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Since 1970 |
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and Friends from The 1970s |
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SPANKY GOES TO COLLEGE by Rick Saphire There were bell-bottoms, love beads, long hair, platform shoes and peace signs as far as the eye could see. Viet Nam was the daily topic of conversation and there were constant reminders of the students having been shot on campus by the National Guard. All of this made it seem unlikely that this large gathering at Kent State University could be for anything other than a protest meeting. After viewing a three minute film which was projected onto a screen on the stage, the houselights came up. While standing by myself on the huge stage I made a short introduction while a little man could be seen walking down the center isle of the theater towards me. As his presence became known, the sea of people began to stand on their feet like a wave at the football game. Some reached out to touch him, while the others clapped and stomped and cheered and whistled, and some had tears in their eyes. As this little fellow, dressed in a business suit, finally stepped onto the stage and fell to his knees in a sincere display of gratitude, there was a swell of emotion that lasted for nearly five minutes.
 The audience, made up largely of college students, was augmented by young children and senior citizens. They were all there to remember a simpler time and to applaud a movie star who gave them so many warm, childhood memories. Strangely enough, this celebrity was far from contemporary. He had not made a motion picture in nearly thirty years. Nevertheless, the "Now Generation" poured its heart out at the mere sight of the undisputed star of the Our Gang Comedies and the Little Rascals. They all attended this "love in" to celebrate Spanky McFarland. I idolized Spanky McFarland, the film star, and I was fond of George McFarland, the man. Spanky was that cute little cherub movie star who charmed several generations. His lispy speech, ever-present beanie, and rotund figure would be his trademarks. George McFarland was the consummate corporate salesman, complete with his Texas drawl, his ever-present glass of scotch, and, yes, rotund figure. Of course, they were one and the same... with a few decades in between.
 Spanky's childhood movie pals like Alfalfa, Buckwheat, and Darla Hood seemed to be my pals, too. I, like many other people around the world, am still charmed by the original Little Rascals films. Television makes these lovable urchins timeless by introducing their films to each new generation, and the 1994 Steven Spielberg film called "The Little Rascals" is a tribute to their memory. The day after Spanky McFarland passed away, in 1993, I received a package from him in the mail. I cried for a while, and then I opened it. Spanky had sent me several autographed photos. He wanted to sell these collectibles by advertising them in some national magazines. When I told him that the National Enquirer was about to do a story about me and my collection of Hollywood memorabilia, he asked if I could give his project a plug. He was always the business man and never shy about capitalizing on his childhood stardom. I was glad to help.   Spanky and Rick Spanky's passing left a void in my life. Although my little pal, whom I had only known from his black and white two reel comedies will live on, my real life friend with whom I had traveled across the country from college to college and theater to theater was gone. I found myself reminiscing. Out came the boxes of press clippings, photos, old contracts, and letters. The audio tapes, color slides and 16mm prints of the Little Rascals comedies were dug out of storage, too. There was even a copy of little Spanky's 1931 screen test nestled in my basement closet along with the other treasures. These materials were all an intregal part of a most heartwarming and successful college and theatrical tour I produced in 1970. Riding high on the "nostalgia craze" that was sweeping the country at that time, "An Evening of Nostalgia Starring Spanky McFarland" played to tens of thousands of faithful fans. I may have lost my friend George McFarland, but I have these wonderful memories of an entire decade on the road with my pal, Spanky. |
| While meeting with the producers of The Mike Douglas Show, I suggested to them to secure the services of comedian, Robert Klein. Robert had recently released his first comedy album titled, "Child of the Fifties," which contained a funny routine about "The Little Rascals." The producers accepted my idea, and to everyone's delight, Robert's routine was a big hit, especially with Darla and Spanky! |
| Yoko Ono was quite confused with all the attention given to Spanky in the Green Room before taping The Mike Douglas Show. All the press were gathered around him, and none around her. She called me over and in her 1970's English, asked me why all the news people were paying so much attention to, "that little fat man," and not to her. It seems she had never seen, "The Little Rascals," and had no idea who "that little fat man" was! This TV reunion was the first tine Spanky and Darla had met in 30 years. |
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Since 1970 |
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