Mama's Little Pirate

For a few films before this one, Buckwheat was a character played by a girl! This film marks the appearance of the real Buckwheat we have all come to know and sometimes love.

This is one of the best Our Gang comedies. Unlike some, which seemed to have little in the way of plot, this one was very well written and didn't just rely on the kids being adorable to attract an audience. It all begins with Spanky being adorable (which was true in all his earlier films). His father talks about an article in the newspaper that says pirate treasure was recently discovered. Naturally, this gives Spanky an idea and he rounds up all the kids to go explore a nearby cave. However, when he returns home for a flashlight, his mother catches him and forbids him to go. He's defiant--resulting in him being sent to his room. Now I could tell you all about the rest of the film, but I don't want to spoil it. Suffice to say that it's a wonderful and rather dark fantasy film from here on. I especially loved Spanky talking with his rather nasty conscience--but the giant was also a sight you have to see! This film has what you want in a film--lots of laughs. While I normally think the Our Gang comedies aren't nearly as good as some of the other series from Hal Roach Studios (especially Laurel & Hardy and Charley Chase), this one is a definite exception. Well worth seeing and fun.