1962 Letters
OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
I had a hemorrhage in my left eye a few months ago. Doctor advised me to avoid reading and writing as much as possible, so please pardon brief reply.
MARCH.1st.'62.
Mr Fred Goldrup,
58,Westland Avenue,
BOSTON.15.MASS.
Dear Fred Goldrup:
Thanks your very interesting letter of Feb.23rd.ult. with enclosure of pictures etc. Indeed nice to hear from you. Note you usually have a column in Ken Berryhill's Old Record Shop Newsletter, Ken sent me a copy of this paper (Nov-Dec '6I. issue), incidentally in another issue he sent me recently, I read where one of Ken's Reader's had one of those L&H records that we made in London, Eng. 1932. I too have one that was sent me by a fan from Canada, but only the instrumental side was in fair condition, the other side (Dialogue) was badly scratched. I shall be pleased to send you a tape copy of the "Dance of the Cuckoos" Columbia orchestra arrangement if you would care to have it, kindly let me know what Speed (7-1/2 or 3-3/4.)
With pleasure I will send you an autographed picture of L&H (8X10 size.) & am returning you the Dollar Bill you sent me - there is no charge whatsoever - I appreciate your kind request.
Note you expect to make a trip to Hawaii via Trading Stamp route - wish you success on your project & I shall have the pleasure of meeting you on your stop-over to the Islands.
You mention you are a 'Scot' - I presume you were born in this Country tho' - I was raised in Scotland, went to school there, my Dad operated the old Metropole Theatre in Glasgow which recently burnt to the ground, the building was nearly a hundred years old, a theatrical historic land mark, it was originally known as the "Scotia".
Thanks for your kind invitation to visit with you sometime, but am afraid my traveling days are over. Sorry to know you have difficulty with your speech, sincerely hope there is a possibility of recovery in the near future - I admire your courage & fortitude in 'carrying on' your endeavour to bring happiness & pleasure to so many unfortunates - Good luck & God bless you.
Shall be pleased to listen to one of [your] "Show-Biz" tapes, do'nt bother to make a special copy, I shall return it to you, my recorder is a "Wollensak" portable.
I had a hemorrhage in my left eye a few months ago - Dr advised me to avoid reading & writing as much as possible - so please pardon brief reply - know you will fully understand.
All for now Fred, my kindest regards.
Keep up the good work.
As ever:
STAN LAUREL.
OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
His character was named Grandpa Smelt. I was his wayward grandson Willie. All the family Smelt and so did the film—to high heavens!
MARCH 2nd.'62.
Dear 'Chuck' [McCann]:
Herewith picture of Lake L&H placque I promised you - enjoyed talking with you & Kid Althoff - his voice has'nt changed a bit - BUT HOW IT HAS ALTERED!! Richard Sloan since sent me a tape recording of you & Charlie remeniscing his experiences at the old Hal Roach studio in the silent days, the film he worked on was a fishing village story & a family of fishermen, his character was named 'Grandpa Smelt', I was his wayward grandson Willie - all the family Smelt & so did the film - TO HIGH HEAVENS.!!
How the hell old is Charlie now? NO! you're kidding?!! MY GOD, thats fantastic, you'd certainly never know it.!!! etc.etc.
Was pleased to know the show was still goling strong - just goes to show, no matter how long the ladie's silk stocking is, THE TOP IS ALWAYS NEARER THE BOTTOM.!
That model T Ford sounds like a good investment no matter how much it will cost to put in running condition, the rental runs pretty high for Movies or TV shows, you can get good money too for allowing them to RUN YOU OVER with it.!! THree takes of this, you could Retire.!
Bye Chuck my love & best to you all.
Cheerio - God Bless.
As ever:
Note from the Editor
“Why Girls Love Sailors” (released July 17, 1927) is an American comedy short silent film directed by Fred Guiol for Hal Roach Studios that starred Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy before they were officially teamed up.
OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
MARCH 6th.1962.
Dear Frank Flack:
Thanks yours,4th.inst.
