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Post by Paul F. on Mar 22, 2006 23:10:44 GMT -5
Hi, everyone! I'm a major Our Gang fan who has been reading this board for some time, and really enjoying it. This is my first post. The Our Gang films are just so wonderful! Sidewayscap -- I am impressed that a teenager has gotten into these films, what with so much modern noise competing for your attention. You've got good taste! I too am saddened by Scotty Beckett's story. There wasn't a more charming kid in all of movie history. The innocence of children is such a precious thing, and when it is lost, it is devastating. It goes to show how important it is to have God in your life, so as to keep from going over the edge of despair. It's great to hear about the new Laughsmith set -- if any films need this treatment, these do. Regarding THE SMILE WINS possibly being included -- isn't that a copyrighted film? I believe the last batch of Pathé entries are copyrighted, as are most of the subsequent films. One thread praised the film BEGINNER'S LUCK. I think this is just about as great a showcase that Spanky ever had. He carries the whole film, his personality is irresistible, and it is completely touching how he decides he wants to win the prize for the little girl. If you ever want to show a film in tribute to Spanky, I recommend this one. There was also talk about the early talkies such as SMALL TALK, and how slow they are. I find them fascinating. It helps to understand that they were exploring new territory. Put yourself in the place of a viewer who is new to talking pictures, and hearing Mary Ann, Wheezer, Farina and the others speak for the first time. It is amazing! I grew up watching the films on TV and SMALL TALK was never among them. I saw the film for the first time on home video. What a movie milestone! Does anybody here get The Little Rascals locally on TV? Best wishes and God Bless!  PAUL |
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Post by Mark on Mar 22, 2006 23:49:16 GMT -5
Hi Paul,
Welcome to the board! I actually was 11 years old when I first got into the Rascals. At the time, I was fascinated in movie clips from the very early 20th century because I liked seeing history and what everything and everyone was like so many years ago right on film. That's what got me into Little Rascals and I quickly started collecting. The only other "old" series I was into was Laurel and Hardy, which was perfect because they were a Hal Roach series too. That was a show that had me literally rolling on the floor laughing!
I believe Laughsmith Entertainment is able to sell copyrighted material, and they're not some cheap public domain company (I HATE those!) that just slaps crappy quality movies right on DVD without putting any effort into restoring them.
Very few people, if any, get Little Rascals locally. American Life TV is now playing the 1938-1944 MGM shorts but not everyone gets the channel (I don't). Several years ago AMC played the 1929-1938 Hal Roach talkies, restored versions but edited for content.
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Post by sidewayscap on Mar 23, 2006 21:27:34 GMT -5
Thanks for the kind words! I guess I am more "into" this board then I thought I was, as I just noticed how many posts I left!
It's always nice to meet another Christian on these boards! My faith is a contributing reason I like the rascals so much. There isn't a lot of good stuff to watch now, so I watch old stuff!
And, being a teen, none of my friends know what I'm talking about when I'm all like "Oh, I watched (insert classic here)". So I post here to rant. I once decorated the back of my school planner with images of the little rascals and my friends commented on how cute they were, and I have fun explaining it too them! I also find it cool that Breezy was my age when he started!
Anyway I'm done. (Brisbane forever!)
lol from Sidewayscap
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Post by Paul F. on Mar 24, 2006 14:17:29 GMT -5
Hi, folks! I'm sure Laughsmith could release copyrighted material if they're willing to pay for them, and if the rights holders let them. Of all the films on those lists of possible shorts to be included on the set, THE SMILE WINS and OLYMPIC GAMES are the only ones I know are probably copyrighted. Anyway, I really enjoy these silent Our Gang shorts, and they certainly deserve a major DVD release.
Sidewayscap -- when you say you decorated your school planner with "images" of the Rascals, does that mean drawings, or actual photos? I ask because I used to draw all over my notebooks myself! I'm hoping to be a cartoonist.
More about me: I am a leader of song and a choir member at my Catholic parish, as well as an office volunteer for religious education. Laurel & Hardy are my all-time favorite movie comedians. I have been fortunate enough to meet a few members of Our Gang, such as Dorothy DeBorba and Jerry Tucker. I hope to meet Jean Darling someday! I have all the Cabin Fever tapes, and a few more silent Our Gang films as well!
I hope you are all doing well! Best wishes and God Bless --
PAUL
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Post by Paul F. on Mar 24, 2006 14:58:50 GMT -5
Of all the films on those lists of possible shorts to be included on the set, THE SMILE WINS and OLYMPIC GAMES are the only ones I know are probably copyrighted. Oh -- and OLD GREY HOSS and FAST FREIGHT, too!! |
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Post by sidewayscap on Mar 24, 2006 17:50:15 GMT -5
Hello Mr. F.
Well in answer to your question, quite unfortunately I'm NOT taking art at my school and I frankly stink at it. So ya they were photos!
Oh, and I feel compelled to metion that Jean Darling is a member of the Yahoo! Our Gang Follies group. What were Dorothy and Jerry like?
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Post by beatnik1968 on Mar 25, 2006 10:27:09 GMT -5
Nowadays, when you say you watched The Little Rascals people think you are talking about the new movie released in the 1990's.
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Post by Paul F. on Mar 26, 2006 14:00:02 GMT -5
Jerry and Dorothy were delightful, as were the other Gang members I've met.
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Post by sidewayscap on Mar 26, 2006 17:52:38 GMT -5
Nowadays, when you say you watched The Little Rascals people think you are talking about the new movie released in the 1990's. I get that all the time. Once, a girl pointed to a picture of Porky and promptly told me he was Spanky. |
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Post by ymymeatemup on Mar 26, 2006 18:18:44 GMT -5
Porky, Chubby, Joe Cobb.....they're ALL Spanky! I know this from my hours of shopping on eBay.
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Post by zootmoney on Mar 26, 2006 18:41:04 GMT -5
If they are wearing a beanie, they are Spanky.
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Post by floradoradolly on Mar 27, 2006 0:21:27 GMT -5
There was also talk about the early talkies such as SMALL TALK, and how slow they are. I find them fascinating. It helps to understand that they were exploring new territory. Put yourself in the place of a viewer who is new to talking pictures, and hearing Mary Ann, Wheezer, Farina and the others speak for the first time. It is amazing! I grew up watching the films on TV and SMALL TALK was never among them. I saw the film for the first time on home video. What a movie milestone! Plus, both Mary Ann and Farina had to do crying scenes in that film, a rarity in any "Our Gang" comedy. One must also consider the fact that Wheezer had a lot of dialogue, even though he was hardly more than a baby. Mary Ann also had a lot of dialogue and although she wasn't a baby like Wheezer, she was still only about kindergarten or first-grade age-- too young to be able to read a script. So yes, I thought the Rascals did a great job in their first talkie. |
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