RUBBER STAMP - 1111 Franklin Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN

                    May 2nd.'57.
Dear Gary [Arnold]:-
          Thanks your letter with list of membership for whom you wish autographed pictures.
          In my last letter to you, I asked you to let me know regarding your advertising in a paper & other details concerning your operation at the club. I received a post card from you in which you said you would write me in a couple of days & explain matters, but in this letter you did'nt mention anything about it. I also sent you a card, asking you to let me know why you wanted me to send a
picture to a Ronald A. Musial of Philadelphia, to whom I had already sent one. I would like to know about that too Gary.
          As soon as I hear from you again I will forward the pictures you've now requested.
          Regards & best wishes,
                    Sincerely:-

                    Stan Laurel.
 

RUBBER STAMP - 1111 Franklin Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN

                    May 2nd.'57.
Dear Buck [Earl Manbeck]:-
          Many thanks yours 29th.ult.
With pleasure I shall ship you the print of "This Is Your Life" show - wish I had thought to loan it to you when you were out here, however, will forward it within the next couple of days and will advise you definitely. Frankly, there is very little to it, and a bit disappointing in the fact that there wasn't enough time to devote on two lives at one time, so nothing of interest was brought out, and what was divulged didn't mean a thing to anybody. Anyway, Ralph Edwards and Hazel Bishop got a free show out of it.
          Sorry to say there's no improvement in Babe's condition, poor fellow, it looks very discouraging. Everything is being done but nothing seems to help him, very distressing.
          By the way Buck, I'm interested in getting a Chrysler New Yorker but the prices they ask our here are way beyond the cost quoted in Consumer Reports magazine. I would certainly appreciate your helping me in this matter if possible by giving me correct amount of price on this. I understand the car comes equipped with Torqueflight transmission and power steering, other than that I only want electric power seat. I don't need the electric controlled windows, power brakes or radio. I too want heat of course. I wouldn't mind having a '56 model with low mileage if in good condition, whichever one it would be a cash deal. Maybe you could handle this for me and I could pay for the freight on it. Regarding the color, Mrs Laurel prefers cream or white with a trim of blue, red or black if a new '57. These people out here all seem to have the idea that I am getting an income from our TV films, and of course ask inflated prices as soon as they see me coming, hence my asking you to give me the lowdown.
          Mrs L. joins in kind regards and best wishes. We too shall look forward to the pleasure of seeing you again on your next visit.
          Bye, Buck.
                    Sincerely always:-

                    Stan Laurel.
 

BROCHURE COVER - 1957 CHRYSLER NEW YORKER

RUBBER STAMP - 1111 Franklin Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN

                    May 6th.'57.
Dear Mrs [Marie] Hatfield:-
          Thanks yours 3rd.inst.
Sorry to hear your Easter holiday was upset due to a Cold - well, thats what you get for drinking out of a damp glass. (my apologies to Joe Miller). The reason I'm kidding is, that I note you are feeling much better again - otherwise I would'nt be so brash. Anyway its all in fun now that your troubles are over - that includes the relapse too.!
          By the way, when you had the relapse, did you look at it through dark glasses - I always look at the reflection in a bucket of water, its much better -
try it next time. (now I know I've got to get rid of 'derby'!)
          Interesting to know that Bob was a singer, did he study voice or is it natural?. Mrs Laurel was a singer, she trained in China for opera, she had a very fine voice, but being a stranger here & unknown also unable to speak the language, it was difficult to get an opportunity to work in opera, her only chance was to work in Russian night clubs in New York, Chicago & Hollywood, then when she married me, she decided to give it up & quit the business. I still think she was very foolish, am sure if she had continued she would have made a great career for herself.
          Hope you had a nice time at the Post Office banquet last Sunday, that was a good opportunity to wear your new Easter outfit - were the mailmen retiring or had Summerfield fired them?.
          Sorry to say Hr Hardy is still the same - eight months now, poor fellow, really pitiful.
          Well, all for now. Mrs L. joins in regards & best to you both.
          Bye & good luck.
                    Sincerely:-

 

RUBBER STAMP - 1111 Franklin Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN

                    May 6th.'57.
My Dear Gary [Arnold]:-
          Please pardon my error in sending that letter to you instead of the person intended, it was certainly a mistake on my part & I trust you will forgive my causing you so much trouble over it.
          It happened that your letter was alongside the one of the party I had in mind to answer first, & for some reason I got mixed up & addressed it to you - I am embarrased ! Anyway, I hope you will fully understand & accept my deep apology.
          Enclosed are the autographed pictures I promised you - if you wish any more please let me know. Glad to know you are having success with your club - congratulations.
          Bye Gary, my regards & best wishes always,
                    Sincerely:-

                    Stan Laurel.
 

PHOTO ENCLOSURE - MAY 6, 1957

RUBBER STAMP - 1111 Franklin Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN

                    May 9th.'57.
Dear Buck [Earl Manbeck]:-
          Many thanks yours 7th.inst.
I deeply appreciate your kindness & trouble in giving me full details re the Chrysler "New Yorker". There is certainly a big difference In the cost out here, they ask around 5200 plus Tax & license.
          However, Mrs Laurel feels that I should'nt spend so much money. Due to my limited circumstances, she suggests I should get a cheaper car, such as a De Soto "Firesweep" (TorqueFlite), She drove one & liked it very much, it was equipped the same as the "New Yorker" you mentioned but they asked 3800. I would be interested to know what price you could get me one for, if it not too much trouble Buck I would be very grateful.
          I have a '51.Mercury in very good condition (19000,miles) after I bought it I made two trips to England, which was 16 months I did'nt use it, then in '54. I had the stroke so has had very little use since -
hence the low mileage. The reason I wanted a new car is on account of Mrs L. has to do all the driving now, & the steering is very hard on this Mercury & bothers her heart quite a bit, so she is anxious to get power steering - otherwise I would'nt consider buying a new one.
          Anyway, there is no immediate hurry to give me further information, whenever its convenient for you will be fine.
          Many thanks for your kind suggestion to drive a car out here for me, it was certainly gracious of you, but I would'nt think of such a thing unless you were intending to come out anyway on business.
          All for now Buck as we are preparing to rent the house to move into an apartment - its too big for just two of us (the house) & a lot of unnecessary work, so we are in the throes of selling furniture etc. to save storing it all as the apt. will be already furnished.
          Again many thanks for your kindly interest.
          Regards & best wishes.
                    Sincerely:-

                    Stan Laurel.

Hope the film arrived safely - no hurry to return! We expect to be moving to the Shangrila Apts. in Santa Monica, facing the Ocean, they have very nice suites there.
 

SHANGRI-LA APARTMENT HOTEL - 1301 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA

CONTRACT - Signed by STAN and IDA LAUREL

                    Beverly Hills Realty Board
                    House Lease
                    May 11th, 1957

THIS INDENTURE, made the 11th day of May, 1957 between Ida and Stan Laurel - Lessor (whether one or more); and Mrs. & Mr. Lewis Kenneth Rutledge - Lessee (whether one or more); and Joe Braverman, Realtor as agent.
          WITNESSETH: That for and in consideration of the payment and performance of the covenants contained herein, on the part of the said Lessee, and in the manner hereafter specified, said Lessor does hereby lease, demise, and let, unto the said Lessee, that certain dwelling house and supportenances situated at 1111 Franklin Ave., Santa Monica, California for the term commencing on the 15th day of June, 1957, and ending on the 14th day of June, 1958, for the total rent or sum of Two Thousand and Four Hundred ($2,400) and no/100 Dollars, payable monthly in advance on the 15th day of each and every calendar month, in equal monthly payments of Two Hundred and no/100 ($200.00) Dollars, excepting only that the payment sum of $400.00 ($200.00 of which to be paid May 17, 1957) shall be made by the Lessee to the Lessor prior to delivery of the premises to the Lessee by the Lessor, and not later than June 15, 1957; said sum being in payment of the first month's rent due hereunder; and if Lessee shall not be in default in payment of any sums due hereunder and shall not be in default under any of the terms or conditions hereunder on the 15th day of May, 1958, said sum shall also be payment in full for the last month's rental due hereunder.
          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the said parties have hereinbelow set their hands and seals, the day and year first above written.

 

NO LETTERHEAD - 1111 Franklin Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN

                    May 12th.'57.
My Dear Mary [Rutter]:-
          Thanks for your kind letter 3rd.inst.
Funny thing, I was thinking about you & intended to drop you a line, to tell you of a pleasant surprise I had last month - Wee Georgie Wood dropped in to see me, I imagine you know him well & have seen him many times in Pantomime & Variety around the Tyneside - he was born in Jarrow. He was over here on a business trip, he writes columns & articles for the London "Record Mirror" every week, its a very good paper with a lot of Thaetrical news - very interesting.
          Anyway, needless to tell you we had a grand time together reminiscing, we have been friends for many years, in fact we met & worked together in Levy & Cardwell's juvenile Panto. Co. in 1907 exactly 50 years ago, all the kids were from the Tyneside, you might remember the shows as they were very well known for many years. May Gibson was in the show, she afterwards married the late George Black who controlled the London Palladium & Moss Empires etc.
          However, Georgie came to see my several times & I certainly was happy to see him. I have just got a letter from him, he's now back in London, he sailed back on the "Queen Elizabeth."
          Please convey my heartiest congratulations to Miss Page & our sincere wishes for lots of happiness. It must have been a beautiful affair & quite a sight with all those guests, am sure you enjoyed being there.
          Eda & I are renting our house & are going to move into an apartment in Santa Monica facing the Ocean. This place is too big for just the two of us & it's a lot of work for her to take care of, especially now that I am not able to help her as much as I used to. It's going to be a big job moving & putting everything into Storage, so will be glad when it's over with & we get settled again. I will let you know later our new address, but in the meantime if you do want to write, you can send it to this place & it will be forwarded on & I will get it OK.
          Well Dear, think that's all for now, except, Mr. Hardy is still the same - eight months now & no improvement, poor fellow, it's very discouraging - really tragic.
          Eda joins in love & fond thoughts to you & all & trust all's well & happy.
          Bye Mary, God Bless.
                    As ever:-

                    xxxx

NO LETTERHEAD - 1111 Franklin Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN

                    May 14th.'57.
Dear Mrs Short:-
          Many thanks for your very kind letter of the 6th.inst. Your thoughtful & gracious expressions are deeply appreciated.
          Pleased to note the picture arrived safely & has given you so much pleasure. It was certainly interesting to know the old Theatre Royal was still in operation - must be going on 60 years old now, I imagine it looks pretty ancient by now.
          I remember the old theatre that was on the same site which my Dad was running, it was a very run down affair - benches instead of chairs, sawdust on the floors, cement stairs to the gallery, gas was the only lighting it had, it used to play old time melodramas & was nick-named "The Blood Tub". Anyway, it used to do a wonderful business & the place was always packed. My Dad felt very greatful to the people of Elyta for their generous support & thought it would be a nice gesture to show his appreciation by building a nice new modern theatre for their pleasure & entertainment, he thought they deserved it in return for their wonderful patronage in the past.
          Well, he invested a great deal of money & the New Theatre Royal was erected, the most modern theatre of its time - electric lighting, the floors were carpeted, tip up red velvet chairs etc. Lifts instead of stairs to the Balcony & Gallery, even had a nursery with nurses in attendance to take care of the children so the parents & others in the audience would'nt be disturbed during the performance. The orchestra were in evening dress, the Stage crew in white uniforms, also the program & chocolate boys dressed as page boys with white gloves - not a thing was spared. Believe it or not it turned out a fiasco, the place was to elegant & the people would'nt come in, they liked the sawdust & wooden benches much better, they felt out of place in the beautiful surroundings, I imagine the feeling was they would have to be dressed up instead of coming in their weekday clothes, so the only time they did come was Saturday night, wearing their Sunday suit!. It broke my Dad financially so he gave it up along with his other Theatre - was'nt that awful? Yes, I have a memory of Blyth I shall never forget.
          That was odd that you did'nt have to change in marriage name & too that you were born right next door to where you now live, thats certainly a coincidence. Well, think thats all for now, hope I did'nt bore you with the story of the Blyth incident, but I thought it would be interesting to you.
          My kind regards to Mr Short & yourself, trust alls well & happy.
          Bye now, good luck & God Bless.
                    Sincerely always:-

                    Stan Laurel.
 

RUBBER STAMP - 1111 Franklin Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN EXCERPT

                    May 16th.'57.
The situation is George [Draper], if this club is being run on a commercial profit basis, we cannot permit you to use our names in such a venture as we do'nt wish to get involved in something we know nothing about. Please let me hear further from you & let me know fully & exactly regarding your operation of this club, so I can have a proper understanding.
 

STAN LAUREL LETTERHEAD - 1111 Franklin Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN EXCERPT

                    May 17th.'57.
Dear Mr & Mrs Short:-
          I remember the old theatre that was on the same site which my Dad was running, it was a very run-down affair - benches instead of chairs, sawdust on the floors, cement stairs to the gallery, gas was the only lighting it had, it used to play old-time melodramas and was nick-named 'The Blood Tub'.
           Anyway it used to do a wonderful business and the place was always packed, he invested a great deal of money & the new Theatre Royal was erected, the most modern theatre of its time - electric lighting, the floors were carpeted, tip up red velvet chairs etc. even had a nursery with nurses in attendance to take care of the children so the parents and others in the audience wouldn't be disturbed during the performance.
 

