1962 Letters
OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN EXCERPT
JULY.4th.'62.
Regarding data on my connection with the late Fred Karno, am not accurate on dates - I believe I first joined the troupe in 1909 at the Hippodrome, Hulme (Broadhead Tour) this company was referred to as the "Provincial Troupe" - we played a repertoire of sketches, "Mumming Birds," "Early Birds," "The Casuals," "Skating," "Smoking Concert," "The Wow-Wows," & "Jimmy the Fearless".
Note from the Editor
Stan may suggest that he is “not accurate on dates” but he is “spot on” here. He joined Fred Karno’s troupe of actors the week of December 6, 1909.
POSTCARD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
JULY 4th.'62.
Thanks Marie & Bob [Hatfield] yours,29th.ult. Pleased to know your Hay Fever & Asthma got wise & left.! evidently you put the Indian sign on 'em.! did'nt want any part of that desert dept. Pleased to note your Mother is much improved - looks like you'll have to unpack that suitcase Marie.!
Congratulations on your new 'Chevvy' wish you lots of pleasure & enjoyment out of it.
Nothing new to tell you, so kindest & best from us both here.
As ever:
STAN LAUREL.
POSTCARD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
JULY 4th.'62.
Thanks Edmund [Tester], card from Arlington, VA. - appreciate your kind remembrance, trust you fully enjoyed your semi vacation & business trip.
Kindest & best to your Family.
God Bless.
As ever:
STAN LAUREL.
OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 OCEAN AVE., SANTA MONICA, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
JULY 9th.'62.
Dear Bill Brown:
Thanks yours, 1st.inst.
On the 7th.inst. I mailed you a copy of the Santa Monica "Outlook" will order a Sunday issue of the 'Herald Examiner' to be shipped to you by the local distributor - hope they will both be of some use & interest.
Thanks for suggestion re more stickers with the address inscribed Bill, the ones you sent me are more practical, so please do'nt bother to have any more made up.
No, I never saw the Red River Exhibition, the Grand Stand Show R.C.M.P must be a very colorful event in their uniform outfits & well groomed horses.
The "Pictorial History of the Silent Screen" book 1s an old publication, I've had a copy of it for a long time now, its very interesting & nostalgic of course. A large size book. I also have a similar one, which covers the 'Talkie' era.
Re your questions:
1. I knew Ben Turpin very well, he worked in a couple of our films "Our Wife" & "Saps at Sea". I met Al Jolson & D.W. Griffith several times but never Geo. M. Cohan or Flo Ziegfeldt.
2. The award we recd. for the "Music Box" film was a parchment scroll - Oscars were'nt presented for short subjects. (at that time.)
3. No, I never attended any of the other Award shows - just this particular one.
4. The three hands routine in the 'Maze' ('Chump at Oxford') was suggested on the set by one of OUR GAG MEN which I developed in rehearsals - the idea has been done many times before this, in different situations - it fitted very well in our instance.
5. The character of Lord Paddington did'nt disturb me at all - I had played a similar character for quite a while in one of the Fred Karno sketches titled "The Smoking Concert" (in the States it was titled "A Night in a London Club") I enjoyed doing the character again, a nice change from my regular Dumb & Blank personality.
6. Yes we used doubles in our films - all the principals in the caste were insured against accidents & the Company's contract required we use doubles in any stunt considered to be of danger, no matter how slight a chance might be. If we were hurt or injured, the Insurance Co. were liable for the cost of delay in production till we or who other was in condition to resume work again - we of course had no objection to this protection, it too gave nice employment to others, they worked throughout the the film & also paid extra for any stunts they may perform, some of the stunts were very profitable to the boys & every precaution was afforded them to avoid any possible Accident.
Yes, We did several scenes where Ollie Sang & I did a 'soft shoe' dance, in "Pardon Us" he sang "Lazy Moon", in "Way Out West" we both danced & sang, "Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia" ('Trail of the Lonesome Pines') & "Flying Dueces" he sang "Shine on Harvest Moon", no the dance was never done in slow motion, if it had, I'd still be Floating.! Note you recently saw "Jitterbugs" film another one of our unhappy experiences at 20th Century Fox - very bad.
Think that all Bill, so bye for now.
Trust alls well.
Best from us both here.
As ever:
STAN LAUREL.
POSTCARD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
JULY 9th.'62.
Thanks Oral [Cloakey] yours, 7th.inst. (Had you recd. the 'Tintype's' OK. & will be displayed in & among your Crime associates 'Mug Shots’ & placques awarded you for good behaviour during your terms in ‘Sing Sing' - 'Alcatraz' & other highly regarded institutions, where you were held in high esteem.!
Trust the findings in your checkup are found improved & encouraging, but nevertheless take it easy Lad. Hope too to see you in the near future Oral, I love those 'do you remember when' fests & we have plenty to recall.
Have'nt been too well frankly tire easy - no energy - get so weak at times I feel like a fortnight.!
Love & bestest to Thelma & kind self, from us both here;
As ever:
POSTCARD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
JULY 9th.'62.
Not sure if I acknowledged your nice Birthday greeting card [Gordon Dishington], in case I did'nt; My thanks for the kind remembrance & good wishes.
Trust alls well & happy with you & yours,
Sincerely as ever:
STAN LAUREL.
OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 OCEAN AVE., SANTA MONICA, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
JULY 10th.'62.
Dear Jean Mitchell:
Thanks your very nice letter.
I too enjoyed the little chat with you on the phone - pleased you finally decided to introduce yourself - your mention of Durham etc. brought back many happy memories of my school days in Bishop Auckland & the Tyneside area.
Note the Stan Holloway record company prompted you to give me a call - strange thing, I had that record sent me recently (a birthday gift.) Have heard the record several times before, but never tire of hearing it again, especially my favorite "Albert & the Lion" - naturally being from Lancashire.
I went to school in Tynemouth so am very familiar with the local beaches, Roker, Whitely, Cullercoats - remember 'Marsden Rock'? & the little ferry plying tween North & South Shields, it was in my time known as the 'Happney Dodger' - still running incidently - I took a crossing on it in '54 just for old times sake!
Thanks again for your very nice letter - much appreciated.
Wish you lots of success & happiness.
Take care - God Bless.
Sincerely always,
STAN LAUREL.
Note from the Editor
Stanley Holloway (1890–1982) was a celebrated English stage and film actor, comedian and singer, famous for his comic and character roles on stage and screen, especially that of Alfred P. Doolittle in My Fair Lady. He was also renowned for his recordings of comic monologues and songs, which spanned throughout his seventy-year career.
OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 OCEAN AVE., SANTA MONICA, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
JULY 11th.'62.
Dear Dick [Sloan]:
Thanks yours,8th.inst. Guess by now you recd. the stills which I was delighted to Spencerianize pour vous, mon ami.!! Thanks for still of Danny Kaye & the Wax figures L&H. the latter of course I have seen before & do'nt care for. The correspondence tween you & Floyd Simonton (Ty Jurras publicty) am returning herewith in case you may need it on file for further reference.
Delighted to note Dick you taped Jerry Lewis's 'To-Night' show appreciate very much your making a copy for me covering all the dirty cracks that were made about me (THEY WOULD'NT DARE SAY THAT ABOUT MY MOTHER.!!) Chuck did very well I thought, it was the 1st.time I watched his impersonation of L&H - I saw him do Hardy on the Steve Allen show some time ago with Tom Poston, but never me - I too for some reason was expecting Bill Richmond to walk on for a 'Bit' (maybe he was busy trying to get rid of some 'HOT' jewelry.!! Just had a letter from Johnny Municino - do you know Johnny? a friend of Chuck's, he was in the audience the night Chuck was on - Johnny has heen taking treatment at the Veterans Hospital in Brooklyn for several weeks, he managed to get a pass for that night to leave hospital to see the show. Am very fond of Johnny, a wonderful guy & a very good friend.
Thanks for the copy of N.B.C. Press release - shall cover the programs you checked, they'll be interesting - I was approached recently to appear on the "Here's Hollywood", but of course I'm just not able unfortunately.
Not much else to tell you Dick, so adios mi amigo (means neither do I too.!)
Bye Lad.
Bestest to all.
As ever:
OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 OCEAN AVE., SANTA MONICA, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
JULY 12th.'62.
Dear Michael Woodward:
Thanks yours 7th.inst.
Nice to hear from you again & to know alls well with you & yours. Note your change of address - wish you all lots of happiness in your new location & suroundings - Sounds like you're running a private 'Drive In' theatre - good spot for a hot-dog stand or ice cream concession - pleased to know you're getting so much pleasure out of your movie hobby.
Again my kindest regards to you & yours.
Very sincerely:
STAN LAUREL.
OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 OCEAN AVE., SANTA MONICA, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
JULY 12th.'62.
Dear Mr & Mrs Short:
Thanks your nice letter 9th.inst. The news report that I lost an eye is greatly exaggerated, I had a hemorrhage in my left eye a few months ago which slightly affected my vision, my Dr. advises me that in many of these cases nature restores the eye, some take longer than others. I still have sight, but of course its weak - anyway am not discouraged - if it was good enough for Lord Nelson, its quite good enough for me.!!!
Again my regards & best.
Take care - God Bless.
As ever sincerely:
STAN LAUREL.
Note from the Editor
Lord Horatio Nelson (1758-1805) was the United Kingdom’s greatest admiral and naval hero. He lost the sight of his right eye in battle at Calvi, on the Corsican coast in 1793. But that didn’t hold him back. In 1805, he defeated the combined French and Spanish fleets at Trafalgar in the greatest naval victory in British history.
OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 OCEAN AVE., SANTA MONICA, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
JULY 12th.'62.
Dear Timothy Dalton:
Thanks your nice letter 10th.inst. Sorry I missed talking with you on the phone [during your visit in California] - unfortunately you called a bit early. Anyway, am pleased to hear from you & to know the old L&H films are still affording you so much pleasure - appreciate your kind sentiments.
Glad you enjoyed the L&H book & found it interesting.
With pleasure I am enclosing you an autographed picture - thank you for the request. (am returning herewith your 25¢ coin, there is no charge.)
My kindest regards & every good wish.
Very sincerely:
STAN LAUREL.
P.S. Have you seen the new L&H comic books? Check your nearest news dealer.
OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 OCEAN AVE., SANTA MONICA, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
JULY 12th.'62.
Dear Freddie Richards:
Thanks your letter, recd. this AM. nice to hear from you again & to know alls well.
Your idea of a L&H 'Pictorial' book (Stills from all our old films) sounds very interesting. I doubt if an L.P. recording from "This is your Life" would be possible - Ralph Edwards hold the 'RIGHTS' to this material - anyway, appreciate your kindly interest.
Shall be pleased to autograph your copy of the L&H hardy book - will return it right away. Have you seen the new L&H comic books? the Aug-Oct. issue is now on the news stands (Published by Dell Co. N.Y.)
Don't know if our Wax figures will be included in the Hollywood Museum or not - have'nt heard anything about this. However we are in a new wax museum which opened recently in Buena Park, Calif. (Folder encl.) am very disappointed with the likeness of me especially (face is too fat & double chin.)
Bye Freddie.
Take care - God Bless.
As ever sincerely:
STAN LAUREL.
VINTAGE MOVIELAND WAX MUSEUM POSTCARD - BUENA PARK, CA
Reverse of Postcard
LAUREL AND HARDY in “PERFECT DAY” (Movieland Wax Museum, Buena Park, California) The quality of humour that Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy generated in their pictures is ageless. One understands their resigned frustration as in “PERFECT DAY” (1929) they perch on the old Model T’s running board—its radiator spouting steam—after having demolished the box office of the Bijou Theatre...entirely by unpremeditated accident, mind you!
POSTCARD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
I used to drive occasionally in our films, but generally ‘I left the driving to Hardy’ (with my eyes closed!)
JULY 14.'62.
Thanks George [Coleman] your letter 8th.inst. Congratulations of your 1926. model 'T' - am sure you'll still get a lot of service out of it for years to come - the older it gets the more valuable it is. Suggest you check wrecked car lots to locate a frame for canvas top - a Ford factory may be able to help you on this - if not, get yourself an umbrella when it rains.! I used to drive occasionally in our films, but generally "I left the Driving to Hardy" (with my eyes closed.!!) Re the large picture of L&H - Mr Mutoli I understand is away on vacation - check with Chuck McCann (same address) mention my name.! I do'nt visit beaches Geo. only go out to visit Dr once in a while. Pleased to know alls well & happy with you.
Bye & God Bless.
As ever:
STAN LAUREL.
Note from the Editor
“I left the driving to Hardy,” is a reference to a 1960s advertising campaign for Hertz Rental Cras that used the tagline, “Leave the driving to us.”
OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 OCEAN AVE., SANTA MONICA, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
JULY 16th.'62.
Dear Dick [Sloan]:
Many thanks for tape covering the Jerry Lewis 'Tonight' show, Chuck McCann etc. Appreciate your kind gesture - a nice addition to the other tapes you kindly sent me.
I thought Chuck did very well with his impersonations of L&H first time I'd seen him imitate me - He did Hardy sometime time ago with Tom Poston on the Steve Allen show - Steve sent me a kinescope copy of that Skit.
All for now Dick.
Take care - God Bless.
as ever:
STAN LAUREL.
OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 OCEAN AVE., SANTA MONICA, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
JULY 18th.'62.
Dear Timothy Dalton:
Thanks yours, 17th.inst. with enclosure of 15¢ in coins. I suggest you enquire at your local news dealer, drug store etc. regarding the L&H Comic Book or write direct to Dell Publishing Co. Inc., 750 Third Ave. New York. 17. NY. ask for a copy of the Larry Harmon - Laurel & Hardy comic book, issue August-October, or ask them the name of the dealer who handles this publication in Mansfield.
Regarding buying some L&H films, drop a card to Blackhawk Films Co. Main St. Davenport, Ohio. they will send you a catalogue listing of L&H films in 8mm & 16mm, silent & sound. am sure you will find it interesting.
Mrs Hardy has since re-married, her name now is Mrs Ben Price, the address in 12416, Weddington St. North Hollywood. Calif.
Sorry, I have no picture of myself alone.
Again my best wishes,
Sincerely:
STAN LAUREL.
P.S. Am returning herewith your 15¢ in coins.
POSTCARD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
JULY 20th.'62.
Thanks Bill your letter & stills & One Sheet.
With pleasure, I autographed & have returned to you under seperate cover - trust they will reach you safely.
Mrs L. joins in best to yourself & Family.
Remember me kindly to Bob Dale.
In haste.---
As ever:
STAN LAUREL.
POSTCARD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
JULY.23rd.'62.
Thanks Dean [Kaner] your letter from Camp. Pleased to know you are having a nice vacation.
Re your enquiry: I have been active professionally in show Bus. since 1906 till 1954. due to suffering a stroke I was forced into retirement - fortunately I made partial recovery, but not able to continue in my profession.
Nice to hear from you again.
Good luck - God Bless.
Sincerely as ever:
STAN LAUREL.
OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 OCEAN AVE., SANTA MONICA, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
JULY 24th.'62.
Dear Bill Brown:
Thanks yours, 15th.inst.
If you have'nt already done so - please do'nt bother sending me your local news papers, am not able to read much on account of my eye trouble, hemorrhage in the left one, all I generally read is the headlines, rest of the print is usually too small - know you will fully understand.
I heard about the Saskatchewan Medics trouble on Radio & TV - those doctors that walked out should be heavily fined - unfortunately they are an necessary EVIL. I thought it was a shocking thing of them to do, it certainly proved how little they care for sick & ailing people.
Note they are having: a L&H fun show - the film "Beau Hunks" is a four reeler (Sound) Foreign Legion story - there is another one on the same subject we made later (Feature Length) titled "Flying Deuces" - you probably saw that one. I may be mistaken re Ben Turpin being in "Saps at Sea" I was under the impression he played a Janitor - maybe another film I am thinking of - anyway, its not that important.
Re your Questions:
1. No trick photography was used for stretching Hardy in "The Bohemian Girl" film - at the finish, the character was on Stilts (a double walked in on them & Hardy did the Close Up Shots. I of course was short (On my knees.) the Co star was'nt Julie Bishop (do'nt know her)
2. No, L&H never worked with Chaplin in films or Arbuckle. I worked with Charlie in Vaudeville as you know.
3. Have no idea why films are not shot in continuity. The director may have some particular reason but we preferred to shoot in continuity from the first scene to the finale, sometimes there were circumstances we were forced to shoot scattered scenes, but very seldom if we could possibly help it.
4. Hardy & I appeared on TV a couple of times in England (London.BBC.) for the purpose of interviews. & once in Hollywood for "This is your Life" program. Jimmy Finlayson was a very nice person - nothing like his character, we were very fond of Jimmy, a great comic.
Mrs L's Birthdate is January 26th. Enclosed is a picture for your friends Johnny & Bette - please convey my regards & best.
Yes, have been watching the new 'Tele Star' medium - fantastic is'nt it, a marvelous achievement.
Bestest to Kay & self from us both here.
As ever:
STAN LAUREL.
Note from the Editor
Telstar was a communications satellite launched on July 10, 1962. It successfully relayed the first live transatlantic television broadcast on July 23, 1962, the day before Stan wrote this letter.
POSTCARD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
JULY.25th.'62.
Thanks yours [Timothy Dalton], 23rd.inst. Regarding the animated cartoon series - the voices of Mr Hardy & myself are to be recorded by two other people - I understand these films will be released in the Fall.
No, I do'nt make any personal appearances - I am retired permanently - Yes, I am Married.
Shall be pleased to hear from you again occasionally.
Again my best wishes.
Sincerely:
STAN LAUREL.
POSTCARD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
JULY 25th.'62.
Thanks yours [Glenn Laxton], 21st.inst. nice to hear from you again & to know alls well. Yes I saw the "Tonight" show you mention - yes, I know Jerry Lewis quite well - have known the 3 Stooges for many years - do'nt know definitely what became of the original "Curley". The slapstick type of comedy will always be popular with the public if its presented in its proper form & by capable artists. Re your request for a picture, I have no new ones - only what I sent you already sometime ago, however, if you've mislaid that one, I shall be pleased to replace it.
Again my regards & best wishes,
Sincerely as ever:
STAN LAUREL.
Have you seen the Larry Harmon's "Laurel & Hardy" comic book? check your news dealer.
Moe Howard Remembered
I knew Stan Laurel very well since 1933 when we worked together at M.G.M. in a picture called Hollywood Party. He was indeed a very fine gentleman and an extremely talented one also. —September 24, 1966
OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 OCEAN AVE., SANTA MONICA, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
JULY 26th.1962.
Dear George & Coy Roesler:
Thanks your very nice letter,24th.inst. Indeed nice to hear from you - pleased to know the old L&H films are still of some value in your business, its really remarkable is'nt it? after all these years.
A friend of mine in Webster, N.Y. has quite a large collection of the L&H films (over 50 titles I think) he is still hoping to find some more, so I sent him your your card - he may get in touch with you - his name is Mr. Edward Kobus, maybe you have some titles he'd be interested in.
Thanks again for your kind sentiments & good wishes.
My kindest regards & every good wish,
Sincerely always:
STAN LAUREL.
POSTCARD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
JULY 26th.'62.
Many thanks Ed [Tester] your welcome letter, L&H Comic book & Still of yourself ('Jazzbo Sword Trick')
Trust alls going well & enjoying a happy & prosperous Season. - continued success.
Love & kind thoughts to self & family,
God Bless.
As ever:
STAN LAUREL.
POSTCARD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
JULY 27th.'62.
Thanks Marie [Hatfield] yours, 25th.inst. so sorry to hear of Bob's Father's accident - fully understand Bob not being able to visit with us during his trip here, realize he has a lot to do in making arrangements for his Dad & selling the property - certainly unfortunate for all concerned. Note the nice compliment paid me by Tenn. Ernie Ford - very gracious of him. Pleased to know you are all well in health.
Regards & bestest from us both here to Mother, Self & the escrow Indian Bob.
As ever:
STAN LAUREL.
Note from the Editor
Tennessee Ernie Ford (1919-1991) was a pioneering U.S. recording artist and television host who enjoyed success in the country & western, pop, and gospel musical genres. Ford helmed his own primetime variety program, The Ford Show, which ran on NBC from 1956 to 1961.
