Teacher's Pet (1930)

recommended

Dreadfully Boring

An absolute waste of money

A film with more than the usual spoiler issues. Talking about it in any detail feels akin to handing you a gift-wrapped present and saying, "I hope you like it -- It's a thriller about a diabolical secret experiment."

"Teacher's Pet" is a 20-minute black-and-white short film from 1930, so this one is already over 85 years old. And still because of the young cast, some of the protagonists (including Jackie Cooper) still lived until way into the 21st century. By now you probably realize this is another Rascals short film and the main antagonist / main (grown-up) friend in here is once again Miss Crabtree, a recurring character in these old sound films played by the fairly stunning June Marlowe. Nonetheless in terms of the story I found it underwhelming to say the least. Director is McGowan, writer is Walker like many other times with these Our Gang films. And like most of the others, this one is also really overrated here on IMDb. Even if you are a fan, there is no way one can make an argument that this is on the same level quality-wise with stuff like Network, No country for Old Men or On the Waterfront. Anyway, as for the contents here, there was not as much animal action as in other Rascals films, just one scene basically. The story is about the kids (one in particular) trying to prank Miss Crabtree, but of course that's not gonna happen. I give it a thumbs-down. Even at under half an hour, it dragged quite a bit in my opinion.

A wonderful Our Gang short that certainly deserves the accolades heaped upon it throughout the years. A warm, heartfelt, humorous look at a boyhood crush between student and teacher. Jackie Cooper shines as the young student smitten by new teacher Miss Crabtree. June Marlowe, while not a great actress, is endearing and lovely as the new teacher. A well told and well acted short that is rightly looked at as one of Our Gang's best.As much as this short is noted for introducing Marlowe and Matthew Beard to audiences as well as being one of three shorts to use spoken word opening credits and for introducing the "Good Old Days" opening theme, what is equally important is it's recognition as a time capsule. A wonderful look at the more simple times that have longed since passed. The dirt road leading to school. The beautiful eucalyptus trees lining the road. The one room school house. A snap shot of more simple days. What also helps this short is how it was filmed. A soft focus, almost haze-like approach that really conveys the feeling of a warm, late summer day when school was back in session. Classic!

"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.

An OUR GANG Comedy Short.It's pretty Miss Crabtree's first day as teacher at the Gang's school. Jackie, Chubby & Farina have plans to make her day miserable (red ants & sneezing powder), but she has plans of her own that just might turn the tables on the Rascals - especially her new TEACHER'S PET, Jackie.A funny little film. Wheezer, Dorothy & Stymie (called `Hercules' here, this was his first OUR GANG appearance) are especially good. Highlight: Chubby & Dorothy's echo dialogue. This was June Marlowe's first appearance as Miss Crabtree.