POSTCARD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
JAN.7nd.'63. 
Sorry delay in wishing you [Tom Goldrup] & yours a wonderful New Year, lots of good health & a Happy Prosperous 1963.
Sincerely always:
STAN LAUREL.
STAN LAUREL LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
JAN.19th.'63.
My Dear Friends [Mr & Mrs Short]:
Thanks your letter 15th.inst.
Note you are now living in Barrington - wish you lots of happiness in your new surroundings - your description of the house sounds quite roomy & comfortable, am sure you will enjoy it when you add the finishing touches & get settle[d] down.
Remember me kindly to Mr Omiston (Tatler Cinema) when you see him again also Mr Cairn of the Tyne-Tees TV.
I remember the little Lad you mention - they soon grow up do'nt they I assume he has finished his schooling & possibly working by now.
again a happy & prosperous 1963. (from us both here.)
Good luck & God Bless.
Sincerely always:
STAN LAUREL.
OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
JAN.21st.'63.
Dear Richard [Sloan]:
Thanks yours, 16th.inst.
Note you did'nt receive the "First Family" tape I returned last Dec.28th. - Think I told you it was shipped as 4th.class mail - evidently the Xmas mail caused the delay - hope by now its arrived - I feel sure it will in due course.
Thanks for the copy of Films in Review magazine, Have just returned it. via 1st.Class mail - yes I saw this article a couple of years ago - it was a taped interview - had no idea it was intended for publication, the guy posed as a Fan of L&H & made his hobby in collecting tapes of this nature.
Tom Sullivan's address, is 1402,Manhattan Avenue,Union City.N.J he probably still has the negative of that picture.
I had a letter from Ron Klugman - he's changed his name to Ron Barry - I suggested he also change his first name to RAZZ.!! [He] asked me for your address, probably you've heard from film by now. Note the M.P. Museum Board are endeavoring to recover the bronze placque (Roach Studio) for me - wonder why? I have no use for it - have no place to put it -- ?
I have'nt heard from Larry Harmon for a long time - have no idea whats doing with the Cartoon situation - have'nt seen an inch of the film - last I heard he was trying to get a syndication deal - ?
Jack McCabe mentioned sometime ago about "Sons of the Desert" project - I frankly was'nt too enthused over the idea so he never mentioned it since. Guess you knew that Jack got married recently. I sincerely hope they will be very happy & successful.
Thanks for A.B.C. News Bulletin re "Fabulous Era" - will certainly remember to see it - my middle name is nostalgia.
Have written to Chuck [McCann] a couple of times, had no answer to date - sincerely trust alls well with him.
Not much else Richard.
Kindest & best from us both here.
Cheerio !
As ever:
STAN LAUREL.
POSTCARD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
JAN.22nd.'63.
Thanks Dean [Kaner] your letter, 14th. inst. I too enjoyed talking with you on the phone - appreciate your kind thought - in all the films of L&H, I have no particular favorite. Hope alls well with you & yours during this severe winter you're experiencing - I certainly do'nt envy you.
Take care - Good luck.
Sincerely as ever:
STAN LAUREL.
POSTCARD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
JAN.22nd.'63.
Glad to know the Tape finally arrived - NOW PLEASE CALL OFF THE DOGS.!!
Thanks Richard [Sloan].!
As ever.
STAN LAUREL LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN EXCERPT
FEB.1st.'63.
Dear Vic & Gladys:
Glad you got a few laughs out of 'MAD' magazine.
Interesting about the 'TARZAN ROPE' idea - should be attractive to the kids if you can find some means to demonstrate it to them.
Enclosed some more gadget ideas (was in the Sunday paper ad section).
| The first issue of MAD was far from a success, but by the fourth issue—with its "Superduperman" parody of Superman—MAD started to gain popularity. Thereafter, MAD lampooned and parodied many of the comics with whom it shared newsstand rack space, including Tarzan, which MAD affectionately re-titled "Melvin of the Apes." —Editor |
STAN LAUREL LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN EXCERPT
FEB.4th.'63.
