Washee Ironee

Obviously, this is not the most politically correct title--a comment about the way folks referred to Chinese back in the old days. But if you can get past this, it's a pretty good Our Gang short.

This film was directed by James Parrott--a man who used to be a comic for Hal Roach Studios and guy who directed a lot of films for the studio (including films of Laurel & Hardy). He also was the brother of Charley Chase--the wonderful comic who seems to be gaining more attention in recent years due to his shorts being shown on Turner Classic Movies as well as the release of several nice DVD sets.

Waldo plays a rich kid who desperately wants to play with the Gang. But, his snooty mother wants him to stay home and practice his violin. Unlike some rich kids in these shorts, Waldo is a nice kid and you feel sorry for him. When the kids see him watching, they invite him to play--and Waldo gets REALLY filthy. Not wanting him to get in trouble, the kids decide to help him clean up--with predictable results.

The best thing about the short was the ambulance gag, but there were lots of nice moments in the film. I especially like how nice all the kids were--very accepting and decent. Well worth seeing.