This is from my collection of Our Gang Silent Films which are now all in the Public Domain and sadly, rarely seen anymore. The Big Show is the first Our Gang short from 1923.
technical details:
Production A-7.
Filmed July 28 to August 15, September 11 to 28, 1922, and January 10 and 11, 1923. See ‘miscellaneous’ section below for details.
Released on February 25, 1923. It was the 9th film in the series to be released.
Copyrighted February 26, 1923, by Pathé Exchange, Inc. Registration no. LU18734. Since the copyright was not renewed, this film is now in the public domain.
Silent two-reeler.
Probable opening title: ‘”Our Gang” Comedies – Hal Roach presents His Rascals in “The Big Show”.’ The lobby poster for this film reads this way, but the film itself may have read ‘”Our Gang” Comedy’ or ‘”Our Gang” Series.’
Released into TV syndication as Mischief Makers episode no. 1021, “County Fair,” copyrighted Sep. 1, 1960, with registration number LP17326.
THE CREW:
Produced by Hal Roach
Directed by Robert F. McGowan
Photographed by Len Powers
Titles by H. M. Walker
Story by Hal E. Roach
Teacher: Fern Carter
THE KIDS:
Jackie Condon
Ernie “Sunshine Sammy” Morrison as “Booker T.”
Allen “Farina” Hoskins as “Farina”
Mickey Daniels
Jack Davis
Joe Cobb (series debut)
Andy Samuel (series debut)
Mary Kornman (series debut)
Supporting role. She’s seen only during the ‘movie’ sequence, portraying Mary Pickford. This is the earliest film for which I’m able to verify her participation.
THE ADULTS:
Roy Brooks as “De Rues”
Supporting role. He appears twice in the film, and has the biggest role among the adults. Maltin & Bann list Lincoln Stedman, but since they name Brooks in other instances that aren’t him, I’m thinking that all the Stedman listings are actually Brooks.
Dick Gilbert as the security guard
Supporting role. He’s seen in the opening scenes as the boys are trying to sneak into the fair.
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