The Little Rascals - Alfalfa and his older brother Harold?
08-29-04 | 11:40 AM
#1
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The Little Rascals - Alfalfa and his older brother Harold?
Alfalfa Switzer made his Little Rascals debut in 1935 with his older brother in the short, Beginner's Luck. The two brothers are portrayed as "Tom & Jerry," and they sing She'll Be Comin' Around The Mountain - with Alfalfa on vocals and his brother Harold on banjo.
Now, after this short, Alfalfa appeared in more Rascals shorts, but his brother was never seen again. How did this happen, exactly? Were they just looking for someone young so they'd last in the series longer (maybe they figured that Alfalfa's brother Harold would age too fast as he was older), or was Alfalfa just cuter than his Harold, in the eyes of the producer?
Funny, too, how Alfalfa became the big star of the series in the late-1930's. He became Spanky's new sidekick (goodbye Scotty) and literally the focal point on many episodes.
Whatever became of Harold Switzer?
***
As a side question, I often wonder how Spanky (George McFarland) didn't "make it" after the Little Rascals series ended in the early 1940's. I mean, this kid was talented! He had it all, but in the end, maybe his obesity done him in. But jeez, a lot of obese men made it in film - just look at Oliver Hardy and Lou Costello! Oh well. I guess thems are the breaks in Hollywood.
Now, after this short, Alfalfa appeared in more Rascals shorts, but his brother was never seen again. How did this happen, exactly? Were they just looking for someone young so they'd last in the series longer (maybe they figured that Alfalfa's brother Harold would age too fast as he was older), or was Alfalfa just cuter than his Harold, in the eyes of the producer?
Funny, too, how Alfalfa became the big star of the series in the late-1930's. He became Spanky's new sidekick (goodbye Scotty) and literally the focal point on many episodes.
Whatever became of Harold Switzer?
***
As a side question, I often wonder how Spanky (George McFarland) didn't "make it" after the Little Rascals series ended in the early 1940's. I mean, this kid was talented! He had it all, but in the end, maybe his obesity done him in. But jeez, a lot of obese men made it in film - just look at Oliver Hardy and Lou Costello! Oh well. I guess thems are the breaks in Hollywood.
Last edited by Buttmunker; 08-29-04 at 11:42 AM.
08-29-04 | 04:01 PM
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From: Exit 10, NJ
Originally posted by PopcornTreeCt
Well I'm pretty sure Spanky's parents took all his money thus ending his career.
Well I'm pretty sure Spanky's parents took all his money thus ending his career.
Spanky's career went in the toilet because he grew up and wasn't cute anymore.
08-29-04 | 04:57 PM
#4
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Alfalfa (real name Carl) can be seen as a teenager in It's A Wonderful Life. He's the jerk who opens the dancefloor/pool because he's jealous of George. Tragically, he died at age 32 after getting into a fight about a lost dog.
Here's a good site with his whole story (and it mentions that Harold was relegated to infrequent appearances because of his "lack of enthusiasm"):
http://www.crimelibrary.com/notoriou...x.html?sect=26
Interestingly, Harold was also killed following a dispute with another man at the age of 42.
Here's a good site with his whole story (and it mentions that Harold was relegated to infrequent appearances because of his "lack of enthusiasm"):
http://www.crimelibrary.com/notoriou...x.html?sect=26
Interestingly, Harold was also killed following a dispute with another man at the age of 42.
Last edited by Numanoid; 08-29-04 at 05:12 PM.