Note Blackhawk's change of address - re Jimmy Finlayson, he died in 1953. Billy Gilbert is still active - mostly in night clubs & various theatrical productions. I heard the 2nd issue of the L&H comic book is on sale now. if they have "Busy Bodies" or "Towed In a Hole." I think you'd like either of these.
| Jimmy Finlayson, master of the "slow burn" appeared as a foil to Stan and Ollie in many Laurel and Hardy two-reelers and features. In recent years, his familiar "D'oh" was said to be the inspiration for Homer Simpson's similar expression of disdain. | Billy Gilbert, also has a famous cartoon connection—a regular on the Roach lot, he also found fame as the voice (and uncontrollable sneezing) of Sneezy in Walt Disney's original animated classic, "Snow White and the Seven Dwarves." —Editor |
OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
FEB.9th.'63.
Dear Ferndoc McFink [Richard Sloan]:
Thanks yours, 6th.inst with enclosure your album. Looks OK to me Richard - frankly am not an authority on this type of work.
I too think this Cuba investigation business is a lot of nonsense & a waste of valuable time - obviously the Republicans are doing all they possibly can to belittle Kennedy in their effort to win the '64 election - This Canadian situation too is ridiculous, am afraid Senor Diefenbaker stepped on his own neck.! Quite a novelty.
Have'nt heard from RAZZ BARRY, as yet re your talk on the phone - he did however send me a tape recording of a couple of interviews he made on the air (Radio) I understand a discussion about L&H - have'nt heard it as yet, so do'nt know much about it. I did'nt know he met Dennis King, guess he'll tell me about that in his next letter.
Note you did'nt hear from Tom Sullivan - why do'nt you get that picture copied from the L&H book (ZEROX SYSTEM) very simple & a perfect reproduction. Have seen "I'm Dickens - Fenster" once or twice did'nt pay much attention to the opening music - frankly, I could'nt care less, that Marty [Ingels] guy annoys me, tries so hard to be funny, quite boring personality. My letters to Chuck [McCann] since he left W.P.I.X. I addressed to his home, so am sure he recd. them OK. anyway, I know he's plenty busy. Re the Harmon Cartoon series, all I know is, N.B.C. cancelled the deal when they saw the pilot, now he's trying to get a syndication deal - I have'nt seen an inch of the film, but I'm sure they're pretty bad - I think he was afraid to let me see the pilot - you never heard an Englishman swear did you?!! he (did'nt tell me why N.B.C. turned the deal down - I read it in the "Variety" - no explanation. Re "Sons of the Desert" idea - I did'nt say I disliked it - I only wonder WHY!!.
We are finally getting some rain - very welcome. Not much else Richard.
Cheerio - God Bless.
As ever:
STAN LAUREL.
| John George Diefenbaker (1895–1979) was the 13th Prime Minister of Canada (1957–1963). | "I'm Dickens, He's Fenster" was a 1962-63 sitcom about two young blue-collar carpenters: the married one Harry Dickens (played by John Astin), and the bachelor Arch Fenster (played by Marty Ingels). Ingels would later marry Academy Award winner Shirley Jones (and TV's Mrs. partridge on "The Partridge family"), while Astin would find fame as Gomez Addams in "The Addams Family" (1964-66). —Editor |
STAN LAUREL POSTCARD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
FEB.13th.'63.
Thanks Bob & Marie [Hatfield} for the lovely Valentine Card - appreciate your kind thought - hope you both & Mother enjoyed a happy day - I assume you celebrated, throwing lamb hearts at each other.!! I think the Irish custom is to throw IRISH CONFETTI (Red Bricks.)!
We're sure having a lot of weather here, makes you feel like screaming - MOTHER!! I'D RATHER DO IT MYSELF!
Love & bestest from us both here.
Trust alls well.
Bye - God Bless.
STAN LAUREL.
STAN LAUREL POSTCARD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
FEB.19th.'63.
Thanks Ron [Miller] for the Wax Museum brochure - Have seen several pictures of the L&H figures - very disappointing to say the least. Anyway, appreciate your kindly interest & trouble in sending this.
Mrs. L. joins in regards & best - trust alls well.
As ever:
STAN LAUREL.
POSTCARD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
FEB.28th.'63.
Thanks Dean [Kaner], yours, 24th.inst. I saw the Victor Borge show - Marcel Marceau was excellent - enjoyed his performance very much. The article you mention is incorrect - Joe Laurel is not my Brother - I have no living Brothers. This Joe Laurel is a night club entertainer - we are not in any way related.
