IT CAME FROM THE BOTTOM SHELF!

The boutique video label ClassicFlix has undertaken an ambitious multi-volume project to scan and restore all of the sound-era Our Gang comedies produced at Hal Roach Studios between 1929 and 1938. For most kids who grew up in the Sixties and Seventies, these theatrical short subjects are better remembered as The Little Rascals (the name that they were packaged under on television). I previously reviewed the first five volumes in this chronological series, each of which contained 11-12 talkies, covering 1929 to mid-1936 (Review links: Volume 1, Volume 2, Volume 3, Volume 4, Volume 5). Those Blu-rays were highly recommended for their historical importance and for the excellence of the restoration work performed on the decomposing, surviving elements.

Now we come to the final volume of the sound-era Hal Roach shorts. By the mid-1930s, movie audiences were losing interest in 2-reel short subjects, and were spending their disposable cash on double-features instead. As a result, producer Hal Roach transitioned most of his contracted stars (such as Laurel & Hardy) to the production of feature-length comedies. The exception was the Our Gang series. Instead of trying to pad out kiddie antics to 5-plus reels, Roach cut back the comedies to a single reel. As a result, most of the shorts in The Little Rascals: The ClassicFlix Restorations, Volume 6 run around ten minutes, rather than twenty.

The 23 shorts contained in Volume 6 are likely the films most coveted by fans of The Little Rascals TV show, as they feature the most familiar line-up of cast members — George ‘Spanky’ McFarland, Carl ‘Alfalfa’ Switzer, Darla Hood, Billie ‘Buckwheat’ Thomas, Eugene ‘Porky’ Lee, and Tommy ‘Butch’ Bond. However, these shorts are also the most formulaic found in any of the collections. Personally, I found Volume 6 the least interesting set in the series.

A warning for sensitive viewers — ClassicFlix has chosen to release these films uncut, including a handful of scenes that were cut from the TV syndication package, due to the depiction of negative racial stereotypes. It should be noted that while some of the films contain problematic material, by portraying an integrated group of friends, the Our Gang shorts were more progressive than most of the films being produced at the same time. In the films, no one ever questions the fact that black and white kids hang out together and treat each other equally. This forward-thinking aspect of the shorts can be attributed to producer and studio head, Hal Roach. Roach didn’t care what color an actor was. He only cared if they were funny. Still, be aware that the films are products of their time, and occasionally contain cringe-worthy moments.

Before we dip into the content of the new Blu-ray collection, I think I should state (as I did in my previous reviews) that even as a kid, I was never much of a fan of The Little Rascals. While classic comedy of the 1930s and 40s has always been my cinema sweet spot, I much prefer stage-tested talents, such as W.C. Fields, Abbott & Costello, The Marx Brothers, and The Three Stooges, to the Our Gang kids. Seeing little kids trying to tell jokes and perform physical slapstick is undeniably cute, but I also find it a little painful to watch. It smacks too much of amateur theatricals for my taste.

The Little Rascals: The ClassicFlix Restorations, Volume 6 features the final 23 Hal Roach Our Gang talkie shorts, from Bored of Education (1936) to Hide and Shriek (1938), with each short newly scanned and restored from the original Hal Roach 35mm film elements. Here are capsule reviews of the 23 shorts included in Volume 6:

Bored of Education (1936, Dir: Gordon Douglas/Wr: No Credit Listed)

This short won the “Best Short Subject” Oscar, but its hard to see why. It is a decidedly middle-of-the road Our Gang offering, and it recycles most of it’s plot from the 1930 short Teacher’s Pet (included in Volume 2). The kids are getting a new teacher (Rosina Lawrence), and Spanky and Alfalfa hatch a plan to skip school. The teacher overhears their plot and has the last laugh. Not only is this the first of the one-reel Our Gang shorts. It was the first in the series directed by Gordon Douglas, who would go on to direct the majority of the shorts included in this collection.

Two Too Young (1936, Dir: Gordon Douglas/Wr: No Credit Listed)

Buckwheat and Porky have firecrackers and Spanky and Alfalfa scheme to snatch them. The shenanigans include Spanky and Alfalfa impersonating a G-Man using the old “two kids in an adult’s coat” gag. When Alfalfa does get possession of the firecrackers, Buckwheat and Porky inject predictable revenge. Everything about this short is predictable.

Pay as You Exit (1936, Dir: Gordon Douglas/Wr: No Credit Listed)

The kids are putting on a production of “Romyo and Jullet,” but Alfalfa can’t get any of the other kids to buy tickets, until he tells them that they can pay as they exit if they like the show. There are some better gags in this one, and silent-era Our Gang alum Joe Cobb appears as one of the audience members. However, 19 year-old Joe makes a pretty weird looking kid.

Spooky Hooky (1936, Dir: Gordon Douglas/Wr: Hal Roach)

The circus is in town, and the boys want to skip school to attend the show. Spanky writes up a fake doctor’s note for Alfalfa, Buckwheat, Porky, and himself, which is left on the teacher’s desk. It’s only after the school is locked that the kids find out that their teacher (Rosina Lawrence) has decided to surprise the class by taking them to the circus. The kids sneak into the school after dark to retrieve the note, which leads to some pretty predictable “scare” shtick.

Reunion in Rhythm (1937, Dir: Gordon Douglas/Wr: No Credit Listed)

There’s very little plot in this one. In honor of a school reunion, the current class, led by Spanky, put on a show. The variety show short subjects naturally have a bit more variety, so this is one of the better films in the set. It’s also nice to see returning Our Gang alums Mickey Daniels, Mary Kornman, Joe Cobb, and Matthew ‘Stymie’ Beard. It would have been even better if the returning cast had been given something to do.

Glove Taps (1937, Dir: Gordon Douglas/Wr: No Credit Listed)

Tommy Bond rejoins the troupe, after a three year absence, in the new role of “Butch,” and Sidney Kibrick is featured as his toady “Woim.” In order to prove his superiority at his new school, Butch insists on fighting the toughest member of the class. Alfalfa is drafted as Butch’s opponent. Tommy Bond brings some much-needed energy to the series, and he is immediately the best actor in the cast. Darwood ‘Waldo’ Kaye also makes his first Our Gang appearance in a minor role.

Hearts are Thumps (1937, Dir: Gordon Douglas/Wr: No Credit Listed)

This is the short that introduces the “He-Man Woman Hater’s Club.” Spanky forms the organization in response to Valentine’s Day, and he elects Alfalfa as “Second President.” However, Alfalfa forgets his oath to the group when Darla invites him on a picnic. In response, Spanky switches the cheese in Alfalfa’s sandwich with slices of soap. Of course, it is obvious that Alfalfa will soon be producing bubbles.

Rushin’ Ballet (1937, Dir: Dir: Gordon Douglas/Wr: No Credit Listed)

Buckwheat and Porky appeal to the “Sekret Revengers Club,” after being attacked by Butch and Woim. “Seckret Revengers” Spanky and Alfalfa retaliate with soft tomatoes, but they take it on the lam when the bullies give chase. Naturally, the easiest thing for Spanky and Alfalfa to do is to disguise themselves as girls and hide out at a dancing school. That is the easiest thing? Right?

Three Smart Boys (1937, Dir: Dir: Gordon Douglas/Wr: No Credit Listed)

Rosina Lawrence makes her final appearance as Miss Lawrence, the kid’s school teacher in this below-average short. When the teacher wants to attend her sister’s wedding, Spanky, Alfalfa, Buckwheat, and Porky decide to fake a contagious disease to get the school closed for the day. The boys end up at the doctor, and Buckwheat is the first to be examined. Somehow, the rest of the kids are fooled into believing that Buckwheat has been transformed into monkey. The idea of a black child being mistaken for a monkey, which was also a plot point in the Our Gang short A Lad an’ a Lamp (1932), certainly has racist undertones. However, this short plays out a bit more innocently than the earlier short (which was the worst of Volume 3).

Roamin’ Holiday (1937, Dir: Gordon Douglas/Wr: Hal Roach)

In one of this volume’s better shorts, Spanky, Alfalfa, Buckwheat, and Porky get fed up with having to babysit their younger siblings during their free time. Consequently, they run away from home. However, when hunger pangs take hold, they beg from the wrong couple. The husband (Fred Holmes) is the town constable, and he decides to teach the kids a lesson. This short includes some inspired slapstick.

Night ‘n’ Gales (1937, Dir: Gordon Douglas/Wr: No Credit Listed)

Thanks to character comedian Johnny Arthur, who plays Darla’s father, Mr. Hood, this is the best comedy in the collection. Spanky, Alfalfa, Buckwheat, and Porky have formed a singing group, “The Four Nitengales,” and their practice sessions are at Darla’s house. Mr. Hood wants them out of the house, so he can go to bed. However, when a freak storm blows up, Mrs. Hood (Elaine Shepard) suggests that the boys spend the night. Of course, Mr. Hood’s troubles are only beginning. Toddler, Gary ‘Junior’ Jasgar makes his Our Gang debut, in his first of 15 shorts.

Fishy Tales (1937, Dir: Gordon Douglas/Wr: Hal Roach)

Alfalfa’s “William Tell” act gets him in hot water, when he accidentally shoots Butch in the nose with a suction cup dart. Butch is unable to get his revenge, because Alfalfa pretends to pass out, but Butch promises to return. Spanky comes up with the bright idea to tell Butch that Alfalfa can’t fight, due to a broken shin bone. To fool Butch, the kids use a hole in a bed to hide Alfalfa’s real leg and put a dead fish in a sock to pass for the injured limb. Of course, no one tells the neighborhood cats about the plan. This one is no classic, but it’s above-average for Volume 6. As always, Tommy Bond’s acting is a highlight.

