RENTAL AGREEMENT - APRIL 3, 1950
AGREEMENT OF RENTAL.
We the undersigned, Al & Elsie Loukinen, desire to rent the property known as 1111,Franklin Street, Santa Monica. Calif. on a month to month basis, & agree to pay the owners - Stan & Ida Laurel, the sum of $75.00. (Seventy Five Dollars) in advance of each month, commencing on the date of occupancy.
We agree to pay the costs of Gas - Electric & Telephone. The Water Bill to be paid by Mr.Laurel.
It is also agreed that We will vacate the above property, One Month (Thirty Days) after receipt of formal notice to do so.
We also fully understand that any undue damage to the Furnishings or the property its self , inside or out, will be repaired or replaced by us, to the satisfaction of the owners.
It is too understood, that the monthly payments be sent to Mr. Ben W. Shipman, 511,Pacific Mutual Building, Los Angeles. 14. Calif. (Phone Michigan 4047.)
Signed this day of APRIL 3rd, 1950.
AL LOUKINEN
MRS. ELSIE LOUKINEN
STAN LAUREL
IDA K. LAUREL
| NOTE: It's evident from the way this lease is typed (spelling, punctuation, etc.) that Stan drafted this copy himself at his home typewriter. It's unclear why he chose to do it himself rather than enlist lawyer Ben Shipman's help, but Stan probably copied the language from his current lease at the Oceana apartments or another in his files. —Editor |
NO LETTERHEAD - HANDWRITTEN EXCERPT
Aug.22th.'50.
Dear Nellie [Bushby],
We started on the film last Wednesday. I think getting back in harness again is doing me a lot of good. I was getting very tired sitting around doing nothing. I used to go shopping in Market St. with Grandma Metcalfe - That was a big event for me! She used to buy me Beer's Treacle Toffee - it sure was good.
NO LETTERHEAD - HANDWRITTEN EXCERPT
Paris, France 
8-2-51.
Dear Booth [Colman],
Delighted to hear you are all OK. again also re your TV activities coming along so well. Think your idea is great & should do you a lot of good - wish you lots of success with it - It sounds perfect for you - especially you being "Wizzie", that's not meant for a crack! Just the way I happened to write it.
Keep on giving good performances Booth on TV. You will have Broadway coming to you - TV is the greatest medium for talent discovery - The producers don't have to listen to agents or travel all over town to find what they want. They go home & relax - turn on TV & find what they want in perfect comfort. So just keep plugging Booth - you have a swell opportunity.
Had to take a rest for a week or so - worked too hard for a couple of weeks & overdid myself. Hope to start again Monday (12th.) unfortunately have a lot of Rough Stuff in the Picture - but hope we will get through without any more delays. About 5 or 6 more shooting weeks to go to finish - what a relief that will be for me.
Weather here is miserable - cold - rain - wind etc - make you feel low. Not much to tell you Booth so will close.
Eda joins in love & kind thoughts.
Will keep you posted as to our future plans.
As ever -
P.S. Love to Jimmy when you see him again.
| "Atoll K" was filmed in France from August 1950-March 1951. —Editor |
LAUREL AND HARDY FEATURE PRODUCTIONS LETTERHEAD - TYPEWRITTEN
June 20th.'51.
Dear Betty [Healy]:-
So nice to hear from you after all this long time & appreciate the cute card - got an awful bang out of it. I was in the hospital only a couple of days - just an examination for something due to my operation in Paris last year - nothing serious & all is OK. I understand Louella Parsons true to form, gave me the last Rites over the air.
I saw "OUR RELATIONS" on TV. the other week & got a big kick out of it seeing you & Daphne Pollard & Jimmy Finlayson. I read where the same picture is just starting [its] 6th. months run at some Theatre in Germany - can you beat that. Ernie Murphy was in to see me yesterday & sends his best.
Expect to leave for Italy - France & Spain for a years run in a Revue about Sept - if the War business does 'nt upset our plans.
All for now Betty, give my kindest to Spunk & trust you are both well & Happy. Bye now & God Bless,
Bestest always,
STAN LAUREL.
How's Sultan?
JIMMY FINLAYSON - AUTOGRAPHED PHOTO
NO LETTERHEAD - HANDWRITTEN EXCERPT
June 20th.'51.
