Skippy (film)

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Skippy (1931 film)

Skippy is a 1931 American comedy based on the Skippy comic strip by Percy Crosby. The story follows Skippy, a lively boy in Morrisville, Indiana, and his adventures with his friend Sooky and the tenacious dog trouble that follows.

Director Norman Taurog leads the film, with a screenplay by Joseph L. Mankiewicz, Don Marquis, Norman Z. McLeod, and Sam Mintz. Jackie Cooper stars as Skippy, joined by Robert Coogan, Mitzi Green, and Jackie Searl. The film was released by Paramount Pictures and runs 85 minutes.

Awards and nominations
- Director Norman Taurog won the Academy Award for Best Director for Skippy, making him the youngest person to win in that category at the time.
- Jackie Cooper, at age nine, became the youngest nominee for Best Actor in a Leading Role.
- Skippy was also nominated for Best Picture.

Plot in brief
Skippy is the son of a strict doctor, Dr. Herbert Skinner, who tries to keep his family in line in their town. Skippy visits a nearby shabby area called Shantytown and befriends a boy named Sooky. They become entangled in a dispute over a dog and money that leads to trouble with a gruff man, Mr. Nubbins, who wants payment for a dog license. As Skippy and Sooky scramble to raise funds, misunderstandings and hardship test their friendship and Skippy’s family.

A turning point comes when Dr. Skinner changes his mind about Shantytown, helps the community, and eventually supports Skippy and Sooky. The film blends humor with a gentle message about kindness, responsibility, and looking after others.

Reception
Skippy received positive reviews. Today, it holds an 86% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on a small number of reviews.