The Kid from Borneo

On a sunny afternoon the Our Gang kids tag along with their friends Dickie and Dorothy to visit Spanky and Dickie and Dorothy's uncle, who runs a traveling sideshow. The children have heard stories of a legendary figure called The Wild Man from Borneo and become convinced that Uncle is this famous character. They scheme to meet him, test their courage, and possibly win a prize for bravado. What follows is a scramble through the circus tents and backstage chatter as the gang, led by Stymie and Spanky with Tommy, Dorothy, and Wheezer, trades disguises and impulsive plans for goofy misadventures. The day unfolds with practical jokes, quick quips, and a wholesome sense of wonder.

Released in 1933 as part of the Our Gang short series, The Kid from Borneo was directed by Robert F. McGowan. The film showcases the kids in familiar slapstick setups, brisk chases, and fast one liners, all anchored by their warm neighborhood humor.

Box office data for this short isn't readily available, and many theaters treated Our Gang entries as mid program attractions rather than standalone features. Some sources note the shorts circulated in double bills and newsreels during the 1930s. Not widely documented in archives.

The Kid from Borneo belongs to a treasure trove of early talking comedies that influenced later family programming. Its emphasis on ensemble performance over a single star, the quick visual gags, and the gentle humor about class and aspiration helped the Our Gang shorts reach broad audiences and endure in retrospectives.

Critical reception of these old shorts often highlights their light hearted atmosphere and the way they capture child dynamics without harsh moralizing. The Kid from Borneo foregrounds curiosity, cooperation, and resilience as the children juggle mischief with loyalty to friends, turning a simple adventure into a small neighborhood caper.