Spook–Spoofing

Spook-Spoofing
Spook-Spoofing
Directed by	Robert F. McGowan
Written by	Reed Heustis; Anthony Mack
Produced by	Robert F. McGowan; Hal Roach
Starring	Joe Cobb; Jackie Condon; Allen Hoskins; Bobby Hutchins; Mildred Kornman; Jay R. Smith; Harry Spear; Bobby Dean; Johnny Aber; Pete the Pup; Charles A. Bachman; Charles Lloyd
Cinematography	Art Lloyd
Edited by	Richard C. Currier
Distributed by	Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Release date	January 14, 1928;
Running time	31:22
Country	United States
Languages	Silent; English intertitles

Spook–Spoofing is a 1928 Our Gang short silent comedy film directed by Robert F. McGowan.^[2]^[3] It was the 70th Our Gang short to be released.^[4]

Plot

The gang mercilessly taunt and bully superstitious Farina, who retaliates with a magic charm on one Harry. Harry then plays dead and the gang encourage Farina to bury the “corpse”.

Production notes

At over 31 minutes, Spook-Spoofing is the longest silent Our Gang short produced. It was initially included in the Little Rascals television package, but was later withdrawn for perceived racial insensitivities.

Bobby Dean was originally chosen as a replacement for Joe Cobb, once Joe outgrew his role. Dean died in 1929 due to health issues, appearing in only one Our Gang short.

Jean Darling does not appear in this film but is featured in promotional photos.

Cast

The Gang

Joe Cobb as Joe
Jackie Condon as Jackie
Allen Hoskins as Farina
Bobby Hutchins as Wheezer
Mildred Kornman as Mildred
Jay R. Smith as Jay, the Undertaker's son
Harry Spear as Harry
Bobby Dean as Other fat boy
Pete the Pup as himself

Additional cast

Johnny Aber as First boy running
Charles A. Bachman as Policeman
Charles Lloyd as Vendor selling the eclipse glasses

Filming Locations

The scene where Farina brushes Harry with the voodoo charm was filmed on the southwest corner of Woodbine Street and Motor Avenue in the Palms neighborhood of Los Angeles.^[5]

References

^ The Lucky Corner
^ "Silent Era: Spook Spoofing". silentera. Retrieved September 14, 2008.
^ Hal Erickson (2009). "New York Times: Spook Spoofing". Movies & TV Dept. The New York Times. Archived from the original on November 1, 2009. Retrieved September 14, 2008.
^ Maltin, Leonard; Bann, Richard W. (1977). Our Gang: The Life and Times of the Little Rascals. Crown Publishers. pp. 83–84. Retrieved March 3, 2024.
^ Now, Chris Bungo Studios Filming Locations Then and. "Chris Bungo Studios Filming Locations Then and Now". Chris Bungo Studios Filming Locations Then and Now. Retrieved November 1, 2024.