Hook and Ladder (1932)

Hal Roach Studios
Starring: Dickie Moore, Kendall McComas
Directed by: Robert McGowan

Synopsis: The Gang set up their own fire station and end up fighting a real and dangerous blaze.

Kitty Cameo: This is one of those instances where a cat is used as a motivation to get Pete the Pup to run something, in this case the Gang’s fire station alarm. The tabby cat (possibly the same orange tabby who has appeared in previous shorts) is inside a crate with Pete the Pup in another crate behind.

Our Gang - Hook and Ladder - tabby cat and Pete the Pup in separate crates

When Breezy (Kendall McComas) pulls a lever, a door on the cat’s crate opens and the cat runs out. Pete’s door opens soon afterward and Pete chases the cat. A rope tied to Pete’s collar works the alarm mechanism.

Our Gang - Hook and Ladder - tabby cat runs out of crate with Pete the Pup still inside crate

The cat runs through a hole in the stable and then through another opening into the barn and finally into the shelter of another crate.

Our Gang - Hook and Ladder - cat runs away from Pete the dog in alarm system animated gif

Our Gang - Hook and Ladder - tabby cat running into safety of second crate

Pete stops and barks at the cat in the crate, who claws at the over anxious pup. This is all demonstrated when the Gang tests the alarm.

Our Gang - Hook and Ladder - Pete the Pup barking at tabby cat in crate with Dickie Moore

When the real fire trucks are seen leaving their station, Breezy slides down from the roof and sets the alarm in motion again, this time tying a note to Pete’s collar letting the kids know what is happening.

Our Gang - Hook and Ladder - tabby cat and Pete the Pup in separate crates