NO LETTERHEAD - 25406 Malibu Rd., Malibu, CA - TYPEWRITTEN

                Jan.2nd.'58
My Dear Ernie [Murphy]:-
    Sorry so long in answering - this Xmas business is the reason for delay - you know how t'is.
    I certainly enjoyed hearing from you Ernie & got a big kick reading your wonderful description of experiences Abroad - very very interesting.
    Before I go any further, I am terribly sorry to hear about your Sister Bess, I sincerely hope the Dr was mistaken in his diagnosis & the consultation with other medics will prove him wrong. I can imagine how deeply concerned you must be - I trust by now the findings are negative & no cause for alarm - please convey my every good wish for complete recovery.
    Fully understand re you not being able to see Beatrice, I know how difficult it is to break up your traveling schedule to make whistle stops. Do'nt worry about it, we'll all eventually meet on some cloud, using our harps to Bat Sputniks.!
    You sure covered a lot of territory - did'nt miss a thing, you must have enough material to fill a book - "Murphy Meanders".
    It must have been a memorable trip, seeing all those wonderful sights, The Queen, The Pope, Grace Kelly's joint in Monaco, the Follies in Paris, Hobnobbing with the Irish dames with the prostitutes license, traveling on the "ID" card etc. what an experience, something you will never forget. Even so, I guess you were happy to be back home again - you must have been worn out after all that excitement.
    I got a big laugh re your not being able to use your "ID" card in Dublin, I guess they're wise to the Murphys & would'nt go for any blarney - very funny.
    Everything here as usual Ernie, nothing of consequence to tell you. The days are long for me with nothing to do, wish I were able to get around better so I could get some light work to do to keep me busy, being idle gets pretty monotonous at times.
    Well all for now. Eda joins in love & best & every good wish for '58 lost of good health & happiness. Thanks again for your delightful letter, sure got a bang out of it.
    Bye Ernie, good luck & God Bless.
                As ever:-
Stan Signature



NO LETTERHEAD - 25406 Malibu Rd., Malibu, CA - TYPEWRITTEN

I understand great changes are being made in North Shields, Dockwray Square, where I used to live. Everybody will soon have to wear their Sunday clothes every day.

Stan Laurel

                Jan.6th.'58
My Dear Mr & Mrs Short:-
    Thank you for the lovely remembrance - very sweet of you.
    Hope you had a lovely Xmas & the New Year will bring you lots of good health & happiness.
    I had quite a few letters & cards from my friends on the Tyneside, you all made my Xmas very happy, wish I could fully express the pleasure it gave me, bless your hearts.
    I understand great changes are being made in N. Shields. Dockwray Square where I used to live is all being torn down to make way for new flats, the old 'Boro' theatre that my Dad originally built has closed for good, & they are going to have a brand new 'Wooden Dolly', they are sure fixing up the old Town, all the old land marks are gradually disappearing - everybody will soon have to wear their Sunday clothes every day.
    Weather here is very warm - like summer, '84 degrees today, the only snow we see here is on Television.!
    Well, all for now, trust alls well & happy.
    Good luck & God Bless you.
                Sincerely always:-
Stan Laurel Signature                 Stan Laurel.

P.S. will enjoy hearing from you anytime you feel like dropping a line.



NO LETTERHEAD - 25406 Malibu Rd., Malibu, CA - TYPEWRITTEN

                Jan.10th.'58
Dear Gary [Arnold]:-
    Thank you for your nice letter & pictures - it was a pleasant surprise, I did'nt expect to get them so soon. I thought they were all very good, especially the one of the group holding the L&H photos, I got a big kick out of that - you did a wonderful job posing them that way Gary they look very cute. I really do'nt know the cause of the pictures not being too clear - maybe too much light, I'm not much of a photographer, so couldn't advise you on this - anyway its so very good as far as I am concerned. Its clear enough for me.
    You certainly have a nice home Gary & the picture of you in Yosemite Nat'l Park is excellent, looks like it was made with a flashlight.
    Hope you had a very Merry Xmas, please convey my wishes for a Happy New Year to you, also your Club Members & family.
    Good luck Gary & God Bless you,
                Sincerely:-
Stan Laurel Signature                 Stan Laurel.


GARY ARNOLD AND HIS LAUREL & HARDY CLUB - JANUARY 1958
Gary Arnold and Friends


NO LETTERHEAD - 25406 Malibu Rd., Malibu, CA - TYPEWRITTEN

It was interesting to note that you are a Mason—a wonderful organization. My Dad was a 32nd Degree Member in the Scottish Order. For some reason I never became one.

