Iowan promotes values with 'Christian version' of 'Little Rascals'

Published: 2006-06-26

CLEAR LAKE, Iowa (CNS) -- Gregory Schmidt, who has an extensive film background, produces a children's movie series that endorses moral values and offers learning opportunities. "It's like a Christian version of 'The Little Rascals' -- the 'Our Gang' comedy kids," he explained in a telephone interview with The Witness, newspaper of the Archdiocese of Dubuque. "People from all faiths can see there's something of value for their kids." Schmidt, 55, is a native of Garner, where he was a member of St. Boniface Parish. He is head of Teacher Productions, a Clear Lake company that produces a children's movie series that endorses moral values and offers learning opportunities. He directs a group of children ages 6-10, known as the Bueno Gang. "Our Gang," or "The Little Rascals," to which Schmidt referred was the long-lived series of short comedy films in the 1920s and '30s about a troupe of neighborhood children and the adventures they had together. As for the Bueno Gang, it recently completed its second movie, "The Good Dentist," which relates to fear issues and helps young viewers overcome any apprehension about going to the dentist.

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