I have nothing against teaching boys and girls dancing. But this simply isn't going to work with rough-and-tumble kids like the ones from the Our Gang comedies. In this case, Mickey's mom insists on him taking dancing lessons, dressing like a little girl and being a little gentleman...something that just isn't destined to work!
After his dance class, Mickey is outside and sees a bully pushing around the kids. While he remembers mom's admonition NEVER to fight, it's hard not to in a case like this, as the boy is a bully and needs to be taught a lesson. And, just as he's about to belt the guy, mom shows and takes Mickey with her! Of course, this makes the bully even more of a jerk as he continues pushing around the Gang and making time with Mary...who just isn't interested. You know that sooner or later, Mickey will be back for a re-match...thanks to Grandma...who is VERY sympathetic to Mickey's plight.
While it's quite obvious they are using a stunt double for many of Grandma's antics, she is a fun character...full of vinegar and cute as well. She helps make this a very special little film. It's also nice to see Mickey playing a different sort of character, though occasionally other kids in the series played rich kids who were pushed to be delicate by their parents. All in all, a very good installment of the Our Gang series...with a strong message to let kids be kids.
By the way, Mickey's mom in this short is not only fighting a losing battle with Mickey but she's incredibly dim. When she finds assorted trinkets Mickey's hidden (including a few bullets), she tosses them into the fireplace! Not the brightest move, huh?!
After his dance class, Mickey is outside and sees a bully pushing around the kids. While he remembers mom's admonition NEVER to fight, it's hard not to in a case like this, as the boy is a bully and needs to be taught a lesson. And, just as he's about to belt the guy, mom shows and takes Mickey with her! Of course, this makes the bully even more of a jerk as he continues pushing around the Gang and making time with Mary...who just isn't interested. You know that sooner or later, Mickey will be back for a re-match...thanks to Grandma...who is VERY sympathetic to Mickey's plight.
While it's quite obvious they are using a stunt double for many of Grandma's antics, she is a fun character...full of vinegar and cute as well. She helps make this a very special little film. It's also nice to see Mickey playing a different sort of character, though occasionally other kids in the series played rich kids who were pushed to be delicate by their parents. All in all, a very good installment of the Our Gang series...with a strong message to let kids be kids.
By the way, Mickey's mom in this short is not only fighting a losing battle with Mickey but she's incredibly dim. When she finds assorted trinkets Mickey's hidden (including a few bullets), she tosses them into the fireplace! Not the brightest move, huh?!