This Hal Roach comedy short, Fly My Kite, is the one hundred seventh in the "Our Gang/Little Rascals" series and the nineteenth talkie. A sequel to Helping Grandma, Margaret Mann once again portrays the gang's lovable elderly woman who's thrilling them with a western story in a magazine before then boxing with one of them. Then her son-in-law arrives to throw her out so he can move in with his new wife (Mae Busch-usually of Laurel & Hardy comedies who's as mean here as she often was to Stan & Ollie!). Since Grandma's now broke, she seems to have no other choice but, wait, there are some bonds that may have suddenly become valuable...When Ms. Mann starts crying, I admit to feeling a little manipulated to almost cringing levels but then she gives it to her son-in-law good and I'm really cheering for her as he really deserves what's coming to him! Oh, and seeing her do all those stunts is really fascinating to watch if a little unbelievable. It didn't surprise me when Richard W. Bann revealed in the commentary track that those stunts were actually done by Dave Sharpe in Ms. Mann's costume! Oh, and I also loved when he pointed out the locations in the short and what was still there and what wasn't. And the kids are hilarious as always especially when attacking the son-in-law played by an actor named James Mason (obviously, not the later British actor from Odd Man Out or the Judy Garland version of A Star Is Born). So on that note, I highly recommend Fly My Kite. P.S. This was the last Our Gang appearance for Mary Ann Jackson, Shirley Jean Rickert (she'd transition to the Mickey McGuire series as Tomboy Tailor), and Norman "Chubby" Chaney. He'd unfortunately die in 1936 after becoming very ill especially after an operation for glandular ailment. This was also Allen "Farina" Hoskins' last regular appearance in the series though he'd return a few years later for a mini-reunion.
12 Reviews
Fly My Kite was a worthy successor to previous Our Gang short, Helping Grandma
tavm22 October 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Over the hill to the Poor Farm . . .
pixrox18 February 2019
Warning: Spoilers
. . . she wends her weary way, with only eight Little Rascals coming over to play. Her daughter married a rounder, rotten to his core, and squandered all their money, till there isn't a penny more. Now with his bride all gone, dead from a broken heart, the greedy groom gives Gram the boot, to make room for his tart. Then the Fat Cat killer learns (from stealing Granny's mail) that she has bonds worth a mint tied up in a kids' kite tail. After shattering Granny's glasses with the heel of his boot, the moocher tries to filch the kite, and make off with the loot. Our Gang takes up Granny's cause, and beats this bozo silly; after riding their bed of nails he whinnies like a filly. Soon the kite gets tangled up in an electrical wire, prompting this evil son-in-law to shinny up higher and higher. Gram's kids won't be distracted, keeping their eyes on the prize; it takes them less than a minute to cut the felon down to size. As the cops nab the ogre and march him off to jail, Granny can't see "Stymie" under "Farina" in the swale.
A sweet old Our Gang comedy
planktonrules10 June 2007
Warning: Spoilers
This isn't your standard Our Gang comedy as it's a bit longer than some (at twenty minutes) and features the gang circa 1931--with a few faces that are familiar today (such as Stymie) and some less than familiar ones (such as Chubby and Farina). And, unlike some of their films, this one tries to be a bit sweeter and a little less comedic--though there still are plenty of laughs in the second half.
The film starts with the world's greatest old lady having a great time with the gang. While she has no grandkids, the children all call her "grandma" and she's exactly the type you wish you'd had as a child! Unfortunately, she lives with a jerk who is planning on sticking her in the poor house. However, after telling her she had to get out, he discovers that she has some old stock certificates that are worth a fortune, so he sets out to rob her--so it's up to the kids, and their dog Petey, to come to her rescue! The film is filled with pathos and sweetness along with a few laughs. This is a very good film with a bit more depth than usual and well worth a look. About the only deficit is logic--as who in their right mind would use stock certificates to make a tail on a kite!?
