Stan Laurel Letters | August 1962

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

POSTCARD - TYPEWRITTEN

AUGUST 3rd.'62.

Thanks your, 31st.ult. Yes, I heard that the late 'Mussolini' liked to watch the L&H Films, I understand there were several other nobilities, 'TITO' Yugoslavia, the late Prince Harold, Denmark, President Auriol, France. etc. I doubt Hitler or Stalin ever saw them, they had enough trouble of their own without watching ours.!
          Again my regards & best. Trust alls well & happy.
                    Sincerely as ever:

                    STAN LAUREL.

Producer Hal Roach began an association with Benito Mussolini in the '30s when they planned some projects together, including one where Laurel and Hardy would film some two-reelers in Rome—none of which came to fruition. Mussolini founded fascism and ruled Italy for almost 21 years, most of that time as dictator. He dreamed of building Italy into a great empire, but he led his nation to defeat in World War II and was executed by his own people on April 28, 1945. —Editor

OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN EXCERPT

Aug.8th.'62.

Appreciate the prominent inclusion of Babe [Hardy] & I, that's quite a museum. Sad about Marilyn Monroe, was'nt it? Tragic.
As ever:

STAN LAUREL.

Another great example of Stan's character and class. Even though he obviously did not like his likeness at the Movieland Wax Museum ("face is too fat & double chin"), he sends this letter complimenting the museum on their Laurel and Hardy display. —Editor

POSTCARD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN

AUG.11th.'62.

Thank you for your letter Steve. Pleased to know you had a wonderful time at the Camp. Note you are continuing your vacation with a trip to Niagra Falls & Hyannis Port, Cape Cod, thats nice you will have the opportunity to visit the home of your President Kennedy, am sure that will be most interesting to you & something to always remember. Wish you a very happy & pleasant two weeks.
          Kindest regards,
                    Sincerely:

                    STAN LAUREL.

P.S. Have you seen the Larry Harmon's "LAUREL & HARDY" Comic Book? published by Dell Co. N.Y. check with your local newsdealer.

OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN

                    AUGUST 14th.1962.
Dear Eric Burkitt:
          Thanks yours, 10th.inst.
Nice to hear from you again & to know alls well & happy with you.
          Pleased to know you read the "L&H" book - enjoyed & found it interesting. Thanks for the news clippings re the late Ralph Lynn & "L&H" film advert. I never had the pleasure of seeing Mr Lynn, only know him by reputation in films with Mr Tom Walls - am returning these clips in case you may like to keep them among your collection of souvenirs.
          I remember well that photograph of Mr Hardy & I posed for in W'Chester in '32. I believe Hardy was holding a large umbrella (Scotch Plaid design) it was given him in Scotland at ST. Andrews Golf Course Club, he played golf there during our visit.
          Its a long time since I saw a copy of that photo, so its difficult to recall you or any of the other people standing around us.
          Since my enforced retirement, I have'nt been able to do any traveling or engage in any strenuous hobbies - plus the after effects of my stroke I suffered in '55. I am too a diabetic (since '48.) take insulin shot every day, so am not in condition for much activity, but I manage to keep busy, correspondence, TV, Visitors etc. I feel very fortunate, so no complaints.
          Am afraid, due to the circumstances I have no future plans of visiting England.
          Enclosed in a snapshot of myself, taken sometime in 1961.
          Not much else to write Eric, so bye for now.
          My regards & bestest to self & Family.
          Good luck Lad - God Bless.
                    As ever sincerely:

                    STAN LAUREL.

Ralph Lynn (1882-1962) was a British stage and screen actor. Tom Kirby Walls (1883-1949) was an English stage and motion-pictures character actor, and film director. He is considered one of the most influential figures in British comedy. In the 1920s, Walls established a long association with London's Aldwych Theatre, where he produced, directed and starred in a string of popular farces featuring an ensemble cast including Ralph Lynn. —Editor

OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN

                    AUGUST 17th.'62.
Dear Mr & Mrs Youmans:
          Thank you for the nice letter. Pleased to know the old L&H films are still affording you & your family so much pleasure, appreciate very much your kind sentiments. I shall be pleased to have you visit me sometime whenever you are in this beach area - if you will give me a call, we can arrange a convenient time & date, my phone is EXbrook 3-5656, anytime after Noon.
          Congratulations on your 25th Wedding Anniversary wish you both many happy more years - with pleasure I will send you an autographed picture to add to your collection (a double picture, Mr Hardy & I, his signature is copied on it.)
          Regarding your wish to locate address of the stars I would suggest you address your letters to them C/O Screen Actors Guild, 7750 Sunset Blvd. Hollywood, 46, Calif. the mail will be forwarded on to their home address. No information will be given by the Guild (by phone or correspondence.)
          Yes, I remember Alice White very well, have no idea what became of her - its possible you may locate her via the guild.
          Note you live in Canoga Park - I lived in that section for several years on Strathern St. 20213. (Off Winetka.) I understand that property is a 'Swim' school or something now.
          My regards & best wishes.
                    Very sincerely:

                    STAN LAUREL.

OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN

                    AUGUST 21st.'62.
Dear Dick Sloan:
          Many thanks yours, 18th.inst.
Am happy to know the news about Chuck [McCann] & everything is OK with his L&H program - I can fully understand not hearing from him, he's certainly had his hands full these last few weeks - Freedomland, W.P.I.X. show & taping the Sunday morning show plus all that travel back & forth. I imagine (hand on the hip) 'HE'S ALL FAGGED OUT'.! I guess by now, he's all rested up & back to normal again but he's foolish to take on so much work, its a terrible strain on the nerves & system in general & lack of sleep etc. then's the wear & tear OF GOING TO THE BANK & that laughing routine is murder especially when you can't control yourself.!!
          Note Chuck's Birthday is Sept. 2nd. will certainly send him a telegram, I'll sign it anonymous.! that should send him into hysterics.! Note your friend Leo de Lyon appeared in the Command performance in '55. that Gold Placque name plate on his dressing door must be something new - never heard of that before - many many top Stars have appeared on several occasions before Royalty but were never accorded the Gold Placque treatment - that [is] certainly an interesting souvenir to have.
          Am looking forward to knowing who that young lady is that Chuck know[s] who claims to be the daughter of one of the Fred Karno Troupe, am wondering if she resembles Chaplin? (fireside chats was a big hobby of his.!).
          Note your comments on the L&H Comic book - frankly I have'nt paid much attention to the story material or the characterization of L&H in general. I do'nt know whether Harmon is responsible for the material & drawings in these books or not am under the impression this work is done by the Dell publishing Co's Staff. I'll mention it to Harmon when I talk with him again - I seldom hear from him, so of course have no idea what the situation is concerning the Cartoon Series, as far as I know they are now in full production & are to be syndicated in the Fall - what they are like, I have'nt the slightest idea - have'nt seen any of the film, except a short piece of a TEST, was'nt too impressed incidently - the color looked very good indeed, but that does'nt produce laughs.
          Thanks again Dick - always nice to hear from you with all the current news.
          Again, my regards & best to you & yours.
                    Sincerely as ever:

                    STAN LAUREL.

P.S. My best to Chuck & his family.

POSTCARD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN

AUGUST 28th.'62.

Thanks Bob & Marie [Hatfield] your note,23rd.inst. Nice hearing from you & to know alls well - note your Cousin Marie is visiting with you, please convey my kind wishes & apologies for the long delay in acknowledging her letter, one of these days when I feel 'Up to it' I'll probably forget all about it.!! RIGHT BOB? RIGHT.!! pleased to note your Dad has adjusted himself to his new surroundings - just shows you Bob what you can't do when you never make up your mind.! especially when you put that greasy, kid stuff on your hair - from now on use ketchup - THATS MUCH BETTER.!
Bestest to your Mother, selves & Cousin Marie, from us both here.
God Bless.

In 1962, Vitalis hair tonic TV commercials urged people to "switch from that greasy kid stuff." —Editor

OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN

                    AUGUST 29th.'62.
Dear Mrs Short:
          Thanks yours,24th.inst.with enclosure of letters from Mr Omiston, manager of the Tatler News theatre in Newcastle-On-Tyne. When you visit him again, please convey my thanks & appreciation for his kind sentiments so graciously expressed.
          Note you are getting to see the L&H films Mr Omiston listed for the next few months, trust they will still afford you a few laughs & happy memories.
          Am returning your letters herewith as you requested.
          Again my kindest regards & every good wish to Mr Short & your kind self.
          God Bless you Hinney.!
                    Sincerely always:

                    STAN LAUREL.