Fish Hooky

Fish Hooky was a stellar illustration of how the Little Rascals felt about school. Several Our Gang shorts had the kids playing hooky, or attempting to do so. In this one, it was almost the end of the school year, and Our Gang alumna Mary Kornman portrayed their teacher, who sought to reward them by treating them to a picnic at the beach. Unfortunately, some of the kids were anxious for school to be out, so Farnia and Joe, more former Our Gang members, portraying children old enough not to be required to attend school, submitted false absence notes to Miss Kornman for Wheezer, Stymie, Dickie, and Uh-huh. Spanky told them of the picnic, so they changed their minds too late, missing the bus. Mickey Daniels (ANOTHER ex-Little Rascal) portrayed the truant officer, who warned them of possible sentence to reform school, describing it as more like STATE PEN! He drove them to the beach, revealing his badge, so they led him on chase. Finally, he brought them to Miss Kornman, begging that they NOT be sent to reform school. Mickey agreed to let them go this time, but warned NOT to let it happen again! So, they learned their lesson, missing out on part of the fun, which was appropriate punishment, but eventually being able to enjoy this lovely picnic. It shows how the kids were not fond of school, and that playing hooky can cause unexpected consequences.