Stan Laurel

                Jan 14th.'58.
Dear Mr [Des] McDonough:-
    Many thanks your nice letter 13th.ult.
I appreciated very much your kind thought & sentiments. Yes, the passing of my dear partner Oliver Hardy was indeed a sad loss. I certainly miss him after the many years of happy association.
    It was indeed a gracious gesture of Radio Eireann to broadcast the memoirs of L&H, I feel very grateful for the kindly interest.
    Am happy to know that our old films have afforded you much pleasure & enjoyment. Am wondering just where CARLOV is located, I had the pleasure of playing the Olympia Theatre in Dublin for 2 weeks in '52 also 2 weeks at the Opera House in Belfast - also spent about 3 weeks in Dunlahaire in '53. I've probably spelt this wrong, but the Town was originally called Kingstown Harbour, I guess you'll know the place I mean ( a few miles from Dublin) we were rehearsing a new skit there which we tried out at the Olympia theatre one Sunday for a Red Cross benefit performance. We left for England the same night to start our tour - never thought this was to be our last.
    Thanks again Des for your lovely letter, so beautifully expressed.
    May the New Year bring you lots of good health & happiness.
    Good luck & God Bless.
                Sincerely always:-
Stan Laurel Signature                 Stan Laurel.

Letter from the Editor

Raidió Éireann is the public service broadcaster of Ireland, which began on January 1, 1926, making it one of the oldest continuously operating public service broadcasters in the world. Carlow is the county town of County Carlow in Ireland. It is situated in the south-east of Ireland, 84 km from Dublin. The spelling of the town Stan felt he “probably spelt wrong” is Dún Laoghaire, a suburban seaside town in County Dublin, Ireland.



NO LETTERHEAD - 25406 Malibu Rd., Malibu, CA - TYPEWRITTEN

                Jan.15th.'58.
Dear Ivy [Stoetzer],
                Thanks your nice letter 8th.inst.
Pleased to know my letter afforded you so much pleasure, even tho' it cost you the risk of nearly being run over by a Volkswagan - you were certainly fortunate that it missed you - congratulations.!
    Interesting to know that you were born 50 miles from Ulverston, am wondering where that could be. I had a nice card and letter from a distant relative who still lives in 'Lile Oostan', the card was a calandar type with a beautiful picture in color of Lake windermere, it sure brought back happy memories. After my family moved from Ulverston I used to spend my holidays there with my Grandparents & used to visit my Uncle and Aunt who had a grocery store near the Windermere Hotel & they often took me fishing on the Lake - those were really happy days.
    I got a big kick out of your description of your trips to Blackpool, that was a BIG DEAL those days to ride to donkeys & eat sticks of rock & the horse drawn bathing wagons that used to take you into the sea so you could undress privately and have a swim - then later, fight your way home on a crowded excursion train. I played two weeks at the Palace Theater in Blackpool in '47. It did'nt seem to look the same as I had remembered it, it had changed a great deal, I did'nt get the thrill out of it that I can use to get.
    You sure handed me a laugh, quoting the annual letters from home - "Tom stopped drinking" etc. so typical - wonderful.
    Thanks again Ivy your for your welcome letter, it was indeed a pleasure to hear from you again.
    Bye, good luck and God bless.
                Very sincerely,
Stan Laurel Signature                 Stan Laurel.


PAINTING BY IVY GRIFFEN STOETZER - 1929
Painting by Ivy Griffen Stoetzer


NO LETTERHEAD - 25406 Malibu Rd., Malibu, CA - TYPEWRITTEN

This cold war situation is really serious.