Hope by now the weather is getting warmer you must have had a miserable winter.
Bye now - trust alls well with you & yours,
Sincerely as ever :
STAN LAUREL.
STAN LAUREL LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
FEB.28th.'63.
Dear Richard [Sloan]:
Thanks yours, 24th.inst. enclosed in Mona Laurel's mug picture - got a terrific bang out of it - so unexpected.! where on earth did you get this? if possible would like to have a few copies of this - shall of course pay for them let me know.
No I did'nt hear that Youngson was putting out another film documentary of the early comics - note he dug up "Lucky Dog" the very first time Hardy & I worked together - that was produced by Broncho Billy Anderson - think it cost around Three Thousand Bucks - I think still owing to all concerned except that shoe string artiste Maxie Anderson. Incidently he still owes me my full [salary] for a film he made a lot of dough with "Mud & Sand" its a wonder Youngson has'nt spotted that one yet, a burlesque of Rudolph Valentino in "Blood & Sand" I was Rhubarb Vaselino.! Can't tell you much about the cartoon series - only saw a few feet - very disappointing, to be very frank: L O U S E Y. in every respect. I think Harmon was afraid to show me the Pilot film - evidently it was pretty bad. Have'nt heard from Chuck [McCann] for
sometime now, not since Xmas I think - have written him a couple of times but he must be busy or else he's afraid to get his hand stuck in a mail box & be on Candid Camera.!!
Dick Van Dyke is doing a L&H skit on his show next Wednesday (6th.) Henry Calvin is to play Hardy - this should be interesting to see, if you get a chance tune it in - hope you rescued your younger Brother spinning around the recording room - Do'nt call him 'Old Top' it might make his head Spin.!!
Bye Richard - Bestest from us both here:
Take care - God Bless.
As ever:
STAN LAUREL.
P.S. I returned the picture under seperate cover.!
| NOTE: "Candid Camera" is a long-running television series, created and produced by Allen Funt, which initially began on radio as "Candid Microphone" in 1947. Funt's concept came to television on August 10, 1948. The premise of the show involved concealed cameras filming ordinary people being confronted with unusual situations, sometimes involving trick props, such as a mailbox that would grab someone's hand when they inserted a letter. —Editor |
STAN LAUREL LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
FEB. 28th. 1963.
Dear John Hill:
Thanks for your interesting letter 17th.inst.
Nice to hear from you again & to know alls well with you.
Your mention of the film "Help-Mates" brought back Happy memories of my association with my late pal Hardy - I've missed him a lot.
I myself have'nt been too well since my stroke in '53 my diabetic situation, a touch of arthritis etc. what can I expect? & too I'll soon be 73 - guess I'm doing alright at that.!
Trust you survived the severe climate you've been having over there - its been a long miserable winter for you all, we've been very fortunate, only a couple of days rain here in S.M. the first in over 10 months - still quite warm & Sunny, nearing the 80's again today.
I too wish you & yours a Happy, healthy & prosperous 1963.
Take care - God Bless/
As ever sincerely:
STAN LAUREL.
PHOTO ENCLOSURE - FEBRUARY 28, 1963
STAN LAUREL LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
FEB.28th.'63.
Dear Tim Dalton:
Thanks yours, 24th.inst.
The Roach Studio is to open again shortly under new management, I understand it is being converted into a Rental Studio.
Charlie Chaplin's address is: "Manoir de Ban", VEVEY.Switzerland.
Yes, Hal Roach Jr. is living also Roach Sr.
Enclosed picture for your Brother Mike - thanks for the request. Glad you enjoyed the L&H book & found it interesting.
Nice to hear from you again.
Good luck Tim.
Sincerely as ever:
STAN LAUREL.
POSTCARD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN EXCERPT
MAR.4th.'63.
I met Maurice Chevalier a couple of times in Paris (1950) am only just an aquaintance , but do admire his great talent. Re the clothes on the L&H wax figures, I have'nt seen them, frankly I doubt if they are authentic.
OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
MARCH.6th.'63.
Dear Bob & Marie [Hatfield]:
Thanks yours of Octember the umpth - your letter was undated, so I decided to make one up.!
That was a good idea to call the University to find help to fix the Garden - you're lucky they did'nt send over a couple of guys like L&H.! WE here too have been having lovely weather, but are starting to get wind & cold, so expect some rain before long.
