STAN LAUREL LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN

What did you think of the election? A great victory for the Democrats wasn’t it? Really a landslide. I hope its for the best and will prove good for everybody.

Stan Laurel

                November 6th.'58.
Dear Marie & Rickey [Capra]:
                Thanks your nice letter, Oct.29th.
Fully understand your delay in answering my last - I realize how busy you are.
    Pleased to tell you I am feeling pretty good & my jaw infection all cleared up.
    So sorry to note Marie that you are under Dr's care, I imagine this trouble in getting an accordian for those people has upset you very much - I think you are very foolish to bother with them - tell them to buy their own instrument & stop annoying you - I would'nt tolerate them for five minutes, especially when they take the attitude of treating you like you were a crook, after you went out of your way to help & save them money. Some people certainly have a lot of Gall.
    The trouble is I think Marie you are too kind hearted, & sacrifice yourself for others, its a lovely quality & very commendable, but it creates many pit-falls, unfortunately, many people do'nt understand kindness, & mistake GEBEROSITY for SIMPLICITY, & consequently take advantage if your good nature, or get the idea that you are just being nice & accommodating for your own selfish purpose. Do'nt worry about it, just forget it.
     Am happy to know you are keeping busy Rickey, that teaching business must be pretty hard work for you, & long hours too - anyway, I hope its profitable & you are getting good results.
    I was delighted to hear about Danny doing so well in school. am sure you must be very proud of him - please convey my congratulations to him.
    We had quite a heat wave here recently, in some sections the temperature reached 111, it was really a sizzler - can you imagine at this time of year?.
    All here as usual, so not much to tell you.
    What did you think of the election? a great victory for the Democrats was'nt it, really a landslide - I hope its for the best & will prove good for everybody.
    Mrs L. (Eda) joins in love & kind thoughts to you all & trust you are feeling better Marie - take care of yourself.
    Good luck & God Bless.
                As ever:
Stan Signature

Note from the Editor

The U.S. Senate election on November 4, 1958 occurred in the middle of President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s second term. The Democratic party took thirteen Republican seats, as well as winning both 1959 Senate elections in the new state of Alaska.



STAN LAUREL LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN

                November 12th.’58.
Dear Ernie [Murphy]:
                Thanks yours, 9th.inst.
Nice to hear from you again & to know alls well & happy. That must have been an interesting trip through Nova Scotia, certainly sounds to be beautiful country, but I imagine it was plenty cold especially for the beach bathing dept. anyway, hope you got your affairs straightened out. I guess your tour of the Hall of Records in Halifax was quite an interesting sight, especially the early records being in script - hope they did’nt resemble Ben Shipman’s hand writing, you would'nt know if you had acquired the right property or not.!
    You are probably glad to be back in Miami again after having been away for so long.
    It must have been quite an experience to meet your half relatives, never having seen them before, I guess it was a big event when you arrived & more wood was put in the stoves, no doubt they prepared the traditional 'Cup 'O Tea' & crunpets, to toast 'Uncle' Murphy from America.
    We had quite a heat wave here recently, the temperature reached 104 & in some sections 111, it was really a sizzler, even the breeze from the ocean was hot. Its back to normal again now & starting to get pretty cold & slight rain.
    Everything here as usual with us, we are both feeling pretty good & no complaints.
    Do you watch the Steve Allen show on TV Sunday evenings? he just wrote me - a couple of his comics are going to do an impersonation of L&H in one of his future shows - keep on the lookout for it, it should be interesting.
    Eda joins in love & best - take care of yourself.
    Bye & God Bless.
                As ever:
Stan Signature                 Stan Laurel.


STAN LAUREL LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN

‘Way Out West’ was among my favorites. It was a great audience picture.

Stan Laurel

                November 12th.'58.
Dear Earl [Shank, Jr.]:
                Thanks yours,5th.inst.
I was shocked to hear about your trouble with that local business man & being put in the position of having your license revoked, that must have certainly been very embarrasing.
    Now that you have been investigated & cleared of all charges, I think by all means you should start suit against this gentleman for the damage he has done to you & your business, & sue him for plenty, he ought to be made to pay you for all the humiliation he has caused you - I would'nt hesitate for one minute in bringing him into Court & clearing yourself to your customers & the Community - founder or no founder, he deserves to be taught a lesson, that was a lousey thing to do to you - I'd make him sutfer for it. These things really make me mad.
    Note the Landlord is hesitant in giving you a new lease, this 'Big Shot' business man has probably put the pressure on the landlord to try & get you out of there - I would'nt put it past him, I'd certainly check into that too.
    I can imagine how upsetting this has been for you Earl, I guess it will give you great incentive to move out to Arizona & get away from that narrow minded small town crowd.
    The L&H film you mention seeing on TV recently, was titled "Way Out West", glad you enjoyed it, that was among my favorites it was a great audience picture & was very popular in the theatres, on TV of course a great deal of it is lost, especially when only two or three persons are looking at it, a lot of the laughter is missing.
    Yes, Lou Costello is doing fine on his own, I saw him on "Wagon Train" a couple of weeks ago, playing a dramatic role, thought he was excellent in it, very convincing, I was pleasantly surprised & give him a lot of credit.
    Yes I knew John Barrymore, I met him first at some big dinner affair one evening, sat at the same table with him - he invited me to visit his yacht at Catalina Island, which I did, & had a wonderful time, it was a beautiful ship, I believe it was called "The Infanta" if I'm not mistaken, I imagine about 110 foot long. I was surprised to learn that he was quite an artist, he had several of his paintings hanging in the dining quarters & his private lounge aboard. Yes, he was quite a drinker Earl, was seldom fully sober, the bottle was his downfall unfortunately. I do'nt know what happened to Clive Brook, have'nt seen or heard of him for a long time or Glady's Cooper also, yes she's an English Actress. The Warners are all actually Brothers, I believe there were 4 or 5 of them at one time, but only a couple remain, I've known Jack now for many years, a very nice chap am happy to know he recovered from that auto accident in France, it was sure a close call, I too knew Harry & Sara in the early days when they were just starting in the business, they were all struggling along till sound came in & Al Jolson put them on the road to success in "The Jazz Singer", first sound film, it was a lucky 'Break' for them, now they are giants in the industry.
    I saw Art Carney in "Harvey" film, was very disappointed, he seemed very ill at ease in the role, was perspiring all the way through it, I felt kind of sorry for him frankly.
    I Just had a letter from Steve Allen, he told me that a couple of his comics are going to do a L&H skit one one of his future shows, hope you'll get a chance to see it, it should be very interesting. He said he would let me know the exact date later, the comic thats Impersonating me is a Tom Poston, & a Chuck McCann is doing Babe - I hope it will prove successful for them.
    Think thats about all for now Earl. Take care of yourself.
    Mrs L.joins in all the best to Mrs S. self & Cindy.
    Good luck & God Bless.
                As ever:
Stan Signature

Note from the Editor

Two years after Abbott and Costello broke up, Lou Costello (1906-1959) got a chance to prove he could be a dramatic actor and guest starred as Tobias Jones, who stows away in a wagon with a young orphan in an episode of NBC’c Wagon Train that aired on October 22, 1958.

On October 31, 1958, Steve Allen wrote a letter to Stan saying, “Tom Poston of our show is one of the younger group of comedians who was a great fan of yours and influenced to some extent by you. As a matter of fact he does a very good imitation of you which we are planning to have him do on the program in a few weeks. There is another chap here in town named Chuck McCann who does Oliver very well and we are going to have Tom and Chuck do a Laurel and Hardy sketch on the show. I’ll be sure to let you know the exact date as I believe you will get a kick out of it.”



STAN LAUREL LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN

                November 12th.'58.
Dear Lillie Wray:
    Thank you for your interesting letter of Oct.26th. with enclosure of your 'returned' letter from the Postal Dept.
    It is certainly strange that your first letter was'nt delivered to me, especially that I recd. the paper which bore the same address: Hollywood.Calif. I really can't understand it, as I get many letters from all over the World in the same manner - probably some postal employee did'nt bother to check my proper address & just marked it unknown to save himself the trouble.
    The paper evidently contained your name & address on the wrapper, or inside, otherwise I would have never known who sent it & would have been unable to acknowledge it - anyway am glad the matter is cleared up.
    Interesting to hear that Marsden has now developed into a Town, they are certainly making great progress in modernizing 'Canny And Shields', I can imagine the changes that have been made since I last visited there - even to a new 'Wooden Dolly' in Northumberland Square.
    I remember staying at the Grand Hotel in Tynemouth in '52. we spent a miserable two weeks there, the place was so dilapidated & run down & most uncomfortable - was happy to leave the place. I would'nt have stayed there one night if we could have found other accommodations, we expected to stay at the Railway Hotel in Newcastle, but unable to get reservations.
    I was terribly sorry to know the sad news of your Mother & your husband - my belated deep sympathy.
    Thanks again for your nice letter Lillie, am glad you found my proper address - hope I shall have the pleasure of hearing from you again sometime.
    Its a bit early yet, but I take this opportunity to wish you a very Merry Xmas & a Happy New Year, lots of good health & happiness always.
    Take care of yourself 'Hinney'
                Sincerely always:
Stan Laurel Signature                 Stan Laurel.

PS. Enclosed some stamps for your friend.


STAN LAUREL LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN

Yes, I’ve been to Grauman’s Chinese theatre many times. Babe and I also appeared in an act on the stage there one night. The reason we didn’t sign our names in cement was, we were never asked. They probably saw our act!

