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

                    JAN.3rd.'62.

In those early sound films you mention, we purposely didn't talk much - wanted to get familiar with the new medium before discarding the knowledge we were experienced with. I think that's why we survived the advent of sound - many of the good old silent comics, all of a sudden thought they were actors & resorted to dialogue comedy which they knew nothing about - hence they went out of business. Yes, I remember the "Below Zero" film very well, one of our early talkies. The sound at that time was recorded on disc records, so wasn't too good - they [were] experimenting then. I enjoyed listening to the tape you sent me recently, brought back many memories - sweet & sour.!
 

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

                    JANUARY.11th.'62.
My dear Sir "Filthy" [Richard Sloan]:
          Thanks your interesting missive of the 7th.inst. conveying your good wishes for '62.
          No, Chuck [McCann] did'nt tell me as yet regarding the Larry Harmon situation - I certainly hope Chuck will qualify [for] the job successfully. I very seldom see or hear from Mr Harmon, so know little about his affairs concerning the cartoon series - I understand they have started production (I read in the trade papers here) thats all I know about it.
          Regarding the L&H placque (Lake L&H) as far as I know it is still at the Hal Roach Studio.
          I heard about Jackie Gleason & Sir Alec Guiness being mentioned for the L&H roles in the David Susskind production - I've heard nothing officially on this rumor - its just loose talk I guess - frankly, I doubt if this story will ever be made - its been talked & discussed br the last three years - thats as far as it goes.
          I never ever quoted that Dick Van Dyke was my choice to play my character & during his visit with the matter was never discussed. PERIOD.!
          All for now "Dirty"-
                    As ever:

                    STAN LAUREL.
 

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

                    JAN.12th.'62.
Dear Ernie [Murphy]:
          Am sure you'll be sorry to hear the sad news of Frank Fouce - he died yesterday afternoon.
          Hope you enjoyed a Merry Yuletide, we both here wish you a wonderful New Year, Good health & a Happy successful 1962.
          Our love & best.
                    As ever:

 

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

                    JAN.16th.'62.

Thanks [Gary Alexander] for your note & kind wishes. Much appreciated.
          We here too wish you & yours a wonderful New Year, a Happy, healthy & successful 1962.
                    Very sincerely:

                    STAN LAUREL.
 

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

                    JAN.17th.'62.

Thanks Bob & Marie [Hatfield] for belated Valentine greetings. Note you will be spending a few days here - we shall look forward to seeing you both again, in case you forgot our phone, its EXbrook 3-5656.
          All news then.
          Eda joins in kind thoughts.
                    In haste:

                    STAN LAUREL.

P.S. our best to your Mother.!
 

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

                    JAN.17th.'62.
Dear Bob & Marie [Hatfield]:
          Thanks yours 15th.inst.
Pleased to know you had a Happy Holiday Season. We had a nice time too, friends & relatives dropped in for the usual 'Same to you' business - Nothing much exciting.! Just another day to me except everybody makes a big fuss.!! Enough to make a man burst out crying.!!
          Weather here has been lovely too in the daytime, but the nights are bitter cold.
          Nothing new to tell you, so bye for now.
          Eda joins in kindest regards & again wish you all a wonderful New.
          Cheerio & God Bless.
                    As ever:

                    STAN LAUREL.
 

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

                    JAN.22nd.'62.

Thanks for your nice letter - I too enjoyed the pleasure of meeting you and your charming Renee. Shall be pleased to see you again sometime.

 

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

                    JAN.29th.'62.

Thanks your letter Dean [Kaner]. Pleased to know you have the L&H book - hope you'll enjoy & find it interesting. Sorry I do'nt remember the name of the person that played "Mr Barnaby" in "Babes in Toyland", he was'nt too well known in the movie business - I believe it was his 1st appearance in films actually.
          Again my regards & best wishes to yourself & family.
                    Sincerely as ever:

                    STAN LAUREL.

