Here’s a story that most of us know but may have forgotten. It’s a sad story about a boy who became famous in Hollywood but his life ended tragically. His name was Carl Switzer.
At the age of 7, Carl began his acting career. Already an experienced singer and musician, he would take on a role that was known for its off-key, warbly comedic singing. With his signature cowlick greased to stand perfectly straight, a face full of freckles, and an “undying affliction” for Darla, Alfalfa became one of the most beloved and well known characters from The Little Rascals (Our Gang) in 1935. The film short was Beginner’s Luck and we are given his real name in the show: Tom. This, however would be the only time he is referred to as Tom. The nickname Alfalfa stuck, causing us to wonder why someone would name their child after a crop. We should have also wondered who would name their children Spanky, Buckwheat, Porky, and Woim.
In 1940, his work on The Little Rascals came to an end as he aged out of the role. Finding work and breaking from the stereotype of Alfalfa became quite a challenge. Still, he stayed active with multiple roles every year from 1940 until 1958. Most were minor, bit parts. He had a part opposite of Jimmy Stewart in It’s A Wonderful Life. Remember the dance and the and floor opening over the pool? Switzer is the one who turned the key, upset that Jimmy was dancing with his date, Mary (played by Donna Reed).
Unfortunately, Switzer’s life was about to spiral out of control. His money was running out and this was before agents negotiated for royalites. To make ends meet, Switzer was bartending, raising hunting dogs, and had even tried his hand at farming. Making matters worse, his wife divorced him and took their child who was adopted by her second husband.
In 1958, Switzer found himself in trouble with the law. He had cut down 15 pine trees in the Sequoia National Park, intending to sell them as Christmas trees. This entrepreneurial endeavor cost him $225 in fines (over $2500 today) and one year of probation.
On this day in 1959, Switzer’s life would end. He got into an argument with Moses “Bud” Stiltz while trying to collect a $50 debt. “Though differing accounts of the event exist, all agree that Stiltz was struck over the left side of his head with a glass clock. He later retreated to his room to retrieve a .38-caliber revolver, and Switzer tried to wrestle the gun from him. Their struggle caused the gun to discharge and almost shot Tom Corrigan, Stiltz’s 14-year-old stepson. Stiltz regained the weapon and shot Switzer.
“Stiltz’s account of the event was one of self-defense, testifying that Switzer had banged on his front door, yelling “Let me in, or I’ll kick in the door.” The threat was followed by a struggle that began with one of the men, Switzer or Jack Piott (a friend of Switzer that had come along as support), striking Stiltz with the clock. This prompted Stiltz to retrieve his firearm. According to Stiltz, Switzer threatened him with a knife and yelled, “I’m going to kill you!” Stiltz fired and shot Switzer in the groin, damaging an artery that caused massive internal bleeding. Switzer was pronounced dead on arrival at 7:27 pm at the hospital at the age of 31.”1
Killed. Dead. All for $50. What’s wrong with people?!? The same foolish rage drives people today who will pull a gun or some other weapon, just to get a few bucks. The accuracy of Scripture is amazing. 1 Timothy 6:9-10 says, “But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. (10) For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”
I know that anyone can find themselves in dire straits financially. It can happen without warning, especially as an outcome of tragedy or sudden financial reversals. But a life is worth so much more than money! It’s not worth killing or fighting just to make a few easy bucks.
While this may seem to be something beyond the pale of Christianity, let me remind you of the avarice that rears its head when a family member dies. Even Christians will get into disputes over possessions, wills, and inheritances. Testimonies will be shattered just to get a few sentimental trinkets or a piece of property. Maybe a murder won’t be committed but reputations suffer a death.
In closing today, consider the words of Proverbs 1:10-19. “My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not … (13) We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil: … (15) My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path: (16) For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood. … (18) And they lay wait for their own blood; they lurk privily for their own lives. (19) So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; which taketh away the life of the owners thereof.”
1https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_%22Alfalfa%22_Switzer
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