Tad Pole " . . . and tan (your butt)?" MGM film star Jackie Cooper asks a young female school teacher a couple minutes into this expose on misogyny and woman-hating up in Canadia. That so-called nation (aka, America's Northern Threat) is infamous for having a college system in which failing engineering dudes grab the nearest military-style assault rifle and go A-Huntin' for the Ladies. TEACHER'S PET, the 13th in a series of "Little Rascals" documentary shorts meant to alert the world to the serious dangers posed by gangs of juvenile delinquent thugs from Canadia, probably inspired Today's shooters more than dissuaded them. This TEACHER'S PET episode, in fact, features a whole raft of gratuitous gun violence references which turned out to be self-fulfilling prophecies. And Jack is not alone in dreaming up sadistic tortures for poor Ms. Crabtree's posterior. Jack's pal Chub anticipates the scene with jars of stinging wasps affixed to writing unclothed nuns depicted in the later feature film THE DEVILS (which takes place somewhere in Canadia, if I'm not mistaken): Chub gets stinging ants into Ms. C's pants (about the worst he could do here, since documentary shorts are not eligible to be released with the NC-17 rating).

Horst in Translation ([email protected]) "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.

MartinHafer The gang's beloved teacher is leaving because she's getting married. When they hear that their new teacher is named Miss Crabtree, they assume she's a nasty old prune--and the kids plan a series of horrible pranks to play on her to get her to leave. However, Jackie meets the new teacher and doesn't realize it's her--and he's infatuated with her! Won't he be surprised when he goes to school! But what about all those nasty pranks?! Jackie Cooper has his best opportunity to shine as a member of Our Gang in this one. And, quite frankly, he's adorable and very good in the lead. Also, this film is important because it marks the first appearance by Stymie Beard's--who would eventually replace Farina and become one of the more beloved members of this ensemble cast. It also gives Wheezer a chance to upstage them all in his small appearance near the end. Overall, one of the more entertaining episodes of Our Gang--and one well worth seeing. It's sweet and fun from start to finish.

jimtinder "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.