Stan Laurel Letters

LAUREL & HARDY
THE ESSENTIAL COLLECTION

THE MAGIC BEHIND
THE MOVIES
by Randy Skredvedt

STAN AND OLLIE
by SImon Louvish

LAUREL & HARDY
COLLECTION – VOL. 1

LAUREL & HARDY
COLLECTION – VOL. 2

FROM THE FORTIES
FORWARD
by Scott MacGillivray

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".

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. —Editor

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.

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.

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. —Editor

STANLEY HOLLOWAY - "THE LION AND ALBERT" (1932)

Stanley Holloway Record

THE LION AND ALBERT

There's a famous seaside place called Blackpool, that's noted for fresh air and fun.
And Mr. and Mrs. Ramsbottom went there with young Albert, their son.

A grand little lad was young Albert, all dressed in his best; quite a swell,
With a stick with an 'orse's 'ead 'andle, the finest that Woolworth's could sell.

They didn't think much to the ocean. The waves, they was fiddlin' and small.
There was no wrecks and nobody drownded. Fact, nothing to laugh at, at all.

So, seeking for further amusement, they paid and went to the zoo.
Where they'd lions and tigers and camels, and old ale and sandwiches, too.

There were one great big lion called Wallace. His nose was all covered with scars.
He lay in a somnolent posture, with the side of his face on the bars.

Now Albert had heard about lions. How they was ferocious and wild.
To see Wallace lying so peaceful, well, it didn't seem right to the child.

So straight 'way the brave little feller, not showing a morsel of fear,
Took his stick with its 'orse's 'ead 'andle, and shoved it in Wallace's ear.

You could see the lion didn't like it, for giving a kind of a roll,
He pulled Albert inside the cage with 'im, and swallowed the little lad 'ole.

Then Pa, who had seen the occurrence, and didn't know what to do next,
Said, "Mother! Yon lions 'et Albert!"And Mother said, "Eee, I am vexed!"

Then Mr. and Mrs. Ramsbottom, quite rightly, when all's said and done,
Complained to the animal keeper, that the lion had eaten their son.

The keeper was quite nice about it, he said, "What a nasty mishap.
Are you sure that it's your boy he's eaten?" Pa said, "Am I sure? There's his cap!"

The manager had to be sent for, he came and he said, "What's to do?"
Pa said, "Yon lion's 'et Albert, and 'im in his Sunday clothes, too."

Then Mother said, "Right's right, young feller, I think it's a shame and a sin,
For a lion to go and eat Albert, and after we've paid to come in."

The manager wanted no trouble, he took out his purse right away,
Saying, "How much to settle the matter?" And Pa says, "What do you usually pay?"

But Mother had turned a bit awkward, when she thought where her Albert had gone,
She said, "No! someone's got to be summonsed!" So that was decided upon.

Then off they went to the Police Station, in front of the Magistrate chap,
They told 'im what happened to Albert, and proved it by showing his cap.

The Magistrate gave his opinion, that no one was really to blame,
And he said that he hoped the Ramsbottoms, would have further sons to their name.

At that Mother got proper blazing, "And thank you, sir, kindly," said she.
"What? Waste all our lives raising children, to feed ruddy lions? Not me!"

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.

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. —Editor

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

"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!" —Reverse of Postcard

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.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.

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.

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.

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. —Editor