Babes In Toyland is one of the most treasured of Laurel and Hardy films. The timeless comedy of the boys combines with the sights and sounds of a magical land capable of wow-ing any kid seeing L&H for the first time. Ashleigh used to watch this film over and over again – and I mean like four times in one day. The characters in the film are based on nursery rhymes and children’s stories, and among them are the Three Little Pigs. Most of us had always assumed that these guys were actually all midgets – but the truth of the matter is that two were midgets and one was child actor Payne Johnson.
Ashleigh and I had the honor of meeting Mr. Johnson for the first time at the Augusta Sons convention. After having some difficulties with the airport, he had finally made his way to the hotel on Wednesday evening and was extraordinarily friendly with all of the conventioneers. On Friday following the trivia contest, a celebrity panel was held with delegates permitted to ask questions of the two honored guests, Payne Johnson and Jean Darling.
Payne answered questions about his association with many movie stars including Mickey Rooney, Judy Garland, John Wayne, Shirley Temple, and even his brief appearance with Our Gang. Payne had come from a large family of performers (his brother Cullen also was an Our Gang member).
After the session, Payne signed autographs for the delegates. Ashleigh and I got the above photos snapped and we each got a photo signed. Mine is seen below: Payne as Jiggs the Pig, with Henry Brandon in Babes In Toyland.
Next up: Jean Darling.
Brad,
I just got to read your interview and photos of me at the Augusta Laurel & Hardy conference.
I should tell you that I wasn’t sure how many “Our Gang” comedies I acted in because Hal Roach was often shooting several at one time, but I have been e-mailing back and forth with Bob Demoss of “The Lucky Corner” and have found photos of me in seven “Our Gang” movies including: “Second Fiddle” 1939, “Cousin Wilber” 1939, “Clown Princes” 1939, “Football Romeo” 1939,”Aladdin’s Lantern” 1938, “Our Gang Follies of 1938” and “The Pigskin Palooka” 1937. I also was in another Hal Roach film, “Boom Goes the Groom” and have a photo of me flying a kite with Charley Chase. If you check my name in the IMDB web site you will see that I they have listed 102 of my movies.
Thanks again for the great writing and photos in “Payne Johnson 2006”
Regards,
Payne
Payne Johnson
August 31st, 2010
Hi Brad,
Saw your TERRIFIC Blog while looking for info about PAYNE JOHNSON. I collect OLD HS Yearbooks and I found him in one. Here’s a link for your convenience: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=400399073895
Hope you ENJOY your visit.
All the Best,
Brian “brionski”
Brian "brionski" Fitterman
January 26th, 2013