This film took me by surprised when it began because a title screen showing the adorable young Spanky McFarland appeared in the opening credits. I'd never seen this for other stars of the Our Gang films--even Wheezer who was the young star in quite a few films from 1929-1932. Yet, inexplicably, this was only Spanky's second film in the series! Apparently, he had a REALLY good agent!!
Understanding exactly what the context is for this one is important. It is an interesting coincidence that only yesterday I watched a documentary that really helped me understand "Choo-Choo!" better. It seems that up until the late 1920s, the Children's Aid Society of New York City had been taking orphans from this city out West to live with various farm families (beginning in the early-mid 1800s).
When the film begins, several orphans from the Children's Aid Society slip off the train--they don't want to be adopted. In their place, the Gang are THOUGHT to be these kids and are tossed on the train. No one will listen, so they just go along for the ride. Unfortunately for the poor guy who is escorting them, the kids are a handful! One disaster after another occurs and the boys are pains in the neck. And, in the end, after FINALLY getting them to their destination, he's told that they are the wrong kids and he needs to bring them all the way back!! Poor guy! Overall, a very funny and enjoyable film. Clever and celebrating an odd private charity that is almost completely forgotten today. If you want to learn more about these trains, try watching "The American Experience: The Orphan Trains".
Understanding exactly what the context is for this one is important. It is an interesting coincidence that only yesterday I watched a documentary that really helped me understand "Choo-Choo!" better. It seems that up until the late 1920s, the Children's Aid Society of New York City had been taking orphans from this city out West to live with various farm families (beginning in the early-mid 1800s).
When the film begins, several orphans from the Children's Aid Society slip off the train--they don't want to be adopted. In their place, the Gang are THOUGHT to be these kids and are tossed on the train. No one will listen, so they just go along for the ride. Unfortunately for the poor guy who is escorting them, the kids are a handful! One disaster after another occurs and the boys are pains in the neck. And, in the end, after FINALLY getting them to their destination, he's told that they are the wrong kids and he needs to bring them all the way back!! Poor guy! Overall, a very funny and enjoyable film. Clever and celebrating an odd private charity that is almost completely forgotten today. If you want to learn more about these trains, try watching "The American Experience: The Orphan Trains".