Stan Laurel

                Jan.15th.'58.
Dear Earl [Shank] Jr.,
                Thanks yours 6th.inst.
Appreciate your kindness in again subscribing the 'Natural History' magazine. I greatly value your generous thought Earl, but I sincerely wish you had'nt done it, I really feel embarrased, not being able to reciprocate. I trust you wo'nt think me ungrateful in my attitude, I just do'nt like accepting presents when I am not in position to return the compliment - hope you will fully understand my meaning Earl, & please, no more gifts.
    Thanks for the clippings re "The Golden Age of Comedy" film, have recd. several of these recently from different parts of the Country understand this picture is making quite a hit - unfortunately again we get nothing out of it, everybody enjoying the financial spoils but L&H, a shame nothing can be done about it. The N.Y. Mirror clipping is very interesting.
    I believe Edmund Gwenn is from England, frankly not sure. Yes, Gene Lockhart was a fine actor - I met him a couple of times, also his daughter June.
    The Zenith radio was a lovely present, a friend of mine has one & is crazy about it, as you mention, he too gets more kick out of it the TV. do they transalate the language of the Foreign Countries?. You would probably be able to get Egypt, India & China much easier with an outside antenna, if you have one for your TV set, you could hook up to that & try it out.
    We spent Xmas Eve with my daughter & family, had a nice time, they picked us up & drove us back. The weather was like summer, '85 to '90 degrees. No we did'nt see the Rose Parade or the Bowl game, as I told you football does'nt interest me much, & the parade I've seen so many times in the days before TV.
    Note you have completed your file for examination, am sure with all your knowledge & experience you will have no difficulty in passing the final test - do'nt think you have much to worry about.
    I imagine running your own Business is quite a responsibility & you would enjoy the freedom of just working for somebody else for a while, but am afraid you would eventually get the yen to be on your own again - anyway its a good idea to be employed while you are looking around for a good location, you would be meeting people & getting acquainted, rounding up future customers for yourself.
    This tax business is getting awful is'nt it, this cold war situation is really serious. Imagine another 20¢ on cigarettes.
    All for now Earl. Mrs L. joins in every good wish to Mrs S, self & 'Cindy'.
    My kind thoughts always,
                As ever:-
Stan Signature                 Stan Laurel.

Note from the Editor

Edmund Gwenn (1877-1959) was an English actor best remembered for his role as Kris Kringle in the classic Christmas film, Miracle on 34th Street (1947).

Gene Lockhart (1891-1957) was a Canadian-American character actor and singer.



NO LETTERHEAD - 25406 Malibu Rd., Malibu, CA - TYPEWRITTEN

                Jan.16th.'58.
    Thanks Earl [Shank, Jr.] for yours 13th.inst. with clips of 'Golden Age' & the 'Obituary of '57'.
    Have just written you - hence my brevity.
    Regards & best.
                As ever:-
Stan Signature                 Stan Laurel.


Letter from Stan Laurel to Gary Arnold
NO LETTERHEAD - 25406 Malibu Rd., Malibu, CA - TYPEWRITTEN

                Jan.17th.'58
Dear Gary [Arnold]:-
    Thanks your letter regarding my biography - 1950- '58. in '50 & '51, I was in Paris France, making a film with Mr Hardy, it was released in this Country under the title "Utopia".
    In '52. Mr Hardy & I toured Gt. Britain, making personal appearances in vaudeville theatres in a comedy sketch.
    In '53 we returned to the U.S. in '54. Due to illness we both were forced to retire.
    This is about all the information I can give you Gary. Hope it will cover your purpose.
    All the best.
                Sincerely:-
Stan Laurel Signature                 Stan Laurel.


NO LETTERHEAD - 25406 Malibu Rd., Malibu, CA - TYPEWRITTEN

Regarding my personal opinion of Mr. Roach, Keaton and Gilbert, I hold them in high regard.

Stan Laurel

                Jan.18th.'58.
Dear Robert Silver:-
    Thanks your card, 10th.inst.
Sorry, I haven't a picture of myself at Malibu Road. Yes, I starred in silent comedies & also was a writer-director. Before Mr Hardy & I teamed up, he was a recognized featured player with the old Vitagraph Co. & appeared in many comedies with the late Larry Semon - this was before your time I imagine. (the early 20's.).
    Regarding my personal opinion of Mr Roach, Keaton & Gilbert, I hold them in high regard.
    The credit for writing the material in the L&H films is due to several writers including myself, everybody combined their efforts to make a good picture, we all worked for one common interest. Hope this covers your enquiry.
    Regards & best wishes,
                Sincerely:-
Stan Laurel Signature                 Stan Laurel.


NO LETTERHEAD - 25406 Malibu Rd., Malibu, CA - TYPEWRITTEN

                Jan.21st.'58
Dear Wayne [Murray]:-
    Needless to tell you how sorry I was to hear of your accident. Betty told me how the whole thing happened, it [is] fortunate you were'nt killed, can imagine the terrific pain you must have gone through. However am happy to know the worst is over & at least you are resting comfortably & prospects look encouraging for full recovery. Am also delighted to know that you were fully insured & everything in that dept. is being taken care of & you are free from the financial worry. Congratulations on that.
    I understand you have a very beautiful nurse - think I'll borrow your horse!! you'd better get that Dr. out or your room so I can move in - he's got no business in there, kidneys or no kidneys.
    Well,that was a hell of way to start the New Year, thats what you get for imitating Windsor the Prince of Wales, he used to fall off horses for a laugh.!
    Not much to tell you, everything here as usual. Trust you wo'nt be in hospital too long & will soon be up & around again.
    Eda joins in every good wish - lots of good luck.
    Bye & God Bless.
                As ever:-
Stan Signature