Framing Youth (1937, Dir: Gordon Douglas/Wr: No Credit Listed)

This short recycles the “talent contest” plot that has appeared in prior Our Gang shorts. This time, Alfalfa is entered in a radio contest, with Spanky acting as his manager. Butch threatens to beat up Spanky if his golden-throated client performs his number, as Butch is also entered in the contest. Spanky then tries to convince Alfalfa that he has a frog in his throat (using a real frog to help with the deception). It’s a mid-range short for the set.

The Pigskin Palooka (1937, Dir: Gordon Douglas/Wr: Hal Roach)

Alfalfa is rather whiny in this one. While away a military school, Alfalfa brags about being a football star in his letters home to Darla. In truth, he’s never set foot on the football field. When Alfalfa returns home, the gang gives him a hero’s welcome and takes him directly to their football field to help out their team. Despite being completely inept at everything except moaning and whimpering, Alfalfa somehow prevails. This one really could have used Tommy Bond as an antagonist.

Mail and Female (1937, Dir: Fred Newmeyer/Wr: No Credit Listed)

When the boys are snubbed by the neighborhood girls, Spanky gets the idea for a new club… “The He-Man Woman Haters Club.” I’m not sure how Spanky forgot that they formed the same club earlier in 1937, or why he thought it was a good idea to nominate Alfalfa president (since Alfalfa’s the most “girl crazy” member of the gang). Actually, I do know… lazy writing.

Our Gang Follies of 1938 (1937, Dir: Gordon Douglas/Wr: No Credit Listed)

“I’m the Barber of Seville!” Oy. Alfalfa gets mighty tiresome, mighty quick. In the only 2-reeler of the set, the gang is once again putting on a show, and their star is Alfalfa, “The King of the Crooners.” However, Alfalfa insists that he will only sing opera from now on. The short eventually segues into a nightmare sequence. Movie heavy Henry Brandon (Babes in Toyland, Drums of Fu Manchu, The Searchers) is the nightmare villain. The real villain was whoever told Carl ‘Alfalfa’ Switzer he could act.

Canned Fishing (1938, Dir: Gordon Douglas/Wr: No Credit Listed)

Spanky and Alfalfa pretend to be sick in order to skip school. Where have I heard that plot point before? They intend to go fishing with Buckwheat and Porky, but Spanky’s mother puts them to work babysitting Junior (Gary Jasgar). Predictable hijinks ensue in another predictable short.

Bear Facts (1938, Dir: Gordon Douglas/Wr: Hal Roach)

Spanky, Alfalfa, Buckwheat, and Porky are bored with the monotonous life around their clubhouse. There’s nothing to do but play checkers. However, when a pretty girl (Darla) moves to town and the boys discover that her father owns a circus, things are looking up. The boys pretend to be animal trainers to join the show, and Darla’s father decides to teach them a lesson with a bear costume. Meh.

Three Men in a Tub (1938, Dir: Nate Watt/Wr: No Credit Listed)

In one of the better shorts in the collection, Alfalfa is threatened when Darla starts spending all of her time with Waldo (Darwood Kaye) on his mini yacht. The gang challenges Waldo to a boat race, in order to help Alfalfa win her back. This short harkens back to some of the better Our Gang racing shorts of the past, like Free Wheeling (1932). It also helps that Waldo is an amusing, erudite foe for the boys.

Came the Brawn (1938, Dir: Gordon Douglas/Wr: Hal Roach)

In the big wrestling match, “Wildcat” Alfalfa is set to tangle with “The Masked Marvel,” only they haven’t decided yet who “The Masked Marvel” will be. Alfalfa suggests Porky, but when the youngster turns out to be tougher than the “Wildcat,” they decide upon bookworm Waldo (Darwood Kaye). When Alfalfa brags to Darla about the upcoming match, Butch (who is a rival for Darla’s affections) decides to step in as “The Masked Marvel.” As always, Tommy Bond adds life to proceedings, and he is especially amusing dressed up in a “Little Lord Fauntleroy” suit.

Feed ’em and Weep (1938, Dir: Gordon Douglas/Wr: Hal Roach)

Both Spanky and Buckwheat are absent from this short, but they aren’t missed, due to the comic exasperation of Johnny Arthur, who returns to the series as Darla’s father. Mr. Hood (Arthur) just wants to enjoy his birthday meal, but he keeps getting interrupted by three of Darla’s friends (Alfalfa, Buckwheat, and newcomer Philip Hurlic). The situations are predictable, but the short is funnier than most in this set. It’s a shame that this was Philip Hurlic’s only featured role in an Our Gang short, as he was a better actor than the other Our Gangers at the time.

