1962 Letters
STAN LAUREL LETTERHEAD - 849 OCEAN AVE., SANTA MONICA, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
JUNE 2nd.'62.
Dear Ed [Tester]:
Thanks your nice letter with snapshot of yourself & Family taken on Easter Sunday - very kind of you all to pose specially for us here - thanks for the sweet thought.
Note the new titles you got from 'Blackhawk' - they are early silents made for Hal Roach.
Re Hal Roach contributing to these films, occasionally he suggested gags & ideas, but generally these had to be worked out by those concerned in the production of the film. The 'Sailor' film you mention was a very early talkie when sound was recorded on disc records, seperate & apart from the film itself.
When these recordings were made outside the studio (on location) the sound was very poor, [on] this film the sound was very bad, it was titled "Men 'O War."
The pie picture was "Battle of the Century" - four thousand real pies were used in this film - I've never cared for pie ever since.
Thanks again Ed for your kind remembrance.
Mrs L joins in kind thoughts to you all.
Take care - God Bless.
As ever:
OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
JUNE 2nd.'62.
Dear Bill Brown:
Thanks yours, 28th.ult.
Yes, I could use a few more of those name stickers, but do'nt want you to go to any expense Bill - I'd like to pay cost of them or if its possible for me to order from the firm direct please let me know the address - if not, you can let me know the cost & I'll remit to you.
I'd like about a dozen & a half in all colors. One dozen with name Stan Laurel & the half Doz. with name IDA K. LAUREL.
Thanks for news clipping re Dick Van Dyke & Don Defore doing a L&H skit in Las Vegas - I did'nt know of this - frankly, I could'nt care less - nothing I can do about it anyway.
I never saw Stubby Kaye doing the Hardy character but I can imagine it was pretty bad.
Bert Wheeler is still active, he's in New York. I hear from him once in a while, we've been friends for many years.
That Broken Jaw routine must have been terribly painful - I've been very fortunate in that accident dept. never had anything serious happen to me.
Yes the film where we tried to borrow money from the Bank for our business, was "Pack Up your Troubles".
Re the bomb in the piano in "Swiss Miss", a scene was made where the Chef who hates music, puts it in the piano & connects it with a certain Key, so when the composer touches that particular note the bomb will explode, when we moved the piano we constantly banged the keyboard, which naturally would cause great suspense - after the film was finished, Hal Roach did'nt like the bomb idea for some reason, & ordered the scene out (Where the Chef placed the bomb.) I did'nt find out about this till after the film was released, then too late to do anything about. Yes I had a great deal to do in the direction & production of our films, I supervised all of them thru the years.
Yes, "Toyland" was one of the big money makers, several others too had big box office value, "Fra Diavalo", "Bonnie Scotland" "Bohemian Girl" "Way Out West" etc.
Re what I consider our best film - thats like asking a guy with a large family which kid he like best.!!! the choice of our films is made by the public, what I like, many others would'nt agree, they were made in the hope of pleasing everybody not for our own pleasure.
Think thats All Bill, so bye for now.
Kindest & best from us both here.
Take care & God Bless.
As ever:
STAN LAUREL.
OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
JUNE 2nd.'62.
Dear Bob & Marie [Hatfield]:
Thanks your welcome letter 28th.ult. So sorry Bob to hear about your asthma trouble etc. evidently you need a change of climate - if your Dr. advises you to live on desert, I suggest you try JELLO (7 different flavors - there are lovely puddings too.!!)
Kidding aside - I think Palm Springs would be more helpful [than] here in the Valley area, of course you'd have to take out an Indian citizenship, live in a 'Tepee' - sit outside it all day & play with your 'Tom Tom.!! while you [&] Marie thread beads & make Squaw blankets.!
We occasionally watch the 'Sing Along with Mitch' program, did'nt notice the character that resembles Hardy, I guess we are fascinated by Mitch's Muff.! what a character he is - WHAT A LAD!
Glad you survived the Flu attack Marie & feeling in good shape again.
Eda joins in kind thoughts to you both & your Mother.
Take good care of yourselves, you especially Bob, if its the climate up there thats giving you trouble - FOLLOW THE SWALLOWS.!!
Bye & God Bless.
As ever:
STAN LAUREL.
OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
JUNE 4th.'62.
