1959 Letters
STAN LAUREL LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
Oct.5th.'59.
My Dear George [Ganjou]:
Many thanks your kind letter, 1st.inst.
It was Indeed nice to hear from you & to know alls well & happy with you.
Billy Marsh told me he had called you in regard to Serge, as I had mentioned to him how disappointed Ida & I were in not hearing from him during his visit here - I realise how difficult it is for him to correspond, he has expressed his dislike for this on several occasions, so we fully understand that situation & know it is'nt due to any personal grievence or ill feeling, as our friendship is mutual towards you all.
We still have no news of Serge, so am unable to deliver letter to him - I understand he & Joy were staying with some friends who live out in the Valley - unfortunately I do'nt know the names or address of these people, even tho' I met the Lady recently, she came to visit me with Dorothy Squires, she told me then that Serge was coming over & was going to stay with them. I met this Lady & her husband sometime ago when they first arrived from England, they came to tell me they were good friends of Serge, & Joy had given them my address. The Lady's name was Lil I think, but do'nt recall their last name as I only saw them once - I believe they used to have a little Night Club somewhere in London, its possible you might know them. If you do, please send me their name, I may be able to locate them through the phone Co. In the meantime if Serge does show up, I'll let you know right away.
Happy to know your Agency business is doing so well, wish you continued success George.
Id joins in love & kind thoughts to yourself & family.
Good luck & God Bless.
As ever:
Stan Laurel.
OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
Note Bob sunburns easy. I’m the same. I never tan.
Oct.5th.'59.
Dear Mrs. [Marie] Hatfield:
Thanks yours of Sept 18th.
Sorry long delay in answering - I too had been putting it off till I had something of interest to tell you, but am afraid the situation remains the same, so thought at least I'd better let you know that we are still alive.!
Strange you had a wet Sept. we had quite a heat wave here, so hot in fact many families left their homes & slept on the beaches all night - I understand in some sections of the Valley, the temperatures reached 110. Palm Springs was worse than that, residents were packing up & leaving for good, its still very hot here - 64 right now. Note Bob Sunburns easy - I'm the same, I never Tan.
Well, I think this is the end of the Road as far as news is concerned, so all for now.
Mrs L. joins in all the best to you both.
Take care of yourselves.
As ever:
Stan Laurel.
OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
The Stooges certainly made a remarkable comeback. The kids really go for them on TV.
Oct.7th.'59.
Dear Earl [Shank, Jr.]:
Thanks yours,Sept.23rd.
Happy to know you finally got the lease bus. settled - am sure thats a great relief to you - congratulations. Hope the new Dr. will bring you lots of business, which would encourage a buyer to take over - not wishing anybody any serious harm but I hope the whole community takes sick.!!
Just had a letter from Walter, told me he had sent you some information re some opportunity out there & he realises of course you are not able to consider anything right now, but thought he'd keep you posted on current conditions.
He no doubt sent you his new address as he has put the 27th.St. property up for sale - he had started to build a house there, but could'nt find time to finish it, now that his Son is in the Navy its too big a job to handle alone - he's looking for some new acreage with a house already built on it. He bought a little house some months ago for rental purpose, so he moved his trailer over there in the meantime - in case he did'nt tell you, his address now is: 9835,North 13th.Place,Phoenix.Ariz.
The L&H book has been submitted to a couple of Publishers so far but it has been rejected - they do'nt say why, except that they do'nt handle that type of material. Anyway, we'll just keep on trying & hope to find some firm that will be interested. Being written by an unknown author may have something to do with it, of course this publishing business I know nothing about, its all Greek to me.
I still have'nt heard from Steve Allen, so I guess he's gone cold on the idea. I understand he has other interests beside this show, so he probably has more than he can take care of.
Glad we see eye to eye on the vitamin situation, I feel much better about it & will be happy to accept them on a paying basis. I did'nt start taking the last ones you sent me as yet, am waiting to finish up the 'Unicaps' I have, so will advise you later re the 'Eldec'.
I thought the Krushchev visit was very interesting, but I thought the Mayor of Los Angeles was very discourteous at the Civic reception in the address he made to the Guest of Honor - regardless of his personal feeling towards Mr K, he had no right to display his disapproval of the visitor at a time like this - after all he was invited here by the President & should have been treated with due respect. The Mayor too was very rude in his 'Welcome to the City' speech at the Airport, it was most insulting - incredible ignorance. All in all the trip here was very badly handled & a great discredit, certainly no way to create better feeling between the Nations - especially at a critical time like this.
I got a big kick out of the information the Lady customer gave you in regard to the worm capsules during a full moon - thats fantastic is'nt it.
Thanks for the listing of the Chaplin films available - I remember seeing all these, they were wonderful shorts. I have a friend here who occasionally brings over some films to run for me, he deals in old films - rents & sells, exchanges etc. so its possible he may have some copies of these - being in this business he has access to borrow them if he does'nt have them, so I'll check with him on it.
