Norman Chaney | WatchedThis
Norman Chaney
Acting
Biography
He played Chubby in 18 "Our Gang" comedies from 1929 to 1931. The resident plus-size member of "The Little Rascals" at the dawn of the talkie era, he relied on an affable personality, a flair for funny dialogue, and a priceless frown of frustration that seemed to swallow up his whole moon face. He was taught the expression by the master of the "slow burn" himself, comedian Edgar Kennedy. Chubby's meatiest moments are in the classic short "Love Business" (1931), in which he competed with Jackie Cooper for the affections of their teacher, Miss Crabtree. (Bringing her flowers and candy, he coyly proposes, "Don't call me Norman, call me 'Chubsy-Ubsy'"). Chaney's other notable "Our Gang" appearances include "Boxing Gloves" (1929), "Shivering Shakespeare" (1930), "Teacher's Pet" (1930), "School's Out" (1930), "Helping Grandma" (1931), "Bargain Day" (1931), and "Fly My Kite" (1931). Norman Myers Chaney was born in Baltimore, Maryland. He gained his spot in "Our Gang" in a nationwide talent contest to replace original "fat kid" Joe Cobb, though it appears his age was falsified so he'd stand a better chance of winning. Cobb later said of his successor, "He adapted gracefully, and we all liked him, he was a nice fellow". Roughly 14 at the time ("retirement" age by child star standards), the roly-poly youth's stay with the series was destined to be brief but he still made a memorable impression on generations of "Rascals" fans. After leaving the Gang Chaney returned to Baltimore and attended public school. He continued to gain weight and eventually topped 300 pounds. In 1935 he underwent surgery for a glandular ailment at Johns Hopkins Hospital; his weight dropped to 136 pounds and he remained in poor health until his death the following May. Chaney was the first former "Our Gang" star to die.
Filmography Movies
Acting
The Ghosts
Juanito gets locked out of his house in the middle of a windy night. Spanish language version of When the Wind Blows (1930)
Our Gang - Comedy Festival
Featuring the most riotous Rascals of all. This hilarious comedy compilation spans more than twenty years of classic Our Gang comedies to tickle your funny bone and includes rarely seen silent footage. See Alfalfa sing "The Barber of Seville" at the "Our Gang Follies" and Chubby grease Wheezer with Limburger, plus a 1930s bicycle commercial starring Spanky and a 1950s reunion on "You Asked for It". Come join Spanky, Buckwheat, Jackie, Mickey, Farina, Darla, Froggy, Mary, Joe Cobb and many more for the marathon of mirthful moments with the Little Rascals, a must-have for your comedy collection.
Boxing Gloves
The Rascals have a boxing arena that could pack them in if they could find fighters who would actually mix it up. Harry and Farina notice a rivalry between two very large young kids, Joe and Chubby, that would fill the bill if only the two heavyweights would put aside their gentle natures. Farina gets an idea: tell each of the lads that the other will take a dive in the second round. So the fight begins and the stands are filled; but will the combatants actually throw a punch? Ernie has one more trick up his sleeve to get the fists flying and the crowd on its feet. Sweet science indeed.
Lazy Days
While the other kids and animals find things to do on the farm, Farina becomes single-minded in his quest to do nothing at all.
Railroadin'
The gang is playing around the railroad station, and Joe and Chubby's father, an engineer, lectures against the kids playing in such a dangerous area. True to his word, after Joe and Chubby's father leaves, a crazy man starts a train with most of the kids on it, save for Farina who is nearly run over several times. Once Farina manages to climb aboard himself, the kids attempt to stop the runaway locomotive, but have no luck until the engine crashes into a grocery truck. As it turns out, however, the entire incident is revealed to be a dream Farina had as Joe and Chubby's father lectured the kids about rail-yard safety.
Pups Is Pups
The gang decides to enter their animals in a local pet show.
Moan & Groan, Inc.
The gang goes digging for treasure in an old abandoned house against Kennedy the Cop's wishes.
Bouncing Babies
With Wheezer's new baby brother getting all the attention, he tries to send the baby back.
Shivering Shakespeare
The gang is participating in a program sponsored by the Golden Age Dramatic League. They present their own fractured version of Quo Vadis. Things go from bad to worse when the neighborhood tough kids disrupt the show. The pie fight is given a new twist by use of some slow motion sequences.
The First Seven Years
Jackie gets in a duel over the affections of Mary Ann.
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