Dear Frank [Buxton] & Elizabeth:
Just recd. the announcement of your wedding - Heartiest congratulations!!!
Mrs L. joins in, wish you both many many years of happiness, good health & success.
Good luck & God Bless you.
Very sincerely,
As ever:
STAN LAUREL.
My first marriage was graciously acknowledged by Stan.
OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
JUNE 4th.1962.
Dear Jennie & Jack [Racey]:
Thanks yours, May 28th.ult.
So pleased to know Jack, you decided to cut out that therapy business, its ridiculous to continue paying Ten Bucks an hour, plus taxi fares & tips twice a week & getting no benefit out of it - why keep on punishing yourself? If there was any possible chance this therapy would improve you, it would make sense - why take that beating twice a week? I think its a crime that these guys continue these treatments knowing full well its a waste of time - the crooks.!
Note you ordered a L&H book at the Hudson CO. hope you will enjoy & find it interesting.
Looks like you're really taking good care of yourself Jennie - BEER & POTATOE CHIPS.!!!! evidently Dr's orders?!!. D I S G U S T I N G.!!
Eda joins in kind thoughts.
Betsest to you all.
As ever:
STAN LAUREL.
POSTCARD - 849 OCEAN AVE., SANTA MONICA, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
JUNE 5th.'62
Thank you [Bill & Gladys Hughes] for your very nice letter - we here too enjoyed meeting with Howard & Ciel Vauthier, a most pleasant afternoon - hope you will visit us again on your next trip to California.
Mrs. L joins in kindest regards & every good wish to you all.
Trust alls well & happy.
Very sincerely,
As ever:
STAN LAUREL.
OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
JUNE 6th.'62.
Dear Larry Crawford:
Thanks yours, 2nd.inst. pleased to know the book arrived OK. Thanks for the coins to cover cost of postage - appreciate your thoughtfulness.
With pleasure I enclose a picture for your friend Don. Please convey my regards & best.
My birthdate is June 16.1890. (let that be a lesson to you.!!)
Bye Larry.
Good luck.
As ever:
STAN LAUREL.
OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
Note there is a Street near the old Theatre Royal named ‘Jefferson St.’ It’s possible it could have been named after my Dad.
JUNE 6th.1962.
Dear Mr & Mrs Short:
Thanks your nice letter of the 2nd.inst. Nice to hear from you again & to know alls well & happy with you.
Appreciate very much your kind remembrance & birthday greetings for my 72nd.!
Please thank your butcher Mr Stephensen for his nice message & please give him the little picture enclosed.
Note there is a Street near the old Theatre Royal named 'Jefferson St' - its possible it could have been named after my Dad, he was very well thought of in that area, but if the Street had been built after his time, I doubt the name would have any connection - sorry to know they have decided to move the old 'Royal' - too bad.!
The pianist you mention at the 'Bedlington Terrier' pub is evidently my Sister's Son - I only met him once, he came to see me at the Empire in Newcastle in 1947 - yes, there is a strong family resemblance, he is the issue of my Sister's first marriage I understand.
You may be interested to know there is a book just published in England, titled "Mr Laurel & Mr Hardy" by John McCabe - its published by the Museum Press, Ltd. in London, its possible you could borrow a copy of it at your local Public Library - hope you'll enjoy & find it interesting.
Mrs L. joins in kindest regards,
Good luck - God Bless.
As ever sincerely:
STAN LAUREL.
STAN LAUREL POSTCARD - 849 OCEAN AVE., SANTA MONICA, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
JUNE 11th.'63.
MANY HAPPY RETURNS JOCK [Weaver] - CONTINUED GOOD HEALTH & HAPPINESS - MRS L JOINS IN EVERY GOOD TO THAT SWEET LADY (YOUR MOM) & YOUR KIND SELF.
TRUST ALLS WELL & HAPPY.
GOOD LUCK - GOD BLESS.
AS ALWAYS:
STAN LAUREL.
POSTCARD - 849 OCEAN AVE., SANTA MONICA, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
JUNE 14th.'62.
Thank you Dean [Kaner] for the kind invitation to attend your Bar Mitzvah celebration - only wish it were possible to join you in the wonderful event. However, my heartiest congratulations & wishes for a very happy future, good health, success in your chosen career.
Please convey my kindest regards to your Mom & Dad - am sure they are very proud of you.