The film starts with the world's greatest old lady having a great time with the gang. While she has no grandkids, the children all call her "grandma" and she's exactly the type you wish you'd had as a child! Unfortunately, she lives with a jerk who is planning on sticking her in the poor house. However, after telling her she had to get out, he discovers that she has some old stock certificates that are worth a fortune, so he sets out to rob her--so it's up to the kids, and their dog Petey, to come to her rescue! The film is filled with pathos and sweetness along with a few laughs. This is a very good film with a bit more depth than usual and well worth a look. About the only deficit is logic--as who in their right mind would use stock certificates to make a tail on a kite!?
Perfection?
Jim-50030 November 2001
I adore this short. I watched it as a kid, and it's got even better, watching it as an adult.
It's got the lovable "everybody's" grandmother who can first read a scary story to the kids and then don the boxing gloves and duke it out. It's got a son-in-law of pure evil, who would not only steal money from Granny (twice), but also break her glasses on purpose, right before he sends her to the Poor Farm.
But best of all, it's got kids who act like true kids. They return Granny's unconditional love, and also defend her from the dark-suited wraith. The best part for me is when they bite the guy! Because when you're a little kid, you're virtually defenseless against a big adult. And you're always taught to never bite. But when it's all they can do, the kids do it, and it's satisfying because the guy deserves every bit of it.
Also satisfying are the other ways they get even with him. It may seem cruel to drag someone's butt over broken glass and rusty nails, but it's a riot when it happens to this guy. I don't think you could make this sort of thing today and have it be funny. The secret here is that it's so in-your-face that you can't help but laugh. We all think things were so quaint back then, but comedians were just as out there as they are today.
Anyway, I'm sure this film was satisfying to period audiences, with James Mason personifying the depression, and Margaret Mann as the "everyman" Granny who regular folks could identify with. She even says at one point "Burn those papers--let them go up in smoke just like all my dreams and hopes."
The character development is quick, the dramatic build-up pulls you right in (just as you can't believe how mean Mason is, he gets meaner), and then the kids save the day, along with a wonderful contribution from Pete the pup. I don't think I'll ever get tired of watching this short.
It's got the lovable "everybody's" grandmother who can first read a scary story to the kids and then don the boxing gloves and duke it out. It's got a son-in-law of pure evil, who would not only steal money from Granny (twice), but also break her glasses on purpose, right before he sends her to the Poor Farm.
But best of all, it's got kids who act like true kids. They return Granny's unconditional love, and also defend her from the dark-suited wraith. The best part for me is when they bite the guy! Because when you're a little kid, you're virtually defenseless against a big adult. And you're always taught to never bite. But when it's all they can do, the kids do it, and it's satisfying because the guy deserves every bit of it.
Also satisfying are the other ways they get even with him. It may seem cruel to drag someone's butt over broken glass and rusty nails, but it's a riot when it happens to this guy. I don't think you could make this sort of thing today and have it be funny. The secret here is that it's so in-your-face that you can't help but laugh. We all think things were so quaint back then, but comedians were just as out there as they are today.
Anyway, I'm sure this film was satisfying to period audiences, with James Mason personifying the depression, and Margaret Mann as the "everyman" Granny who regular folks could identify with. She even says at one point "Burn those papers--let them go up in smoke just like all my dreams and hopes."
The character development is quick, the dramatic build-up pulls you right in (just as you can't believe how mean Mason is, he gets meaner), and then the kids save the day, along with a wonderful contribution from Pete the pup. I don't think I'll ever get tired of watching this short.
A Very Funny Our Gang Comedy
Ron Oliver14 March 2000
An OUR GANG Comedy Short. Grandma, the Rascals' sweet old neighbor lady, is being victimized by her scoundrel of a stepson. He wants to seize her property & put her in the county poor house. Most of all, he wants her suddenly very valuable corporate shares, which she believes are worthless. Using them as weights, she ties the papers to the tail of Chubby's kite. When the wicked wastrel tries to steal the kite, the Rascals & Grandma teach him a painful lesson he won't soon forget. `Hey, Mister, do you wanna FLY MY KITE?'
A very funny little film. The Rascals handle the bad guy in a most satisfying manner. That's Margaret Mann as Grandma.
A very funny little film. The Rascals handle the bad guy in a most satisfying manner. That's Margaret Mann as Grandma.