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

                    FEB.15th.1962.
My Dear Betty:
          Thanks for the Valentine greeting card - so sorry my taking so long to acknowledge your Xmas Day letter, I've intended to do so several times but I guess I've got that Manana complex - have so much unanswered mail, am really ashamed. Anyway, rest assured Betty, I am not offended - your letter in fact was most interesting reminiscing & describing your lonely Xmas days in boarding school when you were a little girl - it was really touching - having experienced that boarding school routine myself as a kid I know just how lonesome you felt - I spent most of my early days in boarding school due to my folks being theatrical - I can only remember two or three times the Family being altogether at home & then for very short periods.
          I appreciated your using the large type, it helps a lot - incidently, no improvement in the eye trouble, I doubt if I'll ever regain my full vision - frankly, do [not] care much, it does'nt bother me any.
          We sure have had a miserable time here with the heavy rains, floods & landslides - unfortunately several lives lost & lots of property damage - you probably, know all about it.
          Not much exciting to tell you Betty - Eda Joins in love & best to Wayne & yourself.
          Trust alls well & happy.
          Bye dear - God Bless.
                    As ever:

 

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

                    FEB.15th.'62.
My Dear Edmund [Tester]:
          Thanks yours with enclosure of N.Y. Views - have just mailed the latter to my Sister in England, I know she will enjoy & find very interesting. We have been having some miserable weather here too - heavy rains for about two weeks which have caused great damage to many homes & unfortunately several lives lost - Floods & land slides etc. cars stuck in mud up to door handles - hope this does'nt change your mind in moving out here.!! The weather cleared for a couple of [days], but a new rain storm started last night - I imagine this will be the last of it.
          Interesting to know you plan to come West later on. Do'nt blame you for wanting to get away from that severe winter climate. However, I would suggest you take a trip out here for a couple or more weeks & look around before you make a final decision. I called the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce & requested they send you their current literature, they promised right away - if anything else I can do - please do'nt hesitate to let me know.
          I heard, that 'Peppermint Lounge' was just a 'JOINT' - amazing how this 'TWIST' nonsense caught on, its actually nothing new in the Dance category, borders on several of the old time Dance routines the 'Shimmy' etc. Anyway, the craze will die out like the others before them - frankly I could'nt care less.
          I autographed [the] page from the book & am enclosing it herewith - again thanks Edmund.
          My kind thoughts to you all.
                    As ever:

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

                    FEBRUARY. 17th.'62.
Dear Dick Sloan:
          Thanks yours, 14th.inst.
          Thanks for telling me we've been having rain here - I was wondering what made the streets all wet - I did hear some rumors about it, but you can't believe what people say these days, so I just IGNORED THE WHOLE THING. Anyway, I appreciate your concern, happy to tell you the address is still the samee (I think!)
          Note my old friend Charlie Althoff appeared on Chuck McCann's show recently - I have'nt seen him since he worked in that old silent film in '26. He was playing in vaudeville at that time & happened to have a week lay off (between dates) so I was able to arrange a few days in the film I was making to fill in. Charlie did a great vaudeville act, a very funny 'Rube' character, he was known as a 'Show Stopper'. I would enjoy hearing the tape you mention & will return it to you.
          Regarding the 'Still' pictures; Chuck McCann did send me two or three Blow Ups a few weeks ago (118x20) but none of the ones you mention. Do'nt bother to send me any more - I have no particular use for them.
          Re your idea of a L&H record album is already being discussed by Larry Harmon - he controls all rights to anything in the merchandising line that concerns L&H, so of course, this matter would have to be conveyed to Mr Harmon direct.
          Interesting to know that Henry Calvin was doing Hardy's voice - I had heard that he was going to audition, but did'nt know that he had been chosen for the job - you seem to know a great deal about whats going on here - I guess I'll have to keep in close touch with you to get any information on the series.!
          Sorry too that Chuck did'nt make connection with Harmon - only wish I could have helped in some way.
          Have heard nothing further on the L&H Lake placque, do'nt know what happened to that.
          Guess thats about all for now, so Adios mi Amigo.
          Cheerio, Pip Pip & Skip the Gutter.
                    Same to you FELLA!!.

