bansi4 Posted September 25, 2005 Share Posted September 25, 2005 Just read on the internet today that former child star Tommy Bond who played tough guy bully Butch in the "Our Gang" comedy shorts has died at age 79. Tommy appeared in 27 of the comedy shorts which delighted generations of movie goers and TV fans throughout the years. He was one of the last remaining major gang members who included Spanky, Alfalfa, Darla, Buckwheat, Waldo, Stymie, Porky (still alive), Chubby, Froggy, Farina, etc. Since most of us are familiar with the wonderful "Our Gang" comedies and seldom discuss them on the boards, how about a tribute to all the kids. Who was your favorite gang member? What tickled you the most about their antics? Mongo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shainablue1 Posted September 26, 2005 Share Posted September 26, 2005 Alfalfa was always my favorite. I loved the romantic in him! How he always tried to woo Darla ( adorable girl! I use to always wish I was her! )and his singing was hilarious. Not to mention that pointy hair sticking up! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnnyweekes70 Posted September 26, 2005 Share Posted September 26, 2005 I love the series too much to single out any particular kid but if I was pressed to I'd have to name Porky, aka Eugene Lee. That kid made some of the funniest faces I've ever seen in my life and I still howl with laughter whenever I see him set Alfalfa's firecrackers off in his back-pocket during class. R.I.P. Tommy Bond. I just watched Battleground and I think I'll have to watch it again to spot him because it would give me another opportunity to watch a great film. Regarding his Our Gang work, nobody made a better bully and everyone of us, except the bullies, that is, knew a Butch and were always glad to see him get what he deserved. I do, however, prefer Bond's earlier work before the Butch character. He was a pretty cute kid, though toughness was obviously his forte. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spencerl964 Posted September 26, 2005 Share Posted September 26, 2005 To Mongo, I reckon' to many, that essentially made (3)! Bob Denver-(1935-2005), *Robert Wise-(1914-2005) & though he's by no-means as well-known, Tommy "Butch" Bonds-(he was 79 though, huh? I recall George "Spanky" McFarland-(1929-1994) was quite younger & a lot heavier.-(for fans of"The Little Rascals" I'mnot really among them myself) But, anyway Leonard Maltin's superb website (www.moviecrazy.com) has just about everything cinematic on it. New releases & he has written books on the "0ur Gang Kids" "Spanky" was a Texas type of guy & even interred there. As for Carl "Alfalfa" Switzer-(1927-59)-(shot to death in an argument over $$$ for walking dogs??) & the most "asinine" of all is The kid that lived in the LA home would use the bullet hole in the wall & charge other chilren to come-in & take a peak at where "Alfalfa," got shot!? Though he ended-up walking doggies for a living,his grave has become a fairly well-knwn tourist attraction in "Hollywood Forever Park"-(& no, thats not meant to be "Petie" on his marker) Ironically-(most of them passed away young, except 4 this fella "Butch") "Buckwheat," also went in 1979/80? & Darla Hood-(1931-79) was found dead in her home in Canoga Park, CA.-(not certain as to cause) & she's laid to rest only a few feet from "Alfalfa" Whoops, there is another & he's going on age 73 Robert "Mickey Gubitosi" Blake!-(this guy has had 9 lives too!) Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brackenhe Posted September 26, 2005 Share Posted September 26, 2005 Spanky was always my favorite. Does anyone remember when he was on Cheers and Cliff Clavin (John Ratzenberger) went nuts? It was hilarious. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alix1929 Posted September 26, 2005 Share Posted September 26, 2005 I always liked Porky & Buckwheat--together. They made a cute duo, and seemed to "mug" for the camera a lot. I also remember fondly the one with the firecrackers! Heck, I can even recite the opening part of "The Charge of the Light Brigade!" thanks to Our Gang. Another of my favorites is what I believe to be an early 1929-1930 one with Jackie Cooper called "Teacher's Pet," where they ruin a spaghetti meal the teacher (was it Miss Crabtree??) makes so that she'll dump her fiance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alix1929 Posted September 26, 2005 Share Posted September 26, 2005 Ohmygosh, I'd be remiss if I didn't also mention as a favorite the "He-Man Woman Hater's Club" episode! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts