Free Wheeling

This Hal Roach comedy short, Free Wheeling, is the one hundred seventeenth in the "Our Gang/Little Rascals" series and the twenty-ninth talkie. This is also the first short to only have "Our Gang" as the series title with no "Hal Roach presents His Rascals" heading. It would remain this way for the rest of the series' theatrical run. (On television, however, the Hal Roach-produced talkie entries will be renamed "The Little Rascals" since only M-G-M owns the "Our Gang" title.) Dickie has been wearing a neck brace since, well, forever. The latest doctor says take it off and let him play with the rest of the gang but his over protective mother won't hear of it. When Stymie comes into Dickie's room, he lets him pay for a ride in the gang's mule-pushed taxi. He's not the only passenger on it, however-little Spanky and Jacquie also come along for the ride...This was another funny Our Gang comedy which climaxes with quite a thrilling ride though it's not too convincing since an obvious rear projection screen is used for the climax. No matter as there's enough humorous lines and scenes to keep one entertained throughout. So on that note, Free Wheeling is recommended.

I recorded this episode in its entirety on VHS in the 1980's. Many moons and neighborhoods have seen it pass.

As the clock of progress takes us beyond, theatre, broadcast, VHS, DVD, internet, etc.; this masterpiece of comic genius is becoming more scarce than ever.

There was a brief time that you could view it on YouTube Movies in a few chapters. They're gone now and most of what's out there now online are missing the funniest parts. The mule gets drunk drinking rubbing alcohol and his tail points straight up.

Whatever it takes to get this, pursue it passionately. Even if it means buying it on VHS and having it professionally digitized. It's that good!!!!

Another of my personal favorites.Free Wheelin' makes you laugh.Stymie is the voices on the taxi-cab radio,as well as the floating power!Spanky shakes down an organ grinder's monkey for cab fare,and Dickie's stiff neck gets cured!All thanks to a wild down hill ride that provides plenty of excitement!Stymie and Spanky are exceptionally good in this one,as they often were.

An OUR GANG Comedy Short. Rich kid Dickie has a stiff neck and his mother insists on treating him like an invalid. After his pal Stymie hears the doctor say that Dickie needs to get out & have some excitement in his life, Stymie takes him for a ride in the Gang's new taxi, which is operated by mule power. But the ornery critter breaks loose - leaving the vehicle without breaks. With a steep hill & dangerous curves ahead, it looks like little Dickie is in for plenty of excitement - now that they're FREE WHEELING.

This is a funny little film with a couple of very cute moments: Dickie & his nurse tricking each other into taking castor oil and Spanky's encounter with a monkey. The taxi itself is quite ingenious and should delight gadget-minded viewers.

"Free Wheeling," a Hal Roach "Our Gang" entry from the 1932-33 release season, shows the Rascals at their peak. Dickie Moore plays the poor little rich boy who wants to play with his pal Stymie - but Dickie's doting mother insists he can't rough it up because of his stiff neck. Dickie wants some excitement in his life, and Stymie promises him excitement on his taxi made from cardboard, wood, and powered by a mule!

Dickie's dad and the doctor agree that all Dickie needs is to go outside and run and jump and play. Mother won't hear of it, however, and Dickie and Stymie sneak away on the taxi. Chaos ensues, however, as the mule gets away from the taxi - and Dickie, Stymie, Spanky and Jacquie Lyn "free wheel" it down a hill! Will Dickie's parents find them in time?

Truly a "Little Rascals" classic, "Free Wheeling" succeeds on many levels. First, the performances of the children are natural and playful. Second, the film is aided by blending comedy with the drama of the taxi "free wheeling". The only drawback to the film is the obvious backscreen as the children race downhill, but since this is 1932, one can forgive the antiquated special effects.

If you saw "Free Wheeling" on television when you were growing up, chances are you never forgot it. Funny and action-packed, the film deserves its ranking as one of the best "Our Gang" comedies from this period. 10 out of 10.