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Hi Sona - Thanks for the information about You Tube.
I don’t remember any problems between the Adults and the kids. Don’t forget the Movie business - is just that, a Business and a lot of stuff may have been hidden from the Cute Little Kids
KB Hetrick
Hi Kim – Thanks for the nice words. It’s really great to be over 80 and know that a lot of people have good memories of you for so long.
Lee Ann Smith
Hi Lee, I don’t think so. According to Mrs.Spanky (I’ve seen her at Sons of the Desert meetings) they lived in the West...
Stanley T. Serzan
Hi Stanley – Yes I have been awfully busy giving away or storing all the stuff gathered during the first part of my life. I’m now in a nursing environment where there are people to care of me and keep me busy and contented. Hey, I’m a Great-grandmother two times. The episodes I was in were shot in the Hal Roach Studio in Culver City.
Hi Tom – Thanks a heap.
Huh????
I don’t know, But I’ll print you’re Email. If anyone answers Ill post it and hope that helps
Emily- 000000000
Hi Emily – One of the reasons for the dearth of Websites is, I’m just about only one left who can both sit up and type on a keyboard. It was a fun life and enjoyed it. I never met any of the 1945 kids let’s face it ---- I had a couple of grandsons
Hi Gloria – Thanks for being a fan of my friends and me. I’m In the process of writing a book about the first part of my life. Not exactly sure of the title, but I’ll tell you all about it on my website. .
I wish I could tell her that one of the first females who can
Anna Vann
Thanks for the nice words, I really appreciate them.
Donna Vieth
Hi Donna – He played the tough kid and was named {FIND NAME}
Q & A
Hi Tony – Starting at the top of your email ------ I’m glad the Old Corral is still mentioning my stint with John Wayne. Just in case they didn’t tell you title it was ‘NEATH ARIZONA SKIES. The Our Gang and the Little rascals some were released under one name and some the other. I guess once you’ve been bitten by the Show Biz Bug the bite mark never goes away. Good luck to your Son and Daughter-in-Law.
With love and adoration
always, Hi Dennis – it’s wonderful to be 81 and remembered as a kid. Boy that sure was a long time ago Sue Slutzky
Hi Sue – I’m very sorry that I didn’t get back to you sooner. I’ve been too busy to even turn my PC on. My daughter finally got through my thick skull that it isn’t safe for me to live alone with a cat any longer. Let’s face it, a cat isn’t very good at picking a person up – and thanks to a stroke my sense of balance and my equilibrium have bit the dust. I’m now taking it easy in a nursing home where they keep me safe. Glad you liked the website and it will be upgraded quite often as I now have Webmaster named John and I now have a laptop. All the best, Shirley Jean
All the best, Shirley Jean.
Stanley T. Serzan ( Stash
)
Hi Staff - Thanks for a great email, hope my answers make some sense. First of all we were controlled by our Mothers and THEY were controlled the Assistant Director – who were controlled by the Directors and so on and on, etc; Thru the years the newspapers have overblown, most of us have lived just fine lives, in other words don’t believe everything you read. They were filmed in Culver City, Cal and I’m a Great Grandmother – ant life grand?
Glad you enjoy it. As to Good news – wow you sure found something I know nothing about. I vividly remember the routine (can no longer do anything like it, Arthur has settled in to most joints) and can’t for the life of me recall anything about sweaters and we had no sisters in the cast. The next time I run it I’ll check out the peace pipe number... Michael Hi Michael – Thanks for the nice letter.
Hi Dave – I can proudly say that I’m one of the few females that can say, I kissed John Wayne, Of course was only seven years old, but it still counts, My hair style was developed by Max Factor and glued to my face every morning with Wave Set. She did good job of it
Hi Jeff – Thanks fir the nice words. I now live in Albany and darned if they don’t have a Watt Street.
Yup. I sure can. June Marlowe was a brunette and They put a blond wig on her as they thought that color would appeal to Jackie Cooper more,
Hi Tom – Thanks for a great letter. Please tell your wife I said welcome to our place in the world. Working in the studios had all the fun, the waking up and going to sleep that the rest of the world lived. I’m in the process of writing a book about my life as a Child Star. Sure, every body’s life puts all kinds into of stops and goes in their later living.
Hi Charley – Glad you remember us and wrote such letter. Shirley Jean
Hi Nichelle – Thanks for the wonderful words
Hi Laurie – to my knowledge none of the 221 Our Gang/Little Rascals short movies was shot in California. There is a book out called “Our Gang, the Life and Times of the little Rascals” by Dick Bann and Leonard Maltan. It has a full history of all the shows shot and I’m in the process of writing a book. All the best, Shirley Jean
Hi Cousin – wow, what a great surprise. Sorry I can’t be there for the get together. My webmaster has taken the running of MEASURESUP.COM and in the future he’ll be handling my website and getting everybody up-to-date. Just so you know I’m now in nursing home, and have settled for the rest of my life due to too Many cigarettes, too many strokes and ignoring my oxygen hose for too long. I’m hooked up to the oxygen 24/12 for the rest of my life
Luv and stuff, Shirl
Hi Van – Thanks for the email and I have no idea where any of the few who are still hanging around live.
Hi Steve – good grief – that’s a new one on me and certainly doesn’t fit in with my memories of him. Wish I knew where all the nasty rumors come from.
Laura
Hi Laura - No I had taken Jean’s place by the time we did that one – named “Helping Grandma”. I believe you are correct about the theme song. Thanks for the nice words.