Have just been in hospital again, but only for a couple of days for a check up - glad to say all is OK. Note you have had your medical for the Air Force and waiting for your call. When you go in, I wish you lots of good luck and a safe successful career. Let me know of your activities from time to time as I shall be interested.
STAN LAUREL LETTERHEAD - 1111 Franklin Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
Oct.3rd.'51.
Dear Betty [Healy]:
Nice to hear from you again. Glad to know you enjoyed your visit to Hollywood and your pleasant trip back home. I am sure the coat thrilled you to death and especially just what you needed. It was certainly nice of your friends. I think your story of Teddy's life has terrific human interest and could be developed into another 'Peg O' My Heart' background and feel if it gets into the right hands it would be very successful. I sincerely hope so - you surely and rightfully deserve it, after all the hard years you have put in trying. Will look forward to seeing your picture in the car with all your wild animals.
I think the picture we made in France is to be released here in December - they are changing the title, so as soon as I do hear, will let you know and when it plays in your Metropolis, you will see Babe and me with a bunch of Wild Foreigners! I hope you will get started again soon Betty, as I know how it feels to be inactive, especially with show business in your blood.
Glad to tell you I am weighing 144 lbs now and feeling good and can't wait to get going again. Sorry I was'nt able to see you when you were here to have a good gab fest. However hope to see you next time you get around here.
All for now Betty. Take care of yourself and Chin Up. Hello and my best to Wayne.
As Ever-
Stan Laurel.
| The picture "made in France" was released in France and Italy as "Atoll K" in November 1951 and in England as "Robinson CrusoeLand" the following year. It went unreleased in the United States until December 1954 when it hit theaters as "Utopia." —Editor |
STAN LAUREL LETTERHEAD - 1111 Franklin Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
October 30th.'51.
My Dear Betty [Healy]:-
Many thanks for your note with enclosure of newspaper displaying the ad for our picture on TV.
I guess you have been reading re the Roy Rogers case against the Republic Studio on the same situation. He won, stopping them to use his name to sell corn plasters etc. They have the right to use his name in selling the picture, but not for any other purpose.
No Betty, we have no percentage deal on ours at all, otherwise we certainly would have been collecting. All we can do now is to stop them using our name in connection with any other product unless of course we are paid for it.
However, they have been running our pictures for over two years now & there is a chance that it may be retroactive, but of course that means long drawn out Court Cases etc. It has at least been beneficial in one way, It has created a tremendous new audience for us which has paved the way to give us the opportunity to make more, otherwise we might have been forgotten entirely. So it's an ill wind dept!
Have you heard any further on your story deal? sincerely hope you will get some good news soon. All here as usual, so nothing exciting to tell you.
Trust you are feeling much better. Hello to Wayne
for me.
Kind thoughts always:-
| Leonard Franklin Slye (1911–1998), who became famous as Roy Rogers, was a singer and cowboy actor. He and his second wife Dale Evans, his golden palomino Trigger, and his German shepherd, Bullet, were featured in over one hundred movies. In 1951, Rogers and fellow cowboy star Gene Autrey sued Republic Pictures for the right to sell their movies to television. By the time Republic won, Rogers had launched his own television show. The Republic films, cut to 54 minutes for TV distribution, couldn't compete, and "The Roy Rogers Show" had a successful run from 1951 through 1957. —Editor |
STAN LAUREL LETTERHEAD - 1111 Franklin Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
November 3rd.'51.
My Dear Betty [Healy]:-
Many thanks for your letter with enclosed picture of yourself with the Horse. I think you look very well Betty & what a beautiful horse, the color certainly wonderful, it makes the photos so attractive alongside the black & white.
So sorry to hear you could'nt get my phone number when you & Wayne were here, I wish you had sent me a telegram & I could have contacted you - would have loved to have seen you both.
Thanks for the information re the TV. situation, We know of all these angles, but have been waiting to see the outcome of the Roy Rogers case before we started anything. Gene Autrey has now started suit against Republic Studio, which I am sure will help us a lot. If decisions are given in their favour, then it won't be necessary for us to go into Court over it & it won't be so costly.
Glad to tell you I am feeling great again, now weigh 145 lbs. Have to have all my clothes let out - I'll soon have to start reducing.
My phone number is Exbrook 4-1397, so when Wayne & you come into town again, you will he able to reach me.
Bye now & God Bless.
Will let you know if anything exciting happens. Trust alls well & Happy,
As ever:-
STAN LAUREL LETTERHEAD - 1111 Franklin Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
Dec.6th.'51.
