Main Cast: Farina Hoskins, Matthew "Stymie" Beard, Jackie Cooper, Norman "Chubby" Chaney, Mary Ann Jackson
Release Year: 1931
Country: US
Run Time: 2rl minutes
Plot
Originally released on March 28, 1931, the "Our Gang" comedy "Little Daddy" is no longer available in the "Little Rascals" TV package, due to the perceived offensiveness of its "ethnic" humor. The focus is on talented black youngsters Allen "Farina" Hoskins and Mathew "Stymie" Beard, here cast as orphaned brothers. As Stymie's self-appointed guardian, Farina does not look forward to the day that his kid brother will be sent to an orphanage. When the officials arrive, Farina puts up a struggle to keep Stymie, with the rest of the Gang members helping out. Though topheavy with sentiment and pathos, the film delivers an abundance of laughs, especially during the scene in which Stymie pretends to take a bath. In addition, there's a curious segment wherein Norman "Chubby" Chaney sings in a basso profundo voice (supplied by Hal Roach comedy star Charley Chase), and a guest appearance by June Marlowe as the beloved Miss Crabtree. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Robert F. McGowan - Director, Richard C. Currier - Editor, LeRoy Shield - Composer (Music Score), Art Lloyd - Cinematographer, Hal Roach - Producer, Robert F. McGowan - Producer, H.M. Walker - Dialogue Writer
Farina and Stymie are orphans and staying in a small flat near a black community church. The authorities want to put Stymie into an orphanage. Farina is sad about this but attempts to have a goodbye for Stymie with help from the gang. As Farina gets the food set up, Stymie eats it quicker than the gang could arrive. As the gang arrives, a man from the orphanage arrives to take Stymie to the home. The gang then attacks him in order to stop him from taking Stymie away. Miss Crabtree, their teacher, arrives on the scene and presumably settles matters.
Note
This film was removed from the Little Rascals television package due to perceived racism toward African Americans. This was also the last appearance of Bobby Young. Stereotypes notwithstanding, the film contains some very memorable dialog. In one scene, Farina asked his minister if the authorities can actually take Stymie away from him. The minister replied, "I'm afraid so. They're the constituted authority." Stymie spoke up, "I had the constitution last week, and Farina gave me castor oil!"
