Dig That Uranium

In a noticeably well-performed (and uncredited) opening, former "Our Gang" member Carl "Alfalfa" Switzer (as Shifty Robertson) arrives at Bernard Gorcey (as Louie Dumbrowsky)'s ice cream parlor and sweet shop, after being "found" by Huntz Hall (as Horace Debussy "Sach" Jones). Promising they will be millionaires, Mr. Switzer sells Leo Gorcey (as Terrence Aloysius "Slip" Mahoney) and "The Bowery Boys" his uranium mine. The deed is placed in the senior Gorcey's name (as he put up the $500). Of course, the trio, plus secondary "Bowery Boys" David "Condon" Gorcey (as Chuck) and Benny "Bennie" Bartlett (as Butch), don't know they've been flimflammed - but, the land proves to be more valuable than originally thought…

This was the last appearance of Bernard Gorcey (father of Leo and David); sadly, he died following a car accident, just before the release of "Dig That Uranium". The elder Gorcey performs well herein, and had become the most valuable supporting player in "The Bowery Boys" series. Leader of the pack Leo Gorcey would only last only one more film, which was thought to be due to his father's death; however, it appears he might be having problems, even now (before "Crashing Las Vegas").

Carl Switzer (a murder victim in 1959) performs his opening so well, it's a shame he wasn't asked to work more often. Earlier, Switzer worked with present "Bowery Boy" Bartlett and former "Dead End Kid" Billy Halop in the "East Side Kids" imitation "Gas House Kids" gang. Raymond Hatton (as Hank 'Mac' McKenzie) and the rest of the cast provide more reasons to watch an otherwise mediocre movie.

***** Dig That Uranium (12/25/55) Edward Bernds ~ Leo Gorcey, Huntz Hall, Bernard Gorcey, Raymond Hatton