                    STAN LAUREL.

P.S. I heard about the Wax Figures of L&H to be placed in the Hollywood Museum a couple of years ago - some chap in Long Beach had been commissioned to make them, he called me re my height & measurements & I sent him photos of Hardy & I, but never heard from him since.
 

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

                    Feb.24nd.'62.

Pleased to know the old L&H films are still affording you so much pleasure. The title of our last film was "Utopia" made in France in 1950-51. I doubt if this is available in 8mm or 16mm. However, I wouldn't recommend this one in any dimension - VERY POOR!
 

CONTRACT - Signed by STAN and IDA LAUREL

                    Los Angeles, California
                    February 27th, 1962

Ida and Stan Laurel
Santa Monica, California

Donna P. Witte and Merlin Michael Witte, who have entered into a lease with you for the promises at 1111 Franklin Street, Santa Monica, for a period of one year, commencing November 13th, 1961, and ending November 13th, 1962, desire hereby to sub-let the above premises the 13th day of March, 1962, to the end of the term, said sub-lease to be to Mr. and Mrs. Bill W. Rhodes, and we understand and agree that your permission to such sub-lease shall in no wise diminish or change our liability under said lease for and during said period in the event said Mr. and Mrs. Rhodes fail in any obligation thereunder during the balance of said term ending November 13th, 1962. We have agreed, however, that, as the original lease provided for a rental of $275.00 per month, the payment by Mr, and Mrs. Rhodes of $250.00 per month will discharge the obligation of $275.00 per month so long as said Mr. and Mrs. Bill W. Rhodes perform each and all of the obligations under said lease, and also discharge and pay for the water and the gardener upon the property, and have the gardening and watering properly and punctually done.
          The undersigned, Bill W. Rhodes and Mrs. Bill W. Rhodes, acknowledge that they are familiar with all of the terms of the lease above referred to, and agree that they will perform same punctually and fully and, further, the lessors hereunder grant to them an option for an additional period of one year commencing the 13th day of November, 1962, and ending the 12th day of November, 1963, provided said option is exercised in writing on or before the 13th day of September, 1962, and all of the terms and conditions of the lease and the sub-lease for the term, thereof from said Mr. and Mrs. Witte to them are promptly, punctually and fully performed and Mr. and Mrs. Rhodes are not in default as to any terms and conditions of the lease, and have likewise had all of the gardening upon said property fully and properly performed as to all of the gardening needs, inclusive of the watering thereof, and have paid all of the water charges and have seemed the obligations of supplying a gardener and discharging the water bills heretofore the obligation of Mr. and Mrs. Laurel.
said Bill W. Rhodes and Mrs. Bill W. Rhodes agree to be bound by all of the terms and conditions of said loam, of November 13th, 1961, as though they had been the original lessees under said lease.
                    ACCEPTED:

                    STAN LAUREL.
 

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

                    MARCH.1st.'62.

Mr Fred Goldrup,
58,Westland Avenue,
BOSTON.15.MASS.

