My association with George “Spanky” McFarland began on July 31, 1980 when I snuck up behind him to eavesdrop on his interview in Culver City. Later that night, he appeared at the Our Gang reunion, but for some reason I didn’t get his autograph in my book at that time. Having flown in from Texas for the convention, Spanky was at the convention for its entire duration so I was able to get his signature later on – as I recall I got my book signed in the hospitality suite later that night.
Spanky McFarland was also an extremely entertaining participant in an interesting Date with a Star question and answer session during which he revealed that he still had possession of his orginal tam (seen at top), beanie, and jodphurs (pants) that he once wore as possibly the most recognized member of the Our Gang / Little Rascals comedies. It was a hoot to see him pop the hat on and hold up his little pants.
Rosina Lawrence, Eddie Quillan, and Spanky
Spanky dons his famous beanie
I recall that the announcement was made on the bus during one of our Laurel and Hardy locations tours that Spanky would not sign any photograph that had been reproduced illegally (namely all of them, barring original stills or lobby cards). Fortunately, he did have some authorized photos available in the dealers room, selling for something in the neighborhood of $2.00. This was one of two of my very first 8 x 10 photos that I got autographed during Hollywood ’80, which were added to my blossoming collection – and remain there to this day. As I recall, Spanky signed the photo below during the Date with a Star Q&A session on August 1.
I would later write Spanky a letter in 1985 and then speak to him on the phone (my first celebrity phone call) about arranging a meeting in Dayton to get some lobby cards signed. He then subsequently appeared at the 1988 Sons of the Desert convention, where I was able to finally get him to sign some of those ‘illegal’ photos. You see, he agreed to sign these for my friend Bob (and Bob only) in appreciation for the fact that Bob brought him to Hollywood ’80. Spanky was also kind enough to donate a signed photo for my tent to raffle in 1992, not long before his untimely passing in 1993. Over the next few years following his death, I communicated from time to time with Spanky’s wife Doris.
The Our Gang stars of Hollywood ’80 will continue…
Great story and photos, Brad. I was sorry that I didn’t have the chance to meet Spanky at the New York convention in ’94. I was told he had been planning to attend before his death the year before. His wife attended and graciously signed my program. Is she still living?
Devin
August 7th, 2007