Popular child star (1927–1959) best known from the Our Gang comedy serials until 1940. After Our Gang, he continued to appear in movies in various supporting roles. His final film role was in 1958’s The Defiant Ones. Switzer's nasty reputation and his typecasting made it difficult for him to find work. While not acting, Switzer bred hunting dogs and led guided hunting expeditions. At the age of thirty-one, he was shot and killed in Los Angeles during an altercation over the reward money for a lost dog. The murder was ruled as justifiable homicide; Switzer had apparently pulled a knife on his attacker. Switzer's death was largely ignored, due in large part to Cecil B. DeMille’s death on the same day. Vintage sepia 4.5 x 7 matte-finish profile portrait of Switzer, several years after the filming of the Our Gang serial, his infamous cowlick still in evidence, signed and inscribed in ink “To Sam from Alfalfa ‘Our Gang Comedies.’” Switzer has also written on the reverse, “Edwin Wheeler, 1845 Camino Real, Hermona Beach, Calif., Hal Roach Prod. of Our Gang Comedies, Hollywood, Calif.” In fine condition, with neatly trimmed edges. RRAuction COA.