Good luck Dean - God Bless you.
Very Sincerely:
STAN LAUREL.
POSTCARD - 849 OCEAN AVE., SANTA MONICA, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
JUNE 14th.'62.
Thank you Randy [Johnson] for the nice birthday greeting card - appreciate very much your kind remembrance.
Again my thanks & best wishes to you & yours.
Very Sincerely:
STAN LAUREL.
POSTCARD - 849 OCEAN AVE., SANTA MONICA, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
JUNE 15th, '63.
Thanks Bob [Board] for your kind remembrance - much appreciated - looking forward to seeing you soon -
Trust alls well & happy -
Kind thoughts from us both here.
God Bless.
As always:
STAN LAUREL.
POSTCARD - 849 OCEAN AVE., SANTA MONICA, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
JUNE 18th.'62.
Thanks Jim & Irene [Heffernan] for the nice birthday greeting card - appreciate very much your kind remembrance.
Eda joins in love & kind thoughts.
God Bless.
Very Sincerely:
STAN LAUREL.
POSTCARD - 849 OCEAN AVE., SANTA MONICA, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
JUNE 18th.'62.
Thank you Tom [Sefton] for your kind remembrance - appreciated very much. Enjoyed meeting a friend of yours recently, Bill Quinn, had some cards from him en route to the Seattle Fair.
Not much new to tell you Tom.
Mrs L. joins in kindest & best to your kind self, Mrs. S. & Family.
Kind thoughts.
As ever:
POSTCARD - 849 OCEAN AVE., SANTA MONICA, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
JUNE 18th.'62.
Dear Bob & Marie [Hatfield]:
Thanks nice birthday greeting card & kind wishes, you had a lot of nerve to remind me that I was 72. but now that you Bob have decided to become an Indian "Big Chief Tumble Weed" - all is forgiven.!
I had a lovely B'day - have just come to.!
Bestest to you both & Mother from us both here.
As ever:
STAN LAUREL.
POSTCARD - 849 OCEAN AVE., SANTA MONICA, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
JUNE 20th.'62.
Thanks [Dean Kaner] for the card, 16th.inst. yes I recd. the invitation to your 'Bar-Mitzvah' which I already acknowledged - Regarding the hats used in our films, Have no idea how many were used through the years. I do'nt have any now, everything was disposed of after Mr Hardy's death in '57.
Again my regards & best.
Good luck.
Sincerely:
STAN LAUREL.
POSTCARD - 849 OCEAN AVE., SANTA MONICA, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
JUNE 21st.'62.
Thanks your letter Randy [Johnson] - Regarding copies of the L&H films, I suggest you write to 'THE BLACKHAWK FILMS', Main Street, Davenport, Iowa. they will send you a catalogue listing on request - I believe they carry the "Music Box" film you mentioned & many others, in 8mm & 16mm, sound & silent. You will find the catalogue very interesting.
Again my best wishes.
Sincerely:
STAN LAUREL.
P.S. Birthdate is June 16.1890. (Ulverston. Lancs. Eng.)
OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
Note you saw ‘The Big Noise’ film recently. ’Nuff said!
JUNE 22nd.'62.
Dear Dick Sloan:
Thanks your nice letter 14th.inst. conveying birthday greeting - appreciate your kind remembrance & good wishes. I had a very nice birthday, have decided to have one every week from now on.! No more numbers, just B'days.!
Yes I saw the Jerry Lewis show, tuned in a bit late so only caught the end of the impersonation, I saw this chap before in the 'Bellboy' also in the previous appearance Jerry made on TV, couple of years ago I believe. I think this chaps name is Bill Richman, he's not an actor but I understand, loves to imitate me, he originally was the drummer in Jerry band, & is now developed into a writer. He resembles me of course, but frankly, I'm not too impressed. I watch the 'Tonight' show occasionally, but missed seeing 'Chuck' [McCann] in the audience with Peter Lynd Hayes, I generally retire at 12-30 AM.
Note you saw "The Big Noise" film recently - NUFF SAID.!
I was very disappointed with the Wax Figures - had a photo sent me sometime ago. I understand, they are going to be remade, the likeness was very poor - reminds me of the gag: "It's my face that makes my clothes look shabby".!
Note you will be replacing Senor Mutoli for a couple of weeks, I imagine his job is quite a 'grind'.
Nice to hear from you again Dick & to know alls well.
My kindest & best,
As ever:
STAN LAUREL.
Best to Chuck.!
OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
JUNE 24th.1963.
Dear Lloyd Trewin:
Thanks yours,12th.inst. with enclosure of 10 stills you requested me to autograph - with pleasure I herewith return, trust you will receive them safely & in good condition.
Regarding cost of postage - whenever you wish return of anything, suggest you check at your P.O. re international stamp coupon - these are available in every foreign country for this particular purpose. Again my regards & best,
Sincerely always:
STAN LAUREL.
OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
JUNE 25th.'62.
Dear Bill Brown:
Sorry delay in acknowledging yours,13th.inst. due to the birthday business, friends & visitors etc. my correspondence has been neglected - know you will fully understand. Thanks for the birthday greetings Bill - appreciated your kind remembrance.
Thanks too for the stickers - hope I shall have the opportunity to reciprocate your kindess - many have asked me where I got these name stickers.
I too was sorry to hear about Louise Fazenda & Roscoe Ates, know them both very well, also Eugene Paulette, I knew Ed Everett Horton but never worked with him - met Billy Bevan several times, (he was Australian) Snub Pollard was Australian too, his real name was Harold Fraser. Yes, that was Stanley Fields that played the Sheriff in "Way Out West".
Note you would like a Santa Monica Paper, there is only one here, "The Outlook" - frankly its not much of a publication, but shall be pleased to send you one, can also send you a Sunday edition of the Los Angeles 'Herald Examiner' if you wish - let me know, it will be my pleasure.
Thanks for clipping re Buster Keaton - very interesting.
Note you may be down this way in August or Sept. Shall enjoy very much the pleasure of meeting you personally Bill & of course Kay.
Mrs L. joins in kindest & best & she also thanks you for the stickers.
Bye Bill.
As ever:
STAN LAUREL.
Louise Fazenda (1895-1962) was an American film actress, appearing chiefly in silent comedy films.
Roscoe Ates (1895-1962) was an American actor who primarily featured in western films and television.
Eugene Pallette (1889-1954) was an American actor who appeared in over 240 silent era and sound era motion pictures between 1913 and 1946.
Edward Everett Horton (1886-1970) was an American character actor who had a long career in film, theater, radio, television, and voice work for animated cartoons.
Billy Bevan (1887-1957) and Snub Pollard (1889-1962) were both Australian-born vaudevillians, who became a silent film comedians.
OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
JUNE 25th.'62.
My Dear Frank [Buxton]:
Many thanks your welcome letter 13th.inst.from Pikesville, MD. so nice to hear from you again & to know alls well - interesting to know you are appearing in "Brigadoon" with Dorothy Collins - I saw the show in New York many years ago, but do'nt remember too much about the plot & characters, about all I recall is the Scotch background. Anyway, glad to know you're doing Big Bus. & enjoying the experience of working under canvass - must he a big tent to seat 2,000 customers.
Thanks for the nice birthday greeting card Frank, appreciated very much your kind remembrance, am now in my 72nd.!
I imagine you miss Elizabeth very much - thats the trouble with show bus if you are not both in the same profession, but fortunately you are able to see each other frequently due to modern traveling facilities, distance means nothing these days. Delighted to note you are both so happy in your choice. God bless you.
Do you ever see Jack McCabe? I hear from him occasionally, I understand he will be at the N.Y.U. during the summer this year.
Not much else Frank so bye for now. Kind thoughts & every good wish to Elizabeth & your kind self from us both here.
As ever:
I appeared on the summer ‘tent’ circuit in Brigadoon with Dorothy Collins from Your Hit Parade.
By Rick DuBrow
Watching Jerry Lewis host the Tonight show this week, I kept wishing Dean Martin were up there with him again to tone him down and make him play the underdog once more.
Lewis is much more sympathetic as an underdog than as an important fellow.
For that reason, he has put on another of his Jekyll and Hyde in-person performances as guide of NBC-TV’s insomniac special. At times, his comic instinct has been explosively funny. But at other times, he has been oppressively loud and tasteless.
One night, he was magnificent when, informed that he should do a commercial, he showed a major movie star’s disdain for the advertisers upon whom lesser television luminaries depend. He held up a carton of cigarettes so that all the packs felt out.
