector Series 4 Pack (4 DVD
set) released Mar. 21, 2001 and
Our Gang Collector Series 5 Pack (5 DVD
set) released Mar. 2004. The latter was also released as a 5 VHS
set in Feb. 2002. Also included as part of
The Best Of Our Gang Volume 2 (DVD)
released June 1, 2004. Almost the entire film is included, entitled "Club Spanky," and lasting 20:50.
- Rascal Dazzle (VHS/LD) from
Embassy Home Entertainment
- Original film released 1981. Video released 1984. Eight clips from this film are included. The first
lasts 0:06, is part of the opening montage, and shows Alfalfa crooning. The second clip lasts 4:21, and shows the
beginning of the film up to the point when Alfalfa signs his contract. This is followed by a clip lasting 1:34,
showing Alfalfa returning to take a nap and starting to dream. This is followed by a clip lasting 1:52, showing
Alfalfa's failed opera debut. This is followed by a clip lasting 1:54, showing Alfalfa singing his final number.
The sixth clip lasts 0:07, and shows Alfalfa's name in lights, with music and narration added. The seventh clip
lasts 0:57, and shows Annabella Logan. The eighth clip lasts 1:21, and shows the beginning of the Club Spanky
performance.
- Jackie Remembers Our Gang - Memories From Little Rascals
Family Theater (VHS/DVD) from
Jackie Taylor
- Three clips from this film are included. The first lasts 0:02, and shows Cab Buckwheat. The second
lasts 0:04, and shows the Club Spanky scene. The third lasts 0:06, and shows the opening footage.
- Jackie Remembers Our Gang - The Silent Era
(VHS/DVD) from Jackie Taylor
- A clip lasting 0:07 is included, showing Cab Buckwheat, 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 (2 DVD set)
released June 1, 2004. A clip lasting 0:34 is included, showing the kids at the table in Club Spanky. Another clip
lasting 0:52 is included, showing Alfalfa's opening number. Both clips have narration added. A third clip lasting
0:23 is included, showing the final number.
- 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). A clip lasting 0:24 is included, showing the beginning of the film. This is followed by a clip
lasting 1:06, showing Alfalfa's first opera performance. This is followed by a clip lasting 2:10, showing
Alfalfa returning with his contract. This is followed by a clip lasting 12:27, showing Alfalfa's dream sequence
and his crooning performance.
- 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. A clip lasting 0:06 is
included, showing Buckwheat leading the band. Another clip lasting 0:10 is included, showing the opening of the film.
This is followed by a clip lasting 1:08, showing Spanky and Darla's opening number. This is followed by a clip
lasting 1:38, showing Alfalfa with the opera impresario. This is followed by a clip lasting 1:02, showing
Annabella Logan. This is followed by a clip lasting 0:10, showing Cab Buckwheat. Another clip lasting 0:30 is
included, showing the final song and the end title.
- Classic Comedy Teams (VHS) from
GoodTimes Home Video
- A clip lasting 0:04 is included in the introduction, showing the final song. Another clip lasting
3:50 is included, taken from various parts of the film. Another clip lasting 0:01 is included, showing the final
shot of the film.
- Hal Roach's Rascals 3-Tape Set (3
VHS set) and
- Hal Roach's Rascals (DVD) from
Brentwood Video
- VHS released Feb. 2000. DVD also included in a 2 DVD set with same-named volume. Included is a
documentary entitled Hollywood Hall Of Fame, with 4 clips from this film. The 1st lasts 0:08, and shows Alfalfa
taking the stage. The 2nd lasts 0:24, and shows Alfalfa crooning. The 3rd lasts 0:12, and shows Alfalfa getting
food thrown at him. And the 4th lasts 0:02, and shows the three swooners.
- 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 three clips from this film. The first lasts 0:20, and shows Alfalfa's first song.
The second lasts 0:01, and shows the kids in Club Spanky. The third lasts 0:33, and shows the last song and the
end title.