Hollywood's Rascals meet NAREB Presidents
DECEMBER 2007 - While attending the 1927 convention of the California Real Estate Association a couple of NAREB Presidents ran into some pint-sized movie stars. The National Association's president that year, Clarence C. Hieatt, was surrounded by child actors from the popular "Our Gang" films. Also meeting the young celebrities was Harry H. Culver, NAREB's President in 1929 as well as the founder and builder of Culver City, California.
The famous children were the brainchild of legendary producer Hal Roach (who also launched Laurel and Hardy) and were later called "The Little Rascals." From 1922 to 1944 more than 200 serials were made, with children replaced when they grew too old for their roles. They were filmed at Hal Roach Studios, which the producer purchased from his friend Culver.
When this photo was taken the "Gang" was still making silent pictures (they moved to talkies in 1929). Culver is seated on the left wearing a dark jacket, with a child on his knee. Hieatt is in the middle wearing glasses. Roach is standing inback to the right. The note on the photo reads "C. C. Hieatt and Harry Culver visit 'Our Gang' at Culver City, Oct. 15, '27."