Stan Laurel

                November 18th.'58.
Dear Lee [McNutt]:
    Thanks your letter, glad to know you enjoyed your visit, it was nice to see you again.
    Note you couldn't find the article of the interview, so am enclosing a copy of it, that Mr Rick DuBrow sent me, (the Correspondent you met.)
    Yes it was sad about Tyrone Power - so young too, I was very sorry to hear of it. Strange to say, his father died the same way during the making of a film.
    I really do'nt know who's idea it was to make a film on the career of L&H, I read rumours of it in the papers several times, but nothing materialized as far as I know.
    Yes, I've been to Grauman's Chinese theatre many times, Babe & I also appeared in an act on the stage there one night, the reason we did'nt sign our names in cement was, we were never asked - (they probably saw our act.!!)
    We wore many hats during our career, the same style of course, they were specially made for us, so they would always look the same, the Hatter made a special mould for them.
    All for now Lee. Take care of yourself.
    Good luck.
                As ever:
Stan Laurel Signature

Note from the Editor

Tyrone Power, an American film actor who appeared in dozens of films from the 1930s to the 1950s including The Mark of Zorro, died on November 15, 1958, three days before Stan wrote this letter.



STAN LAUREL LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN

Yes, this dust ‘fallout’ from the bomb business is really a serious matter—certainly dangerous to everybody. Am afraid it’s going to cause a lot of ill health as time goes on. A terrible thing.

Stan Laurel

                November 20th.'58.
My Dear Ed [Patterson]:
                Thanks yours 14th.inst.
Sorry long delay in writing you, but the fact is, I too have been very ill for several months - I had a malignant infection in my lower jaw & had to have Ex-ray treatments 4 times a week, it was very serious, if the treatment had failed I would have had to be operated on, & one side of my jaw removed - you can imagine how worried I was & certainly was'nt in the mood to correspond with anyone. I trust you will fully understand the reason of my silence.
    However am happy to say the treatments proved successful, & the dreaded infection finally disappeared, Thank God, but believe me I went through hell with the pain of it, it really panicked me.
    Sorry to hear you too have been having a rough [time] but hope by now you are coming along OK & having some relief, these long illnesses are certainly discouraging - people who enjoy normal health do'nt realize how fortunate they are that's the greatest gift man can have - money & success do'nt mean a thing - all the money in the world can't buy good health or insure happiness.
    Sorry to hear you had bad weather this year, the climate has sure changed in the last few years, its the same all over the World I guess. I know California is not the same as I first remembered it, its hard to believe.
    Yes, this dust 'Fallout' from the bomb business is really a serious matter - certainly dangerous to everybody, am afraid its going to cause a lot of ill health as time goes on - a terrible thing.
    I read about the Command show at the Coliseum, was glad to know it was so successful financially - that was wonderful to take in $24,000.
    Not much tell you Ed, so will close.
    Mrs L. joins in kindest regards & every good wish for a Merry Xmas & a happy New Year. Take care of yourself.
    Bye & God Bless.
                As ever:
Stan Signature

Note from the Editor

On November 7 , 1957, The Gaither Report—an official U.S. government evaluation of the measures in place to protect the civilian populations in case of nuclear attack and its aftermath—called for more American fallout shelters.



STAN LAUREL LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN

                November 25th.'58.
My Dear Trixie [Wyatt]:
    Thanks dear for the lovely card, we appreciated your sweet thought. We too wish you a Very Merry Xmas & a Happy New Year, lots of good health & happiness in '59.
    Our love & fond thoughts always.
    Good luck & God Bless.
                Affectionately::
Stan Signature                 xxxxxx.


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

                Nov.25th.'58.
Dear Mrs [Marie] Hatfield:
                Many thanks for the nice card.
Appreciated very much your sweet thought & kind remembrance.
    We too wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving, but go easy on the Turkey dept., remember, its good 'Cold' too.
    Have a nice time,
    Good luck & God Bless.
                Sincerely:
Stan Laurel Signature                 Stan Laurel.


Courageous Comeback

By Rick DuBrow

Sad-faced Stan Laurel, the skinny half of the old Laurel and Hardy comedy team, is smiling more these days after a courageous comeback battle against a paralytic stroke.
    Now able to walk almost normally, the 68-year-old entertainer makes light of the stroke that immobilized his entire left side three years ago and ended his career.
    “With all the letters that poured in after the sob stories about me, you’d think I was dying or something,” he said in the living room of his modern beach-side apartment In Santa Monica.
    “One little girl sent me a dollar. She probably thought I was starving. I sent her back $2. She made a good investment.”
    The big-eared, British-born comedian said that although he is back on his feet, he will not try to resume his career. His partner, Oliver Hardy, who was the outraged fat man of the team, died last year as the result of a paralytic stroke.
    The gray-haired Laurel said: “I’ve had many requests to appear on television shows. Steve Allen contacted me, but it’s just not in the cards. A couple of years ago, after Ollie and I had our strokes, Mike Todd asked us to appear in Around the World in Eighty Days. But the doctors said no.
    “Frankly, it would be too much of a physical strain now. I’m not rich by any means, but I can get by with the little annuity I provided for myself.”
“First,” be said, “we never got a nickel out of TV for them because they were all pre-1948. But worst of all, they're so cut up and full of commercials that I can’t stand watching them.”

—United Press International
    November 23, 1958

Stan Watermark