A Lad an' a Lamp is a 1932 Our Gang short comedy film directed by Robert F. McGowan. It was the 119th Our Gang short to be released. The film has been criticized as containing racist humor.

Plot

Fascinated by the story of Aladdin and his magic lamp, the gang gather together with several gasoline and kerosene lamps and lanterns and a few electric lamps hoping that by rubbing them vigorously, a genie will appear. Thanks to a series of coincidences—not least of which involves a friendly stage magician—the kids become convinced that they have succeeded in invoking Aladdin. But their excitement turns to dismay when Stymie believes Spanky has transformed his kid brother Cotton into a monkey (chimpanzee).

Cast

The Gang

Additional cast

Cast notes

Bobby Hutchins returns to the fold after missing Hook and Ladder, Free Wheeling, and Birthday Blues.

Critique

Despite a sequence in which Spanky enjoys a free meal at a lunch counter, courtesy of a trained monkey, A Lad an' a Lamp has been criticized as containing racist humor that seems inappropriate when viewed in the 21st century. For this reason, A Lad an' a Lamp has been withdrawn from the "Little Rascals" television package. It is currently available in its entirety on VHS and DVD.

Filming Locations

The scene where the workers are exploding dynamite (why, we have no idea!) was filmed on the west side of the Hal Roach Studios ranch, approximately where 9117 David Avenue in Los Angeles now stands.