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Comedy Movies/Our Gang movie

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Expert: - 6/11/2007


Question
Hi I have a 16mm Our Gang movie called "Gunpowder Goat". Im haveing a difficult time tyring to find information on this film. Im wondering if it is the original film that I have here or a copy. Would you know anything about this film that possably could help me... Thank you.

Answer
Dear Anthony:  It doesn't surprise me that you are having trouble with this title, as it doesn't seem to be a title of an "Our Gang" short, at least not according to two different filmmographies I consulted for "Our Gang" films (one from the internet movie data base and the other from the "Our Gang" wikipedia site).

You didn't give me a date for this film, but it may be an alternative title for one of the Hal Roach era talkies (late 1920s to early 1940s).  Apparently 79 of the 80 Hal Roach shorts were released on 16 mm by Blackhawk/Republic during the 1960s-1980s.  These were copies, not originals (later the same films were released on VHS tape).  As best I can determine, the original films were all shot on 35 mm film stock, and distributed either by Pathe or MGM.

I hope this gives you more of any answer than you had.  You might contact MGM directly to see if the film you have is indeed one of the Blackhawk copies.  

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Barbara L. Baker

Expertise

I am a professor of communication at a midwest university, who has expertise on subjects related to film. I can answer general questions on U.S. film comedy (especially satires of the 1960s and 1970s) and comic theory. I also could answer questions related to specific comic genres, such as comedian comedies, screwball comedies, "stupid" comedies, and so forth. The more specific you can make your question, the better (e.g. main plot details, main characters, possible character names, possible actors, how you viewed the show, etc.). I also need to have a release date (or range of dates, or at least the year you viewed the film). Please do not just provide a set of links to someplace else (e.g. imdb discussion threads). I am less able to answer questions about comedies from other countries, made-for-TV movies, and recent comic films and actors (although I would do my best to find out). I cannot answer questions about specific TV shows or series, "Our Gang" episodes, anime/magna or about film collectables. I generally cannot provide movie recommendations, since what I find funny others may not. Nor will I answer obvious homework (although I will point you to resources to help answer the question, if asked). I also can't help you find movie stars, or where to buy movie memorabilia, or tell you how to break into the business.

Experience

Course work in comedy films along with teaching about comedy films for several years; I've also conducted research into comedy films.

Education/Credentials
Ph.D. in Communication, emphasis in film and rhetoric

Awards and Honors
A dissertation award from a national organization plus various paper awards

Past/Present Clients
My students

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