The Awful Tooth (1938, Dir: Nathan Watt/Wr: No Credit Listed)

When Buckwheat gets a dime from the Tooth Fairy, Alfalfa has the bright idea to have the dentist (character actor Jack Norton in a rare sober role) pull all of their teeth. Then, they can trade in a bunch of dimes for baseball equipment. This short is pretty thin gruel.

Hide and Shriek (1938, Dir: Gordon Douglas/Wr: No Credit Listed)

The final Our Gang short produced at the Hal Roach studio is far and away the weakest of this volume. Buckwheat and Porky join Alfalfa’s detective agency, and they take a case to recover Darla’s missing candy. Somehow, the boys get trapped in a fun house, which is anything but fun. After this short was completed, Hal Roach sold the Our Gang series to MGM. Based on the last couple of shorts, I think the writers and producers checked out of the series a bit earlier.

The last collection of Our Gang shorts, included in The Little Rascals: The ClassicFlix Restorations, Volume 6, displays the series spinning its wheels. Most of the comedies in this collection follow one of three predictable patterns:

1. Let’s skip school.
2. Let’s put on a show
3. Look out for Butch!

Most of the gags and situations found in these installments are recycled from earlier, better shorts in the series. It also hurts that Carl ‘Alfalfa’ Switzer is given the central role in these outings, as his shtick works best in small doses. Finally, Billie ‘Buckwheat’ Thomas and Eugene ‘Porky’ Lee have very limited acting ability (and both are unintelligible at times). That said, there are highlights, thanks in no small part to Tommy Bond and Johnny Arthur. Also, the restoration work cannot be faulted. The shorts look crisp, clean, and better than ever presented on television and previous video releases. You can find more thoughts on the video quality in the “Video” section below.

USA/B&W-254m./Dir: Various (see above)/Wr: Various (see above)/Cast: George ‘Spanky’ McFarland, Carl ‘Alfalfa’ Switzer, Darla Hood, Billie ‘Buckwheat’ Thomas, Eugene ‘Porky’ Lee, Tommy Bond, Sidney Kibrick, Darwood ‘Waldo’ Kaye, Rosina Lawrence, Johnny Arthur, Henry Brandon, Philip Hurlic, Mickey Daniels, Mary Kornman, Joe Cobb, Matthew ‘Stymie’ Beard

For Fans of: If you grew up with The Little Rascals TV airings, you already know if you’ll like these short comedies. The shorts in this collection (and in the previous Volume 5) will likely be the most familiar and nostalgic for Rascals fans.

Video: The Little Rascals: The ClassicFlix Restorations Volume 6 was released as a single Blu-ray from ClassicFlix on June 14th. Each of the twenty-three shorts included on the disc were newly scanned and restored from original 35mm film elements. The video quality is excellent throughout, and overall, the picture quality bests the appearance of the shorts in the previous collections. The shorts look sharper, with more authentic film grain. This is probably due to the fact that these are the “newest” films in the series, and the elements may not have been in as bad shape as the earlier shorts. No matter the reason, the films look terrific, and this is easily the best they have ever looked on home video.

The sound is also good overall. There is some age-related hiss over the opening credits of some of the shorts, but it doesn’t intrude on the action. Also, the Our Gang kids were not trained actors, so they didn’t always enunciate clearly. You may want to use the optional English subtitles if you have trouble understanding any of the kids’ line readings.  Most vagaries in sound quality are intrinsic to the original release and are in no way a fault of the restoration.

Beyond the subtitles, there are no special features included on this disc. However, the disc space was probably needed for the shorts themselves, as Volume 6 is 40 minutes longer than Volume 5.

Streaming: Some of the early Our Gang shorts are available for digital purchase via Amazon and other streaming services, but you will not get these new restorations.

More to Explore: The earlier volumes of The Little Rascals: The ClassicFlix Restorations are also highly recommended. ClassicFlix and The Sprocket Vault have also released several talkie comedies from other stars of the Hal Roach Studios, including Laurel & Hardy, Thelma Todd, Charley Chase, and Harry Landgon. Many of those Blu-ray or DVD sets are linked below.

Trivia: George ‘Spanky’ McFarland is absent from the last three of the Hal Roach Our Gang shorts, due to being loaned out to co-star in Peck’s Bad Boy with the Circus (1938). He rejoined the rest of the kids in the MGM Our Gang shorts.

For More Info: Leonard Maltin and Richard W. Bann coauthored The Little Rascals: The Life and Times of Our Gang, which is an excellent guide on the shorts and the kids who starred in them.