NO LETTERHEAD - 25406 Malibu Rd., Malibu, CA - TYPEWRITTEN

                Jan.22nd.'58.
Dear Mr [Victor] Pemberton:-
                Thanks yours 14th.inst.
Sorry delay in acknowledging your nice Xmas card, I had quite an unusual amount this year, plus a great many letters, so having a busy time to catch up answering them all. However I take this opportunity to thank you for the your kind thought & remembrance. Delighted to note the pictures arrived in good time & gave the folks so much pleasure. It was certainly gracious of you to give them all gifts, am sure it was a very happy eve for them all. Am looking forward to seeing the photos you took of them around the tree. Thanks too for the news clipping, it was most interesting, reading about your "In All Directions" film especially. Congratulations on your achievement, you deserve a lot of credit.
    Note you are going to Norway for a well earned rest, I sincerely wish you a wonderful trip & you will enjoy every minute of it.
    Interesting to hear about David Whitfield playing principal boy at the Palladium - frankly I think it's a good idea to have a real juvenile lead in this part instead of a girl, I really think it's an improvement. As you say Victor, the old-fashioned Pantomime is disappearing, am afraid that passed away 15 or 20 years ago. In recent years, the so-called pantos have been Variety reviews with a panto title, the Variety artistes doing the same act they did on the Halls, only dressed in Period costumes. The Panto story was secondary, & many times was forgotten entirely, it was left to your imagination. The children never saw a real Panto so naturally they have no meaning & of course the Panto's on Ice did'nt help any either.
    Our appearance at the Palladium was in '47. I think Mickey Rooney came in there in '58. incidently he is making a wonderful COME-BACK here in films & TV & becoming very popular again.
    Thanks to you all re your enquiry as to my health, pleased to tell you I am feeling pretty good in general & am able to get around quite well.
    Please convey my love & best to everybody. Mrs L. joins in wishing you all a Happy & Healthy New Year.
    Good luck & God bless.
                Sincerely always:-
Stan Laurel Signature

NO LETTERHEAD - 25406 Malibu Rd., Malibu, CA - TYPEWRITTEN

                Jan.22nd.'58
Dear Kenny [Lozier]:-
    Thanks yours 17th.inst. with enclosure of picture. I autographed it for you & am returning under seperate cover. Hope you will receive it undamaged.
    Am enclosing you herewith the card you wished me to also autograph, also the stamps you were kind enough to send me, these were not necessary Kenny. It is my pleasure to help you in your hobby.
    Pleased to note you recd. the little pictures I sent you. Will send the 8x10's as soon as I get the chance to get to them.
    Trust you had a very Merry Xmas & wish you all the best for the New Year.
    Good luck.
                Sincerely:-
Stan Laurel Signature                 Stan Laurel.


NO LETTERHEAD - 25406 Malibu Rd., Malibu, CA - TYPEWRITTEN

                Jan.22th.'58
Dear Betty [Healy]:-
    Was terribly sorry to hear about Wayne, you certainly have your share of worries & trouble, how fortunate he was'nt killed. Am happy to know he was fully covered with insurance, at least you wo'nt have to face that hospital & Drs expense & too will receive enough to take care of your home while he is confined.
    I just dropped Wayne a line to cheer him up - kidded him about the nurse etc. He sure must have suffered a lot of pain, that was an awful thing to happen, especially to someone who has had years of horse experience. However, am glad to know he is coming along Ok & wo'nt have any permanent injury, thats something to be thankful for.
    Hope by now the cheques have arrived & that matter is cleared up, once they start coming they will be on time from then on.
    Note the news re [your] Uncle, glad he's feeling better able to be home again. I imagine you are busy running back forth to the hospital, it must have been an anxious time for you & very upsetting - hope you are taking care of yourself & keeping in good spirit through it all.
    Eda joins in love & kind thoughts. Good luck & God Bless.
                As ever:-
Stan Signature

NO LETTERHEAD - 25406 Malibu Rd., Malibu, CA - TYPEWRITTEN

                Jan.28th.'58.
Dear Mrs Strombi:-
    Thank you for your nice card.
I appreciated very much your kind thought & sentiments. It was indeed sweet of you & I am very grateful for your kindly interest.
    I am pleased to know that the old L&H films still afford you so much pleasure & enjoyment.
    With pleasure I am enclosing a picture you so kindly requested.
    My kind regards & best wishes always,
                Very sincerely:-
Stan Laurel Signature                 Stan Laurel.