Hi Frank – Wow, imagine finding a devotee of the DeHaven family in 2007. Not everybody at that time had the good fortune to work with both Carter & Gloria. As far as the strippers I believe that Jane Brggerman at jbrigghs-/-yahoo.com, might just have the answers you want, she has a newsletter – The Golden Days of Burlesque Historical Society with a section that tries to find various entertainers. Good luck with your search.
Kevin Blackburn
Hi Kevin – I guess “Bargain Days”. Dick Bann & Leonard Malin have written a book, “Our Gang/The Life and Times of the Little Rascals”. It has pages with the story lines of all the shorts. I’m afraid I’ve never heard of John Beradino. The burlesque days supported my other, my daughter and me quite well
Hi Karen -All I can say is Huh??
Hi Arnie – Thanks for writing. I’m now in a nursing home due to a staticie heart and strokes. I’m well taken care of and with a pretty good group of people. My webmaster will be keeping up to date in the future Thanks for caring.
Hi - Karolynn I’m afraid I have no idea who Shirley Muggsy Coates is
Hi Carolynn – I don’t know anything about the Zorro problems, but I do know about the Our Gang. We were paid well for our place in history and we shot moving pictures, not TV shows. If we had no money when we grew up it was the fault of our parents not the movie business. We don’t send the cow money the second time we buy her milk.
Hi Carolynn – Thanks for the nice and welcome words.
Hi Barbara – Love the email, thanks whole heap.
Hi Alan – Kind words are always welcome. I’m working now on a book about growing up as a child star.
Hi Zac – the web site is getting its stuff back together thanks to my webmaster. John. I’m also in the process of writing a book my early days in the business. I’d love to hear from you again.
David
Hi David – Sorry it’s taken so long for me to answer you. But I have just finished fitting my life into a small space and am now living in a retirement establishment. I had some strokes last year and need to live in a place where they can handle the fact that I fall down a lot. My sense of balance was knocked out of the box by the strokes – if you stand me up within a short time I’ll fall over. Very frustrating. I have my laptop, but I’m not yet on the internet so John, my Webmaster, will handle any correspondence between you and me. Hope to hear from you again soon and John will check out the interview link.
Hi Linda – its emails like yours that make me glad I was a child entertainer.
Anne Rickert
Hi Anne – About ten years I was in touch with some Rickerts but between PC glitches and a great big fire I’ve lost any emails and info from them. I’m in the process of writing a book and will have as much info on the Rickerts as I have, Oh, yeah, I was born in Tacoma and my branch lived on their farms in that area. I visited my Grandma when I was 7 and I’ll have more about it in the book. Please keep in touch
Hi Dennis – Good hearing from you. Yup, I’m a Rickert and I’ll all I can remember about our history in my book. I’ll have more about that on my website. Please keep in tough.
Matthew Falk
Hi Mathew - Sorry, I wasn’t in that episode and can’t help you.
Tommy
Hi Tommy – I sure can remember what the straw hat still is all about. That year Stax, the studio photographer, put out a calendar. Don’t remember what the calendar looked like and don’t know if it is about Our Gang or kids or what. No I wasn’t cold; they didn’t make their starlet kids uncomfortable in any way. Not only did the studios take good care of us, the State of California made sure we were happy little chappies. That was good news about the-release of the films.
Glenn Bennett
Hi Glean – Thanks for the memories.
Hi Thomas – Thanks for the good words and my best to your children. Michael Barnum
Hi Michael – Good to hear from you again. The stills are $15 with autograph and $10 without. plus S&H.. Be sure and remind me about the interview so I can rapidly get back to you I’m now in a retirement home or some such thing and being taken care of. Hoping to get another soon, Shirley Jean
Hi Darryl – John Wayne was one of the nicest men I’ve to know. I worked with him when I was 7 and again when I was about 18. I personally never heard a bad word about him. Mary Mclaglen must be the child of {can’t remember the first name, Victor I think} Mclaglen. He was a great character actor, usually the star’s best friend. He also had a riding academy or something. We hung out for quite a few years riding and stuff. I’m pretty sure stunt rider and his wife got married there and I was the ring bearer. Thanks for the memory.
Hi Mary - Chubby died at around eighteen. I believe it was a glandular problem. I hadn’t seen him for a long time Thanks for writing.
LYNN DOUGLAS
Hi Lynn – Thanks for a neat letter, please write again
Date:
05/03/2007
Hi Paul – I honestly don’t miss those days because I’ve already lived that part of my life and have some great memories. I’m in the process of writing a book about my years in Hollywood so I’m using every “memory” I have, The Chubby Chaney and Jean Darling families and mine saw them for quite a few years. Thanks for the letter.
Hi Rebecca – Thanks for a great letter, please keep in touch.
Hi Kevin – yup I’ve had some rough times recently But I’m still enjoying life and all that stuff. Please keep in touch.
Larry Bussey
PO Box 245
Hi Brad – Thanks for the nice email. John, my webmaster is working with on the website and will keep it more up-to-date. Please keep in touch.
Hi Lewis – yes Jackie is still alive as far as I know and I’m afraid I don’t know the name Phil Hurlic. Please keep in touch.
Hi kids – now I’ll go to work on the book – luv’n’stuff
Hey Shirley, my name is Melanie Stephens and I am a student at The American Musical And Dramatic Academy in New York. I need your help because I am doing a song from the musical "Follow Thru". I have tried to find where the song " I Want To Be Bad", sang by Zelma O'Neal, was placed in the show. I need to know what the situation was that made Angie Howard sing that song in the show. I have read a rough draft of the script but it didn't say when the song was in the show. If you could help me out I know it's short notice but I just found your website. Also, I love your website all the pictures and Questions. Well thank you so much and I hope to here from you soon. Melanie ;b This was a brand new type of question. I told Melanie I was just a squirt in my little angel outfit and don't remember anything about the story line, but I would put it on the website and maybe somebody will have an answer for her. I know the answer won't be in time for her, but it should be interesting.
