NO LETTERHEAD - 25406 Malibu Rd., Malibu, CA - TYPEWRITTEN

We generally eat out two or three times a week and don’t pick out any fancy restaurants.

Stan Laurel

                May 5th.'58.
Dear Earl [Shank, Jr.]:
                Thanks yours of April 30th.
Very interesting to read the description of your trip to Phoenix, the climate must have made a great impression, after having been just a few hours away from the cold atmosphere of Pittsburg - I imagine you hated to leave.
    Well, it looks like you're definitely sold on Arizona - I sincerely hope your plans will work out & will give you the opportunity to get located out here.
    Note how reasonable the prices are in Phoenix, I could'nt get over being able to get a meal for $1.25. - you can't find anything like that in Calif, you pay around that much for a thin hamburger sandwich & a cup of coffee, & only one cup at that. (they cut the hamburger with an electric razor!)
    We generally eat out two or three times a week & do'nt pick out any fancy restaurants & the check is never under 6 to seven Dollars (2) plus a 50¢ tip, just for a main dish & coffee, we seldom eat soup or desert which is extra charge. The food is mediocre & would'nt be good at half the price.
    Thats wonderful that you got the State Board OK - congratulations.
    I sure got a big kick re 'Cindy' bopping that kid, I can imagine the look on the Mother's face, seeing her strong healthy boy sitting on his fanny - very funny.
    I met Wally Beery a couple of times, but do'nt know too much about his personality off screen, I always admired his work, he gave some wonderful performances during his career.
    Yes, I saw Jack Benny on the 'Emmy" awards show, I was pleased he got an award, think he is worthy after all these years of entertaining, he is still a great artiste, but over exposure & weak material has made him a bit shop-worn.
    There are two new comics now on the Ed Sullivan show I thought are very good, & have great possibilities, they come from Canada, & are going to be on this show for several weeks. I did'nt get their names, but I think you will enjoy seeing them, I was quite impressed.
    Am feeling about the same Earl, but Mrs L has'nt been too well, she is at present having a full check-up, tests Exray's etc. to try & locate the trouble. She gets very nervous & worries a great deal.
    The slide area on the Coast Highway is still closed & will be for a long time yet. We have to detour to get to Santa Monica via Sunset Blvd. takes about 30 minutes more driving time, due to the heavy congestion of traffic, its a bumper to bumper situation. Anyway, we shall soon be back in S.M. & will avoid this trouble & inconvenience.
    Think I told you our tenants had leased our house for another year & are anxious to buy the place - as long as I can keep renting it, think I'm better off to hold on to it, even tho' my tax amounts to over $600. a year, plus necessary repair bills on the property.
    I think the A.S.C. title is the cameramens union, 'American Society of Cameramen', am not sure about the A.C.E., whether it has anything to do as a mark of distinction or not, have never really paid much attention to to these titles, maybe the A.C.E. is the film cutters organization - I'll find out & let you know.
    I guess there'll be lots of excitement when 'Ike' visits the Local College - they'll probably present him with a Gold Golf Ball.! he'd get a big kick out of that.
    All for now Earl. Take care of yourself.
    Regards & best to you all.
    Good luck & God Bless.
                Sincerely always:-
Stan Signature                 Stan Laurel.

Note from the Editor

Wallace Beery (1885-1949) was an American film actor best known for his portrayal of Long John Silver in Treasure Island (1934), and his role in The Champ (1931), for which he won the Academy Award for Best Actor.

Jack Benny (1894-1974) won an Emmy in the category of “Best Continuing Performance (Male) in a Series by a Comedian, Singer, Host, Dancer, M.C., Announcer, Narrator, Panelist, or any Person who Essentially Plays Himself” at the 10th Primetime Emmy Awards held on April 15, 1958 at the Coconut Grove in Hollywood, California.

A.S.C. stands for American Society of Cinematographers. A.C.E. stands for American Cinema Editors.




THE KRAPP HOUSE LETTERHEAD - TYPEWRITTEN

                MALIBU.CALIF.
                May.5th.'58.

