Hal Roach Studios
Starring: Johnny Arthur, Carl ‘Alfalfa’ Switzer
Directed by: Gordon Douglas

Synopsis: Darla’s father, Mr. Hood, (Johnny Arthur) is looking forward to a quiet birthday dinner but is foiled when the Gang shows up with presents and an appetite.

Kitty Cameo: Mr. Hood is just about to start eating when Alfalfa, Porky and an unknown named boy (played by Philip Hurlic) arrive bearing gifts. In turn they present their boxes, singing, “Happy birthday, Mr. Hood, happy birthday to you, to make your birthday come out good I give this present to you.” The first box contains a frog and the second a baby duck. Alfalfa then gives his present, which is in the largest box of all. Mr. Hood exclaims to his wife in frustration and sarcasm, “Oh Mama! A cat!” as he pulls a white cat out of the box.

The Hoods’ dog jumps up from a chair and runs over. Mr. Hood puts the cat back into the box and picks up the frog and duckling and struggles to carry them all to the kitchen with the dog jumping all around.

In the long shot the cat’s head is seen poking out of the box as the cat tries to get out. The box is closed in the close ups and likely the cat was not in the box for that take.

Final Mewsings: Cats make the best presents!

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