Johnny Downs — He Got the Job (1926) 🇺🇸

That a Little Lord Fauntleroy type of boy can represent typical American youth, was proven by Director Bob McGowan [Robert F. McGowan] recently, when he added Johnny Downs as a permanent member of “Our Gang” comedies.

Johnny is nine years old. When he appeared at the Hal Roach studio in company with his mother a few weeks ago, his appearance struck McGowan forcibly. He looked like a boy who was ready to fight, play, or do anything healthy and full of fun. He had been doing character songs in San Diego theaters and elsewhere, and quite a bit of radio singing.

But — he had long hair!

It was flaxen and fluffy, and just about the right length to offer a good handhold for Mickey Daniels, the star of “Our Gang,” when he got ready to fight.

McGowan ordered some screen tests made, looked them over, approved them, then turned with decision to Johnny’s mother and said:

“I’ll give him a job if you’ll cut his hair. He looks too ‘sissy’ now, to be here.”

Whether that was a stinging blow to the heart of Johnny’s mother, is not told. • But to the boy, it was decidedly agreeable. In a day or two, Johnny appeared on the lot, a strong, robust, short-haired urchin, and was established!

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Collection: Picture Play Magazine, January 1926