1959 Letters
STAN LAUREL LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN EXCERPT
I doubt if Morros was ever a ‘Commie’—not to my knowledge anyway. However, he was a counter-spy for the F.B.I.
July 1st.'59.
Dear Ernie [Murphy]:
RE Boris Morros, I don't think he had any connections with the trouble that Roach Jr. was in - it was the Scranton Corpn. a manufacturing outfit - probably making 'Black-Jacks,' they evidently tested one on young Hal & it worked perfectly - during his coma they purloined the Studio. Its sure a weird situation. I doubt if Morros was ever a 'Commie' - not to my knowledge anyway, however he was a counter-spy for the F.B.I. & his film activities was his cover up in Russia - I met him in Paris in 1950, he told me he was selling & buying films behind the Iron Curtain. I understand he is now writing a book on his experiences.
Eda joins in love & best & lots of luck. Take care of yourself - let me know your new address when you get settled.
Bye Ernie - God Bless.
As ever:
Note from the Editor
Independent film maker Boris Morros (who produced Laurel and Hardy’s The Flying Deuces for RKO in 1939) was a member of the KGB working as a double agent for the U.S. in the ’40s and ’50s. Morros’ book, “My Ten Years as a Counter-Spy,” was published in 1959.
RUBBER STAMP - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
I can’t stick this ‘Rock & Roll’ business. It’s moronic to me.
July 2nd.'59.
Dear Earl [Shank, Jr.]:
Thanks your welcome letter of June 25th.
No, Steve Allen has'nt contacted me as yet, in fact I do'nt think he arrived in Town yet, but I doubt I shall be hearing from him till he gets his new show started off - I understand too he bought a big home out here, so will probably be busy getting the place fixed up as I think he intends to live here permanently - anyway, I'll give him plenty of time to get in touch with me & if nothing happens, I have a similar offer for a L&H series who are anxious to make a deal with us in connection with N.B.C.
I too am glad the Stooges have made a good come-back - they deserve this 'Break'.
That Landlord of yours must be a character - too had you can't give him the 'Air' & tell what to do with his lease - thats awful having to contend with a guy like that.
Glad to note Kathy is doing so well & no trouble with her, I guess Cindy by now is'nt too much trouble either, does'nt require so much attention. I got a big kick re her calling me 'Uncle Stannie' - that cute - give her my love.
No, the Apt. is'nt air conditioned, it is'nt necessary as we are facing the Ocean & we do'nt get the sun on that side till after noon, so its always pleasant & cool in the summer - I just signed another year's lease, but they took advantage, being the start of the tourist season they raised my rent $25. This is one of the choice Apts. & they get $350. per month during the summer & transients pay $24. per day for it. I hate to have to pay this extra amount, but am very happy here & did'nt want the trouble of looking for a cheaper place & the great effort in moving, so decided to accept the raise in price, its a bit rough on me financially being unable to supplement my income, but am able to manage & am in hopes something will materialize with the book & L&H series & bring me in a few bucks. That new record you've got sounds interesting - have'nt heard a good old fashioned German Band in years, what a wonderful happy era that was. I can't stick this 'Rock & Roll' business, its moronic to me.
Thanks Earl for your kind suggestion re Vitamins - I have a bottle of 'Unicaps', but frankly they do'nt seem to help much, have been taking them about a month now - I do'nt have much faith in them I guess - they may have good effect in some cases - maybe they do for me - I would'nt know.
The Russian Ballet people are closely guarded & are not allowed to mix with others than their own - they are taken to stores & sightseeing in small groups with Interpreters & Russian security officers. They all live in the same Hotel. Must be be weird to see a Country under these circumstances, not being allowed to mix or talk with anybody & under surveillance of their own guards all the time.
I would'nt be much interesting in making a trip like that. Yes, this Berlin situation is a mess alright, its hard to tell what the outcome will be, God forbid any war over it, that would be the end of us all I'm afraid - the greatest disaster of all time.
I hear from Walter Eccles quite frequently - they are a wonderful family - very sincere folks, their kind are few & far between these days, I admire them very much, they are loyal & true friends.
All for now Earl. I imagine business is slow due to the school vacation, but I guess this happens each year so its not unexpected.
Mrs L. joins in regards & best to you all & we too hope to have the pleasure of meeting you some day in the near future.
Good luck & God Bless.
As ever:
Stan Laurel.
STAN LAUREL LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
I still admire Chaplin’s great talent. There’ll never be another to equal him.
July 3rd.'59.
My Dear Fred [Karno, Jr.]:
Thanks yours of June 26th.