“If you wanna smoke that much, that's your business,” he said. Later in the show, however, he was embarrassing and discourteous when, introducing some Miss Universe contestants from foreign nations, he purposely fouled up their names and ventured into low religious comedy to get laughs.
He seems afraid to let the public see too much of his warm and sympathetic side, which is there, is genuine and is flattering to him. He admits his main movie audience is children—who may prefer the other side—but Tonight devotees are a different element.
It’s pretty tough, of course, for a fellow not to be seduced mentally by a fawning coterie of followers who keep feeding one’s ego, praise one's judgment and equate popular success with excellence.
Lewis is no fool, but his self-absorption is telling. He had, for instance, a wonderful opportunity on his first show for some adult intimacy and intriguing small talk when his pleasant and youthful father, singer Danny Lewis, was a guest. Jerry opened beautifully.
“Tell me, dad, how’s your wife?” he said.
He then went on to tell, with justifiable pride, about how talented his father was and how much he was influenced by—and learned from—him. I am sure many others besides myself would have enjoyed hearing his father tell some stories about Jerry’s younger days. But Jerry let the opportunity slip. He was too busy talking.
Several times, the very idea that he could be interrupted by the program’s station breaks visibly upset him. He was cut off anyway. You could sympathize with him, but it must be frustrating to know that not even Jerry Lewis can alter a network schedule.
Lewis’ most charming moment came when he told how he went about buying a big boat. You simply go to a boat store, he explained. it was fine storytelling, and controlled. Old time comedian Stan Laurel, whom Lewis adores, once told this reviewer Jerry is the funniest man of his generation if his entertaining matures. Maturity implies control. And control is almost as important a quality for a clown to have as being sympathetic.
—The Times Record
June 28, 1962
By Rick DuBrow
The subjects for today are Jerry Lewis, Stan Laurel and Phil Silvers.
The reason is last week’s shabby CBS-TV tribute to the late Laurel, which at least had the saving grace of being done for the financial benefit of the Motion Picture Relief Fund.
Early reports had suggested that Lewis would be a guest on the All-Star Laurel tribute, but apparently things didn’t work out, and the late comedian would have regretted this for in my several visits with Laurel some years ago in his apartment in a modern beachside building in Santa Monica, he maintained flatly that Lewis was the greatest of all the contemporary clowns.
Like many of us who were unabashed Lewis movie fans over the years, and who have been anguished at the flop of his heralded two-hour ABC-TV series, Laurel agreed that Lewis’ quality varied immensely according to his control, or lack of it, at a given moment. He also felt that Lewis was beginning to lose sight of the tremendous importance to a comedian of audience sympathy for an underdog.
Nevertheless, like many of us, Laurel felt that when Lewis is on his game, “he does things funnier than anyone else.” He added that Lewis just might be on his fame much more permanently if, ironically, he only had a couple of movie failures, to give him a better sense of perspective, to plant more seeds of professional vulnerability.
I remember thinking of Laurel’s remarks when Lewis, on his ABC-TV show, once simply destroyed a cigarette commercial. It was a sheer masterpiece of contempt by a star at the notion of having to sell a pack of cigarettes—it was brilliant, hilarious, satiric and devastating, a moment of genius in a flop, but a moment that reminded one that even most successes don't have flashes of genius.
Phil Silvers was one of the numerous great stars given dreadful material on the CBS-TV Laurel special, produced here in Hollywood. And it was a reminder that Hollywood, where Silvers now bases himself, has never done as well by him professionally as New York City has.
Years ago, in movies, he was invariably a second banana to some motion picture idol, It was In New York that he reached peak stardom in the Sgt. Bilko television series and in the Broadway show Top Banana. Not long ago, he tried a new made-in-Hollywood video series and it flopped, it was as antiseptic as a suburban housing tract, yet Silver's appeal is that of a bustling downtown character. He is admired and respected highly In Hollywood, but he is rarely properly appreciated. His natural Milieu is New York. He jells there.
I saw a rerun of the movie version of Top Banana on television the other night, and Silvers was really magnificent as the overbearing video comedian in the production. This is the part he should do for a series. There was one memorable bit in which an ambitious girl (Rose Marie) told him, “I’d do anything to get into television.” And Silvers’ writer replied, “It isn’t that easy.”
—Associated Press
December 1, 1965