My Dear Betty [Healy]:-
Many thanks for your welcome letter of Nov. 30th. Sorry to note you have'nt been feeling so good, but as you say, it is caused by inactivity & I think your only solution is to get a Job & keep busy and get yourself in to a position to attain the things you desire, something to look forward to instead of sitting down brooding. I have done the same thing all through my illness & I know what it does to your Morale, it really gets you down.
It was interesting to read about your friends that own a trailer court & seeing Bert Wheeler in the Holtz show, but I don't think they should have felt so bad about Bert. He is well fixed and could buy a dozen trailer courts. I have seen him on Television several times & he is terrific - he has aged, naturally, but still a great performer & I think he never will quit the business as long as has his health, he is a real dyed in the wool & would be very unhappy with anything else. Like myself, if I had to leave show Business I would look forward to Lillies.
Glad to tell you, I never felt better, I now weigh 149 and look like my old self again & expect to leave for England in February for personal appearances also Television shorts over there. Needless to tell you I can't wait to get back in [the] harness again. To be very frank I never thought I would, last year at this time I weighed only 110 lbs. I shall know definitely next week re the trip so of course will let you know.
Thanks for the color picture, think it turned out very good & you look very well. Is that a Cocker Spaniel you're holding? It sure is a cute dog. Glad you had a nice thanksgiving in Bakersfield, too bad the dinner dept. wasn't so good. It's always best to eat home on those occasions. The restaurants are generally bad on those Festive days, altho , I have been used to a Turkey sandwich in the dressing room for Xmas and thought it was swell.
Well Betty, will close now. Am busy digging up a new act to take over, know you understand.
With kind thoughts to Wayne & self,
As ever:-
STAN LAUREL LETTERHEAD - 1111 Franklin Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
December 17th.'51.
Dear Betty [Healy]-
Many thanks for the lovely Xmas Card also you letter of the 10th.inst. Glad you are feeling brighter. You should'nt let silly people's chatter get you down, tell them next time, you're not
[a] Wailing Wa11. I guess you heard the the Lou Holtz show folded up. I felt from the start that they were in a bad location. Bert Wheeler is now with Bing Crosby for the full run of his Radio show.
Saw the Three Stooges on the Colgate Comedy hour last night (TV) same as ever + spitting & slapping. Brought back memories to me.
We are leaving for England end of January, due in London Feb. 3rd. so as you can imagine I am up to my neck in preparation, a million & one things to do. Thanks for the Van Hoven routine, but he did that in England for several years, I remember it well, he was terrific. We are doing an act in sketch form, a plot with a situation, like the shorts we used to make. The one we did last time was "Getting A Driver's License". In this one we are forced into robbing the Chief of Police's house, but luckily all ends well, so as you see the routines you mention would'nt fit for us, but I appreciate your kind thought anyway Betty. Yes, Babe is going too. Our name L&H is magic over there, it's amazing after all these years, they don't even want to remember you over here.
I guess you read of the Joan Bennett Scandal, is'nt it a mess? The Franchot Tone affair & many other Hollywood scandals, & I was blamed for just picking my nose. The trailer idea sounds good, hope it will grow into a Big business for you.
All for now Betty, my best to Wayne & wish you both a Merry Xmas & a Happy Prosperous New Year.
With kind thoughts,
Sincerely as ever:-
| Joan Bennett (1910–1990) was an American film actress who also achieved success later in life as a television actress. In 1951, Joan's husband, producer Walter Wanger, shot and injured Bennett's agent, with whom she had begun an affair, and the resulting scandal damaged her career. Wanger spent two years in prison for the offense, but he and Bennett remained married until 1965. —Editor |
GRESHAM HOTEL LETTERHEAD - Birmingham, England - HANDWRITTEN EXCERPT
6-2-52.
Dear Mr. Bishop,
At your request I sent you a large photo and letter for inclusion in your souvenir programme a few weeks ago, due to the fact that I went to a deal of bother in sending them, I think a little acknowledgement would be in order. - wont you?
Sincerely-
LAUREL AND HARDY FEATURE PRODUCTIONS LETTERHEAD - TYPEWRITTEN
Empire Theatre.
NOTTINGHAM.HOTEL.
April 14th.'52.
Mr & Mrs Short,
16. River View,
BEDLINGTONSTATION
Northumberland.