Nice to hear from you again & to know alls going well with you in the business dept. Thats a pretty stiff rent £300. its amazing how you manage to get by with this heavy overhead, that seems a lot of dough for One 'Pitch' - fortunately you're having good weather this year, I imagine that helps a lot.
Sorry to hear Olive is'nt feeling too good - she's got to take it easy with that heart trouble, no matter how slight it is, its a dangerous ailment & should be attended to - hope she's taking good care of herself & getting plenty of rest.
Thanks for the compliment that I look like a Juvenile Lead - wish I felt like that - I feel I'm in a class with old Charlie Griffith, 'Whimmy' Walker & old George Farnley - what characters they were! we do'nt see those type of personalities anymore, what funny comics they were - remember when we played 'Skating' (Farnley could never skate) before we went on he used to say 'Now, not too boisterous Boy' I can't walk with these bloody wheels on me plates, if you knock me down you'll bloodywell 'ave to drag me orf - so'elp I'll never be able to get up again.!
Incidently Fred, did you ever think of contacting B.B.C. & the other TV stations with the idea of producing a series of the old shows 'Mumming Birds' etc. 'Majesty's Guests' 'Saturday to Monday', seems to me they would be very interested - its just a thought & may be worth while checking - you told me you had all the scripts of these shows, so it would be an easy matter to bring them up-to-date for the new generation & could be quite profitable to you.
I did'nt know you had a little Step-daughter - you told me about Michael & that he worked in a bank, so this was quite a surprise to me - you're really a Family Man - that quite a responsibility having to provide for them during this high cost of living.
Interesting to note you did a broadcast on Chaplin's birthday - was it TV or Radio?. Too bad he had to get mixed up & ruin his wonderful career - I still admire his great talent, there'll never be another to equal him, he's still 'TOPS' with me. Enjoyed so much hearing from you - lets have an encore soon.
Mrs L. joins in every good wish to you all, lots of success, good health & Happiness.
Good luck & God Bless.
Your old 'China'.
PS. Did you know that Con West died recently? His daughter wrote & told me about it - she was in South Africa at the time & had to Fly back for the funeral. I understand he used to write material for your Dad, so I guess you knew him very well. I just had a letter from Jimmy Beresford in London - another character!!.
STAN LAUREL LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN EXCERPT
July 10th.'59.
Dear Ernie [Murphy]:
RE Boris Morros, I do'nt think he had any connections with the trouble that Roach Jr. was in - it was the Scranton Corpn. a manufacturing outfit - probably making 'Black-Jacks,' they evidently tested one on youg Hal & it worked perfectly - during his coma they purloined the Studio. Its sure a weird situation. I doubt if Morros was ever a 'Commie' - not to my knowledge anyway, however he was a counter-spy for the F.B.I. & his film activities was his cover up in Russia - I met him in Paris in 1950, he told me he was selling & buying films behind the Iron Curtain. I understand he is now writing a book on his experiences.
Eda joins in love & best & lots of luck. Take care of yourself - let me know your new address when you get settled.
Bye Ernie - God Bless.
As ever:
Note from the Editor
Boris Morros (1891-1963) was an American Communist Party member, Soviet agent, and FBI double agent. He also worked at Paramount Pictures, where he produced films as well as supervised their music department. His movie production credits include The Flying Deuces (1939) with Laurel and Hardy. His book, My Ten Years as a Counter-Spy, was published in 1959.
STAN LAUREL LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
July 14th'59.
Dear Rick & Marie [Capra]:
Thanks yours,10th.inst. enclosed with the Tape recording which arrived Saturday evening (11th.). We were playing cards with some friends, so dld'nt run the Tape till Sunday AM. It was wonderful to hear you all again & really enjoyed every inch of it - your affectionate sentiments were very touching, so beautifully expressed by you all - wish I could find words to convey my sincere appreciation for the pleasure you afforded us, it was delightful entertainment.
Eda was especially thrilled with your rendition of 'Ida', got a big kick out it - liked the melody of "My Marie" number very much, but was played to loud to hear the Lyrics, so were'nt too clear unfortunately.
I was amazed to hear the description of all the hook-ups you have Rick, loud speakers, Hi-Fi, etc. it sounds terrific, & such a large projection screen, thats marvelous, you have enough equipment to open a regular broadcasting station & Two Tape recorders yet.! That was a wonderful buy incidently, do'nt blame you for taking advantage of a bargain like that.
Am having a tape made for you of that act Hardy & I did in England, will forward it to you as soon as its finished - due to you only being able to hear it, I will have to send you a written synopsis & explain the setting & things we are doing in pantomime, it will make it easier for you to understand what going on when we are not speaking & the audience are laughing.