These sketches of Pete were recently sent to me by Joel Towler, an Our Gang fan from California and I just have to share them with you, I think they're neat -
PS: It's my opinion - and at 76 I have a lot of opinions, some of them right - that Pit Bulls are not inherently vicious dogs, they are trained to be mean by owners that goad and mistreat them until they retaliate. This is from an Our Gang aficionado who had a bit of fun with shoe polish - or something.
Just a click and he'll jump right out at you .... just kidding about the 'jump'. For Pete lovers he now has a website - http://www.angelfire.com/stars3/petey Hello,
Shirley-- Hi Dee - My grand kids are big and old enough to help me put together furniture (remember when you bought stuff already constructed?) and move me, but not ready yet to make me a great grandmother. Somebody has always taken care of me and I appreciate it so very much. I try to say 'thank you' as much as I can and not ask for favors if I can help it. Once in a while I do say a 'please' and it has always worked. Thank you for a nice email and for caring about the old Gang. Hi Shirley, At the moment I'm 30 years old and a lifelong Our Gang/Little Rascals fan. First of all I think it's absolutely great that the few of you Rascals left seem so willing to share your insights on this newfangled "Internet" contraption. I was wondering if you've seen the "Little Rascals" movie from a few years back--the remake directed by Penelope Spheeris--and if so, what did you think of it? I watched that thing out of curiosity and I almost cried during the end credits because frankly as far as I'm concerned they desecrated one of my most cherished childhood favorites. I'm just wondering if you had the same reaction and whether you know the general concensus about it among your fellow Rascals. Let's face it most of us who are left are really, really up there in years but staying up to date is what makes waking up worthwhile. I didn't see the movie primarily because I knew that the people who had to do with the nuts and bolts of the picture wouldn't contact anyone who had any knowledge of the original Our Gang. Not even Dick Bann and Leonard Maltin who wrote the definitive book on the series. We don't even talk about it when we see each other. Fortunately AMC is now running the Little Rascals so a lot of parents are contacting me saying that they can now share the Gang with their children. I think that's neat. I was delighted, this afternoon, to find your site. I was ecstatic to find someone who obviously answers questions because I have one which is driving me nuts. Reading through the previous mail I think maybe you were with the Rascals or Our Gang long before the newer kids came along during the war. (at MGM?) I know the critics at least do not have a lot of kind things to say about that group of kids. I think Robert Blake was one of them. One of those stories was a patriotic film with the various members of the cast performing as grown up celebs. One of the boys did a Fred Astaire, and one of the girls, Janet, did a Carmen Miranda. For several years I worked with Janet in Radio in Canada on a show on The Super Seniors Network. That's right it was for us old codgers. I knew her as Meegan Hildebrand. Meegan was her real first name, Janet was the Little Rascals name. I cannot remember her last name in the Rascals series. Do you? It's in the Leonard Maltin Book but I gave my copy to Meegan years ago as a gift and now I can't retrieve it. She sadly passed away as a cancer victim in early April and I just got word today. "She didn't want anyone to know she was ill." It's a difficult thing to report but if you could pass the word on from your Web Site I'm sure many will remember her. Incidentally I have two years on you kiddo. Keith Sterling Hi Keith - I bow to my senior - and at my age there aren't too many "seniors" around. Janet's last name was Burston. I had gone on to the Mickey Maguire Comedies and even done the John Wayne movie by the time she worked with the kids. She was in afte MGM had taken the series on and tried to make the kids into 'little' adults. If you're interested in getting another copy of the book, "Little Rascals, the Life and Times of the Our Gang" drop me an email and I'll tell you how. Thanks for the update on one of the Gang, I'm more than happy to pass the information on. Hi Shirley, Hi Chuck - no, Heebee Jeebees was before my stint with the Gang, but thanks for asking. I am 29, and loved the Little Rascals because
my parents are in their Hello Amy - Your parents and I have lived through the most exciting period in history and I'm sure they feel as excited about all the neat things in the world today as I do. Yup, I was what was called a tow-head in those days. I have no idea where that wording came from. The name Joy Von Ronkel is a new for me. If she was in the Gang her name will appear in the book "The Little Rascals: The Life and Times of the Our Gang". All the information I have about Darla is from the book and, as I told Keith, if you will email me I'll tell you how to purchase a copy of it. And I'll bet you were a dalring Darla. Dear Shirley Jean, Howdy Peter - What a great question - and one I have absolutely no answer to. Hopefully some website reader will have the answer. Now I am really curious myself. Hello Shirley Jean It is great to be able to tell you how much joy you brought to my life in your performances in the OG shorts. I grew up watching them over and over again and have now introduced my children (girl, 7 and boy, almost 9) to them. Even though my kids are typical in that they have all the trappings of modern children (e.g. computers, video games, etc.), they also appreciate the b & w days of movies (and the fact that many of them are better than the comedy that is put out today) My German-Jewish born husband was never treated to these shorts as a child and although at first he was quite skeptical about their charm and worth, he is completely won over. In fact, we have OG nights where we watch the movies, talk about our childhoods and our favorite shorts and have a wonderful time with many friends I had a couple of questions for you regarding life in the 30s/40s. What was it like being a woman for you personally, especially in all the different capacities that you worked in? Were people really any different than they are now or is the whole idea of being a good neighbor more Hollywood make-believe? Were the times slower or about the same? Hi There - I'm very glad you all enjoy the Gang. As far as being a working woman during 30s/40s - if I found a job I wanted I went for it and didn't need the help of any other female to assist me. If I couldn't handle it - that was my fault and not the fault of the government. As far as neighbors - yes, they really were nicer and closer. As a matter of fact - I never had a key to my home until