Figure 1.--Here we see Penrod in a fight at school in the 1931 talkies version of of the 1924 Penrod and Sam. ' silent film. Penrod was played by Frank Coghlan Jr. We are not sure if he is fighting Sam or Rodney. There were would be another Penrod and Sam film, but it was not a remake. It was a a totally different film, but with the same title.

The the 1931 version of 'Penrod and Sam' is a pre-Code comedy film directed by William Beaudine and starring Leon Janney and Frank Coghlan Jr. It was the second adaptation of the Booth Tarkington novel. Beaudine had previously directed the 1923 silent version. Hevwas invited to remake a talky version. Penrod Schofield, the main character, and Sam Williams are best friends and founding members of the In-Or-In boy's club. Penrod of course is constantly in trouble at school as well as the neighborhood because of all his not very well thought out pranks. Georgie Bassett and Rodney Bitts are two other boys at school. They are not Pebrod's friends. And they are constantly complaining to adults about both Penrod and Sam. This they are not allowed to join the Club. Georgie's father, Mr. Bassett, complains to Penrod's father. Mr. Schofield orders Penrod to invite Georgie into the club. Nothing is said about the required initiation. And as they have been forced to accepting Georgie, Penrod and Sam of course to make his his initiation painful. Rodney who also has not use for Penrod and Sam insists that the boys harmed him. As a result both Penrod and Sam are are unfairly punished. Meanwhile a girl comes between Penrod and Sam--Marjorie Jones. And Penrod's beloved dog, Duke, is run over by a car. Penrod's fortune hit an all-time low when his father sells the empty lot where their clubhouse is located to Mr. Bitts who proceeds to toss the boys off the land. A revengeful, Rodney even refuses to allow Penrod to visit Duke's gravelocated next to the clubhouse. His father finally realizes how much the lot means to Penrod and buys back the lot from Mr. Bitts. And Penrod having learned a good lesson, not only makes up with Sam, but invites Rodney to join the club. Penrod of course wears knickers. He receives a well-deserved spanking and protests mightily. Unusual as Penrod usually manages to talk his way out of i

Created: 9:33 PM 9/8/20197
Last updated: 9:33 PM 9/8/2019