A Tribune To Carl “Alfalfa” Switzer

When an updated feature film of The Little Rascals was released in 1994 the best child actor in the film was the kid who took the part of “Alfalfa,” the part originally played in the old Hal Roach Our Gang shorts by Carl “Alfalfa Switzer.” And it was fitting that once again Alfalfa stole the show.

Switzer remains one of the must enduring and endearing child actors, typical of a child actor actor who couldn’t find lots of work once he became a teen and an adult. But he had an incredible comic flair. He had a successful but short life. Yet, his untimely and violent death remains mired in mystery. Was his death by shooting understandable? Or was it pure murder? The controversy rages.

Here’s a wonderful tribute to Switzer by a young fan — complete with music and rare clips and photos showing him not just as a child but as an adult actor and family my. NOTE: This opens with a clip of his grave. I visited it about 20 years ago to pay my tribute to him. since I still appreciate the work of long-gone comedians who I watch and study. Switzer was one of the funniest child comedians who ever graced film.