the last 15 or 20 years. Just left stuff unlocked and knew it would be there when I wanted it. I don't know if they were slower - and they probably weren't any better, just different. Thanks for asking. D ear Shirley,Love those rascals, watching the shows on AMC again is such a treat. I have a question for you. Tonite I watched "Bargain Day" and I was wondering about the line "get". You and Stymie and Wheezer are doing the "Watt" street bit but you also said your mother went to "get", what exactly were you saying? I'm "stymied"!!!! Thanks and Best Regards. Debbie Hi Debbie - Back in the 1930's people who went out 'on the town' were known as gad-abouts and the phrase I use is "My Mother went out to gad". Stymie had the same problem with me that you've had so that makes you one of the "Gang". Thanks for asking. Dear Shirley, Howdy Bob - Isn't it amazing - I keep coming back in style. I'm just mean enough to live another 75 years and see how many more times people find me and the rest of the Gang. And thanks for liking the Gang more than the Stooges, that's nice. Hi Shirley Keep keeping us Sydney Australia Little Rascals Fans updating on Little Rascals (1930s) history!! Well done Shirley!! Hi Sydney Little Rascal Gang -Hey neat - I love hearing from Gangsters from all over the world. Do you have any questions about the Rascals? If so please send them to me and I'll give you an answer --- it may be wrong, but it will be MY answer. Keep those cards and letters - er - ah - I mean - emails coming in. Hello, I have
a few questions about your memories of Our Gang. Do you remember anyone by the name of
Donna Jean Johnson? I was told she was Pricilla the rich little girl her parents were
never home. She did look alike like you from the photos on your web site. Any info you
might have would be great as I cant find anything. She was also in The Wizard Of Oz as a
child munchkin. She was 6 years old during that filming. God Bless America!! May God be with all of us through these trying times. Hi Patricia - The name Donna Jean Johnson isn't familiar to me. You might want to check it out in the book, "Our Gang; The Life and Times of the Little Racals" by Bann and Malten. If she did appear in the Gang her name will be there. You'll also see a synopsis of the Gang short, "Bargain Days" in which I play the poor little rich girl whose parents weren't at home. Her Mother had gone out to 'gad'. I'm afraid I don't know anything about the people who were in the Wizard of Oz so I can't be any help there. Please keep in touch. Dear Shirley Jean, Isn't the Internet wonderful! I can't believe that I am e-mailing an actual Little Rascal As luck would have it, it was just today that I saw Grandma's Helper for the first time in many years. I particularly loved your shot outside the store where you were trying to give Wheezer "goo-goo eyes". By gosh, you were trying so hard to impress him! It was so cute to see you give him those eyes! After the show I took out my two Maltin books (1977 and 1993 editions) and saw that this short was released exactly one month before my mother was born. It's nice to view the world in the way that it used to be--and the talented kids that I have enjoyed so much! Bravo to AMC! Thank you for reading this email and I wish you many years of good luck and good health! Sincerely, Gary Hi Gary - What a nice email - thanks. I, too, am glad that AMC is running the Gang again. It's amazing, I come back in style every 20 or 30 years. Darned if it isn't good to be around for all this time. I also come back in style when one of us dies. Fortunately none of the reamining Gang have flitted off for a while now. Hope it goes on that way for a long, long time. Hi Shirley, I met you
at your appearence in Lawrence, MA and I had a blast! Hi Mike - it was good to hear from you again. It would be fun if AMC would follow up on your idea - there are still a few of us around and wouldn't that be a perfect place for a final get-to-gether of what's left of the old Gang. I remember meeting you at the Sons of the Desert celebration of Thelma Todds birthday in Lawrence - hope I see you again some time soon. H ow wonderful it is to find your website at the same time that all thefans of The Little Rascals are getting ready for the AMC programs. I have always been partial to blondes, and being 49, I would have to say that in the mid-1950's, you (1931 version) were my first crush! I wanted to share my own Little Rascals story with you today. Through a work related coincidence, I was able to speak to Dick "Dickie" Moore on the phone. It just happened to be the week that my then 10 year old son had a stiff neck. Since my son is also a Rascal's fan, and had seen the episode where Dickie was the rich kid with the stiff neck (later "fixed" when Stymie just "gave it a twist"), we had been calling each other "Dickie" and "Stymie" during the time that his neck was getting better. Anyway, imagine my joy when, thru an incredible coincidence, I was able to share that story with Dick Moore himself! By the way, Mr. Moore couldn't have been more gracious. Thank you for your part in movie history, and continued good health! Michael in NYC Hi Michael - Thanks for a really nice story. I didn't know Dickie when we grew up, but I've always heard nice things about him. I'll be adding to the website pretty often, so please check in from time to time. The QuiltBus.com that I'm going to be traveling with will be making calls all over the east, maybe we'll be near enough to you that you can bring your son to meet me. Hello I'm 42 year's old and a man and i were talking about the show today at work and he told me about this site so here i am checking it out and love every min. of it . I have watch it every time i can fine it on it is so realxing to me and bring's me out of the dump's when i'm down . can you tell me where i can fine VHS tape's of the show's . Thank you so much fo doing this site . Thank's again J. Hi J. - Have you tried www.ebay.com for Our Gang/Little Rascals tapes? I've seen some up for bid there. Also, AMC will be running the film that used to be on TV starting this month. I am truly glad to be talking to
some one that was a part of the little Howdy John - I work for the American Cancer Society and am starting a new endeavor with the QuiltBus.com, you can find out more about that on the Events page. I'm a little long in the tooth for anything except spectator sports now and - Yes, I recently saw Jerry Tucker and Jean Darling and will see Dorothy DeBorbah in October at the Autograph Show. Thanks for the kind words. Hi Shirley, Hi Diamond Lady - I honestly can't answer your query about Froggy. I have the feeling that the Froggy from Our Gang/Little Rascals is no longer kicking around, but, for Heaven's sake, don't quote me. And if you find out differently please let me know. My name is Courtney Cloman and I'm 24 years old.