Yes, the Stooges are doing wonderful, they certainly made a remarkable 'Comeback' - the kids really 'Go' for them on TV.
Pleased to tell you Alls well at the house, very nice tenants. Their lease is up next February - hope they will continue to stay, we shall know definitely by January as they are obliged to give a month's notice - am keeping my fingers crossed.
Pleased to note the Babies are both well, Cindy must be a cute little trick now - give her my love.
All for now Earl.
Kind thoughts to you all from us both here.
God Bless.
As ever:
The Los Angeles Times Reported
On September 19, 1959, Russian leader Nikita Khrushchev was introduced by Los Angeles Mayor Norris Poulson, saying: “We do not agree with your widely quoted phrase ‘We shall bury you.’ You shall not bury us and we shall not bury you. We are happy with our way of life. We recognize its shortcomings and are always trying to improve it. But if challenged, we shall fight to the death to preserve it.” Khrushchev scolded Poulson, saying that he had already addressed that issue in previous remarks before arriving in Los Angeles and asked Poulson, “Don’t you read the newspapers? At least in our country, our chairmen of cities read the press or risk not being elected next time.” The audience roared.
OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
October 9th.'59.
Dear Richard Altomonte:
Thanks yours,5th.inst.
Pleased to know you enjoy seeing the L&H films on TV - appreciate your interest & sentiments.
In regard to what I'm doing now - in 1955, I suffered a slight Stroke, which forced me into permanent retirement - fortunately I made a pretty good recovery & am able to get around quite well again - of course am not in condition to ever work again - no doubt you knew that Mr Hardy died in '57. He too suffered a stroke, but more serious than mine.
I did'nt mind in the least your quote 'He is resting on laurels', I thought it was cute.
Am enclosing you a little picture of L&H. - thought you might like to have one as a souvenir.
My regards & best wishes.
Sincerely always.
Stan Laurel.
OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
Oct.1Oth.'59.
Dear Jack & Jennie [Racey]:
Thanks yours, 5th.inst.
Interesting to note that Dave is returning to California & with his wife - pleased to know things have been straightened with them & alls well & happy again.
What on earth happened to Freddie? that was terrible having to call in a plumber at that time of night. Looks like the new nurse needs someone to take care of him.!
I got a kick out of the Pea soup gag - the crab one I'd heard before.
I have'nt one to send you this time, so am enclosing some cartoons instead - the vacum cleaner I think is very cute. Nothing exciting to tell you, so all for now.
Regards & best from us both here.
As ever:
Stan Laurel.
OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
Oct.16th.'59.
Dear Raymond:
Many thanks for recent issue of 'OFFBEAT' containing picture of L&H article on 'Babe' London. Enjoyed it very much.
I have'nt seen Bob in some time - understand he's been busy opening a new place of business in Venice - being so close to the Pacific Ocean Park Attraction, he should do very well indeed.
Trust your Magazine activity is proving successful & alls well & happy with you.
My kindest regards always.
Take care of yourself.
As ever:
Stan Laurel.
STAN LAUREL LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
Oct.16th.'59.
My Dear George [Ganjou]:
Thanks yours,13th.inst.
Was shocked to hear re Bob's Auto Accident, it is indeed a miracle that he & Meriam survived & especially with slight injuries - strange this should happen so shortly after Serge's.
I called Serge as soon as I recd. your letter, but he had already got the news from you. Anyway, am very happy that Bob & Merian are able to continue their appearances.
We expect to see Serge & Joy again before they leave next Monday - we enjoyed so much seeing them again.
Thanks for calling Billy - please convey my love & best. So nice being in touch with you George - will drop you a line occasionally.
Eda joins in love & best to you & yours.
Take care of yourself.
As ever:
Stan Laurel.
OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
Errol Flynn’s death was quite a shock wasn’t it.? He had a full life and enjoyed every minute of it—success and popularity till the end.
Oct.21st.'59.
Dear Lee:
Thanks for your interesting letter.
Please convey my congratulations to your Father & his new Bride - wish them both lots of happiness.
Am afraid your friend Dodie Stevens & her Family were mistaken in seeing me at the Fox studio last month - I have'nt been there for years.!
Nice to know this young Lady is doing so well, I do'nt recall having seen her - as you know, the only films I see now are on TV. - she evidently must be very talented. You ask me 'How can she do it' ? I guess she's just one of the fortunate ones in getting the opportunity to display her talent - many possess great talent, but never once get the chance - Show Bus. is so unpredictable as I told you. In this case she is lucky - many people bet on horses, but very few win. Its the same in any business, its all a gamble.
I shall be pleased to meet Dody & her Dad with you any time convenient, but I doubt if I could be of much help to them in any way, especially now that she has proved successful in her line.