A True Our Gang Classic
Corr2816 April 2009
Warning: Spoilers
I have not come across many people my age who didn't remember this short and for good reason. For my money, it's one of the series all-time best. The interaction between Grandma and the kids is so honest, so endearing and so spot on it makes you forget you are watching a film. It also proves just how talented these kids really were. Grandma's son-in-law is one of the most low down, despicable characters you're likely to find which makes his downfall at the end even more satisfying. I'd be willing to bet that this short has the longest sustained action segment of any Our Gang entry. The concluding six and a half minutes is non-stop action driven along by the rousing background theme "Hide And Go Seek". Entertaining and memorable from start to finish.
Little rascals and sweet old ladies take on greedy non-relatives.
mark.waltz3 April 2015
Warning: Spoilers
After "helping grandma", the Little Rascals got to help her again in this tale of greed as a sweet old lady (Margaret Mann) is swindled by her former son-in-law (Jim Mason) and is threatened with loosing even more when he finds out by accident that she's about to be a rich woman. Mann, having not given way to greedy developers out to take her convenience store in "Helping Grandma", basically plays the same part here, surrounded by much of the early sound cast of "Our Gang" including Wheezer, Chubby, Stymie and Farina. Freckle-faced Mary Ann, Dorothy and Shirley also appear, and it's always a delight to see the sassy Mary Ann stand up to the boys.
It's obvious that Grandma is a beloved neighbor to the young gang of friends which is multi-raced and not at all filled with any adult prejudices. Stymie is just as important to the gang as Wheezer and Jackie were, and he is treated with respect by his friends, although poor Farina never realizes that throwing rocks up in the air every few seconds will only result in the rock hitting him on the noggin, complete with the coconut thumping sound. There's plenty of slapstick, and Grandma gets to do a few back flips and even box as she prepares for battle with both Wheezer and her greedy ex son-in-law whom she presumably gave control of her estate to even though she believes that he drove her daughter to an early grave. So there's also a bit of darkness underneath all that Hal Roach schtick, making this era of the Rascals more entertaining than it would be when aging rascals needed to be replaced and MGM took over, making them more moralistic and less fun.
It's obvious that Grandma is a beloved neighbor to the young gang of friends which is multi-raced and not at all filled with any adult prejudices. Stymie is just as important to the gang as Wheezer and Jackie were, and he is treated with respect by his friends, although poor Farina never realizes that throwing rocks up in the air every few seconds will only result in the rock hitting him on the noggin, complete with the coconut thumping sound. There's plenty of slapstick, and Grandma gets to do a few back flips and even box as she prepares for battle with both Wheezer and her greedy ex son-in-law whom she presumably gave control of her estate to even though she believes that he drove her daughter to an early grave. So there's also a bit of darkness underneath all that Hal Roach schtick, making this era of the Rascals more entertaining than it would be when aging rascals needed to be replaced and MGM took over, making them more moralistic and less fun.
THE LITTLE OLD LADY FROM PASADENA NEEDS HELP!
tcchelsey3 February 2023
The thing about the Little Rascal/Our Gang shorts was the insanity. Pure and simple. The kids were extraordinary, and the adult leads were either victims of circumstances or villains -- who got their just rewards BIG TIME.
Case in point finds grandma Margaret Mann, about to be thrown into the street by her no good son in law. Mann's career went back to the silent screen and she appeared in many classic films, including GONE WITH THE WIND in a bit part. She was well used by Hollywood producers. Jim Mason plays Dan, the villain, who was also in many dramatic silent and sound films.
This comedy short is a classic, and to its credit quite sentimental and poignant, as rotten to the core Dan schemes to steal security bonds (worth a fortune) from granny. This guy is run through the mill by the kids, both goofy and outrageous. The writers had lots of imagination, including the best gag --dragging Dan across NAILS!
By the way, who else to play Dan's greedy gal pal than cold as ice Mae Busch! Be sure to watch Pete the dog to the rescue!
Doing the math... the $100,000 worth of bonds today (2023) would be worth five million bucks.
Holy smokes. Granny won the super lotto!