As a small child and Just wanted to
let you know that the little rascals reruns in the early 70's were a big part of my Sunday
morning routine. Mom used to threaten us to stop watching and get ready for church.
I love you all. Thanks for the nice words and remembering I was reading about Robert Blake's tragedy when I found out that he was a member of Our Gang (OG). That prompted me to look into the OG sites. And I ran across your site. I am 42 and saw the OG shows as a kid in NY. I don't recall much about them but remember watching them on a daily basis on one of the NY stations (WPIX, I think). I just wanted to wish you good health and to compliment you on, what sounds like, a life well spent (if not busy). Hi There Paul - Sorry that it took such an unfortunate occasion for you to find my site, but I'm glad you did. If you'll check out my "Our Gang Links" (access at the bottom of the Home Page) you'll find quite a few other web sites that have to do with that old Gang of mine. If you find any that I'm not aware of please let me know so that I can add them to the Links. Hi. There is a woman I know. Her name is Olivia. She played i think a nurse, with the little rascals along long time ago. Can you tell me some info. on here perhaps. thank you Hey There David - I honestly don't remember anyone named Olivia but that does not mean that she wasn't a part of the Gang. You'll have to take into account the ages. I'm 75 and I appeared in the series in 1931. That should give you a time line to figure out whether she was around at that time. Gee - aren't I just a font of information. I promised earlier on this website that I would only tell you guys what I actually know. Hope I've been of some help - if not please email me again. Shirley Jean: It's really fantastic that Our Gang fans (like myself) can write to you. Wow! Beautiful show that was. Thank you for sharing your memories on your site. I live in the San Fernando Valley area and I know some of the episodes were filmed around there. Do you happen to remember being in any shoots at particular locations in the valley? I'd love to go visit some of those sites - or any around the LA area. I hope everything is very well with you. Best wishes, Chris Logg Howdy Chris - Thanks for being an Our Gang/Little Rascals rememberer (Yeah, Yeah - I know - that isn't an accepted word but I'm 3 quarters of a century old and I can make it a word if I want to - so there now too). I remember shooting location sequences at the Hal Roach Ranch and I'm pretty sure that was near the studio on Culver City. The Chanber of Commerce might just still have information as to where the Ranch was. If I'm wrong I sure hope someone lets me know. Hello Shirley. My name is Jeff. I've
been a Gang fan since my very early childhood and I am now 30 years old, married with a
home of my own and those films you acted in plus all the others form the different Gang
eras are still being shown in my home to this day. When I was 8 years old I found a book
at the library about Our Gang. It was the famous one by Leonard Maltin and that's when my
education on your career and the rest of the Gang really started. I've always felt that
the particular Gang era that you were involved with was the definitive version of Our
Gang. I've heard a lot of talk over the years about how many films of that era (including
the Gang) portrayed minorities in an unfavorable light. I personally feel that this is
just our overly politically 'correct' society having too thin of a skin. I've heard that
this is the reason that Gang movies are no longer being shown in many markets and all
through the years while I was growing up watching them on television I had no idea how
heavily edited t Hi Jeff - The Our Gang films were not only edited because of content (you really have to be uptight to find stuff to object to but I guess that's a way of life for some) but also because of time limits. If the TV station had 15 and a half minutes between commercials they would just chop part of it out. Many times that part would be lost forever to that particular bit of tape. Fortunately the tapes that are on the market now from Cabin Fever/Hallmark were copied from the original film and are the stories. Let's face it, Jeff, there aren't many of us still kicking around - we're old people, but, yes I still see Dorothy Deborbah, Jerry Tucker and Butch from time to time, either thru the Sons of the Desert meetings or the Roy Court Autograph Shows. I'll post any dates - probably on the moving thingy on my Home Page. Thanks for your nice letter. Hello, it's C and J. Thanks for the nice words - at 75 it's great being thought of as SEXY .... even if the picture is a whole bunch of years old. The woman was Miss Creabtree the school teacher in the Gang series and her real name was June Marlow. There is a website dedicated to her and as soon as I can track down the address I'll add it to my Link page. it is great to know someone is actually around to talk to younger generations about what to us is an intitution. i am 40 years old and grew up watching our gang/little rascals shorts and dreamed of being one of the gang haha so did many im sure . my question is where their any shorts filmed in new york state ive heard some were filmed around cooperstown ny . its a shame that people feel the shorts were very offensive ,to me it shows little actors playing real life roles to many of that era ,my mistake was not to buy the rascals -gang videos when they were available at one time ....p.s. stay in good health and spirit god bless you! Hi there - I love talking to young people and find them absolutely fascinating. I've also heard the rumor about some of the Gang shorts being shot in other locations but it isn't true. During those years there wer knockoff artists who pretended to part of the Hal Roach group and would have interviews, etc. I don't believe that the average person nowadays sees anything objectionable in the manner in which kids were portrayed - and if they do I honestly feel sorry for them. They are definitely wasting a good part of their lives. Good news - the Our Gang/Little Rascal tapes are on the shelves again. Thanks for the nice words and I'll try my darndest to stay well Would like to know if Shirley Temple was in the our gang comedy and what year and what movie No, Shirley Temple wasn't in any of the Our Gang/Little Rascal Comedies. She did go on an interview for Hal Roach, but she wasn't chosen as a Gangster. Somebody else saw her potential and started her on her way to stardom.
