"GENERAL SPANKY"

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXIII, 15 June 1940, Page 4

"GENERAL SPANKY"

COMEDY AND ROMANCE IN DIVERTING ENTERTAINMENT

Youth predominates in the Hal f Roach feature-length comedy. "General j Spanky.” but so many important roles j were assigned to outstanding adult ! players that the personnel of the cast i is rated to hold the interest and fur- | nish high-class enertainment to grownups as well as children. The personality lad, Spanky Mcfarland. fulfills the title role in liis first j starring venture with a performance in I

I nl of a little slave that prompts the 'prediction that he will .eclipse the | screen success scored by the favourite “Farina." Carl Switzer receives an opportunity to put over one of his justly celebrated songs to add to his reputation as the "greatest off-key singer of the films,” chat started in "Too Many Parents.” “Porky” Lee. only three, is one of the group of clever youngsters who form "Spanky’s Kid Army.”

keeping with the signal hits he scored when loaned out in features. His last 1 success was in "The Trail of the Lone- 1 some Pine” and for five years he has been the “All-American Boy” in “Our 1 Gang.” Three of Spanky’s “Our Gang" play- ; mates have exceptionally fine parts. In particular Billy Thomas, the four-year-old coloured boy, makes his debut ; into features with a sparkling portray- ,

Featured roles are in capable hands. Phillips Holmes is ideally cast in the sympathetic lead of Spanky’s hero. Ralph Morgan scores in a sympathetic part. Irving Pichel carries the menace in his characteristic and artistic manner. Rosina Lawrence,, who was recognised and commended for her fine work in “Mister Cinderella,” furnishes the feminine beauty and charm opposite Holmes.