REMASTERED • UNCUT • BEAUTIFULLY RESTORED
Now you can see The Little Rascals like never before! With restorations so glorious, it will be like watching these iconic shorts for the first time in The Little Rascals – The Classic Restorations, Volume 3!
From 1929 to 1931, Hal Roach's "Our Gang" series showcasing scruffy but lovable kids was among the studio's biggest successes in the new era of sound. But in 1932, the franchise would introduce one of the most beloved and durable members of the gang in George "Spanky" McFarland—so named because of his mother's constant admonitions of "Mustn't touch! Spanky, spanky!"
Director James Horne, having shot a reel's worth of test footage of the youngster (later recycled in Spanky [1932]), showed it to anyone and everyone on the Roach lot, and shortly afterward, "Spanky" made his modest debut in Free Eats (1932). But Roach, recognizing the cuteness and natural talent of McFarland, immediately promoted the three-year-old to major player status by titling the next short after the tot and using his allure for maximum mirth in classic outings like The Pooch, Hook & Ladder and Birthday Blues—all made in 1932 and all included in this set.
The Little Rascals – The ClassicFlix Restorations, Volume 3 contains the next 11 Our Gang sound shorts produced by Roach at the dawn of the "talkie era": Readin' and Writin' (1932) to Forgotten Babies (1933)—with each short newly scanned and restored from original Hal Roach 35mm film elements.
A must-have for any true Our Gang fan, Volume 3 features the talents of Dickie Moore, Bobby "Wheezer" Hutchins, Dorothy DeBorba, Matthew "Stymie" Beard, Kendall "Breezy Brisbane" McComas, and, of course, George "Spanky" McFarland. This volume also includes a special treat with Our Gang alums Mickey Daniels, Mary Kornman, Joe Cobb and Allen “Farina” Hoskins featured in Fish Hooky (1933)!
SHORT SUBJECTS INCLUDED
1932: Readin' and Writin', Free Eats, Spanky, Choo-Choo!, The Pooch, Hook and Ladder, Free Wheeling, Birthday Blues, A Lad an' A Lamp
1933: Fish Hooky, Forgotten Babies
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BONUS FEATURES
• Restoration Comparison (04:59)
• The Little Rascals, Vol. 1 Trailer (02:45)
• The Little Rascals, Vol. 2 Trailer – Lovesick (02:33)
• The Little Rascals, Vol. 2 Trailer – Stymie Shines (02:04)
• Zenobia Trailer (03:52)
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FILM SUMMARIES
READIN' AND WRITIN' – Released January 2nd, 1932
With his career path set to be a streetcar conductor, Breezy has no use for school and plots to get expelled on the first day of class. Production notes: The first of eight credited appearances by new lead player Kendall "Breezy Brisbane" McComas, and the last appearance by June Marlowe as Miss Crabtree.
FREE EATS – Released February 13th, 1932
The gang is invited to attend a wealthy matron's lawn party for poor children, but soon uncover a plot by a "family" of crooks to steal everything in the place but the kitchen sink. Production notes: Three-year-old George McFarland debuts as "Spanky", a role he would play continuously for eleven more years, making him one of the most recognizable child actors in film history.
SPANKY – Released March 26th, 1932
While the gang put on a show in the barn, Spanky goes bug hunting and discovers the hiding place of his father's secret fortune. Production notes: Billy Gilbert's last of four on-screen Our Gang appearances.
CHOO-CHOO! – Released May 7th, 1932
Hanging out at the local railroad depot, and desperately wanting to ride on a train, the gang trades places with traveling orphans who are on a brief stopover. Production notes: Future lead Our Gang player Wally Albright has a small part as an orphan.
THE POOCH – Released June 11th, 1932
After he tangles with a brutal dog catcher who snatches Pete, Stymie must bring five dollars to the pound within a half hour to save his beloved pooch's life.
HOOK AND LADDER – Released August 27th, 1932
Answering the public call for volunteer firefighters, the gang risks life and limb to put out a raging fire at an explosives storehouse. Production notes: New lead player Dickie Moore makes his Our Gang debut and minor player Sherwood "Spud" Bailey makes his final appearance.
FREE WHEELING – Released October 1st, 1932
Dickie craves excitement as an escape from his overprotective mother and the gang's mule-powered taxi service provides just the right medicine for what ails him.
BIRTHDAY BLUES – Released November 12th, 1932
Dickie throws a party to raise money so he can buy his mom a dress for her birthday. Production notes: Edith Fellows and Marcia Mae Jones, who will both go on to lengthy Hollywood careers, can be spotted here as youngsters at the party.
A LAD AN' A LAMP – Released December 17th, 1932
After being read the story of Aladdin, the gang sets out to find the actual magic lamp they heard about in the book. Production notes: Minor player John "Uh huh" Collum's first Our Gang appearance.
FISH HOOKY – Released January 28th, 1933
After being convinced by Farina and Joe to play hooky, the gang changes their mind when they learn that Miss Kornman is taking the entire class to an amusement park at the beach. Production notes: Special appearances by Our Gang alums Mickey Daniels, Mary Kornman, Joe Cobb and Allen "Farina" Hoskins, and the last of 15 appearances by minor player Donald Haines.
FORGOTTEN BABIES – Released March 11th, 1933
Wanting to spend their Saturday swimming, the gang convinces Spanky to babysit their younger siblings. |
Overview