Note you brush with Gleem - have you ever tried 'GALLO' thats wonderful after meals, you do'nt care how many times you use it, some even between meals.! you do'nt brush just gargle.! you should try that Bolb.!!.
We shall look forward to seeing you again in June.
Bestest from us both here to your Mother & Selves.
As ever:
STAN LAUREL.
STAN LAUREL LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN [EDITED]
MARCH.8th.'63.
Dear Johnnie [Municino]:
Thanks yours, 5th. inst. with enclosure of snapshot of 'Derbies & Ties' which you have titled "TRADE MARKS" - your description of the colors sounds very 'Daring' - I imagine you get a feeling of "Oh My Sinus".!! - I did'nt know you were a BRUSH merchant & sardine OIL man - are you really serious in this Art?
Note Bert Wheeler's show has'nt opened on Broadway yet - sure wish him lots of good luck for a long run. I read re Dennis King being in the Peter Ustinov's 'Photo Finish' - whats the name of the horse Dennis is riding?
I saw Marcel Marceau on the Borge show, he was in fine fettle that night, best performance I've seen of his - he's the GREATEST in my book (Pantomimist) & that goes for you too as a Painter, I consider you an Artiste, a Scholar & a GENTLEMAN.!!!! Now where were we - oh yes, did you see the Dick Van Dyke show? He did a L&H skit, I thought it best I've ever seen, the resemblance of the characters was excellent.
Mrs L. joins in kind thoughts & every good wish to Mary & Self. God Bless.
As ever:
STAN LAUREL.
| In the early '60s, comedian Bert Wheeler (of the famed comedy team Wheeler & Woolsey) starred in a touring company production of "Show Boat." Wheeler died in 1968, at the age of 79. | Victor Borge (1909-2000) was a pianist/comedian and host of "The Victor Borge Show." —Editor |
POSTCARD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
MARCH.8th.'63.
Thanks Dick [Sloan] yours, 7th.inst. First time I'd seen Dick Van Dykes impersonation of me - enjoyed it immensely thought Henry Calvin was excellent too, they both did very well indeed with poor material, they are both very capable & worthy. anyway I fully enjoyed them.
The the Mona L. picture, just a couple of copies would be ample - congratulations on your ingenuity. No
immediate hurry Richard, have no particular use for them. (just as a souvenir.) Tom Sullivan is'nt a professional photographer, he's a newspaper man for some N.Y. Paper. Glad you can get a copy of that picture "Stupid at 70".
Glad too to hear the weather is warming up, its been a miserable winter for you all "OH WHAT A BEAUTIFUL
MORNING.!!! Have you seen Chuck McCann lately? I have'nt heard from him for some time.
Bye now - take care.
As ever:
STAN LAUREL.
OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
MARCH 16th.'63.
Dear Steve Ward:
Thanks yours,recd.this AM. - No I did'nt see "Jitterbugs" film - did'nt know it was being shown - doubt if I'd have looked anyway, do'nt care much for those 20th. Fox series. Did you see the Dick Van Dyke show last week? they did a L&H skit - very good - I enjoyed it, the resemblance was excellent.
Note you joined the L&H Fan Club of N.Y. how did you get acquainted with this outfit - I know little about it - do you pay dues or fees to be a member? I do'nt see the purpose of belonging to a club located in another City, especially as far away as N.Y.
Yes "Laughing Gravy" is the story of L&H sneaking a homeless dog into a rooming house.
Nice to hear from you again, my bestest to yourself & family, trust alls well & Happy.
As always:
STAN LAUREL.
OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
MARCH.18th.'63.
Dear Richard [Sloan]:
Many thanks for copies of 'MONA LAUREL' - much appreciated -
Enclosed a new autographed copy for you.
Thanks again Dick -
In haste:
STAN LAUREL LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
MARCH.22nd.'63.
My Dear Buck [Earl Manbeck]:
Thanks yours,7th.inst. So nice to hear from you again & to know alls well.
Note there is a sequence, excerpt from "Lucky Dog" in the new Youngson film ("30 Yrs of Fun") that was the first time I met Babe Hardy, never thought we'd become a team - Am sure you'll do a terrific business with "Mutiny" - I imagine it will have a long Run - hope sometime I shall have the opportunity to see it.
