Teacher's Pet

"Teacher's Pet," the second release during the "Our Gang" series' 1930-31 season, is also one of the finest films in the series. Following the excellent "Pups is Pups," "Teacher's Pet" continues the laughs, while also offering sentiment and heart.

It's Miss Crabtree's first day at school, and she wants to make a good impression on her students. She orders cake and ice cream for the children, and intends on letting them have a day off on their first day back from vacation.

Jackie, Chubby, Farina and Buddy have other plans. They are sure that with a name like Crabtree, their new teacher won't be as swell as their former teacher, Miss McGillicuddy. Buddy brings a mouse, Chubby brings red ants, and Farina brings sneezing powder in an effort to ditch school the first day. Jackie has plans of his own; but when he gets a ride to school from the new teacher - and he doesn't know she's the new teacher - he explains the plot to her. What will Miss Crabtree do?

Hailed by many film historians as one of the best films Hal Roach ever made, "Teacher's Pet" is loaded with indelible images of warmth and humor. There is an obvious connection between Jackie and Miss Crabtree that is charming and endearing. The kids give natural, likable performances. With this film, Jackie Cooper became the leader of "Our Gang/The Little Rascals", a position he would hold until leaving the series for features the following year.

The setting of the film reminds us of a simpler, quieter time seventy-five years ago. No intrusive cell phones, no rush hour, no strip malls are here. A simple, rural one-room schoolhouse; a leisurely walk along a dirt road; and shade underneath plentiful trees gives the viewer a chance to relax and enjoy the film. Who wouldn't want to go back to this time of simplicity and quiet?

The Rascals' theme song, "Good Old Days," makes its debut in this film. The film was immediately followed by a sequel, "School's Out." A winner from start to finish. 10 out of 10.