I just recently turned 28 years of age and my life is the history of film. I own at the present, over 2500 videos and DVD's in my collection. I especially collect and study pictures from the silent days up to the fifties. The little rascals were some of my favorite, but I just love to talk of old film. My wife loves to hear me go on and on about movies, and she shares my ardent passion. I would love to talk with you of the classics. I also have read hundreds of books on the history of Hollywood. Hope to hear from you soon! Dave Hi There Dave - Wow, what a collection, it must take up a whole bunch of room. Have you read the Our Gang/Little Rascals book by Leonard Maltin and Dick Bann? They spent many years researching it and did a great job making it interesting. Just ask me
anything, if I know the answer I will be more than happy to share it. Just drop me a
line. I answer them here on the FAQ page as there are a lot of people who are
interested in the same things you are. Also, please check out the link page, you can
get there at the bottom of the Home Page and there are quite a few people from the good
old days. Hello Shirley Jean! We've been a big fan of "Our Gang" and were very delighted to see you have your own internet site dedicated to it's memory. We own a collection of the "Our Gang" comedies on video and are now introducing them to our three year old son, Andrew. He can barely sit still for five minutes but when we put on an Our Gang tape his is "glued" to the TV screen. The films you and your fellow actors made are truly timeless! Andrew really gets a kick out of your conversation with Stymie in "Bargain Day"..."What street!" He has some Our Gang stills on his bedroom wall and he'd love to have one of yours! Do your have a list of stills available for purchase that you can inscribe to him? Good luck and God bless. Sincerely, George, Gissell & Andrew Scott AFB, IL P.S. Ever drive your ton and a half cargo truck through Scott AFB, Illinois? HI SHIRLEY JEAN, Hi Wayne - I'm very glad your entire family enjoys the Gang, isn't it amazing how they're still fun after all these years. Yes, the story about Stymie and the chauffeur line is absolutely true. He was supposed to say, "My daddy's just a crap shootin' fool". The entire set broke up. If you'll take a good look at his face after he says the line on the tape you have you'll notice that he gets an adorable look on his face as if to say - "did I do it right this time?" Hal Roach kept that outtake for many years, it would be shown at banquets and conventions and it was always greeted with laughter. I liked working with all the kids, they were just my friends and playmates .... Now the Mothers were something else - whew! The last month in March I'll be three quarters of a century and I've told my family that the only thing I want is a ride in a hot air balloon - now that I've put it on the Internet I'll bet I get my wish.
Dear Shirley Jean: Sincerely,
Larry Given
Hi Larry - Sorry you had to get rid of your Gang collection. Believe me, one way or another you will get an autographed picture from me. If you'll go to my Home Page you'll find some links to other Our Gang/Little Rascals sites where you'll be able to make contact with other Gang people. I know that Spanky was unhappy and I understand his feelings, I just don't agree with them. I was paid quite well for the job I did as a child. That job was to make 'moving pictures' not TV shows. If it hadn't been for the Our Gang/Little Rascals shorts that were a staple of the early days of television nobody, except for your great grandparents, would have the slightest idea who we were/are. Thanks for
being a fan and good luck with restoring your Gang collection. Shirley, Hi Gangsters - Please check my Our Gang Links page (you can get there from the Home Page) for the neat story lines W Paul has written - they're really fun. Hi Shirley Jean, Hi Garl - (Now that is a fascinating name) Glad you like the picture. And to answer your questions: My daughter and grandson pretty much take the Rascals for granted. Mom-Grandma was in them and that's just a fact of life. Some of the shorts they like, others are kind of 'eh'. Golly - trying to measure the Gang against today's shows is really difficult. They aren't apples and oranges in that they are all in the entertainment category, but today's young people are so much more sophisticated than we were, even though most of the present day youngsters do seem to enjoy watching the Gang/Rascals tapes. If any of you reading this page have any comments I would honestly like hearing from you. Please add your thoughts to this conversation. Into February, 2001 Hi Shirley Jean! Thank you, very much, for the autographed picture. You mentioned an
increase in picture prices. I collect pics and autographs of the stars of my favorite tv
shows from my youth. I will not 'name-names', but your pictures are much more reasonable
than most celebrities. And you even answer our questions, to boot! Howdy Fan - As I've mentioned before it's great to be my age [in less than two months I'll be 3/4's of a century] and have people happy to be in contact. I remember wishing as a kid that I'd still be around for the turn of the century and, by golly, I did it! My grandkids gave me a black T-shirt with 2000 and 2001 written in glitter. What fun. Please keep them emails comin' in. After the little rascals, did you still want to be in hollywood or were you over it? Do you have any pictures of you and your friends when you were my age (28) ? Did you have any friends go to War? Did you ever get to meet a star that made you nervous or Star-Struck? Craig Hello there, Craig After the Rascals I appeared as Tomboy Taylor in the Mickey Maguire comedies with Micky Rooney and then became a bit player and dancer. When I was a dancer in "Singing in the Rain" my daughter was 5 weeks old and my youngest grandson wil graduate from college this year. As to pictures when I was in my 20's, about the only thing I have left are the Gilda pictures. Yup, had a lot of friends that were in the Second World war - my first husband was one of them and we were very close friends. That's when I drove the cargo truck. Starstruck? Not really, they were just a part of my life and I worked with them, or ate in the same restaurant, etc. just about every day. Craig included a picture of an armload of Peteys