Dear Booth [Colman]:
    Above is our new address - moving in on June 25th.
    Hope to see you then.
                As ever:-
Stan Signature

Note from the Editor

Stan wrote this letter to good friend and fellow actor Booth Colman on a sheet of humorous “KRAPP HOUSE” stationery. The letterhead noted: “Your comfort is our business—and business is lousy.” It was mailed in an envelope imprinted: “THE SONOVA HOTEL—On Lovely Sonova Beach.”



NO LETTERHEAD - 25406 Malibu Rd., Malibu, CA - TYPEWRITTEN

                May 8th.'58.
Dear Wayne [Capra]:-
    Thank you for your kind letter - as I told Danny, am pleased to know you have fully recovered from the Flue attack, am sure you are happy to be UP & AROUND again - congratulations.
    I was delighted hearing of your success in the School appearance, & the Principal wanting you to figure out some more routunes for the next show in June - I can imagine how excited you both are, figuring out new material, which of course will have to be an improvement over your last Skit from you each time you appear, so be sure & try to make this new skit as funny as your first one - wish you lots of good luck & continued success in your efforts.
    "Way Out West" was a cute film in its original length, but so much of it has been cut out in the TV version, it is'nt too good anymore, a lot of the funny routines are missing.
    Not much to tell you Wayne, so all for now. Please give my love & best to your Mom, Dad, Danny & self.
    Bye & God Bless.
                Sincerely:-
Stan Laurel Signature                 Stan Laurel.


NO LETTERHEAD - 25406 Malibu Rd., Malibu, CA - TYPEWRITTEN

                May 8th.'58.
Dear Friends [Longtin Bros.]:-
    Just a line to thank you for your courtesy in permitting my friend Mr Philip Nesbit to make a tape recording of the sound track of the "Golden Age of Comedy" film.
    I deeply appreciate your gracious gesture, it was certainly kind of you. The picture played the Warner Theatre in Beverly Hills a short while ago, but due to my ill health I was unable to see it, so you can imagine how delighted I was to at least listen to the Tape - enjoyed it very much, brought back many happy memories.
    Again my very sincere thanks for your kindness.
    Trust alls well & happy with you & business good.
    My kindest regards & best always,
                Sincerely:-
Stan Laurel Signature                 Stan Laurel.

PS. Whilst running this tape, a friend of mine called on the phone, I told him I was playing the sound track from a SILENT Picture - He thinks I've gone NUTS.!!


NO LETTERHEAD - 25406 Malibu Rd., Malibu, CA - TYPEWRITTEN

                May 10th.'58.
Dear Charles [Shapiro]:-
                Thanks your letter,5th.inst.
Pleased to know the old L&H films are giving you so much pleasure & enjoyment. Not much to tell you about myself Charles, except that due to a Stroke about 3 years ago I am not able to work anymore so I was forced to retire. Anyway I am getting along Ok, am getting around pretty good & manage to keep busy, writing letters, watching TV. etc. Now that Mr Hardy passed on I would'nt want to work anyway - I sure miss him after the many years of Happy association.
    Glad to know you recd. the little picture - am sending one enclosed for your friend Irwin Orenstein, please give it to him with my best wishes.
    Bye Charles.
    Good luck & God Bless.
                Sincerely:-
Stan Laurel Signature                 Stan Laurel.


