The Fourth Alarm

"The Fourth Alarm" is one of a fraction of the silent Little Rascals comedies that exist today. And, oddly, it's not part of the huge mega-DVD set that was released a few years ago. It, and a few other silent installments are available for free download at archive.org.

The theme of the kids wanting to be firemen is not unique to "The Fourth Alarm". I've seen at least a couple later shorts with this theme and perhaps there were a some before this one. Regardless, after putting out a dangerous fire, the boys are told by the chief that they are his helpers--and soon the boys build their own firehouse--complete with so many of the cute gadgets that you'd expect from these films. Eventually, a real and deadly fire breaks out and the kids mistakenly think they can handle it! What's next? See the film.

Well done throughout. Perhaps it has a few less laughs than usual but it's more than made up for by the wonderful firehouse and their hilarious fire engines. Well worth your time.