General Spanky (1936)
The one and only feature-length Our Gang adventure, sending the Little Rascals into the heart of the Civil War South.
General Spanky - Movie Information
- Release Year: 1936
- Directed by: Gordon Douglas, Fred C. Newmeyer
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy, War
- Runtime: 1h 11m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): December 11, 1936 (United States)
- Production Companies: Hal Roach Studios
- Production Countries: United States of America
General Spanky - Plot
Orphaned shoeshine boy Spanky is working on a Mississippi riverboat during the Civil War. There he befriends young runaway slave Buckwheat. After wronging a vicious gambler, Spanky and Buckwheat are forced to jump ship. Finding solace at a nearby house, the two are picked by Marshall Valiant for an important mission. This inspires Spanky to organize the local kids to form a small army of their own.
General Spanky - Trailer
Check out a clip from this classic 1936 Our Gang feature film.
Where to Watch General Spanky
Looking for where to watch General Spanky?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
General Spanky - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Gordon Douglas
- Fred C. Newmeyer
Main Cast
- George McFarland
- Phillips Holmes
- Ralph Morgan
- Irving Pichel
- Rosina Lawrence
- Billie Thomas
- Carl Switzer
- Hobart Bosworth
- Robert Middlemass
- James P. Burtis
Writers
- Hal Yates
- Richard Flournoy
- John Guedel
Producers
- Hal Roach
General Spanky - FAQs
What is General Spanky about?
General Spanky follows an orphaned shoeshine boy named Spanky and his friend Buckwheat, a young runaway slave, as they get swept up in Civil War adventures along the Mississippi. After crossing a dangerous gambler, the two kids find refuge and end up rallying local children into their very own makeshift army.
Is General Spanky the first Our Gang feature film?
Yes, General Spanky holds the distinction of being the only feature-length film produced by Hal Roach Studios starring the Our Gang cast. While the series was beloved in short-film format, this 1936 Civil War comedy-adventure was the one and only attempt to expand the Little Rascals into a full feature.
Who are the main actors in General Spanky?
The film stars George McFarland as Spanky and Billie Thomas as Buckwheat, with Carl Switzer (Alfalfa) also appearing. Adult roles are filled by Phillips Holmes, Ralph Morgan, Irving Pichel, Rosina Lawrence, and Hobart Bosworth, rounding out a cast that blends the beloved Rascals with seasoned character actors.
Where can I watch General Spanky?
You can check current streaming availability for General Spanky on JustWatch, which tracks where the film is available to rent, buy, or stream in your region. As a 1936 public-domain-era title, it occasionally surfaces on classic film platforms and free streaming services.
Who directed General Spanky?
General Spanky was co-directed by Gordon Douglas and Fred C. Newmeyer. Gordon Douglas was a regular collaborator on the Our Gang short films and would go on to a long Hollywood career directing features across multiple genres, while Newmeyer was a veteran of silent-era comedy direction.
How does General Spanky differ from the short films?
Unlike the freewheeling, gag-driven Our Gang shorts, General Spanky attempts a more structured narrative set against the Civil War backdrop. The feature-length format gives the story room to develop adult characters and a wartime plot, though the charm of the Rascals' comedic chemistry remains the film's central appeal.
Was General Spanky a box office success?
General Spanky was largely considered a disappointment at the box office upon its 1936 release. Critics and audiences found the transition from short-form comedy to feature film uneven, and Hal Roach Studios never attempted another full-length Our Gang feature, keeping the series firmly in the short-film format going forward.
What are some films similar to General Spanky?
If you enjoy General Spanky's blend of comedy and wartime setting, you might also like Buck Privates (1941), M*A*S*H (1970), No Time for Sergeants (1958), or the satirical Dr. Strangelove (1964). For more Our Gang adventures, the Little Rascals short films themselves are the natural companion viewing.
More About General Spanky
Explore further details about General Spanky on these trusted film databases.