Dear Mr & Mrs Short:-
Very many thanks for the lovely Carnations. Your sweet thought is deeply appreciated. It was certainly gracious of you & words cannot express the pleasure we got out of receiving them.
We too, were delighted to note that you enjoyed our little show at the Empire Newcastle, & hope we shall have the opportunity to entertain such wonderful audiences again in the very near future.
Again many thanks for your kind expressions.
With regards & wishes for a very Happy Easter.
Sincerely always:-
LAUREL & HARDY.
LAUREL AND HARDY FEATURE PRODUCTIONS LETTERHEAD - TYPEWRITTEN
[May, 1952]
H.M.Bishop Esq.,
News Theatre.
High Street,
BIRMINGHAM.
Dear Mr. Bishop,
Please accept our heartfelt congratulations to the Jacey Cinema Ltd. & Self on the Twenty First Anniversary of the Birmingham News Theatre.
We wish you many more years of continued success, which you fully deserve for the wonderful service you have afforded your Patrons in the career of "The News Theatre".
With kind regards & Best wishes always,
Sincerely:-
STAN LAUREL
OLIVER HARDY
AUTOGRAPHED PHOTO ENCLOSURE - BIRMINGHAM NEWS THEATRE
THE QUEENS HOTEL LETTERHEAD - Birmingham, England - HANDWRITTEN
8-5-52.
Dear Frank Graves,
Thanks for your enquiry. I was born in Ulverston Lancs. but spent several years in North Shields - due to my Dad having several Theatres in the Tyneside section, I also spent a few years in Glasgow Scotland.
Don't be too hard with your colleague, as I am partly claimed in both latter places.
If you will kindly send me your Son's name - I shall be pleased to send him an autographed picture of L&H.
Best wishes always,
Sincerely-
CHESFORD GRANGE HOTEL LETTERHEAD - Kenilworth, Warwickshire - HANDWRITTEN
9-8-52.
Hippodrome.
Coventry
Dear Stan [Anniston],
Thanks yours 7th.inst.
Note your thoughts re script & trust your expectations will be fully realised. Glad you recd. pictures OK. Had a very nice letter from "Granny." Please convey my thanks to her. Am sending you Photo under seperate cover tomorrow.
All for now & lots of luck & every good wish for Friday to Jack & self.
Love & best to Evelyn from all.
As ever-
ROYAL BEECH HOTEL LETTERHEAD - Blackpool, Lancashire - HANDWRITTEN
9-8-52.
Dear Mrs Willies,
Thanks for your kind invitation to lunch or tea, sorry it is not possible due to one or two previous engagements, plus our shows and preparing to leave for the states Oct.8th. We appreciate your kind thoughts and trust you will fully understand. If you would like to come and see the show one evening please let me know what venue and I will arrange for a couple of seats for you and have the pleasure of meeting you.
Every good wish always.
Sincerely-
BURFORD BRIDGE HOTEL LETTERHEAD - Boxhill, Nr. Dorking, Surrey - HANDWRITTEN
Aug. 29th.'52.
Dear Ed [Patterson]:-
Thanks yours 20th.inst. yes, I recd. yours at Southfort - Have been very busy hence delay in reply. We are leaving Oct. 5th "Elizabeth" so plenty of work attached getting affairs straightened out - Plus our Shows to do. Will write you fully later.
Mr Hardy has given me three pairs shoes to send you (size 12) which I will forward next week from Bristol.
All for now Ed. Trust alls well.
Much haste.
As ever:
MIDLAND HOTEL LETTERHEAD - Manchester - HANDWRITTEN EXCERPT
6-9-52.
Dear Mr. Bishop,
Pleased to note you rec'd. photo etc. Ok. Regards and best wishes.
Sincerely-
STAN LAUREL LETTERHEAD - 1111 Franklin Ave., Santa Monica, CA - HANDWRITTEN
Oct.27th.'52.
Dear Lorri & Jeanette-
Just a line - had lovely crossing on "Elizabeth" & arrived home (17th.inst.)
Sure glad to be back for a good rest & the warm weather. Want to thank you again for the beautiful picture - came through OK undamaged - am hanging it in the living room & will remain a happy memory of our pleasant tour with you. It certainly was a pleasure to meet & work with you all & we miss you & the laughs we used to have together. However, it's a small world & possible we will meet again.
