Boxing Gloves (1929)

A scrappy Our Gang short where Farina's clever boxing scheme pits two gentle giants against each other in a hilariously reluctant bout.

Boxing Gloves - Movie Information

  • Release Year: 1929
  • Directed by: Robert A. McGowan
  • Type: Movie
  • Genres: Comedy, Family
  • Runtime: 17m
  • Original Language: English
  • Spoken Languages: English
  • Release Date (Theatrical): September 9, 1929 (United States)
  • Production Companies: Hal Roach Studios
  • Production Countries: United States of America

Boxing Gloves - Plot

The Rascals have a boxing arena that could pack them in if they could find fighters who would actually mix it up. Harry and Farina notice a rivalry between two very large young kids, Joe and Chubby, that would fill the bill if only the two heavyweights would put aside their gentle natures. Farina gets an idea: tell each of the lads that the other will take a dive in the second round. So the fight begins and the stands are filled; but will the combatants actually throw a punch? Ernie has one more trick up his sleeve to get the fists flying and the crowd on its feet. Sweet science indeed.

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Boxing Gloves - Cast & Crew

Director(s)

  • Robert A. McGowan

Main Cast

  • Johnny Aber
  • Norman Chaney
  • Joe Cobb
  • Jackie Cooper
  • Jean Darling
  • Charlie Hall
  • Allen 'Farina' Hoskins
  • Bobby 'Wheezer' Hutchins
  • Mary Ann Jackson
  • Bobby Mallon

Writers

  • Robert A. McGowan
  • Hal Roach

Producers

  • Hal Roach
  • Robert F. McGowan

Boxing Gloves - FAQs

What is Boxing Gloves about?

Boxing Gloves follows the Our Gang kids as they try to fill their makeshift boxing arena by staging a fight between two oversized but gentle rivals, Joe and Chubby. Farina's clever scheme — convincing each boy the other will take a dive — sets up a wonderfully chaotic bout full of laughs and surprises.

Does the boxing match actually happen in this film?

It does, though not without some wrangling! Joe and Chubby are naturally too good-natured to throw punches, so Farina tricks them both into thinking the other will fake a fall. When that plan unravels, Ernie pulls one final trick to get the fists flying and the crowd roaring.

Where can you stream Boxing Gloves for free?

You can watch Boxing Gloves for free on YouTube (with ads) and on Plex, including the Plex Channel. All three options cost nothing, making this classic Our Gang short very easy to track down without spending a dime.

Who are the main cast members in Boxing Gloves?

The film features the beloved Our Gang ensemble: Allen 'Farina' Hoskins, Joe Cobb as Joe, Norman Chaney as Chubby, Jackie Cooper as Jackie, Jean Darling as Jean, Bobby 'Wheezer' Hutchins as Wheezer, Mary Ann Jackson, Charlie Hall, Johnny Aber, and Bobby Mallon as the announcer.

Is Boxing Gloves worth watching today?

Absolutely — if you enjoy classic silent-era comedy. At just 17 minutes, it's a breezy, charming short that showcases the natural chemistry of the Our Gang kids. The boxing scheme is genuinely funny, and it's a lovely snapshot of early Hollywood comedy craftsmanship from the Hal Roach Studios.

Who directed and produced Boxing Gloves?

Robert A. McGowan directed the film, with Hal Roach and Robert F. McGowan producing under the Hal Roach Studios banner. McGowan was the creative force behind much of the Our Gang series, shaping its signature blend of childhood mischief and warm-hearted comedy throughout the late 1920s.

How long is Boxing Gloves?

Boxing Gloves runs just 17 minutes — a quick, punchy watch that's typical of the Our Gang short format. It's the perfect length for the story it tells, packing in plenty of scheming, slapstick, and crowd-pleasing chaos without overstaying its welcome.

Is Boxing Gloves part of the Our Gang series?

Yes, Boxing Gloves is an entry in the iconic Our Gang series, also known as The Little Rascals, produced by Hal Roach Studios. Released in September 1929, it sits at the transition between the silent and early sound era, featuring the beloved gang of kids audiences adored throughout the late 1920s and 1930s.

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