Spanky (film)

Spanky
Directed by Robert F. McGowan
Produced by Robert F. McGowan
Hal Roach
Written by Hal Roach
H. M. Walker
Music by Leroy Shield
Marvin Hatley
Cinematography Art Lloyd
Edited by Richard C. Currier
Distributed by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Release dates
  • March 26, 1932 (1932-03-26)
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

Additional cast

See also

References

  1. ↑ Kehr, Dave. "New York Times: Spanky". NY Times. Retrieved 2008-09-19.
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