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Island
In the Sky 
"Island In the Sky" can be considered the run-up to "High and the Mighty" of the following year. Both films were directed by William A. Wellman; both starred John Wayne, and both featured Alfalfa in a small supporting role. Cliche-filled and slow moving, there is not much in "Island In the Sky" that can be recommended. Alfalfa plays the navigator on one of the search planes that are trying to find Dooley (Wayne), whose transport plane has crashed somewhere on an icy tundra in the Labradors. Alfalfa's first scene takes place when he and pilot Lloyd Nolan (Stutz) are informed that Dooley is down. 
  Alfalfa at work and rest in "Island In the Sky". Alfalfa [roused from his sleep by Stutz]: What goes? Stutz: Dooley is down. Alfalfa: Wowee, that's too bad. Poor ol' Dooley was a good guy. Stutz: He may still be alive, they don't think he went in the drink...are you awake? Alfalfa: Yeah, sorta... Stutz then tells Alfalfa what their plan is now that they have received the news on Dooley. Alfalfa: Whatever's customary [he then goes back to sleep]. "Whatever's customary" is a phrase that Alfalfa will repeat two more times in the film in a lukewarm attempt at some comic relief. 
Alfalfa (Sonny Hopper) and Lloyd Nolan (Stutz). Dooley seems to be held in almost mystical regard by the search crews; we are not made privy to the exact reason why, but, then again, do we really need a reason? After all, he is the Duke. 
James Arness plays the pilot of one of the other rescue planes. Darryl Hickman, who appeared with Alfalfa in the apricot-stealing scene from "The Human Comedy" and appeared in a few MGM Little Rascals episodes, also has a small part in "Island In the Sky". As with many other of Alfalfa's grownup films, 4alfalfa.com's screening copy of "Island In the Sky" was very poor. 
Opening credits for "Island In the Sky" Back to "Alfalfaddendum" main page |
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