RUBBER STAMP - 1111 Franklin Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN

                    May 21st.'57.
Dear Gary [Arnold]:-
          Thanks yours 19th.inst.
Glad you recd. the picture Ok.
          Have just written to a friend of mine in Tampa Florida & have asked him to drop you a card with the address of a firm in New York who handle & sell all old movie stills - if you write them, they will send you a catalogue of their stock - they [have] quite a lot of L&H, so you can order what you want.
          I did have the address but I mislaid it somewhere. Anyway, you should be hearing from my friend soon.
          Bye now, all the best.
                    Sincerely:-

                    Stan Laurel.
 

NO LETTERHEAD - 25406-1/2 Malibu Rd., Malibu, CA - TYPEWRITTEN EXCERPT

                    June 1st.'57.
Dear Earl:-
          The Command Performance was a thrilling experience, don't know if the Royal Family laughed or not, as we were not permitted to look at the Royal Box. Only at the finish were you allowed to look at the King & Queen and make a special final bow to them.
 

NO LETTERHEAD - 25406-1/2 Malibu Rd., Malibu, CA - TYPEWRITTEN

                    June 7th.'57.
Dear Mary [Rutter]:-
          Sorry so long in acknowledging your nice letter of June 1st. As you know we have been busy moving and have'nt had time for correspondence. We found a nice apartment here, a brand new building & right on the beach (sands). We have been here now two weeks & I like it very much, think living by the ocean will do us both a lot of good. The apt. is newly furnished & so much easier for Eda to take of.
          Just had a letter from Georgie Wood. he's been quite ill & in hospital, but says he [is] back home again & feeling much better.
          Pleased to know you are having such nice weather, hope you will get a good share of it this year. Your mention of the Electric train rides to Tynemouth for a 1D return, bring back many happy memories, I [re]member I used to go to school in Tynemouth & ride the old steam train every day, that was quite an event for me to go by myself with my school bag strapped on my back - wearing knickers & cap! Sometimes I had to walk. I spent my fare on mint Black Bullets!, they used to sell big ones at a penny apiece - I asked the lady in the shop once, how long she would let me have for a H'appney, as I only had that much & she would'nt cut one iin half - anyway she gave me one on the promise to pay the rest later!
          Bye Mary dear, take care of yourself & God Bless.
                    Sincerely:-

                    xxx

Eda joins in love & kind thoughts.

NO LETTERHEAD - 25406-1/2 Malibu Rd., Malibu, CA - TYPEWRITTEN EXCERPT

                    June 10th.'57.

Thank you for remembering my birthday. I rented a house on the beach in Malibu - looking forward to a wonderful change, living like a beach comber! - in nautical terms a BUM.!!
 

NO LETTERHEAD - 25406-1/2 Malibu Rd., Malibu, CA - TYPEWRITTEN

                    June 10th.'57.
Dear Gary [Arnold]:-
          Thanks yours 7th.inst.
Enclosed is a picture for Miss Janice Mastro. Was surprised to note you had'nt heard from my friend Mr Andy Wade, he's generally a very prompt correspondent. Maybe he's on a vacation - I would suggest you drop him a card, the address again is 6409, Bayshore Blvd. Tampa. Florida.
          My last letter from him was dated May 25th.(ult) next time I write him, I'll mention re his not answering you.
          You will notice my new address, I rented my house & have moved into an apartment which is right on the beach in Malibu for a few months.
          Hope alls well with you Gary, & the club is coming along Ok.
          My regards to you all.
                    Sincerely:-

 

THE BEACH BEHIND STAN'S MALIBU HOUSE TODAY - 25406-1/2 Malibu Rd., Malibu, CA

NO LETTERHEAD - TYPEWRITTEN

                    25406-1/2,Malibu Rd.
                    MALIBU.CALIF.
                    JUNE 10th.'57.

Thanks Elmer [Westover] for your kind remembrance - you timed it pretty close - my B'DAY is on the 16TH! Note change of address - I rented our house & moved into an apartment which is right on the Beach, so am looking forward to having a wonderful change, living like a Beach-comber! - in nautical terms A BUM! Nothing to do but fish, swim - eat & surf. It should be easy to take - at least its better than working!
          We expect to move in June 22nd. (the apts. are just finished building & have to be furnished yet)
          All for now Elmer - Thanks again for the nice card - much appreciated.
          Trust alls well with you.
          Bye & all the best,
                    Sincerely -