Alfalfa Was Kind of a Jerk

Carl Switzer played “Alfalfa” in the Little Rascals. (Woodcut by author)

In 1921, producer Hal Roach created the Our Gang series of short films. Later renamed The Little Rascals, Roach sought to depict real kids doing real things. The ensemble of memorable characters included Spanky, Darla, Buckwheat, Froggy, Stymie and Pete the dog. By far the most popular rascal was Alfalfa.

Carl “Alfalfa” Switzer was born in Paris, Illinois in 1927. He grew up during the Depression and his parents were unemployed and broke. In 1935, the family took a trip to Los Angeles. They drove to Hal Roach Studios in Culver City and visited the Our Gang Cafe just outside the studio gates. Carl and his brother Harold began singing and dancing in the cafe. In classic Hollywood fashion, they were signed by the studio.

Carl was cast as Alfalfa and appeared in his first Our Gang film “Beginner’s Luck” in 1936. (Harold became an extra.) With his ill-fitting suit, freckles and high cowlick, Alfalfa quickly became a star. According to co-star Darla Hood, “Alfalfa was once mobbed by fans outside the studio while Clark Gable stood by unnoticed.”

Alfalfa’s shtick included an off-key singing voice and ongoing efforts to woo his love interest Darla while fending off the local bully Butch. On camera, Alfalfa was charming and likable. Off screen, Carl Switzer was an obnoxious bully hated by cast and crew.

Switzer developed a reputation as a mean prankster. He loved to put lit firecrackers in crew members pockets and sharp…