Rare photo of Anthony Mack, ca. 1927. Anthony Mack is a controversial figure in the history of the Hal Roach Studios and the Our Gang series. Over the years, he’s gained recognition among fans as a lesser talent – the mastermind behind some of the worst Little Rascals shorts ever made. But is this reputation really deserved? Let’s take a look at this often-ignored Roach writer. Fans may know that Mack was the nephew of Robert Francis “Bob” McGowan, the well-respected director, writer, and producer of nearly the entire first decade of Our Gang . “Uncle Bob” is often considered the ‘voice’ of the series, and rightfully so. In a McGowan-helmed episode, one was in for a fun backyard adventure with the likeable gang of misfits from down the street. Born on July 11, 1882 in Denver, Colorado, Bob McGowan grew up sharing a special bond with his older brother John. When the boys’ father died at the hand of juvenile delinquents, it was up to John to look out for Bob, playing a ‘little d...