I would like to make a personal Tape for you all & would be happy to do so, but frankly its very difficult for me - you see, the stroke caused a slight impediment in my speech & I am very concious of it, so do'nt like to talk much, especially on tape, it make me nervous as I do'nt pronounce words too well, then I kind of lose track of myself & can't think of what to say - have to stop & re-arrange my words etc. Am sorry to disappoint you, but I hope you will understand my situation - anyway, one of these days I'll make a stab at it & see what develops - I'll have to take my time on it & not try to do it all at once.
Your reference Rick in regard to my friend in San Francisco was very kind, but am afraid this case is beyond any miracle happening, his larynx had to be removed, which of course is impossible to replace or anything to enable him to talk again. Incidently, I just had a letter from him, he was leaving the hospital next day, he sounded cheerful & in good spirit - I admire his courage & fortitude. He made a remarkable recovery, considering he was in surgery over 7 hours. Amazing the medical skill we have today.
I was delighted to hear that David & Wayne made such a success in the school appearance - I would love to see them in action.
Regarding Wayne's moustache difficulty, sticking on a piece of black paper. It would be easier to use black grease-paint, or get a little moustache for your size made up by a theatrical wig maker, they generally have a lot of them already made up & you use a little spirit gum to stick them on with, they sell the gum too, it costs very little.
They use real hair sewn on to a little strip of material, they last for ever - Groucho Marx used to use grease paint, but later grew his own moustache. If you find one too large for you Wayne, you can cut it down to size you want. The 'lighter' gag we did in "Way Out West" was done with a false thumb with cotten in the end of it & soaked with lighter fluid - I do'nt think you could do this on the Stage Danny, its purely a camera trick - someone has to light the end of the thumb for you whenever you snap the lighter, so I do'nt think you'd better attempt that, its not practical other than done on film.
That was a cute picture of you Marie - that certainly turned out a happy romance & a successful marriage & deservedly so, Congratulations.
I've heard of Westchest County, but am not familiar with it, I worked in the City proper mostly in my vaudeville days - Brooklyn, New Jersey side etc. from 1910 to 1916 - before you were born Marie.
Glad the pictures arrived OK - hope you did'nt get rid of your Gold fish tank on account of giving my picture the 'Water Cure' - think you should have kept your fish & hung the pictures on the ceiling.!
Incidently, the straight picture was taken so long ago, I always give the date - Taken B.C. (before Christ), wanted you to know I do'nt look like that now since the Moths got at me.!! they've really chewed me up.!
It was sweet of you to think of sending me stamps to cover cost of postage - I would'nt think of accepting them, it was my pleasure to send them to you, so please permit me to return them with sincere thanks for the nice thought.
Please convey my greetings to the Boys on their Birthdays & Many Happy Returns, lots of good health & good luck.
Eda joins in love & kind thoughts to you all.
God Bless you:
STAN LAUREL LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
July 16th.'59.
Dear Earl [Shank, Jr.]:
Many thanks for your nice letter 7th.inst.
Certainly very kind of you to advise me re the Vitamins - I shall be happy to try the ones you are sending me, but I would much prefer to pay the cost of them Earl - you have been very kind in sending me many things - I really feel a little embarrased to keep on accepting your generosity like this - after all, its not right - please let me know the cost of these I sincerely do want to pay for them & if they help me, I would want to order more from you. I have'nt recd. them as yet, will let you know when they arrive - if you do'nt let me know the price, I'll find out from my local druggist & will remit to you. I'll ask my Dr. about the 'Eldec' you suggest, they sound very good.
Thanks for the card 'Think you have troubles', its very cute have seen slmiliar ones before.
Am returning the letter you recd. from Steve Allen - have'nt heard from him as yet - I know he must be plenty busy right now & lots on his mind. It was indeed nice of you to try & help me in this situation & I appreciate your effort - many thanks for the nice thought - it may help a lot & am sure wo'nt do any harm. He seems to be a very nice chap to take the time to personally answer his mail, especially at a hectic time like this - moving lock, stock & barrel to the Coast - thats a lot of work & energy. Maybe he'll need some vitamins.!!
That probably was the same Car that Eisenhower used in Chicago during the Queen's visit & the reason he had it specially waxed.
If he'd have worn a moustache, he would have had that waxed at the garage too.!