and I want to share them with you. January 26th, 2001 I just found your web sight, I did send you a message off of The LittleRascals web page but it came back. So I mentioned it on there mailing list and some one gave me your new e-mail address.. Back during the 50's in Detroit I use to watch the shorts on local TV and I must admit I did have a small crush on you, blushing.. he he he. Ok I also enjoyed the kids and such.. Its really too bad kids don't get to see the wholesome shows that the little rascals were.. I hope you get a chance to read this as I know your busy..But I thought I would send you this and tell you I did like your acting.. thanks harry.. Hi There, Harry, I'm very glad you found me. Sorry about the mix-up before, but if you know of anyone else who would like to write to me please give them this website address. Back in the 50's I used to work in Detroit. At that time I was known as Gilda and I worked both the burlesque theatre and a large nightclub whose name I just can't remember at the moment. It was a large place on one of the main streets. Detroit was one of the towns where I would appear on a Kiddy TV show on Saturday morning as Shirley Jean of the Our Gang/Little Rascals and disrobe on stage at night for the little kiddies parents. I'm pretty sure Nickolodeon or some such show is still running the films. Let's face it - us Gangsters are hard to get rid of. Hi Shirley Jean, Shirley: Hi Terrel - How about that - where the heck do you work? Anyway, thanks for the nice words about Gilda. Actually the entire name was Gilda and Her Crowning Glory ... not my idea, my managers. Since she had also trained, and was the manager of, Tempest Storm, among others, I did as she said. Yes, I do have a Gilda photo that I can autograph for you and I'm putting just the top part of it at the end of this letter. If you want a copy send me an email and I'll give you my address.
PS - I would appreciate it if you would make a copy of the magazine page for me. SJ Dear, Shirley Howdy J.W.- The only autograph I send out is on the Our Gang pictures that I have. Please read the answer to the next letter. Thank you for being a fan, when you get to be my age (and I hope you do) you really appreciate having people remember you. Hello I am a big fan of yours and I was wondering if there was a way I can obtain your autograph. I have met quite a few of the our gang members who are still alive and love watching the shorts. I know you are a busy woman and I would greatly appreciate any response. SIncerely, David Hey there, David, I have some 8 by 10 glossy pictures from the Our Gang and I autograph them to a specific person. If you're interested please write me again at AT our Guestbook and I'll give you my address. Thanks for remembering me. Dear Shirley, I wanted to wish you a Happy New Year! I'm a Golf pro here in Texas who's a big fan of your work! I've been fortunate with my travels to teach and meet many personalities like yourself over the years, however you’re someone I hope one day to meet most of all! Would you please send me an autographed photo at your convenience which would be greatly appreciated! Also, I stage numerous charity golf events worldwide and it's not necessary to play to participate. If you’re interested let me know and I will get you more details as we would take care of all your expenses as our guest. Thank you.. Warmest Regards, Tom Hi Tom - I hope your New Year is the greatest. The pictures arr autographed to. Yes, I do make personal appearances. I’ll be going to Arkansas as a representative of the American Cancer Society in the spring. I enjoy talking with an audience and I’ll answer any question they may have … it probably won’t be the answer they expected but it will be my answer – in other word, the world according to Shirley Jean. And I insist on having fun! Shirley Jean : Thanks so much for the
wonderful photo you sent me this week.. It was wonderful... Hi Art - It really is my pleasure to send pictures to those who want them ... it's great to be remembered. Dear Shirley Jean, I am writing to tell you how much I enjoyed the Our Gang comedies growing up. A lot of child stars played the roles over the years but my favorites are the ones from the time you were appearing in the shorts. Many people think it’s just nostalgia that makes people like me enjoy these old shows so much but that is not what it is. These show were so entertaining and the child actors did their roles so well. I think you were especially good in your role and that your group was the best ever to do the "Our Gang" comedies. My proof that it is not nostalgia is the fact that a few years ago, the shorts were released on videotape. I bought all the episodes and started showing them to my four sons. They love the shows as much as my wife Marilyn and I. Obviously, the "Our Gang" films pleasures are not restricted to the older set! My boys always ask when we are going to watch the shows again even though they have seen them all. I saw on your FAQ page that autos are available. Could you please email me the address to send the fees to? Also, last year I had the pleasure of meeting "Echo" (Dorothy DeBorba) in Houston at a fan show. She was so nice to meet. The reason I bring it up is that I got her autograph on a picture which included 8 of the kids with their mothers, including Chubby, Wheezer, Stymie, Farina, Echo, Jackie, Mary Ann and YOU with your mother. This picture is very valuable to me. If I sent it to you, would you autograph it? I of course would include an S.A.S.E. Thanks so much for considering my request. Chris Hi Chris - Thanks for the nice letter. You're right about the video tapes. A company from Greenwich, CT went to the Library of Congress and taped the original film. That's the reason they're so clear. Nothing was cut out of for time reasons as they were on TV. Dorothy is the only Gang member that I've been in contact with in recent years [ let's face it, there aren't too many of us left] and she's a charming lady. I'll be more than happy to autograph that picture for you. It's one I don't have a copy of so I'll have one made in exchange for the autograph. An SASE won't be necessary, that's what I charge the $2.50 S/H for. Again, thank you for a nice letter. Dear Mrs. Rickert: I have been a huge fan of the Our Gang films since I was a small child. I would love to get a autographed photo of yourself to add to my collection. I realize that you may not respond without a SASE, if that is so could you send me a address for me to send one. I hope that you will take a moment to respond to my request. Thank you in advance for your time and consideration. Jason Morning Jason - Hope your New Year is starting out really fine. I do autograph pictures to you, or anybody you wish, and I don't need an SASE. The cost is $7.50 with a S/H charge of $2.50. Thanks for asking. Do you have any questions for me about the Our Gang that I was in? I'm more than happy to answer.