Eda joins in kind thoughts & every good wish for continued success - Trust alls well & happy with you. Anytime you feel like it - shall always be pleased to hear from you.
Bye now & God bless.
As ever-
STAN LAUREL LETTERHEAD - 1111 Franklin Ave., Santa Monica, CA - HANDWRITTEN
Oct.28th.'52.
Dear Ed [Patterson]-
Thanks for your nice letter of the 6th, recd. appreciate your kind thoughts. Had a wonderful crossing over on the "Elizabeth" - smooth sea all the way. Stayed overnight in New York & headed home the 17th inst. Good to be back for a rest in the warm climate.
Billy Reeves didn't pass on till about 1933. Alf Reeves (his Brother) was our Co. manager & then was Chaplin's manager when he went into films. Alf also passed on a few years back.
My Dad Arthur Jefferson passed on in 1949, at the age of 95. I saw him last during my trip to England in '47. I understand Chaplin's picture was a terrific success - heard thru correspondence - not much about it on the film here.
Mr. Hardy sends his best to you & is happy to know you are enjoying the shoes. All for now Ed.
Every good wish always.
As ever-
PHOTOGRAPHED ON BOARD R.M.S. QUEEN ELIZABETH
STAN LAUREL LETTERHEAD - 1111 Franklin Ave., Santa Monica, CA - HANDWRITTEN
Nov.17th.'52.
Dear Betty [Healy]-
Finally got settled down. It's sure good to be home again to rest for a while after the hard trip. I played the record you sent me to England - got a big kick out of it - altho' surprised when Tonnage had the nerve to join in, after all the rotten things he said & did to me. However it was good to hear your voice & Wayne's nice wishes also Mrs. Martin's - she seems a nice girl. Thanks too for the Pictures - Thought you all looked well & happy. I was certainly surprised when you Phoned me just after I got back. It was good to talk to you again & hear all the news - glad to hear Wayne was feeling well & had got started in Bus. Hope he will have lots of success. You sounded in good spirits & like your old self.
We have been contacted again to play the SAHARA in Las Vegas, but don't think we could manage with our scenery etc. Stage isn't big enough - but may take a trip there & look it over. Anyway I don't intend to do anything till after New Year.
Well, all for now Betty. Best to Wayne & self.
As ever:-
STAN LAUREL LETTERHEAD - 1111 Franklin Ave., Santa Monica, CA - HANDWRITTEN
Nov.29th.'52.
Dear Betty [Healy]-
Thanks for your nice long letter. Am not at all surprised re your experience with Tonnage - especially as you were aware of his treatment in my dealings with him. I hope you have the letter from him, asking you to come to L.A. & put over a deal for him. If you have, hang on to it (including the envelope, which has a government stamp on it - which is very important) If he doesn't answer your letters re a thorough understanding as to your participation - should the deal go through, you should advise the Orsatti office of the situation & have them handle the matter. Too bad you didn't insist on an arrangement with him from the start - However, I think you should keep after it before it's too late.
Glad to hear Wayne has a new job & something he likes & also from a health standpoint. I went to las Vegas a week ago last Tuesday & came back next day. A quick trip to see the place & find out re size of stage etc. Too small & no facilities to hang scenery - so impossible for us to play there with this act. They want us to put on a new act - more suitable for night clubs where we wouldn't require a lot of scenery & props. Am not too enthusiastic about it - especially that type of audiences. Anyway, I can't be bothered right now. Just had an offer to go to the Malay States - Singapore - Hong Kong etc. & Japan & Bankok (Siam) which sounds interesting - but will have to do a pantomime act to avoid language difficulties. We have a terrific following in these places & they are anxious for us to open next March - we are checking now re getting Dollars out. Will let you know if anything develops.
Had Thanksgiving Dinner with Eda's Brother & family, nice time. Hope you enjoyed yours in Bakersfield.
All for now Betty. Best to Wayne & self.
As ever:-
 
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THE STAN LAUREL
CORRESPONDENCE ARCHIVE PROJECT
HOPES TO COLLECT AND CATALOG
LETTERS FROM STAN TO BETTER
UNDERSTAND HIS LIFE AND CELEBRATE
HIS COMEDIC GENIUS.
IF YOU HAVE AN ORIGINAL
LETTER FROM STAN OR HAVE A COPY
NOT INCLUDED IN THESE ARCHIVES,
PLEASE ADD A COPY OF YOUR LETTER
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