I can't figure what the reason is - the Landlord stalling you on the lease business, he's got something back of his mind - maybe angling for a higher rent or something. This messing around would drive me Nuts. Why do'nt you fix him a 'Mickey'.! Interesting re your contacting that Pharmacist in Phoenix - his letter sounds encouraging does'nt it - Walter said there were lots of opportunities in your line & excellent salaries being offered - sure a shame you can't get out there during this 'Boom Time' - so much activity going on out there right new & growing rapidly. Certainly nice of this pharmacist going to keep his eye open for you when he gets out there, you'11 soon have more friends out there that you have in Emmitsburg, you sure wo'nt feel like a stranger when you eventually do get there, you'll have a flock of friends to meet you at the depot, with 'Welcome Home' banners & a brass band.! it'll be a Big Event.
I had a hunch that Johansson would beat Patterson, he was too much under-rated & they were too over-confident with Patterson, I somehow felt that Johansson would turn out a 'Dark Horse' & surprise the champ - Johansson had brains besides brawn - he's a 'Thinking Man'! he had Patterson well figured out & was wise to his 'Peek-a-boo' style they were all boasting about -could'nt be hit.! Anyway am glad we have a White Champ for a change, I think he will be with us a long time yet - I think the same thing will happen with the light Heavy-weight Crown when Moore meets Durelle again - Archie's pretty old now & has seen his Day, but it should be a terrific scrapm up in Montreal, I think we shall see this one on TV - am sure looking forward to it, as I saw the last bout they had when Moore hit the canvass five times & then knocked Durelie out - greatest fight I ever saw, it was really sensational.
All for now Earl. Thanks again.
Regards & best from us both here. Trusts alls well with self & family.
Good luck & God Bless,
As ever:
Stan Laurel.
Note from the Editor
On 26 June 1959, Jens Johansson (1932-2009), a 5–1 underdog, defeated Floyd Patterson (1935-2006) to become the world heavyweight boxing champion.
STAN LAUREL LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
Television has done a lot of harm to the theatre business and many of the cinemas, too. They can’t compete with free entertainment.
July 18th.'59.
Dear Mary [Rutter]:
Thanks your welcome letter,15th.inst.
Glad you are enjoying the nice weather & feeling good. Too bad there is so much unemployment - it must be very discouraging to all these people - I guess if the Shipyards are not doing any business, there's nothing can be done about it. Lets hope conditions will improve & get the men back on the job again.
I had a letter from Jack Hogg, said there was a newspaper strike going on there - you probably know about it.
Eda & I are feeling pretty good dear, so everything is fine with us.
Yes the Television has done a lot of harm to the Theatre business & many of the Cinemas too, they can't compete with free entertainment, & its more convenient for people to stay at home & see a show in comfort, in bad weather especially.
I heard that the Empire in Sunderland had closed down - I was'nt surprised, they have'nt done good business for a long time now, did'nt think it would last as long as it did in fact.
Not much to tell you dear, so all for now.
Love & fond thoughts from us both here, to Dorothy self & her Hubby. Take care of yourself dear.
God Bless.
As ever:
xxx xxx
STAN LAUREL LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
July 23rd.’59.
Dear Elmer [Westover]:
Thanks yours, 20th.inst.
Nice to hear from you again & to know alls well.
Thanks for the birthday greetings - I think I’m going to stop having any more, they're coming too fast now.!
No, am not anywhere near where that fire was, but strange to say, it happened in 'Laurel Canyon’, a section of Hollywood.
Yes, I know Bert Wheeler very well, but have'nt seen him in a long time, interesting to know he is making commercials now.
Bob Woolsey died several years ago, at the time he was making films with Bert - I guess thats why Bert never mentions him.
Not much to tell you Elmer, everything here is as usual with me, so all for now.
Take care of yourself.
Good luck & God Bless.
Sincerely:
Stan Laurel.
STAN LAUREL LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
July 29th.'59.
Mr.Robt.Silver,
4740,No.9th.Street,
PHILADELPHIA.41.PA
Dear Mr Silver:
Thank you for your information & literature regarding the 'Bowlers Score Book'.
My not being a bowling Fan, I am naturally not interested in your proposition. - Thanks anyway for your suggestion. Please find enclosed the items concerning this matter.
Sincerely:
Stan Laurel.
STAN LAUREL LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
July 30th.'59.
Dear Arthur Westwood:
Thanks yours,27th.inst.
Nice to hear from you again & to know Alls Well.
Am enclosing you the slip of paper you sent me which I have autographed for you.
Sorry to tell you I have'nt any pictures on hand that are connected with our films, as all that type of material is packed away in Storage - I have only the Fan photos here, the same as I sent you last year.
Its possible you may be able to obtain some of the film photos at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Film Exchange in Manchester or maybe 20th. Century Fox distributor's.
Interesting to hear about Jackie Ross's impression of me - I would like to see that.
Thanks again for your nice letter Arthur - Take care of yourself.
My regards & best,
Sincerely always:
Stan Laurel.