Frankly, I have no idea where you could locate the signature autograph of the late Ben Turpin. Its possible the Screen Actor's Guild might have the address of his widow, Mrs Ben Turpin, the S.A.G. address is: 7750,Sunset Blvd. Hollywood 46. I suggest you contact them.
Hope this information will be of some help in giving you a lead in your search.
Nice to hear from you again & to know alls well.
My regards & best.
As ever:
STAN LAUREL.
Note from the Editor
The cross-eyed silent film comic Ben Turpin died on July 1, 1940.
OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
MARCH.7th.'62.
Dear Wayne [Murray]:
Thanks for copy of article re Judy Garland - very interesting reading - she deserves a lot of admiration & credit for making such a wonderful "comeback" - Hardy & I were in England at the time she opened at the London Palladium & made a sensational hit - that was the springboard she needed, we were all very happy for her success.
Hope things are breaking better for you & future prospects look encouraging - I think you were wise to move back to Hollywood, you can keep in closer touch with opportunities, Santa Monica is a nicer place to live I think if you're assured steady employment - THE ONLY WAY TO FLY.!!
Not much else, so bye now.
Take care - good luck & God Bless.
As ever:
STANLEY P - OTTS, POTTS,
Note from the Editor
Stan is introduced as “Potts,” Ollie’s valet in Jitterbugs (1943).
OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
I read where N.B.C. had dropped the Laurel and Hardy cartoon series. Have never heard for specifically what reason, but I assume the pilot film just wasn’t good.
MARCH 7th.'62.
Dear Tom [Sefton]:
Thanks yours, 6th.inst.
Sorry you got a bad print on "Way Out West" film, did you get this from Blackhawk? If its not in good shape, you certainly shouldn't accept it, I would suggest in future you have the right to view it & make thorough inspection before you buy - (sounds like J.F.K.'s disarmament talks.)!!
Frankly I forget what "Soup to Nuts" film was all about, so long since I saw it - however, I do remember Anita Garvin very well, she appeared in several of our films, she was a very attractive Gal in those days - haven't seen or heard of her in many years, like many that worked with us - just disappeared.!
I read where N.B.C. had dropped the L&H cartoon series - have never heard for specifically what reason - but I assume, evidently the pilot film just wasn't good. Have'nt heard from the producer, but heard from other sources, he intends to go ahead with the production, his plan is to syndicate them - am a bit disappointed naturally, I was in hopes of making a few bucks for a change. Anyway, as Hardy used to say "T'was ever Thus".
Trust alls well with you & yours Tom.
Mrs L. joins in kind thoughts to you all - our bestest to Ben too.
As ever:
P.S. Did you ever get in touch with Vanessa Brown re the Academy Award Tape.?!
OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
MARCH 8th.'62.
Dear Bill Brown:
Thanks yours, FEB.25th.ult.
Yes, I heard that Henry Calvin was chosen for Hardy's voice in the cartoon series. I've seen him several times on TV in the "ZORRO" series (Disney) but have never met him personally, he resembles Hardy very much on the screen.
I do'nt know what happened to the Gleason-Carney project That David Susskind intended to produce (the L&H Story). Frankly, I doubt if it will ever materialize - Gleason is going to do a weekly show on TV next season & Carney is now starring in a very successful show on Broadway, N.Y.
No, Hardy & I never had our hand or footprints in the lobby of Grauman's Chinese Theatre, we were never considered of much importance in Hollywood. Yes, there is going to be a Motion Picture Museum errected here, it is now under construction.
Re the costumes we wore in our films, we used whatever was available in the wardrobe dept. preferably outdated clothes, old fashioned Wing Collars etc. occasionally we wore normal street suits, but of course always retained our trade mark - the derbies.
The film you mention was titled "Love & Hisses" home guard army story at training camp, thats a very early 2 reel silent - before Hardy & I were teamed together.
Not much new to tell you, so bye for now.
Again my best,
As ever:
STAN LAUREL.
OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
MARCH 8th.1962.
Dear Dick Sloan:
Thanks your note enclosed with the tape recording of dialogue, music etc. taken from our old films.
Frankly, am not too enthusiastic about this or the idea of making an album out of this particular material, to me it has little value unless you were seeing the film, & even so, I never felt that we excelled in dialogue, occasionally we had funny sayings or lines, but they were not in the belly laugh category. I do'nt think Larry Harmon would be interested in this idea either - Anyway, I appreciate your kindly interest & trouble. Am returning the tape as you requested - (under seperate cover) due to being shipped per 4th.class mail, it will take longer to reach you than this letter.
Trust alls well with you.
Again my regards & best.
As ever sincerely:
STAN LAUREL.
OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
MARCH.8th.'62.
Dear Edmund [Tester]:
Thanks your letter with enclosure of snapshots & news clipping of the John Glenn Parade in N.Y. Why on earth did you get yourself mixed up in that crowd when you could have seen the whole thing in the warmth & comfort at home on TV & had a much better view too?!! I certainly would'nt want any part of that celebration - anyway, it was a great tribute to our hero which he so fully deserved - a very courageous guy.
Think you're wise to take a trip out here Edmund & look things over before you dispose of your property holdings back there - THE WEATHER DOES'NT BELONG TO YOU, so you can give that away for gifts next XMAS.!! equally distribute the snow, Cold, Wind & Rain among your friends.!!
Glad you heard from the chamber of commerce & recd. the newspaper section I sent you, it will give you some information, but its not as good as seeing for yourself.
Re doing any film work - this is very unpredictable Edmund, so do'nt depend on that too much, but am sure you're capable of making a good living in other fields of show. Bus.
Re the 8mm films you took of the parade - I do'nt have that size projector - otherwise I would have liked to see them.
Have no idea who the 'Sam' was we autographed the photo to (that you located in a book store in N.Y. note the date was '32 - Thirty Years Ago!!!!!
Weather here is still unsettled, still have occasional rain & wind. Just heard about the new storms back there - seems to me Oceanside, N.Y. was mentioned in the reports - hope you were not affected.
Not much else to tell you Ed, so bye for now.
My bestest to you all.
As ever:
PS. EXbrook 3-0486
Note from the Editor
John Glenn Jr. (born 1921) is an American astronaut. He was the third American to fly in space and the first American to orbit the Earth, aboard Friendship 7 in 1962. Glenn was celebrated as a national hero, and received a ticker-tape parade on March 1, 1962 reminiscent of the one given Charles Lindbergh on June 13, 1927 to celebrate his transatlantic flight.
NO LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
MARCH 12th.'62.
Dear Mr & Mrs Short:
Many thanks your interesting letter with enclosure of news clippings re the 'Old Theatre Royal, Blyth, & the news letter of Bert Cole a former employee in the early days, it was indeed in those days a beautiful theatre, complete in every detail a credit to any community. I hope it will be considered & converted into a Civic Auditorium, & will be spared destruction - I feel the building has historic value as a landmark & should be preserved - The Town & district need such a place to hold their local meeting & important affairs, besides establishing talent & local Culture in the future.
Pleased to know you enjoyed the old film "Dancing Masters" at the 'Tatler' in Newcastle.
Nice to hear from you again & know alls well with you.
Nothing much exciting to tell you, so bye for now.
Again, my kindest regards & every good wish,
Very sincerely:
STAN LAUREL.
OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
MARCH 15th.'62.
Dear Bob & Marie [Hatfield]:
Thanks yours,9th,inst.
Pleased to know you arrived safely - we here too enjoyed very much seeing you both again - thought you too looked very well indeed, especially Bob, you have changed a bit - BUT HOW YOU HAVE ALTERED.!!
I sure get a kick out of your hearty & infectious laugh Bob, you're one of my favorite audiences.!
Weather here is still trying hard to get back to normal - wish it would make up its mind.! One day its nice & warm & on go the 'Jockey Shorts' next day you have to get back into the 'longies' (with the button on the back.!)
Not much else exciting, so bye for now.
Our kindest & best to yourselves & Mother,
AS EVER:
OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
MARCH 17th. '62
Dear Tom [Sefton]:
Thanks yours, 16th.inst.
The address I sent you of Vanessa Brown was given to me by Ben Shipman (my attorney). At the time, he too told me he had written her a couple of times re a copy of the tape of the Academy broadcast, which she had promised on the phone to send him, but to date has heard nothing further. (thought I told you of this in my last.) Strange isn't it?
Theres a possible chance of contacting her through the Screen Actors Guild, 7750, Sunset Blvd. Hollywood, 46. Calif. drop her a line there, if they know of her whereabouts, it will be forwarded direct. (The Guild won't give out any information on their members, addresses, phone numbers, etc. so a letter is the best & only procedure.
Hope this suggestion will be helpful Tom in getting in touch.
Trust alls well with you & yours Tom.
Mrs L. joins in regards & best to yourself & family - & best to Ben [Chadwell].
As ever:
CONTRACT - TYPEWRITTEN
March 21, 1962.
Larry Harmon Pictures Corporation
Los Angeles, California
Gentlemen:
Reference is hereby made to the OPTION AGREEMENT, as amended, entered into between you and us, executed March 21, 1962, pursuant to which among other things the undersigned granted to you the option (provided for in Paragraph First thereof) to acquire certain rights in and to the "licensed material" (as the term "licensed material" is defined in said OPTION AGREEMENT).
1. This will confirm our understanding and agreement that the entire sentence commencing on the 7th line of page 8 of said OPTION AGREEMENT shall be deemed deleted and that the following shall be deemed substituted therefore as of the date of the original execution thereof;
"In any and all events, Harmon undertakes and agrees to pay to Owner (in the event Harmon exercises the option) not less than the sum of $52,000.00 (against which shall be credited all sums payable hereunder, including, without limiting, the initial sum of $5,000.00 to be paid as consideration for the option herein granted) within four (4) years and six (6) months from the date of the exercise of the option herein provided, which amount shall be payable in consecutive monthly installments of not less than $1,083.33 per month, commencing (7) months from the date that said option is exercised."
2. It is further understood and agreed that you shall be deemed to have exercised the option provided for in Paragraph First of said OPTION AGREEMENT, as amended, as of June 21, 1962.
Please confirm your agreement and understanding as hereinable set forth by signing this letter in the space hereinbelow provided.
Very truly yours,
LAUREL AND HARDY FEATURES PRODUCTIONS
Stan Laurel
Lucille Hardy Price
OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
MARCH.24th.1962.
Dear Dick Sloan:
Thanks yours,22nd.inst.
Glad you recd. the tape I returned recently. Just what type of Album Larry Harmon has in mind I frankly have no idea, I very seldom see or hear from him, so know nothing of his plans in regard to the cartoon series or the merchandising.
I heard that Dick Van Dyke made kindly REFERENCE to me on the 'ere's 'Ollywood' program, certainly very gracious of him - I hold great admiration & respect for him too. Sorry I missed that program.
Interesting to note the L&H book was mentioned in the N.Y. 'Times' publishing year of '61 ratings.
Sorry I do'nt have any old L&H 'Stills' on hand - most of my stuff is packed away in storage, due to my now living in a small Apt. haven't much room, otherwise you would have been welcome to borrow from whatever I have there.
Had a letter from His Royal Highness Joe Mutoli - sent me some L&H & Chuck [McCann] Fan Club membership cards.
Not much new to tell you Dick, so bye for now. Nice to hear from you again & to know alls well.
My regards & best to you all.
Cheerio;
As ever:
STAN LAUREL.
OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
MARCH 26th.1962.
Dear Kit & Chiki NOBLE:
Thanks your interesting & 'newsy' letter 23rd.inst. nice to hear from you again & to know alls well & happy with you & family.
Note you wrote me some time ago but recd. no reply - evidently your letter did get lost - you can rest assured had I recd. it you would have certainly heard from me.
Pleased to know you had a successful season last year, thats pretty good continuing thru' the Winter too - I can understand that Stage unit touring one day stands was too rough on you - I experienced a lot of that in my early days, its very distressing.
Hope this Frontier City deal will be interesting & profitable, no doubt it will be a 'Grind', but at least you do'nt have that continuous packing & unpacking routine - traveling etc. & changing living quarters frequently.
Note you visited Grover O'Day with the Tom Packs Circus, I recall writing him & conveying my best to you all - do'nt think I ever met him personally tho'.
Thanks for the 'Frontier City' folder, there is a similiar attraction out here, but on a larger scale I guess, called "Knotts Berry Farm", they have a great tourist trade - quite a layout - do terrific business & have a long season of course.
Not much else to tell you, everything here is as usual.
Mrs L. joins in kindest regards & every good wish.
Good luck - God Bless.
As ever:
STAN LAUREL.
OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
I don’t have any of the Laurel and Hardy wardrobe, I got rid of everything. It was picked up by the Salvation Army.
MARCH 30th.1962.
Dear Arthur Westwood:
Thanks yours, 25th.inst. with enclosure of a page from the L&H book - pleased to know you enjoyed & found it interesting. With pleasure I autographed the page & am returning herewith.
Note you are taking a trip here sometime next year to visit with a friend in Redondo - thats just a short distance from Santa Monica - I shall indeed look forward to the pleasure of meeting you personally during your stay in California.
Sorry, I do'nt have any of the L&H wardrobe - after Mr Hardy died, I got rid of everything, it was picked up by the Salvation army & other such organizations, they make great use of old clothing as you no doubt know.
Re: Mrs Hardy's address: She has since remarried & is now Mrs Ben Price, 12416, WEDDINGTON ST. NORTH HOLLYWOOD. CALIF.
Again my thanks & best wishes Arthur.
Trust alls well.
Very sincerely:
STAN LAUREL.
OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
MARCH 31st.'62.
Dear Lewis Ketring, Jr.:
Regarding the Piano moving sequence in "Swiss Miss" film - yes, the bomb incident was eliminated by Hal Roach Sr. Why - I'll never know.
I shall be pleased to meet you personally to autograph your copy of the "L&H" book - suggest you give me a call during next week so we can arrange a convenient date - my phone is EXbrook 3-5656.
My regards & best wishes,
Sincerely:
STAN LAUREL.
OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
MARCH 31st.'62.
Dear Bill Brown:
Thanks yours, 22nd.inst.
Interesting to hear about the new magazine "Screen Thrills" are going to have an article on me - is this magazine a Canadian publication or American, I'd like to have the date of that particular issue, to enable me to get a copy of it.
I know nothing about this story, but would like to know the author of it etc. Re your questions, yes my Mother was an actress, both my parents were in show bus. My first profession appearance on stage was in 1906 in a juvenile pantomime Co. the show was titled "The Sleeping Beauty". I have been married four times & lived happily ever after.!!
Note there's a lot of building activity going on in Winnipeg. That old Courtroom & Gallows was certainly an interesting situation, I imagine it will be preserved, probaby the history of this locale can be traced back for full details.
No there is no theatre in Santa Monica that run the old L&H films, but there are a couple in Hollywood that frequently add them to their program.
I doubt if there will ever be another book published concerning L&H. The John McCabe book is the only one to my knowledge.
Note everything is closed tight on Sundays, England has the same situation - dead as a doornail you'd think these conditions would have changed with the times, but I guess they like that old TRADITION too much. its ridiculous - no I never had any desire to appear in a serious role, even tho' my parents followed the dramatics - I never felt capable of straight acting, so consequently never attempted it.
Yes, Broncho Billy Anderson is still around, but have'nt seen him for many years & have no idea where he lives.
All for now Bill.
Cheerio - God Bless.
As ever:
STAN LAUREL.