NO LETTERHEAD - 25406 Malibu Rd., Malibu, CA - TYPEWRITTEN

                May 19th.'58
Dear Mrs Short:
    Thank you for your interesting letter of the 12th.inst. with enclosure of news clippings. The new Power Station is quite a big project, & should provide a lot of employment around Bedlington & bring prosperity into the neighborhood - its wonderful to see a little community starting to improve & grow up.
    I note the Theatre Royal Blyth is trying legitimate shows again in place of films, I imagine they should do very well if the shows have any merit - I think the people like a change in entertainment.
    Sorry to hear the weather is still bad, its beautiful here, warm & sunny again.
    Not much to tell you, except we are busy looking around for another apartment, our lease expires June 25th. hoping to find a place in Santa Monica so we can be closer to our few friends. This place is very nice but a bit isolated for us as we like to have company. As soon as I know the new address, will send it on to you.
    I understand the new 'Wooden Dolly' is to be unveiled soon in North Shields as soon as they decide on a good site - a friend of mine who lives in Stocksfield sent me a news picture of it, the wood carvers did a wonderful job, I believe it cost over £200, - pretty reasonable for that kind of work.
    Well, all for now. Enjoyed hearing from you again. Mrs L. joins in Kindest regards & every good wish to Mr Short & self - take care of yourself Hinney.
    Good luck & God Bless.
                Sincerely always:
Stan Laurel Signature

NO LETTERHEAD - 25406 Malibu Rd., Malibu, CA - TYPEWRITTEN

We finally decided on an apartment in Santa Monica and will move in there June 15th. It’s an expensive joint, but we got a pretty good deal for a year’s lease.

Stan Laurel

                May 20th.'58.
Dear Ernie [Murphy]:
                Thanks yours 18th.inst.
Strange that you should mention Frank Fouce, I had'nt seen or heard of him for a couple of years & out of a clear sky, he called me last Sunday & he & Anna came out to see us. Yes Frank is doing very well, besides his theatres in Town here he holds quite an interest in the Mexican area of TV & Radio, also in South America, Argentina etc. He too operates a small TV station in San Diego covering Lower Calif. - really in the CHIPS. Frank looks well & prosperous & has put on a lot of avoirdupois (that's French, meaning BIG BELLY.!). I expect to see him again soon so will give him your message. The "Robinsons" film you mention that played in Mexico City was the one we made in France in '50. - "Atoll K" was the title in Europe & in England was called "Robinson Crusoeland", over here it was again changed to "Utopia". Am glad you never saw it, it really was lousey.
    The "Twin Brothers" you saw in Paris was a new name for "Our Relations", you remember we were making it when 'Uncle' Jeff was over here - Harry Lachman directed. Incidentally, I heard from Harry once in awhile, he's over in Europe making paintings in the different Countries. I guess you knew he had several hanging in the Louvre in Paris & was decorated in Honor Ribbons - directing was just a side hobby with him - more artistic in films than commercial, he used to design all his own sets.
    I got a kick re the Italian Boy in De Funiak Springs - very cute, am glad you sent him a picture of L&H (was it autographed?) if not, I shall be pleased to send him one mentioning the Spaghetti business.
    Note you were leaving to straighten out matter in Nova Scotia. hope you have a nice trip - should be interesting to see the property.
    We finally decided on an apt. in Santa Monica & will move in there June 15th. The address is:- 849 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica ("The Oceana Hotel") its an expensive joint, but we got a pretty good deal for a years lease - the place is brand new & faces the ocean (about 3 blocks North of Wilshire) you probably know the location. The apt. contains large living room, Dinette, modern kitchen, bedroom & two bathrooms (One is private in bedroom). Swimming pool in the Court, two elevators from garage to all floors. Utilities are included - Gas, Electric & Water, also a 21 in. new Philco TV in each apt. so think we shall be very happy there.
    Hope we shall be seeing you sometime. Eda joins in love & best. Take care of yourself.
    Good luck & God Bless.
                As ever:-
Stan Signature

OCEANA APARTMENTS SWIMMING POOL
The Pool at the Oceana


Letter from Stan Laurel to Glenn Laxton
NO LETTERHEAD - 25406 Malibu Rd., Malibu, CA - TYPEWRITTEN