Yes, it was quite a surprise - Chas. Coburn & Mont Blue getting married again - sounds like 'Life Begins at 80'! (not 40.).
Errol Flynn's death was quite a shock was'nt it.? but he had a FULL Life & enjoyed every minute of it - success & popularity till the end.
Shall be pleased to hear from you around Thanksgiving & arrange a date.
Trust alls well & happy with you.
Take care of yourself.
Sincerely always:
Stan Laurel.
Note from the Editor
Dodie Stevens (born Geraldine Ann Pasquale in 1946) was an American pop singer best known for her 1959 song “Pink Shoe Laces.” In 1954, at the age of eight, she recorded her first song, “Merry-Go Merry-Go Round,” which she performed on the Art Linkletter's House Party TV show.
Charles Coburn (1877–1961) was an Academy Award-winning actor and Monte Blue (1887-1963) was a movie actor who played the romantic leading man in the silent film era.
Errol Flynn (1909–1959), an Australian film actor most famous for his romantic swashbuckler roles in Hollywood films, died on October 14, 1959.
OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
His name is Marcel Marceau, he’s a French pantomimist. I discovered him in Paris in 1950 and I made it possible for him to get started.
Oct.28th.'59.
Dear Mrs [Marie] Hatfield::
Thanks your nice letter, 24th.inst. Pleased to know you had such a nice trip to San Francisco to celebrate your birthday, wonderful that it happened to be Bob's day off - it worked out swell.
Glad you got a kick receiving the telegram, as you know I never send cards - I think a telegram is a more personal greeting & has an element of surprise, not knowing what it is.
Note you are in the throes of redecorating, thats quite a job. Our tenants lease is up in February, so if they decide to move, we shall have to have the place all re-painted inside & out, of course the house [has] been empty it wo'nt be so bad & wo'nt take long, Its the moving of furniture etc. that makes it so difficult.
We have been thinking, instead of painting the outside, we'd have put on aluminum sidings, a paint job costs just as much, but does'nt last too long. A friend of mine has just flown in from Paris France, he [is] going to be on the Dinah Shore show Sunday night (Nov.1st.) & is coming to see me next week before he appears in Mexico City. His name is Marcel Marceau, he's a French Pantomimist - I discovered him in Paris in 1950 & I made it possible for him to get started on his way to success - I arranged bookings for him in London, Eng. & he has reached great heights ever since & has appeared all over the World.
He's the greatest pantomimist I've ever seen. I feel very proud of my protege. Hope you will see him work, he's a wonderful artiste.
Weather here too is still quite hot, we've had a marvelous summer.
Thanks for the L&H clipping - our films are only run occasionally here, so we rarely see them anymore.
Think thats about all for now.
Mrs L. joins in best to you all.
Sincerely always:
Stan Laurel.
Note from the Editor
Dinah Shore (1916-1994) was an American singer and actress. She appeared in radio shows throughout the 1940s and after being on many other people’s television shows, got her own, The Dinah Shore Show, in 1951.
Marcel Marceau’s art has become familiar to millions through his many television appearances, He is generally regarded as the world’s best mime.
POSTCARD - 25406 Malibu Rd., Malibu, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
Oct.28th.'59.
Dear Gary [Arnold]:
Sorry delay in acknowledging your letter - intended doing so several times, but have been busy entertaining, from England & Australia, some friends of mine who I have'nt seen for several years, so consequently my correspondence became neglected.
Pleased to know alls well with you & you are doing so well in your studies.
My kindest regards to self & Family.
Sincerely always:
Stan Laurel.
OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
Oct.30th.'59.
Dear Kenny Lozier:
Thanks yours, 27th.inst. with enclosure of snapshot of yourself & Vice Admiral Lockwood. Very interesting indeed.
I was kidding in regard to your quote in your last letter - that it was two years ago since you wrote me, & then later, you stated, we had corresponded so often we were now good friends - it just struck me funny. I assure you I mean't no offence.
Should you ever be down this way, I shall be most pleased to meet you personally - just call the above number & we can arrange a convenient date.
Its possible the Bruco Co. address I sent you - they may have moved since from there, but I imagine your letter will be forwarded on to their new address & no doubt will reach them OK.
Note, you are expecting an addition to your family - congratulations to your wife & self - I imagine you are hoping for a Boy this time - wish you lots of good luck.
All for now Kenny.
Take care of yourself.
Sincerely:
Stan Laurel.
POSTCARD - 25406 Malibu Rd., Malibu, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
Oct.31st.'59.
Thanks Richard [Altomonte] for your letter,26th.inst.
The gentleman you are referring to (with bald head & moustache) his name was James Finlayson.
Sorry to say he died in 1953.
Thanks for your kind words.
My regards & best.
Sincerely always.
Stan Laurel.
