The First Round-Up Poster

The First Round-Up 1934

★ 6.79 votes18 min📅 1934-05-05

Directed by the versatile Gus Meins, *The First Round-Up* (1934) is a short comedy that follows a group of kids on a camping trip so close to home they might as well be in their own backyard.

Director: Gus Meins

Cast

Wally Albright
Wally Albright
Wally
Matthew Beard
Matthew Beard
Stymie
George McFarland
George McFarland
Spanky
Scotty Beckett
Scotty Beckett
Scotty
Tommy Bond
Tommy Bond
Tommy
Cullen Johnson
Gang Member
Willie Mae Taylor
Buckwheat
Philbrook Lyons
Gang Member
Billy Wolfstone
Marvin
Billy Bletcher
Billy Bletcher
Wally's Father

Frequently Asked Questions

What is *The First Round-Up* (1934) about?

This short comedy follows a group of kids who embark on what they consider a wilderness camping trip—only to be terrified by the sounds of nature once night falls. A sudden thunderstorm sends them scrambling back home in a hilarious panic.

Who directed *The First Round-Up*?

Gus Meins directed the film, known for his work in early comedy shorts and family-friendly productions.

Who stars in *The First Round-Up*?

The film features a young cast including Wally Albright, George McFarland, and Scotty Beckett, alongside Matthew Beard and Tommy Bond.

Is *The First Round-Up* (1934) worth watching?

While it's a minor entry in early comedy, its nostalgic charm and relatable themes make it a fun watch for fans of vintage shorts. The lighthearted scares and childish antics offer a glimpse into 1930s family entertainment.

How long is *The First Round-Up*?

The film runs for 18 minutes.

About The First Round-Up (1934) — How a Kid Camping Trip Turned Into a Comedy Classic

Directed by the versatile Gus Meins, *The First Round-Up* (1934) is a short comedy that follows a group of kids on a camping trip so close to home they might as well be in their own backyard. What starts as a carefree adventure quickly turns into a series of exaggerated scares when darkness falls and the sounds of nature—hooting owls, croaking frogs, and rumbling thunder—turn innocent playtime into a whirlwind of childish panic. As the storm rolls in, the gang's courage crumbles, and their dramatic retreat home becomes the punchline of this lighthearted romp.

This 18-minute film captures the timeless contrast between childhood bravery and sudden vulnerability, wrapped in the nostalgic charm of early 20th-century family entertainment. With its playful tone and relatable themes, *The First Round-Up* offers a snapshot of an era when even a two-mile camping trip felt like exploring the wild frontier.