Saw
your page, I wondered how I may obtain an autograph photo or index card of you to frame
with the other members of Our Gang, Now one ever appears in New Jersey.. It is a real
shame. Hi Art - I received the same request yesterday and answered it in the next section. I'll email you my address. Thank you for asking.
Dear Ms. Measures, I am writing to you in hopes of finding out how I
can obtain an autographed photograph of you from "Our Gang." I have started an
autograph collection for my 1-year old daughter, Morgan, and I would be honored to include
yours in her collection.
You can reach me at my e-mail address or my (home) address Hi Peter - Yes I do have some photos available and autograph them to whomever you wish. The 8 X 10's are $10.00 each and there is a $3.50 charge for S/H. There are some well done tapes on the market also and I hope you have some of them for Morgan.
I know
that you worked Billy Barty, who died on Dec. 23, 2000, in the "Mickey McGuire" comedy
series. Had you maintained a friendship with him? If so, any interesting stories to share
with us? Hi Fan - Yes Billy and I grew up together and remained friends. I guess the best story is: My Father drove my Mother and me to the interview for the Mickey Maguire Comedies at Darmour Studios and he waited in the car. Mom and I were only in the studio for a short time when Mom went rushing back to the car dragging me behind her. Pop said, "Hon, what's the matter?" Mom said, "There is a baby in there who jumped out of a baby carriage and started doing cartwheels. MY child can't do anything like that!" Pop talked her into going back in and we found out later that it was Billy and I was picked to play Tomboy Taylor in the series. He was the cutest little baby you've ever seen, but he was just a little older than me at the time. PS: I still can't do cartwheels.
Hi Shirley Jean, My name is Mike
and I live in New Jersey. I know your career on stage and the screen lasted beyond your
"Our Gang" days. I was wondering which stars you enjoyed working with the most
and who were the most fun to hang out with off of the set? Hi Mike - I became a dancer in the wonderful musicals Hollywood used to make. When I was in "Singing in the Rain" my daughter was 5 weeks old and my youngest grandson will graduate from college in the spring. The 2 stars I think were the greatest to work with were John Wayne and Lucille Ball. Off the set my favorites were Frankie Darrow and Mel Torme.
Shirley Jean;
Hi Alta - Yes, I have some Our Gang pictures that I'll
autograph. Anybody who is interested can reach me at
AT our Guestbook.
And yes, I do still make personal apearances. I'll be going down south in the
spring to make an appearance for the American Cancer Society at a fund raiser. [I
work for the AMC]
I also go to schools and talk with the young people
Do you ever get in touch with your co-stars Jackie Cooper, Mary Ann
Jackson or Dorothy DeBorba? Have you been to any of the reunions that use to be held Hi Train Guy - I've Seen Dorothy a few times at meetings of the Sons of the Desert. Mary Ann and Jackie are on the west coast and I'm in New York state so there isn't much chance of running into each other. Right at the moment there are no plans for personal appearances, but I'll sure put the information on these pages when there are. Hi, Shirley Jean My name is R... K.... from Lananon, Pa. I was wondering if maybe you could answer a question for me. When John Berardino (General Hospital's Dr. Steve Hardy) died, our local newspaper reported in his obituary that he was once an Our Gang member. Do you know if this is true or not, and if true, did you know any episodes he was in? Thanks much from this 52 year old Our Gang Fan. Hi R... - He could have been in the Our Gang, it was shot over a 22 year period and a whole lot of young people in Hollywood worked in a few of them, but they weren't contract actors. If you would read "Our Gang, the Life and Times of Our Gang" by Bann and Maltin you'd would understand how many people claimed to have been in the Gang, but actually weren't. Hi. i met a woman in fairfield, calif who told me she was the little blond girl in 'spanky & our gang'. she she was this little tiny thing w/long thick grey/blond hair. she was dying of cancer (15 years ago) so i didnt know her for long. i can't remember her stage/real name, although she was jewish. she told me stories about sleeping/partying her way around hollywood (she said she was not a good actress. she gave me a pair of turquise earrings for luck. do can you tell me who she was ? Hi vg - I'm afraid I can't be of any help to you. I worked the part of the series that had Jackie Cooper, Stymie, Wheezer, Farina, Petey, etc. Spanky was in it after I had left to do the Mickey Maguire Comedies with Jackie Cooper. HI SHIRLEY, I AM WRITING TO ASK IF YOU KNEW A SHIRLEY (MARRIED NAME : CHERRINGTON -HUSBAND -BOB ) WHO ACTED IN THE SILENT ' OUR GANG ' PICTURES ? SHE PLAYED DARLA. SHE WAS THE HOUSEMOTHER AT MY FRATERNITY -TAU DELTA PHI- IN THE LATE 60 s AT PENN STATE UNIVERSITY. I DON'T RECALL HER MAIDEN NAME. I BELIEVE SHE DIED RECENTLY IN HARLINGEN, TEXAS. ANY INFORMATION YOU COULD PROVIDE WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS YOU!
Hi PSU - I'm happy to say that I came in with the 'talkies' so I didn't know the
silent day kids. My biggest problem with Mrs. Cherrington is that Darla took my
place in the Gang when I left to work with Mickey Rooney in the Mickey Maguire Comedies.
"How did you get into the Our Gang Comedies?"
Shirley Jean Rickert Measures - Our Gang/Little Rascals 1935 |
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