                May 22nd.'58.
Dear Glenn [Laxton]:-
                Thanks yours 16th.inst.
Pleased to know you are enjoying the old L&H films every AM, only too bad you have to get up a half hour earlier – thats pretty inconvenient being run so early in the day.
    You mention you would like to purchase some of the films. I had a catalogue with list of our SHORT films sent to me recently which may be of interest to you, so am enclosing it herewith, hope it will be of some use to you.
    Thanks for your kind wish that I would return to show business. Am afraid my acting days are over – after 50 years in the profession I think I've had my share, & since my dear partner is not with me, I have no desire to continue – he could never be replaced.
    Interesting to know you are a member of the 'Community Players', also your idea of doing a slapstick comedy with characters a la L&H, it sounds very good – if I can be of help in any way in making suggestions please don't hesitate to call on me, it would give me pleasure to be of some assistance. A couple of months ago, I had a letter from the director of the Dramatic Arts Division of the Inglewood High School which is located near here, he told me they had produced a Revue type show featuring the characters of L&H & was quite a big success, it was titled "Around the World in a Daze", the idea was a tourist trip to various Countries, he said the two boys impersonating L&H were really excellent & are now working on another show for the next Annual Gala Performance.
    Note you have some pictures of yourself imitating me, I would like very much to see them – you should look around & try & find a Chubby partner – I correspond with several boys who impersonate us, two of them make home movie comedies (16mm sound film) & have sent them for me to look at, & they are really very good – they live in Shorthills, N.J.
    I am moving from here on June 15th. so my new address will be:-
    The Oceana Hotel, 849, Ocean Ave. Santa Monica. Calif. (Apt. 203).
    All for now Glenn, it was nice to hear from you again.
    My regards & best wishes always.
                Sincerely:-
Stan Laurel Signature                 Stan Laurel.


NO LETTERHEAD - 25406 Malibu Rd., Malibu, CA - TYPEWRITTEN

Glad you got a few laughs out of ‘Blockheads’—we had a lot of fun making that.

Stan Laurel

                May 23th.'58.
Dear Mrs [Marie] Hatfield:-
                Thanks your welcome letter 16th.inst.
So sorry to hear of your Mother's accident, sincerely hope its not too serious & wo'nt suffer any permanent injury. Thats certainly unfortunate, trust by now she is on the mend.
    Too bad you had to miss your vacation to L.A. can imagine your disappointment only being able to visit Monterey & Modesto for just one day.
    Pleased to know L&H are back on the air again - glad you got a few laughs out of "Blockheads", we had a lot of fun making that. It was originally a 90 minute film, so a lot of it was missing in the One hour showing which included the commercials - some of them have been on TV here at midnight, but we are unable to get the channel in this location - anyway, it won't be long now before we can get all Stations. We are moving from here on June 15th. & our new address will be Oceana Hotel, 849, Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica. (Apt 203)
    This is a brand new building & our Apt. faces the Bay - really a nice place, the elevators run right to the Garage, so no steps to climb, am very pleased about that.
    A month or so ago, I had a little infection on my lower jaw, the Dr said it was caused by irritation of my denture. I had a minor operation, had to cut out some skin to make a malignancy test - thank goodness just heard today there was no trace. It had me worried for about a week waiting for the result. I have to take a series of Xray treatments to clear it up. Some people get the same sore spot on their lip & its difficult to heal & Xray is the only cure.
    The operation I had sounds terrible, but believe me I didn't feel a thing, even after the local anesthetic wore off. Its amazing the advancement in surgery these days, they can cut you to pieces & you do'nt even have to take your hat off.!
    I hope the "Golden Age of Comedy" film will be playing in your neighborhood, think you would enjoy seeing some of our silent films that have never been shown on TV.
    All for now. Mrs L. joins in kindest regards to Bob & self.
                Sincerely always:-
Stan Laurel Signature

NO LETTERHEAD - 25406 Malibu Rd., Malibu, CA - TYPEWRITTEN

                (Apt.203)
                849,Ocean Ave.
                SANTA MONICA.CALIF.
                May 27th.'58.

