A Midsummer Night's Dream (1935): Rooney goes all cutesy to play Puck in a lavish adaptation of Shakespeare, directed by Max Reinhardt for whom he had also created the role on stage. Beautifully photographed with some fine performances from Victor Jory's Oberon and Olivia De Havilland's Hermia.

A Family Affair (1937): Significant as the film that launched Andy Hardy on the world and the start of the long running series with Rooney as the precocious teenager, and Lionel Barrymore (later replaced by Lewis Stone) as the stern legal father. The series ran until 1946 with a brief revival in 1958.

Boys Town (1938): Our boy plays the incorrigible youth whom priest Spencer Tracy tries to keep on the straight and narrow.  Rooney scene-steals like crazy, almost wiping the floor with Tracy.

Babes in Arms (1939): Directed by Busby Berkeley, the film version of Rodgers and Hart's stage show gave Rooney a field day as he sings, dances and impersonates his way alongside Judy Garland.

The Human Comedy (1943): Rooney provided one of his most engaging performances as the telegram boy whose deliveries provide a running commentary on the hopes and fears of a war-torn world.

Bold and the Brave (1956): Oscar-nominated (Best Supporting Actor) Rooney teamed up with Wendell Corey in the wartime adventure about three American soldiers (the other was Robert Taylor) involved in the Italian campaign.

Requiem for a Heavyweight (1962): Jackie Gleason, as the unscrupulous manager, tries to exploit punch- drunk boxer Anthony Quinn, but Rooney as the trainer wins on points as he tries to help.  Written by Rod Serling.

It's A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (1963): Everyone else was in it (Tracy, Jimmy Durante, Ethel Merman, Phil Silvers and Milton Berle) meaning no show was complete without Punch. Rooney was one of those who helped/hindered Jimmy Durante find that hidden loot.

Pulp (1972): A smart comedy thriller that found Rooney in spiky form as the veteran star who hires Michael Caine to live with him on his Mediterranean island to assist in the writing of his autobiography.

The Black Stallion (1979): Oscar-nominated Rooney turned in a riveting performance as the cautious old trainer charged with helping a boy (Kelly Reno) keep faith with a wild-spirited Arab horse he saves from shipwreck and takes to New York.