STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Fall events at Tarleton State University’s W. K. Gordon Center begin with the 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10 showing of the 1931 film classic, “Skippy,” as part of the museum’s Night at the Opera House series.

The pre-code comedy, based on the popular Percy Crosby novel and comic strip, stars Jackie Cooper in the title role, Robert Coogan, Mitzi Green and Jackie Searl. Director Norman Taurog won the Academy Award for Best Director.

Mischievous Skippy (Cooper) ignores his parents’ rules, finding loopholes in their instructions. He disobeys his father and regularly visits Shantytown on the wrong side of the tracks. He befriends young Sooky (Coogan) who lives with his mother and dog, Penny. The family is too poor to afford a dog license and when Penny is captured by an evil dog catcher, Sooky and Skippy must find the money to get her back.

Admission and intermission snacks are free, though space is limited and reservations are suggested. To reserve seats, call 254-968-1886 or email [email protected].

The W. K. Gordon Museum and Research Center is located at 65258 Interstate 20, Exit 367, in Mingus and is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday. The combined museum and special collections library is located at the site of the Thurber ghost town. To learn more about the museum, visit tarleton.edu/gordoncenter.

A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State University is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of approximately 18,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. For 125 years, Tarleton State has been committed to accessible higher education opportunities for all while helping students grow academically, socially and professionally through programs that emphasize real world learning and address regional, state and national needs.