Dear Earl [Shank, Jr.]:
    Above is our new address after June 15th.
    Its a brand new Hotel & our Apt. faces the Bay so we still have our view of the Sea. The elevators run from the Garage to each floor, which is wonderful for me - no steps to climb.
    Am now taking a series of Xray treatments - have a sore spot on my lower Jaw (inside) caused by irritation of my denture, it showed a low infection so my Dr. made an operation, took a piece of the skin to have malignancy test made, understand there was no trace of anything like that - had me a bit worried for about a week. Anyway hope the Xray business will clear it up, have had 4 treatments to date. I have no pain at all, but it bothers me when I eat, just uncomfortable.
    Well, will soon be in the throes of moving again, shall be glad when that business is over - am looking forward to being able to see some good TV reception, the Hotel provides a new 21inch Philco in each apt. which is pretty good deal as I was intending to buy one. I can use my portable now in the kitchen or bedroom - no more arguments now, we can both see what we want. Bye Earl, trust alls well with you.
    Regards & best to you all.
                As ever:-
Stan Signature

NO LETTERHEAD - 25406 Malibu Rd., Malibu, CA - TYPEWRITTEN EXCERPT

Mr. Hardy was born in Millidgeville, Georgia, but raised in Atlanta. His folks had a hotel there.

Stan Laurel

                849 Ocean Ave.,
                SANTA MONICA.CALIF.
                May 29th.'58.

Dear Charles [Shapiro]:-
    Thanks your letter just recd. with enclosure of clips out of the Almanac - they were mistaken about my age, I was born in 1890, not '95. also Mr Hardy was born in Millidgeville Ga. but raised in Atlanta, his folks had a hotel there.
    I would like very much to have one of those statue's of L&H, if you will let me know what they cost I will remit you the amount - please be sure they are packed good so they wo'nt get damaged, the postal dept. is pretty rough on packages & throw them around, even if marked Fragile or With Care.
    Am moving from here on June 15th. the new address will be:- Oceana Hotel, 849,Ocean Ave. Santa Monica.Calif.
    All for now Charles.
    In haste.
                Sincerely:-
Stan Laurel Signature                 Stan Laurel.


Letter from Stan Laurel to Marie Hatfield
NO LETTERHEAD - 25406 Malibu Rd., Malibu, CA - TYPEWRITTEN

Am now taking a series of Xray treatments. Have a sore spot inside my lower jaw, which had a little infection.

Stan Laurel

                May 30th.'58.
Dear Mrs [Marie] Hatfield:-
    Many thanks for returning the letter I sent by mistake - am afraid the one intended for you did'nt go to ny friend Michael, as he lives in Los Angeles & would have returned it by now, as a matter of fact, I think I sent it to a party back East so am hoping it will be sent back so I can send it on to you.
    Do'nt know how I got so mixed up, trouble is, I am in the habit of addressing all the envelopes at one time - anyway, I shall certainly be more careful next time.
    Well, we finally found a place to live, we move June 15th. The address is:- Oceana Hotel,849,Ocean Ave. Santa Monica. Calif. Our apt. faces the Bay so we still have our view of the Sea. Its a brand new Hotel & of course very modern - swimming pool etc. & the elevators run from the Garage. Wonderful for me, no steps to climb ("Look Ma - No Cavities") The rooms are attractively furnished & include a new 21 inch Philco TV. Needless to tell you we are very happy about this - now I can use my portable set in the kitchen or bedroom, so no more arguments about who wants to see what at the same time. The reception is very good on all 7 channels - what a relief.
    Am now taking a series of Xray treatments - have a sore spot inside my lower jaw which had a little infection. My Dr cut out a piece of the skin to have it tested for malignancy - thank goodness there was no trace. It had me worried for about a week - thats all I'd need right now. The Dr says these treatments will clear it up. Its not painful - only bothers me a bit when I eat.
    Well thats the only excitement I have to tell you about.
    Regards & best to Bob & self from us both here.
                Sincerely:-
Stan Laurel Signature

POSTCARD - TYPEWRITTEN

                May 31st.'58.
Notice of change of address. After June 15th.'58.
    Stan Laurel
      Oceana Hotel
        849 Ocean Ave.,
          SANTA MONICA.CALIF.
Will advise later new Phone number.
                Thank you.
Stan Laurel Signature

Stan Watermark