Dear Fred Goldrup:
          Thanks your very interesting letter of Feb.23rd.ult. with enclosure of pictures etc. Indeed nice to hear from you. Note you usually have a column in Ken Berryhill's Old Record Shop Newsletter, Ken sent me a copy of this paper (Nov-Dec '6I. issue), incidentally in another issue he sent me recently, I read where one of Ken's Reader's had one of those L&H records that we made in London, Eng. 1932. I too have one that was sent me by a fan from Canada, but only the instrumental side was in fair condition, the other side (Dialogue) was badly scratched. I shall be pleased to send you a tape copy of the "Dance of the Cuckoos" Columbia orchestra arrangement if you would care to have it, kindly let me know what Speed (7-1/2 or 3-3/4.)
          With pleasure I will send you an autographed picture of L&H (8X10 size.) & am returning you the Dollar Bill you sent me - there is no charge whatsoever - I appreciate your kind request.
          Note you expect to make a trip to Hawaii via Trading Stamp route - wish you success on your project & I shall have the pleasure of meeting you on your stop-over to the Islands.
          You mention you are a 'Scot' - I presume you were born in this Country tho' - I was raised in Scotland, went to school there, my Dad operated the old Metropole Theatre in Glasgow which recently burnt to the ground, the building was nearly a hundred years old, a theatrical historic land mark, it was originally known as the "Scotia".
          Thanks for your kind invitation to visit with you sometime, but am afraid my traveling days are over. Sorry to know you have difficulty with your speech, sincerely hope there is a possibility of recovery in the near future - I admire your courage & fortitude in 'carrying on' your endeavour to bring happiness & pleasure to so many unfortunates - Good luck & God bless you.
          Shall be pleased to listen to one of [your] "Show-Biz" tapes, do'nt bother to make a special copy, I shall return it to you, my recorder is a "Wollensak" portable.
          I had a hemorrhage in my left eye a few months ago - Dr advised me to avoid reading & writing as much as possible - so please pardon brief reply - know you will fully understand.
          All for now Fred, my kindest regards.
          Keep up the good work.
                      As ever:

                    STAN LAUREL.
 

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

                    MARCH 8th.1962.
Dear Dick Sloan:
          Thanks your note enclosed with the tape recording of dialogue, music etc. taken from our old films.
          Frankly, am not too enthusiastic about this or the idea of making an album out of this particular material, to me it has little value unless you were seeing the film, & even so, I never felt that we excelled in dialogue, occasionally we had funny sayings or lines, but they were not in the belly laugh category. I do'nt think Larry Harmon would be interested in this idea either - Anyway, I appreciate your kindly interest & trouble. Am returning the tape as you requested - (under seperate cover) due to being shipped per 4th.class mail, it will take longer to reach you than this letter.
          Trust alls well with you.
          Again my regards & best.
                    As ever sincerely:

                    STAN LAUREL.
 

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

                    MARCH.8th.'62.
Dear Edmund [Tester]:
          Thanks your letter with enclosure of snapshots & news clipping of the John Glenn Parade in N.Y. Why on earth did you get yourself mixed up in that crowd when you could have seen the whole thing in the warmth & comfort at home on TV & had a much better view too?!! I certainly would'nt want any part of that celebration - anyway, it was a great tribute to our hero which he so fully deserved - a very courageous guy.
          Think you're wise to take a trip out here Edmund & look things over before you dispose of your property holdings back there - THE WEATHER DOES'NT BELONG TO YOU, so you can give that away for gifts next XMAS.!! equally distribute the snow, Cold, Wind & Rain among your friends.!!
          Glad you heard from the chamber of commerce &
recd. the newspaper section I sent you, it will give you some information, but its not as good as seeing for yourself.
          Re doing any film work - this is very unpredictable Edmund, so do'nt depend on that too much, but am sure you're capable of making a good living in other fields of show. Bus.
          Re the 8mm films you took of the parade - I do'nt have that size projector - otherwise I would have liked to see them.
          Have no idea who the 'Sam' was we autographed the photo to (that you located in a book store in N.Y. note the date was '32 - Thirty Years Ago!!!!!
          Weather here is still unsettled, still have occasional rain & wind. Just heard about the new storms back there - seems to me Oceanside, N.Y. was mentioned in the reports - hope you were not affected.
          Not much else to tell you Ed, so bye for now.
          My bestest to you all.
                    As ever:

PS. EXbrook 3-0486

NO LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN

                    MARCH 12th.'62.
Dear Mr & Mrs Short:
          Many thanks your interesting letter with enclosure of news clippings re the 'Old Theatre Royal, Blyth, & the news letter of Bert Cole a former employee in the early days, it was indeed in those days a beautiful theatre, complete in every detail a credit to any community. I hope it will be considered & converted into a Civic Auditorium, & will be spared destruction - I feel the building has historic value as a landmark & should be preserved - The Town & district need such a place to hold their local meeting & important affairs, besides establishing talent & local Culture in the future.
         Pleased to know you enjoyed the old film "Dancing Masters" at the 'Tatler' in Newcastle.
         Nice to hear from you again & know alls well with you.
         Nothing much exciting to tell you, so bye for now.
         Again, my kindest regards & every good wish,
                    Very sincerely:

                    STAN LAUREL.
 

