Jack Chertok Movies

The MGM Our Gang series began its slow but steady decline with the sub-standard one-reel entry Tiny Troubles. On this occasion, the gang is held responsible for the crimes perpetrated by a midget named Light-Fingered Lester (played by prolific dwarf actor Jerry Maren). The notion that the kids would mistake the obviously mature Lester for a tiny baby is as hard to swallow as the rest of the story. Tiny Troubles was originally released on February 18, 1939. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Upset that his youthful sweetheart Darla Hood has once again thrown him over in favor of neighborhood bully Tommy "Butch" Bond, Our Gang member Carl "Alfalfa" Switzer tries to forget his troubles by watching a sidewalk performance by famed hypnotist Professor William Delmore (John Davidson). Chosen as a subject, Alfalfa is hypnotized into believing that he is the fearless D'Artagnan, of Three Musketeers fame. Armed with this bold new personality, Alfie not only sweeps Darla off her feet, but also challenges the dumbfounded Butch to a duel. The results, while not deadly, are devastating for both Alfalfa and Butch. The one-reel Our Gang comedy Duel Personalities was originally released March 11, 1939. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

The Our Gang kids' hopes to win the upcoming Kidmobile Race Classic are nearly dashed when town bully Tommy "Butch" Bond arranges for the gang's pet pooch Whiskers to be picked up by the dog pound. But instead of demoralizing the gang, the impoundment of Whiskers merely gives them a stronger reason to win the race and claim the prize, with which they will pay the dog's license fee. Only temporarily foiled, Butch and his pal Sidney "Woim" Kibrick try every dirty trick in the book to sabotage the gang's homemade "auto." The one-reel Our Gang comedy Auto Antics was originally released on July 22, 1939. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

The Our Gang comedy series moved from Hal Roach Studios to MGM with the one-reel gem The Little Ranger. Snubbed by his girlfriend Darla Hood, Gang member Carl "Alfalfa" Switzer accepts the invitation of tomboyish Shirley "Muggsy" Coates to attend the local picture show. While watching the adventures of his favorite cowboy star, Alfalfa dreams that he himself is a Wild West sheriff, with his pals Billy "Buckwheat" Thomas and Eugene "Porky" Lee as deputies. Naturally, Darla also figures prominently in Alfalfa's dream, as does his archrival Tommy "Butch" Bond. What happens next determines Alfie's destiny when he awakens from his slumbers. A very funny entry, The Little Ranger successfully retained all the elements that had made Our Gang so popular during its Hal Roach days -- something that could not be said for most of the subsequent MGM offerings. The film was originally released on August 6, 1938. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Spanky McFarland returned to the Our Gang comedy series in the one-reel entry Aladdin's Lantern. This time around, the gang members are putting on a musical show about Aladdin and his lamp. While Spanky, Carl "Alfalfa" Switzer, and Darla Hood endeavor to stick to the script (such as it is), their efforts are undermined by smaller kids Billy "Buckwheat" Thomas and Eugene "Porky" Lee. The film ends on a combustible note as Alfalfa tries to render a song while his pants catch fire! Aladdin's Lantern was originally released on September 17, 1938. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

The Our Gang kids square off against "Butch's Assassins" in a crucial football game. Star player Carl "Alfalfa" Switzer balks at participating, leaving it up to Darla Hood to coerce and cajole him into donning his uniform. The climax of the game finds Alfie attempting a sixty-yard touchdown, despite the formidable opposition of his lifelong rival Tommy "Butch" Bond. Originally released on November 12, 1938, the one-reel Our Gang entry Football Romeo benefited from the comedy expertise of uncredited script contributor Jack White, of Three Stooges fame. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide