November 3, 1930

Kenneth R. MacDonald
5005 Avery Avenue
Detroit, Michigan

Dear Kenneth:
          We are only too glad to comply with the request of your recent letter, and appreciate your thinking of us.
          We didn't quite realize we were throwing so much trade toward the medical profession, but we do know that we try to make people happy with our comedies.
          Yours for faster and funnier comedies we remain,
                    Yours Sincerely,

                    +
                    Oliver Hardy
 

NO LETTERHEAD - Culver City, CA - HANDWRITTEN EXCERPT

                    718, No. Bedford Dr.
                    Beverly Hills.
                    Cal. Nov. 17th '30
Dear Miss [Marion W.] Neal-
          Please pardon delay in my reply to yours of Oct. 9th. but have been awfully busy making the foreign versions of our first full length picture. The title has been changed from "The Rap" to "THEIR FIRST MISTAKE." Hope you will like it when you see it. We are making it in five languages - English - Spanish - French - German & Italian & are speaking them all.
                    Sincerely,

 

HAL ROACH STUDIOS CONTRACT - TYPEWRITTEN

                    June 29, 1932

Mr. Stan Laurel
Hal Roach Studios, Inc.
Culver City, California

Dear Sir:-
          Pursuant to your request, we hereby agree to a suspension of the terms and obligations of the contract between us, dated January 7th, 1930, for a period of sixty days, commencing July 10th, 1932, and ending September 12th, 1932, and that during such period as aforesaid no services need be rendered by you to us, and we are relieved of all obligations under the contract for any payments or compensation therein provided, except the compensation provided for in Paragraph Tenth thereof, which nevertheless shall be paid during said period of suspension.
          In all other particulars, the contract is to continue in full force and effect during the period of such suspension, particularly wherein it provides that any and all services by you shall be rendered exclusively for us and for our account. It is understood, however, that during said period of suspension you shall have the right to make what are commonly known as "stage appearances."
          It is our understanding that you wish this suspension for the purpose of making a vacation trip abroad.
          The period of such suspension of sixty days shall be added at the end of the contract, this the expiration of the contract is hereby extended for a period of sixty days beyond the period now provided for its termination and the same compensation shall be paid for and during the period of such extension as is provided for under the contract at the present time as compensation per week during the last year of the term of said contract.
          In all other particulars, the agreement will remain unchanged and unmodified.
          If this clearly represents our agreement to your request, kindly so signify on the line provided in the lower left hand corner hereof.
                   Yours truly,
                   HAL ROACH STUDIOS, INC.

                   ACCEPTED:

 

LAUREL AND HARDY LETTERHEAD - TYPEWRITTEN

                    En route to England.
                    July 14th.'32

Mr. Jimmy Reed,
Capital Theatre,
LEITH.
Scotland.

My Dear Friend Jimmy:-
          Needless to tell you what a pleasant surprise it was to hear from you after all these years. Sure, I remember you very well. I'll never forget that fateful trip to Holland & Belgium. I am very happy to know that you are doing so well & sincerely trust you will enjoy continued success. I hear from Ted Leo once in a while. He has a Jazz band in Glasgow. Very sorry to hear of the news of your Dad but glad to note your Mother is well. Give her my very best. I sent you a picture before I left Los Angeles, hope you get it all right. Hardy & I leave New York July 16th. "AQUITANIA" for London & we are going to visit Glasgow & Edinburgh, so if you have a chance to come see me in Edinburgh, do so. I will advise you later, the date of our arrival there. Glad to note our pictures are doing so well for you. We have just finished another feature picture entitled:- "PACK UP YOUR TROUBLES." I am looking forward to it doing enormous business. it's a good picture Jimmy & everybody that has seen it, thinks that it is the best thing that we have made. We are expecting to have a trade showing of it in LONDON, so you will probably get all the dope on it from that source. Well, Jimmy, I hope I have the pleasure of seeing you again when I am over there.
         With kindest regards and sincere good wishes always,
          As ever, your old friend:-

P.S. Will you ever forget the Palace Theatre in Leige (Belgium) All our props were out on the sidewalk next morning & the kids playing with them. I often think of it & get many a laugh.
 

LAUREL AND HARDY LETTERHEAD - HANDWRITTEN

                    Hal E. Roach Studio,
                    CULVER CITY. CALIF.
                    U.S.A. Sept. 20th '32.
Yeello Bill [Jacobs]!
          I met Dave Beekler in N.Y. He gave me your address - wish you would drop in at the studio - would love to see you. Am starting a new picture tomorrow, come & have lunch with me - any way -
          all news when I see you -
                    Yours as ever:-

 

LAUREL AND HARDY LETTERHEAD - HANDWRITTEN EXCERPT

                    718, No. Bedford Drive,
                    Beverly Hills, Calif.
                    U.S.A.
                    Sept.19th.'32.
My Dear Lena [Morton] -
          Dad gave me your sweet letter before I sailed - so sorry I was unable to drop by to see you all. I would have been thrilled to death - but hope you realise just how impossible it was. It certainly is good to hear from you after all these years & your letter brought back lots of happy memories - I got a big laugh out of you telling about you being my only audience at my little theatre - you must have been bored to death - I am enclosing you a photo of you & I taken about that time at Ayton House - I've had it for many years...
 

LAUREL AND HARDY LETTERHEAD - HANDWRITTEN

                    Hal E. Roach Studio,
                    Culver City. Calif. U.S.A.
                    Sept.30th.'32.
Dear Friend Eric -
          Our mail was so heavy, impossible to handle - we shipped it back home - unopened. Hence delay in rely to your letter. Certainly appreciate your kind thoughts - wish we had had the pleasure of visiting Derby. I played there quite a few years ago - & as you realise our trip was short & we couldn't go everywhere. Glad to hear "Jailbirds" did so well. Hope you will like "Pack Up Your Troubles" our next full length picture. Again my thanks -
                    with best wishes always!

                    L&H.
 

LAUREL AND HARDY LETTERHEAD - HANDWRITTEN

                    Hal Roach Studio,
                    Culver City. Calif.
                    U.S.A. Oct. 4th. 1932.
Dear Mr. & Mrs. Wray-
          Pardon delay in answer to your kind letter. Our mail was so large - first couldn't handle it - sent it back here unopened - so have just recd. yours. Sorry I didn't have the opportunity of meeting you during my visit to Shields - especially you knowing the family as well as you did - But am sure you realise how impossible it was - It was a grand home coming for me - I'll never forget it - Bless them all, it was so genuine - it hurt me - There was nothing I could say or do to show my sincere gratitude. It was very sweet of you to mention re my little Brother's grave - I thought of it while I was there, but was unable to go where I wanted to go - even my Mother's grave in Glasgow - I didn't have a chance to visit. My whole time was taken up with Public - Press - & Photographers. I went over for a rest - but came back a nervous wreck. However, if I died from it all, it would be a humble way of showing my appreciation. Again many thanks for your kind thoughts.
                    My sincerest good wishes always,

 

HAL ROACH STUDIOS LETTERHEAD - Culver City, CA - TYPEWRITTEN

                    December 12, 1932
Mr. Stan Laurel,
     Hal Roach Studios, Inc.,
          Culver City, California.

Dear Sir:
          Pursuant to your request, we return to you herewith a letter memorandum agreement executed under date of June 29th, 1932, the purpose of your request for such return being that we have agreed that the additional period of employment therein agreed to apply after the 22nd day of December, 1934, shall have no application and that said contract shall be no longer extended thereby. In all other particulars, it is agreed that this memorandum of agreement has been carried out in full between us according to its terms and conditions.
          Kindly acknowledge receipt hereof in the left hand corner hereof, which will also serve to signify your understanding hereof to be as herein expressed.
                    Yours truly,
                    HAL ROACH STUDIOS, INC.

                    ACCEPTED:

 

HAL ROACH STUDIOS CONTRACT - TYPEWRITTEN

                    December 12, 1932

Hal Roach Studios, Inc.
Culver City, California

Gentlemen:
          In connection with the contract calling for the rendition of services by me to your company, dated January 7th, 1930, we have mutually agreed that the following changes and modifications shall apply and govern the contract year commencing December 23d, 1932, and ending December 22nd, 1933:
          That the minimum working period provided for in the contract is hereby modified for and during said contract year to a minimum of forty weeks, instead of forty-eight weeks, as therein now provided, thereby permitting that you shall have a right to suspend for an additional period of eight weeks the use of my services; that such suspension of eight weeks, however, shall be a consecutive suspension and shall take place concurrently with a like suspension of eight weeks that shall be given to Mr. Oliver N. Hardy. That you shall give me as much notice as possible thereof, and, if at all possible, at least thirty days before the commencement of such suspension.
          In consideration thereof, it was agreed that the cancellation and/or termination clause contained in said contract shall be of no effect for and during said period of one year, and you shall have no right to cancel or terminate said agreement during said contract year, and there shall be paid to me pursuant to and according to the terms of said contract full compensation for and during a minimum period of forty weeks during said contract year and which we understand to be a total of three thousand dollars ($3,000.00) per week during each week of said minimum period of forty weeks, and one hundred dollars ($100.00) per week during each week of suspension during said contract year.
          The additional suspension period granted, however, shall not in any wise affect the provision in said contract that all my services are to be rendered exclusively for you, but you have agreed, in consideration of such additional suspension that said eight weeks suspension can be used by me for the purpose of personal appearance tours, stage appearances and stage productions, without, however, in any wise permitting my appearance in my capacity or in any manner whatsoever in any motion picture, photoplay or motion picture production of any sort.
          It is further agreed that in all other particulars said contract of January 7th, 1930, shall continue in full force and effect, and that the changes and modifications agreed to herein shall apply only in the contract year as aforesaid, commencing December 23d, 1932, and ending September 22nd, 1933.
          If this also meets your understanding of the arrangement, kindly to indicate on the line herein below provided.
                    Yours truly,

                    STAN LAUREL
ACCEPTED:
HAL ROACH STUDIOS, INC.
 

LAUREL AND HARDY LETTERHEAD - TYPEWRITTEN

                    Hal E. Roach Studio,
                    Culver City, Cal.
                    January 6th, 1933.

Messrs. Lionel & Mark Braham,
42 Half Moon Lane,
Herne Hill,
London S.E. 24, Eng.

Dear boys:
          Many thanks for your letter of November last.
          We certainly enjoyed the post card of yourselves
and many people thought it was us when we were little.
          We had an enlargement made of it and have sent
you a couple.
          I am sorry to advise you that our producers have
no connections in London, but we suggest that you fix
up a little turn and that the one of you who looks like
Hardy pads out the clothes, so he would look fatter. You may be able to get on at theaters [where] they are running
a Laurel and Hardy comedy. I think it would go very good.
          We have many pictures sent in to us like yours, but we consider that you are the best yet.
          With all kinds of good wishes,
                    Very truly yours,

                    Laurel and Hardy.
 

PHOTO ENCLOSURE - LIONEL & MARK BRAHAM AS STAN & BABE

LAUREL AND HARDY LETTERHEAD - TYPEWRITTEN

                    Hal E. Roach Studio,
                    Culver City, Cal.
                    January 10, 1933.
James Reed Esq.,
Manager "La Scala"
Sauchihall Street,
Glasgow, Scotland.

My dear Jimmy [Reed]:
          Many thanks for yours to hand.
          Was more than delighted to note your advancement and I am sure you will more than fulfil Mr. King's faith in you. He is a great fellow, Jimmy, and if he likes you, he would go to hell for you; so, stick in and do all in your power to make him proud of you.
          I will certainly send you a cablegram on the 16th, and anything further I can do to help you, don't forget to let me know.
          Sincerely trust you will be record business with "Pack Up Your Troubles".
          Needless to tell you how happy and delighted I was to see you again after all those years, and more so to know that you were standing on your own two feet.
          Give my kindest regards to all the cinema trade in Glasgow and tell them how much we deeply appreciated their kindness during our visit.
          When you see Ted Desmond again, tell him that I am at the same address and if he can ever stop hitting that drum and playing with his Tom-Toms, I would love to have a couple of lines.
          Will close now wishing you a Happy and Prosperous New Year, jolly good luck always,
                    Yours as ever,

 

LAUREL AND HARDY LETTERHEAD - TYPEWRITTEN

                    Hal E. Roach Studio,
                    CULVER CITY. CALIF.
                    U.S.A. March 20th. '33.
James Reed Esq.,
"La Scala"
Sauchihall Street,
Glasgow, Scotland.

Dear Jimmy [Reed]:-
          Thanks for yours of Jan.31st.
Glad to note "PACK UP YOUR TROUBLES" did well for you. Thanks for picture of the telegram. Pleased to know you have gotten off to a flying start - keep up the good work Jimmy.
          We have just finished another Feature length picture - this time it is a comic opera "FRA DIAVALO" - we have'nt previewed it yet but it is looking pretty good - it is entirely different to what we have ever done, so am anxiously waiting results. Guess you will be getting press material on it pretty soon. Sorry to note Gertie was down with the Flu, give her my love & tell that egg Ted to hurry & drop me a line. My best to all the gang - trust alls well & happy with you.
          Much haste,
                    Yours as ever:-

 

LEGAL AGREEMENT- TYPEWRITTEN EXCERPT

          THIS AGREEMENT, made and entered into this 7th day of May, 1934, by and between LOIS N. LAUREL, hereinafter referred to as Mrs. Laurel, and STAN LAUREL, hereinafter referred to as Mr. Laurel.
          WITNESSETH:
          THAT, heretofore, on the 22nd day of July, 1933, Mr. and Mrs. Laurel entered into a written agreement of property settlement, which was subsequently approved by the Superior Court of the State of California, in and for the County of Los Angeles, as part of the proceedings had in an action for divorce then pending between the parties hereto. That in such agreement of July 22nd, 1933, hereinafter referred to, for purpose of convenience, as the property settlement, Mrs. Laurel is referred to as the first party and Mr. Laurel as the second party.
          THAT, right before execution of the property settlement, some differences have arisen between the parties relative thereto, and modification thereof has been agreed upon between the parties, conditioned, however, upon the event that the modification shall be fully and completely performed, and, unless performed, the property settlement, as executed on July 22nd, 1933, shall remain in full force and effect as originally written.
          THAT, as part of said property settlement, it was provided that the earnings of Mr. Laurel shall be paid into a trust with the California Trust Company, and that certain payments therefrom should be made to Mr. and Mrs. Laurel; also therefrom income taxes were to be paid, and certain other charges, such as taxes on real and personal property at one time community property of the parties hereto; also premiums on ordinary life insurance policies on the life of Mr. Laurel were to be paid, and the balance of moneys in said trust so created was to be applied to the payment...
          ...necessary for the approval of the terms hereof by any Court, and each of the parties hereto shall faithfully and to the best of his or her ability proceed with the carrying out of the terms hereof, which shall supplant, in those particulars set forth herein, the terms of the contract shall continue in full force and effect.
          It is understood that the changes embodies herein are based on a letter dated April 12th, 1934, containing Mr. Laurel's proposal for such modification.
          Each of the parties hereto will, at the request of the other, join and/or execute such documents, from time to time, as may be reasonably necessary to effectuate the purposes hereof.
          It is understood that the performance of the terms hereof by Mr. Laurel, as herein expressed, shall serve as an acquittance and substitution for the obligations expressed on his part to be kept and performed in the agreement of July 22nd, 1933.
          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have hereunto set their hands, the day and year first above written.

                    STAN LAUREL
                    LOIS N. LAUREL
 

LAUREL AND HARDY LETTERHEAD - TYPEWRITTEN

                    Hal E. Roach Studio,
                    CULVER CITY. CALIF.
                    U.S.A. May 12th.'33.
My Dear Jean [Mounier]:-
          Many thanks for yours of April 21st.
Sorry to note you have gone to so much trouble regarding the package from Cierc. It is alright, let it go. I never opened the package. In fact I have never seen the bracelets since I bought them - they told me here the amount I was to pay for duty & I refused to pay it - however, if they won't deliver them, there is nothing to be done, but I certainly appreciate all you have done in the matter. Trust all is well & happy with you,
          My kindest regards & Best wishes,
                    Sincerely yours:-

 

HAL ROACH STUDIOS LETTERHEAD - Culver City, CA - TYPEWRITTEN

                    June 15, 1933
Dear Charles,
          We are only too glad to comply with your recent request, and a photograph for your nephew is enclosed.
          Please tell him that we both appreciate his interest in our pictures. It always pleases us to hear that we are making such young people happy with our comedies.
          Hoping to see you when you come out west again.
                    Yours sincerely,

                    STAN LAUREL
                         &
                    OLIVER HARDY
 

LAUREL AND HARDY LETTERHEAD - TYPEWRITTEN

                    Hal E. Roach Studio,
                    CULVER CITY. CALIF.
                    U.S.A. Nov. 14th. '33.
Herbert A. Yapp Esq.,
Morden Cinema
MORDEN, SURREY.
ENGLAND.

Dear Mr. Yapp:-
          Very many thanks for yours of Oct 30th.
Needless to tell you how much I appreciate your kindness. The old play bill of 1837 just thrilled me to death - I got an awful kick out of it & so has everyone else I've shown it to. I have a hobby of collecting antiques & I will add this play bill to my collection with great pride. I have just had it framed to preserve it. Having just made the picture of the Opera, makes it more interesting than ever - again many many thanks. Glad to note you played the picture - trust it did well for you. Just finished another full length one entitled "SONS OF THE DESERT" hope you will like it. Should I hear of anyone wishing to purchase old play bills, will be more than pleased to have them get in touch with you.
          Kindest regards & best wishes always,
                    Very sincerely:-

 

LAUREL AND HARDY LETTERHEAD - TYPEWRITTEN

                    Feb.1st.'34
Ethel [Stanley] Dear,
          Thanks so much for your cute card - I got quite a kick out of. Am looking forward to seeing you again real soon. Don't diet too much.
                    Kindest Thoughts Always,

 

THE GATE TO STAN'S FORMER HOUSE TODAY - 10353 Glenbarr Ave., Cheviot Hills, CA

HAL ROACH STUDIOS CONTRACT - TYPEWRITTEN

                    Beverly Hills, California,
                    March 8th, 1934.

Hal Roach Studios, Inc.,
Culver City, California.

Gentlemen:
          Prior to my notification to you that I was unable to render services for you, and the subsequent notice of suspension which you have given me, I have appeared, at your direction, in a photoplay of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios.
          I have been advised that, in connection with the completion of the picture, retakes and added scenes are necessary, which I believe will take one or two days shooting and, in view of the fact that this work has been practically completed, except as above indicated, I feel it my obligation and duty to do my best to appear therein and finish this work, and have so stated to Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, and, in view of the fact that it involves only the completion of some work to the extent of a day to two of my services, I would not wish to receive any compensation therefor.
          Will you, therefore, grant me permission to complete my work in this picture, in discharge of my duty to finish a production in which I have appeared, with the understanding that no compensation will be paid to me therefor, and without affecting my status by reason of the notice of suspension heretofore given me.
          I shall construe your approval upon the line therefor provided as your permission for me, to so appear, subject to the terms hereof, and I shall very much appreciate such action on your part.
                    Yours truly,

APPROVED:
HAL ROACH STUDIOS, INC.,
 

LAUREL AND HARDY LETTERHEAD - TYPEWRITTEN [EDITED]

                    March 26th.'34.
Dear Friend Ethel [Stanley]-
          Please excuse pencil.
Thanks so much dear for your kind letter. It was awfully sweet of you & I appreciate your kind thoughts.
          Trust alls well & happy with you. I will still be coming East - if I do will let you know.
                    Kindest regards always!

 

HAL ROACH STUDIOS CONTRACT - TYPEWRITTEN

                    Los Angeles, California,
                    May 7th, 1934.

Hal Roach Studios, Inc.,
Culver City, California.

Gentlemen:
          On or about the 22nd day of July, 1933, instructions were given you as to the payment of any and all compensation of Mr. Stan Laurel to the California Trust Company; these instructions were signed by Stan Laurel and Lois N. Laurel, and accepted by California Trust Company and yourself. A copy of such instructions is hereto attached, marked "Exhibit A" and by reference made
a part hereof.
          You will please be advised that the undersigned have consented and agreed that such instructions so heretofore given you on or about the 22nd day of July, 1933, shall be of no further force and effect and any and all compensation payable to Mr. Stan Laurel, pursuant to the agreement between Mr. Laurel and yourself dated January 7th, 1930, shall be paid until further written notice, executed jointly by Stan Laurel and Lois N. Laurel, as follows:
          One-half () thereof to Lois N. Laurel, and
          One-half () thereof to Stan Laurel,
until the completion of the full term of said contract of January 7th, 1930, and the extensions thereof by reason of prior suspension of its terms.
          The payment by you in the manner herein indicated shall serve as a full and complete acquittance of your obligation for the payment of said compensation, as expressed in said contract.
          Kindly express your receipt and acceptance hereof upon the line therefor provided.

Accepted.
HAL ROACH STUDIOS, INC.,
 

HAL ROACH STUDIOS CONTRACT - TYPEWRITTEN

                    Culver City, California,
                    June 13th, 1934.

Hal Roach Studios, Inc.,
Culver City,
California.

Gentlemen:
          On or about the 24th of January, 1934, due to my inability to continue the rendition of services in accordance with the contract in existence between us, dated January 7th, 1930, you have given me, on said date, notice of suspension of said contract, pursuant to the terms and provisions thereof, all of which will more fully appear from an examination of said notice of suspension.
          This is to acknowledge that, pursuant to discussions between us, I have returned to work and the rendition of services, pursuant to said contract of January 7th, 1930, on May 7th, 1934, and this is, further, to serve as evidence and desire on my part to render services pursuant to said contract of January 7th, 1930, and the extension thereof pursuant to the terms and provisions of the notice of suspension given me on January 24th, 1934.
          If this also conforms to your understanding of the matter, will you be good enough to indicate such fact upon a copy hereof.
                    Sincerely yours,

ACCEPTED.
HAL ROACH STUDIOS, INC.,
 

LAUREL AND HARDY LETTERHEAD - TYPEWRITTEN

                    Sept., 4th. 1934.
Mr. H. A. Yapp
c/o Modern Cinema
Morden,
Surrey
ENGLAND.

Dear Mr. Yapp:-
          Was delighted to get your letter some time ago and trust you will pardon the delay in answering same, due to a very busy season.
          I am very grateful for the Old Play Bill of "FRA DIAVOLO" Theatre Royal, Covent Garden, 1837, which you so kindly sent me, and same occupies a very prominent place in my collection decorating the walls of my den.
          I trust that you have enjoyed a large patronage at your new theatre since it's opening, and have not been disappointed in the Laurel and Hardy comedies.
          We are now making "BABES IN TOYLAND" which should go over very big everywhere. This new feature length comedy is scheduled for release about Dec. first.
          Thanking you again for your letter and Play Bill, and with very best wishes, I am,
                    Sincerely yours,

 

LAUREL AND HARDY LETTERHEAD - TYPEWRITTEN

                    Sept., 4th. 1934.
Mr. Tom E. Wild
1327 South Union St.,
Traverse City,
Mich.

Dear Mr. Wild:-
          We received your letter some time ago, and am sorry the delay in answering same, however, if you will advise me your best figure on the 3 acts referred to I will be glad yo go into the matter further with Mr. Hardy.
          Kindly let me hear from you by return mail and I will see if something can be worked out.
          Will be pleased to receive the full plots of the 3 acts mentioned in your letter, and thanks again for calling this to our attention.
          Wishing you the best of luck, we are,
                    Sincerely yours,