Who Killed Doc Robbin (1948) Director: Bernard Carr Studio: Hal Roach Studios / United Artists Starring: Virginia Grey, George Zucco, Don Castle, Darryl Hickman, Eilene Janssen, Stanley Clements, and a cast of child actors including Janet Burston, Billy Gray, and Margaret Kerry Release Date: April 9, 1948 Runtime: 55 minutes Format: Black-and-white, 35mm film Country: United States Language: English Genres: Comedy | Mystery | Family | Short Feature Summary: Who Killed Doc Robbin is a 1948 family comedy mystery that follows a group of mischievous kids who get caught up in a real-life murder mystery. After the eccentric scientist Doc Robbin is found dead, suspicion falls on various quirky adults in their small town. But it’s the gang of curious children—led by Butch, Curley, and the gang—who take it upon themselves to solve the mystery. Sneaking into spooky mansions, eavesdropping on shady characters, and outsmarting bumbling adults, the kids work together to uncover the truth behind the Doc’s death. Their wild, comedic antics and unexpected bravery make this light-hearted whodunit a charming and energetic romp. Background: Who Killed Doc Robbin is a sequel to Curley (1947) and part of an attempt by Hal Roach Studios to revive the success of Our Gang (also known as The Little Rascals) with a new cast and updated setting. These films were branded under the “Streamliners” banner—short features typically around 50–60 minutes long, aimed at being shown alongside other films. Director Bernard Carr, working with the veteran studio known for its comedy shorts, blended light mystery with slapstick and childhood mischief. Although the film marked the end of the brief series, it remains a nostalgic piece for fans of post-war children’s cinema. Trivia: The movie was one of the last productions under the Hal Roach “Streamliner” format. George Zucco, known for horror roles, plays a comic villain in a rare family-friendly performance. The film reused sets and comedic tropes from earlier Our Gang shorts, giving it a familiar feel to fans of 1930s and 1940s kid comedies. Margaret Kerry, one of the child stars, later served as the live-action reference model for Disney’s Tinker Bell in Peter Pan (1953). Hashtags: #WhoKilledDocRobbin #HalRoachStudios #ClassicComedy #1940sMovies #FamilyMystery #ChildActors #GeorgeZucco #OurGangLegacy #StreamlinerFilms #ClassicHollywood