Dorian Johnston Movies
- 1937
While staging a "William Tell" exhibition in a vacant lot, junior marksman Carl "Alfalfa" Switzer accidentally incurs the wrath of neighborhood bully Butch (Tommy Bond) -- or, as he announces himself, "you're darn right it's Butch!" When Alfalfa faints, his pal Spanky McFarland tries to save face by insisting that, were Alfie still conscious, he'd knock Butch silly. The bully responds by threatening to bounce Alfalfa around "like a rubber ball" when he wakes up. To prevent this, Spanky cooks up a scheme to convince Butch that Alfalfa has suffered a broken leg while defending Butch's reputation. A large dead fish, previously caught by Billy "Buckwheat" Thomas, proves to be a suitable stand-in for Alfalfa's "damaged" leg -- until a couple of cats show up unannounced. The "Our Gang" one-reeler Fishy Tales made its theatrical debut on August 28, 1937. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- George "Spanky" McFarland, Carl "Alfalfa" Switzer, (more)
- 1935
Hoping to get on the good side of the new truant officer (Dick Elliot), the Our Gang kids go out of their way to impress the man's cute little daughter Marianne (Marianne Edwards), even unto making such sacrifices as taking baths, combing hair, shining shoes, and washing behind the ears. Both George "Spanky" McFarland and Carl "Alfalfa" Switzer pay a social call on Marianne, and before long, the two lifelong pals have become romantic rivals. Ultimately, Spanky and Alfalfa stage an athletic competition to determine who is the better man, an undertaking with (literally) prickly results. Originally previewed under the title Good Night Ladies, Sprucin' Up was officially released on June 1, 1935. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- George "Spanky" McFarland, Carl "Alfalfa" Switzer, (more)
- 1934
Like the previous "Mama's Little Pirate," "Shrimps for a Day" was a rare "Our Gang" foray into pure fantasy. In this one, the Our Gang kids are cast as the inmates of the Happy Home Orphanage, a inaptly-named organization run by the nasty and dishonest Mr. and Mrs. Crutch (Clarence Wilson and Rosa Gore). Invited to a garden party at the home of wealthy Mr. Wade, the children enjoy a good time and are showered with gifts, though they know full well that their new clothes and toys will be appropriated and sold by the Crutches once they return to the orphanage. Meanwhile, Mr. Wade's daughter Mary (Doris McMahan) and her boyfriend Dick (Joe Young) stumble upon a magic lamp, which grants them their wish --- to be children again. Now played by midget actors George and Olive Brasno, Dick and Mary are summarily rounded up by the Crutches and bundled off to the orphanage, where they manage to get the goods on the underhanded operation. The closing gag is a gem, with little Spanky McFarland getting sweet revenge against a decidedly "reduced" Mr. Crutch. "Shrimps for a Day" was originally released on December 8, 1934. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- George "Spanky" McFarland, Matthew "Stymie" Beard, (more)