Re: Mack Sennett - Mac died about three years ago at the Motion Picture Country House - had been ailing for some time. Yes he was with 20th. Century Fox a few years ago, it was one of those pension situations (Script reader) very seldom at the studio.
Nothing sensational re the L&H book, its now been distributed in England & Australia. I never expected to make any great amount of revenue from it, so am not disappointed - the small percentage we do get is split three ways, Mrs Hardy, our attorney Ben Shipman & myself, the Author & Doubleday take the balance which does'nt amount to very much - I had hoped that Doubleday would have issued it in Paperback type at cheaper price, I think it would have done much better in the sales dept. it would have been in the reach of the L&H Fans - (The masses).
Nothing exciting to tell you Buck so will hang up & look forward to seeing you again on your next visit to the Coast.
Mrs L. joins in kind thoughts & every good wish to Bonnie & Self. God Bless.
As ever:
STAN LAUREL.
| Early in his film career, Stan Laurel made a series of comedies under the production supervision of G.M. "Broncho Billy" Anderson. "The Lucky Dog," released in 1922, featured the first appearance of both Stan and Ollie together, although they were not working yet as a team. —Editor |
OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
MARCH.26th.'63.
Dear Joyce McLean:
Thanks your nice note enclosed with Doug's letter. Note you recently celebrated a birthday - my belated 'Many Happy Returns'.
Wish you all a very Happy trip am sure you will have a wonderful time.
Shall look forward to your post cards en route.
Take care - God Bless.
Sincerely as ever:
STAN LAUREL.
OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
MARCH.26th.'63.
Dear Bob & Marie [Hatfield]:
Thanks yours,20th.inst.
So sorry to hear about you're having to have your lower tonsils cut out Bob, I experienced that once some years ago, so know how painful & miserable it can be - I guess by now you are back home again & coughing much better - kidding aside, you did the sensible thing to have & nobody else wants them.!!
Yes I saw the Dick Van Dyke show - thought it was very good, an excellent resemblance - I enjoyed it. Dick visited me once when he first came out here to start this series, a very nice person - very talented.
Regarding permission to impersonate L&H - if this was a continued appearance it would be necessary, but in this instance its OK (considered a small tribute.)
Sorry you wo'nt be coming to L.A. as planned, we'll just have to wait till Bob gets a new Fanny.
Kindest & bestest from us both here to Mother & selves - Happy Easter -!!
As ever:
STAN LAUREL.
OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
MARCH.28th.'63.
Dear Dean [Kaner]:
Thanks your letter recd. this AM.
Yes I read the article by Mr George Grimm in the Mpls Sunday Tribune, it was sent me by a young chap in Minneapolis - it was indeed a surprise - I have had several letters in response - thank you for the kind expressions.
Pleased to know your weather situation is improving, am sure it will be a great relief after that long severe winter season.
I too enjoyed meeting your Grandparents, we [had] a very nice visit.
Not much else Dean, so bye for now.
Trust alls well & happy with you & yours.
Take care - good luck.
As always:
STAN LAUREL.
OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
MARCH.28th.'63.
Dear Edmund [Tester]:
Many thanks for the very interesting Illustrated book of England - I know I shall get a lot of pleasure out of it, its a great collection of authentic pictures, brings back such vivid memories of my early days - thanks again Ed - much appreciated.
Sorry to hear your Mother has been in Hospital again due to her diabetic situation, but its sensible to get proper attention & medical check-up once in a while when it gets out of control - people who are victims of diabetes are apt to get careless & indifferent which can be very dangerous - I include myself in the category too. Anyway hope your Mother is back in stride again - Yes I heard that the late Mussolini was quite a Fan of L&H, President Tito is too I understand - really strange -
Thanks again Edmund -
My bestest to your kind self & Family.
Trust alls well.
As always:
STAN LAUREL.
STAN LAUREL LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
MARCH.30th.1963.
Dear Warren:
Thanks yours,25th.inst.
Nice to hear from you - appreciate very much your kind sentiments so warmly expressed - again thanks for your kind thought & good wishes.
My kindest & bestest to you & yours,
Sincerely always -
 
|
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CORRESPONDENCE ARCHIVE PROJECT
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