There were numerous examples of racism and racial stereotyping in the “Our Gang/Little Rascals” comedy shorts that were in production from 1922 thru 1944. However, people, events and shows must be viewed in the context of their times. We can’t take historical figures, events and artistic productions and plop them in the present, to be judged by contemporary standards and social norms.
Hal Roach began his “Our Gang” theatrical shorts in 1922, a scant seven years after the infamous “Birth of A Nation” film ushered in the silent age of cinema. After producing 88 silent “Our Gang” short films from 1922 to 1928, Roach converted to “talkies” and produced 80 more shorts through 1938. Then he sold the series to MGM (the studio that had already been distributing the work) and production continued for another 52 comedy shorts.
During the entire “Our Gang/Little Rascals” run, African Americans were prominently featured in central roles. This was in an era when African Americans were rarely seen on the silver screen, and even when they were seen they were almost invariably depicted as servants, maids and chauffeurs. “Our Gang” was far ahead of its time in having black kids playing with and attending school with white kids. The black kids were on a completely equal footing with their white playmates.
Ernie “Sunshine Sammy” Morrison was part of the original “Our Gang” cast during the silent era. During his time with the show, from 1922 to 1924, he became arguably the first black motion picture star and he was the first African American signed to a long-term contract.
Allen “Farina” Hoskins was featured in “Our Gang” comedies from 1922-1931, and over this time he was probably the most essential member of the gang in terms of comedy routines.
Matthew “Stymie” Beard replaced Farina and starred from 1930-1935. After established stars like Jackie Cooper, Chubby Chaney, Mary Ann Jackson and Farina moved on in 1931, Stymie helped carry the “Our Gang” comedies from late 1931 until the arrival of Spanky in 1932.
Billy “Buckwheat” Thomas was on from 1934 to the end of the comedy shorts in 1944. Thomas first played Buckwheat as a girl. Buckwheat slowly morphed into a boy and was a key character during one of the most popular periods of the “Our Gang” run, a time that featured Spanky, Alfalfa, Darla and Porky.
Eugene “Pineapple” Jackson was also an African American featured on the show, with his years running from 1924-1925.
In addition, “Our Gang” had many black actors and singers featured in the shorts, including Hattie McDaniel and the Cabin Kids.
Of the black kids, Stymie was clearly the most outstanding star. He was the leader of the group during much of his time on “Our Gang.” He was bold, ingenious, scheming and fearless, and not at all a stereotypical character.
In the “Dog Is Dogs” theatrical short of 1931, Stymie talks a boy into believing ham and eggs can talk in order to induce the kid to cook up a ham and eggs meal for Stymie and his friends.
“You gotta mess ’em up in a frying pan, then they’ll talk,” Stymie says to coax the boy on.
The boy gives him an incredulous look but obliges by putting the ham and eggs in a skillet and starting to fry them.
“Turn ’em over and shuffle ’em around some,” Stymie encourages.
After the boy has fried the ham and eggs, he becomes exasperated because they still won’t talk, and in frustration he bolts from the room.
“Come on, fellas, let’s eat,” Stymie exults, and he and his hungry friends settle down to a hearty breakfast.
Stymie was also great at word play, such as in the “Bargain Day” short of 1931. One of the scenes revolves around a girl who says a parent has gone over to Watt Street, and Stymie performs in a similar manner to the “Who’s On First?” baseball routine started in vaudeville and made famous by the Abbott and Costello comedy team.
“That’s just what I’m asking you, what street?” Stymie questions.
“Watt Street.”
“Again, I’m asking you, what street?”
His timing is impeccable for a boy of six years of age.
The black stars of the “Our Gang” comedy shorts contributed a great deal to the zaniness and ultimate success of these films during the years of the Roaring 20s, Great Depression and World War Two. There definitely should be some concern about the more malignant forms of racism and racial stereotyping during the “Our Gang” run. But it should also be pointed out that stereotypical characters and depictions abounded on the show and were not limited to African Americans. There was the typical bully (Butch); the overweight jolly guy (Joe and Chubby), the coquettish girl (Darla); the freckle-faced kid (Mickey) and the precocious toddler (Spanky). For African Americans, the upside to the “Our Gang” comedies far outweighed the downside, and there should be a full appreciation of how much Hal Roach did to knock down racial barriers and bridge racial divides.
Sources:
The Little Rascals: The Complete Collection,” DVD, Discs 1-8, RHI Entertainment Distribution, 2008