NO LETTERHEAD - 25406 Malibu Rd., Malibu, CA - TYPEWRITTEN

                Jan.28th.'58

Mr Ray F. Phillips
Bell High School
BELL.CALIF.

Dear Mr [Ray] Phillips:-
    Thanks yours 27th.inst.
I appreciate very much your kind invitation to attend your Variety show on the evening of March 13th. I sincerely wish I were able - due to my ill health, its pretty difficult for me to get around much, otherwise I would have been delighted to witness the performance, especially that you feel my presence would have been of some value.
    Interesting to note re two of your pupils impersonating L&H, I would certainly enjoy seeing them.
    My kind regards & every good wish for lots of success.
                Very sincerely:-
Stan Laurel Signature                 Stan Laurel.


NO LETTERHEAD - 25406 Malibu Rd., Malibu, CA - TYPEWRITTEN

Interesting that we have been corresponding for over 9 months, I did'nt realize it was that long.

Stan Laurel

                Jan.28th.'58
Dear Gary [Arnold]:-
    Thanks yours 24th.inst.
Note none of the pictures you sent me were made with a flash-camera, probably that [was] why you were disappointed with the group film.
    Interesting that we have been corresponding for over 9 months, I did'nt realize it was that long. I too will look forward to the pleasure of meeting you Gary. You mention you might be coming down this way in the summer, in case you do, this is my attorney's phone number MICHIGAN 4047. (Mr Ben Shipman) I expect to be moving from Malibu the end of next June, so do'nt know as yet where I shall be. I am leaving here on account of the television reception being so bad, it is caused by the high mountains in back of the building which gives a lot of interference, some nights we get a good clear picture & many times nothing at all, it [is] really annoying having to miss some of the good programs, unfortunately nothing can be done about it due to being an atmospheric situation. However, you can always find me through Mr Shipman.
    We had some rain for a couple of days, but its clearing up again & now is warm and Sunny.
    Bye Gary.
    My regards & best,
                Sincerely:-
Stan Laurel Signature                 Stan Laurel.


Letter from Stan Laurel to Marie Hatfield
NO LETTERHEAD - 25406 Malibu Rd., Malibu, CA - TYPEWRITTEN

                Jan.29th.'58.
Dear Mrs [Marie] Hatfield:-
    Thanks yours 27th.inst.
Terribly sorry to hear both you & Bob had been down with the Flu, but pleased to know you are OK again. I imagine its difficult to determine whether it was Asian or not, but any kind of flu can make you feel very miserable - anyway am glad you got over it.
    I heard about that Gary Moore show you mention, unfortunately I missed seeing it, I get a kick out of these impersonations. Yes I watch the Steve Allen show, but last week we had very bad reception & was unable to see clearly the film clip shown of myself without Hardy, that was part of an early one reeler, I think it was titled "Pick & Shovel" (fun in a coal mine). The Sullivan, has'nt been too good of late & has little interest for me, I only look at it once in a while, if there is any artiste I particular1y want to see.
    Bob's idea of sending some 'TUMS' along with the cookies, handed me a good laugh - very cute.
    Note you have'nt contacted the radio station re the record, if you are not able to get a copy from them, please do'nt hesitate to let me know. I'll have my Daughter look for it among the things I have stored with her, it will be no great trouble to have it copied for you, it will be my pleasure.
    We've been having some rain & fog here, but its warm & sunny again, the beach looks a bit dismal in the bad weather, but we've been very fortunate so far. I guess Feb. & March will be the worst months.
    Mrs L. joins in kindest regards - take care of yourselves & keep well.
                Sincerely:-
Stan Laurel Signature                 Stan Laurel.


NO LETTERHEAD - 25406 Malibu Rd., Malibu, CA - TYPEWRITTEN

                Jan.31st.'58
Dear Robert [Silver]:-
    Sorry for the mix-up, & thanks for the letter intended for another party. Enclosed is the one meant for you, covering the enquiries you made. Thanks & best wishes.
                Sincerely:-
Stan Laurel Signature                 Stan Laurel.

Note from the Editor

No doubt, Stan was answering such a volume of fan mail that he mistakenly mixed up a couple of letters and sent them to the wrong addresses.



Stan Watermark