Spanky (film)
| Spanky | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Directed by | Robert F. McGowan |
| Written by | Hal Roach H. M. Walker |
| Produced by | Robert F. McGowan Hal Roach |
| Cinematography | Art Lloyd |
| Edited by | Richard C. Currier |
| Music by | Leroy Shield Marvin Hatley |
| Distributed by | Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer |
Release date |
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Running time | 19:37 |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Spanky is a 1932 Our Gang short comedy film directed by Robert F. McGowan.[1] It was the 113th (25th talking episode) Our Gang short that was released. The film was based on Our Gang co-star George "Spanky" McFarland.
Plot
Although this is a remake of a 1920s silent Our Gang episode called Uncle Tom's Uncle, the main character is Spanky. Early scenes of this film were part of Spanky's screen test taken back in April 1931 during his first visit to Hal Roach Studios. It included him bug hunting. Meanwhile, his brother Breezy Brisbane and the rest of the gang are putting on a play of Uncle Tom's Cabin. Brisbane is forced to supervise Spanky. Also, Spanky's dad refuses to spend money in order to keep the house clean though he has tons of it hidden in a closet.
Spanky disrupts the play the whole time and the play itself is a flop and the kids that came to watch it ruin the play even more by throwing rotten tomatoes and garbage at the gang as they are trying to put the show on. Spanky also finds his dad's money and begins throwing it out the window. The kids all run out and try to steal the money and Spanky's dad arrives and throws the kids out forcing them to give back the money. The gang helps pick up the money and the father promises to put the money in the bank and spend more on mom and the kids.
Note
Coincidentally, Bobby Mallon appeared in both Spanky and Uncle Tom's Uncle and was the only actor to do so.
On the syndicated television print, 12 minutes of this episode, which are the scenes of "Uncle Tom's Cabin" were edited out in 1971 making the film only nine minutes long. This was due to perceived racism toward African Americans. It has been available on home video on several collections and is becoming available on DVD in its entirety on October 28, 2008.
Cast
The Gang
- George McFarland as Spanky
- Sherwood Bailey as Sherwood 'Spud' / Aunt Ophelia
- Matthew Beard as Stymie / Uncle Tom / Topsy
- Dorothy DeBorba as Dorothy / Little Eva
- Bobby Hutchins as Wheezer / Marks the Lawyer
- Kendall McComas as Breezy Brisbane / Simon Legree
- Pete the Pup as Petie
Additional cast
- Douglas Greer as Speck, tough kid in the audience
- Bobby Mallon as Other tough kid in the audience
- Billy Gilbert as Spanky's father
See also
References
- ^ Kehr, Dave. "New York Times: Spanky". NY Times. Retrieved 2008-09-19.