Get the dvd box set for posterity.
Case in point finds grandma Margaret Mann, about to be thrown into the street by her no good son in law. Mann's career went back to the silent screen and she appeared in many classic films, including GONE WITH THE WIND in a bit part. She was well used by Hollywood producers. Jim Mason plays Dan, the villain, who was also in many dramatic silent and sound films.
This comedy short is a classic, and to its credit quite sentimental and poignant, as rotten to the core Dan schemes to steal security bonds (worth a fortune) from granny. This guy is run through the mill by the kids, both goofy and outrageous. The writers had lots of imagination, including the best gag --dragging Dan across NAILS!
By the way, who else to play Dan's greedy gal pal than cold as ice Mae Busch! Be sure to watch Pete the dog to the rescue!
Doing the math... the $100,000 worth of bonds today (2023) would be worth five million bucks.
Holy smokes. Granny won the super lotto!
Get the dvd box set for posterity.
Well worth a watch
Leofwine_draca1 July 2017
Warning: Spoilers
FLY MY KITE is a fun little adventure for Hal Roach's rascals. I saw the colourised version which adds to the experience. This one has a story rather than just the usual larking about, and features the gang members coming together to go after a greedy and ruthless man trying to drive his own mother out of her house. Lots of horseplay ensues, alongside some antics with the titular kite and Pete the pooch.
One of the best !
ronnybee211213 September 2020
Warning: Spoilers
We start out with a white-haired granny reading a cowboy
/western-themed newspaper serial to all the kids in a delightful Irish brogue.
The lady has a lovely voice,she rolls her R's to good comic effect.
Her no-good stepson shows up with a new cold-hearted wife and Granny is told to leave the house immediately! In the meantime,a letter arrives saying that some stock she bought ages ago is worth a fortune-but her no-good son intercepts the letter and reads it first.
This guy is rotten,he even breaks her glasses on purpose so she cannot read the good news about the bonds,and then he lies to her about what it says on the letter. A real rotten apple,this guy ! Watch it yourself to see the whole story.
Too black-and-white
Horst_In_Translation30 May 2016
Warning: Spoilers
"Fly My Kite" is an American black-and-white sound film from 1931, so this one has its 85th anniversary this year. It stars the Little Rascals, really big stars back then. And with the title of my review here, I am not referring to the lack of color in this movie, but to the lack of shades in the characters. poor old granny is friendly and gets humiliated. The man is evil to the bone and only greedy for money and of course the plot develops exactly the way you would expect. Yes it was the early 1930s, but even around that time there were many films that offered actual character development. But this is a flaw that is true for sadly very very many Rascals movies. I do not recommend the watch. Thumbs down.
Fair
Michael_Elliott23 December 2008
Fly My Kite (1931)
** (out of 4)
This Our Gang short doesn't have too many laughs but there's still a fairly nice story. The gang's favorite grandmother is getting taken advantage of by her evil stepson. He kicks her out of the house she's staying but soon tries to steal some bonds from her, which are worth a lot of money. Again, I really didn't laugh a single time during this short but I enjoyed the story enough to make it worth sitting through and the cast were all pretty good. Margaret Mann is pretty good as the grandmother and Mae Busch, of Laurel and Hardy fame, is nice in her one scene. Chubby, Stymie and Wheezer are all cute enough in the film even though they don't get too many comic moments. The film ends with the gang tracking down the stepson and throwing rocks at him, which was mildly entertaining.
** (out of 4)
This Our Gang short doesn't have too many laughs but there's still a fairly nice story. The gang's favorite grandmother is getting taken advantage of by her evil stepson. He kicks her out of the house she's staying but soon tries to steal some bonds from her, which are worth a lot of money. Again, I really didn't laugh a single time during this short but I enjoyed the story enough to make it worth sitting through and the cast were all pretty good. Margaret Mann is pretty good as the grandmother and Mae Busch, of Laurel and Hardy fame, is nice in her one scene. Chubby, Stymie and Wheezer are all cute enough in the film even though they don't get too many comic moments. The film ends with the gang tracking down the stepson and throwing rocks at him, which was mildly entertaining.
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