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

                    MARCH 15th.'62.
Dear Bob & Marie [Hatfield]:
          Thanks yours,9th,inst.
Pleased to know you arrived safely - we here too enjoyed very much seeing you both again - thought you too looked very well indeed, especially Bob, you have changed a bit - BUT HOW YOU HAVE ALTERED.!!
          I sure get a kick out of your hearty & infectious laugh Bob, you're one of my favorite audiences.!
          Weather here is still trying hard to get back to normal - wish it would make up its mind.! One day its nice & warm & on go the 'Jockey Shorts' next day you have to get back into the 'longies' (with the button on the back.!)
          Not much else exciting, so bye for now.
          Our kindest & best to yourselves & Mother,
                    AS EVER:

 

CONTRACT - TYPEWRITTEN

                    March 21, 1962.

Larry Harmon Pictures Corporation
Los Angeles, California

Gentlemen:
          Reference is hereby made to the OPTION AGREEMENT, as amended, entered into between you and us, executed March 21, 1962, pursuant to which among other things the undersigned granted to you the option (provided for in Paragraph First thereof) to acquire certain rights in and to the "licensed material" (as the term "licensed material" is defined in said OPTION AGREEMENT).
         1. This will confirm our understanding and agreement that the entire sentence commencing on the 7th line of page 8 of said OPTION AGREEMENT shall be deemed deleted and that the following shall be deemed substituted therefore as of the date of the original execution thereof;
         "In any and all events, Harmon undertakes and agrees to pay to Owner (in the event Harmon exercises the option) not less than the sum of $52,000.00 (against which shall be credited all sums payable hereunder, including, without limiting, the initial sum of $5,000.00 to be paid as consideration for the option herein granted) within four (4) years and six (6) months from the date of the exercise of the option herein provided, which amount shall be payable in consecutive monthly installments of not less than $1,083.33 per month, commencing (7) months from the date that said option is exercised."
         2. It is further understood and agreed that you shall be deemed to have exercised the option provided for in Paragraph First of said OPTION AGREEMENT, as amended, as of June 21, 1962.
         Please confirm your agreement and understanding as hereinable set forth by signing this letter in the space hereinbelow provided.
                    Very truly yours,
                    LAUREL AND HARDY FEATURES PRODUCTIONS

                    Stan laurel
                    Lucille Hardy Price
 

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

                    MARCH.24th.1962.
Dear Dick Sloan:
          Thanks yours,22nd.inst.
Glad you recd. the tape I returned recently. Just what type of Album Larry Harmon has in mind I frankly have no idea, I very seldom see or hear from him, so know nothing of his plans in regard to the cartoon series or the merchandising.
          I heard that Dick Van Dyke made kindly REFERENCE to me on the 'ere's 'Ollywood' program, certainly very gracious of him - I hold great admiration & respect for him too. Sorry I missed that program.
          Interesting to note the L&H book was mentioned in the N.Y. 'Times' publishing year of '61 ratings.
          Sorry I do'nt have any old L&H 'Stills' on hand - most of my stuff is packed away in storage, due to my now living in a small Apt. haven't much room, otherwise you would have been welcome to borrow from whatever I have there.
          Had a letter from His Royal Highness Joe Mutoli - sent me some L&H & Chuck [McCann] Fan Club membership cards.
          Not much new to tell you Dick, so bye for now. Nice to hear from you again & to know alls well.
          My regards & best to you all.
          Cheerio;
                    As ever:

                    STAN LAUREL.