1962 Letters
POSTCARD - TYPEWRITTEN
Yes, I heard that the late Mussolini liked to watch the Laurel and Hardy films.
AUGUST 3rd.'62.
Thanks your, 31st.ult. Yes, I heard that the late 'Mussolini' liked to watch the L&H Films, I understand there were several other nobilities, 'TITO' Yugoslavia, the late Prince Harold, Denmark, President Auriol, France. etc. I doubt Hitler or Stalin ever saw them, they had enough trouble of their own without watching ours.!
Again my regards & best. Trust alls well & happy.
Sincerely as ever:
STAN LAUREL.
Note from the Editor
Producer Hal Roach began an association with Benito Mussolini in the ’30s when they planned some projects together, including one where Laurel and Hardy would film some two-reelers in Rome—none of which came to fruition. Mussolini founded fascism and ruled Italy for almost 21 years, most of that time as dictator. He dreamed of building Italy into a great empire, but he led his nation to defeat in World War II and was executed by his own people on April 28, 1945.
OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
AUGUST 3rd.1962.
Dear Gerard Stigter:
Thank you for your letter of July 30th.ult. Nice to hear from you again & to know all is well. Yes I received the announcement of your Daughter Diana, my heartfelt congratulations to your Wife & self, wish you all many years of happiness & success - good luck & God Bless you - am sure you must be very thrilled.
Pleased to note you recently saw the "Babes In Toyland" film & enjoyed it, yes I remember making reference to some of the gags we did in "Fra Diavalo" it was as you say a sly wink at the latter film.
Most of the L&H films are available in this Country (in 16mm) there is one firm I know of called Blackhawk Films, Main Street, Davenport, Iowa. U.S.A. that handle this product, if you send them your name & address & request a catalogue listing, they will send you all details in regard to shipping these films Abroad - I understand there are some copyright restrictions which I'm not too familiar with, so I think it would be best you contact them direct to get definite information re this matter.
Sorry to tell you James Finlayson died in 1953 - many of the others that played in our films have since passed on too.
Very sincerely:
STAN LAUREL.
PS: Note you have a copy of the L&H book by John McCabe - did your purchase this in England or Holland? as wondering if the book is being distributed in the European Countries as in the United Kingdom?.
OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
AUG.4th.'62.
Dear Bill Brown:
Thanks yours, 31st.ult.
Note you did'nt receive the "L.A. Examiner" - will check with the newsdealer here. Glad you liked the Comic book, I too think its attractive as this type of magazine publications go, it is of course aimed for the kids, who I guess are not too critical as long as it amuses them. I felt pretty sure it WAS Ben Turpin that played the Janitor in "Saps at Sea" T always remembered it was his last film appearance. The girl that played in "Bohemian Girl" (Grown up sequence) also played in another one of our films "Any Old Port" - still can't recall her name at that time - does she appear on TV under the name of Julie Bishop?.
Thanks for the snapshots of yourself & fiancee Kay - she very attractive - as for you - WE WO'NT GO INTO THAT.!!!
Interesting to hear about the silhouettes of L&H at the Red River Exposition & the coin machines at Winnipeg Beach - everybody makes money with L&H everybody but L&H.
My stroke slightly affect my Speech - when I'm in conversation with anyone or on the phone you would'nt notice it, but when I talk on a 'mike' I become concious of this slight impediment, & it bothers me very much - hence I never record on tape, so please understand my situation Bill, I prefer not to make taped letters.
Not much else to tell you Bill, so adios mi Amigo.
Mrs L. joins in regards & best to yourself & Kay -
Cheerio:
As ever:
STAN LAUREL.
Note from the Editor
Cross-eyed comedian Ben Turpin (1869-1940) did, indeed, co-star with Stan and Ollie in Saps At Sea (1940). It was his last film.
Stan’s memory was better than he gave himself credit for. Julie Bishop played the role of the bride in Any Old Port (1932) but was credited as Jacqueline Wells.
OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN EXCERPT
Aug.8th.'62.
Appreciate the prominent inclusion of Babe [Hardy] & I, that's quite a museum. Sad about Marilyn Monroe, was'nt it? Tragic.
As ever:
STAN LAUREL.
Note from the Editor
Another great example of Stan’s character and class. Even though he obviously did not like his likeness at the Movieland Wax Museum (“face is too fat & double chin”), he sends this letter complimenting the museum on their Laurel and Hardy display.
OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
OCT.9th.'62.
Dear Leonard Pitt:
Thanks yours, 8th.inst.
Sorry your advertising experience turned out such a disappointment - under the circumstances, I think you are very wise to quit before you waste any more of your time - too bad you wasted so much time already, however, the knowledge of that business that you have acquired may prove useful to you sometime, at least its not a dead loss.
Your plan now to travel should be very helpful to you, a great education & an opportunity to find out & discover a profession that would appeal & feel good for you to follow - wish you lots of good luck Leonard.
Note you are sailing on the old "Mauretania" - I sailed on the sister ship The "Aquatania" in '32. shall be pleased to see some newspaper copies of the L&H arrival in Cobh - I never did see any of the press on this, as we had to leave right away for Dublin.
You certainly planned an interesting itinery covering so many Countries, am sure you will enjoy the experience. & Bon Voyage.!
Again wish you lots of good luck Take good care of yourself,
God Bless.
Sincerely as ever:
STAN LAUREL.
POSTCARD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
AUGUST 10th.'62.
Thanks yours [Timothy Dalton], 7th.inst. Pleased to know you located a L&H comic book and liked it. nice of you to go to the trouble of contacting Dell Co. direct - note you saw the "Bullfighter" film — I agree with you the films we made at the Roach Studio were much better than the M.G.M. & 20th.Fox series. I do'nt know of any other firms that handle the old L&H 16mm films - was under the impression Blackhawk had a good supply of them. I understand Mr Larry Harmon is now in production with the L&H animated cartoons which are to be syndicated in the FALL of this year.
Again my regards & best.
Very sincerely:
STAN LAUREL.
POSTCARD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
AUG.11th.'62.
Thank you for your letter Steve [Zaharoff]. Pleased to know you had a wonderful time at the Camp. Note you are continuing your vacation with a trip to Niagra Falls & Hyannis Port, Cape Cod, thats nice you will have the opportunity to visit the home of your President Kennedy, am sure that will be most interesting to you & something to always remember. Wish you a very happy & pleasant two weeks.
Kindest regards,
Sincerely:
STAN LAUREL.
P.S. Have you seen the Larry Harmon's "LAUREL & HARDY" Comic Book? published by Dell Co. N.Y. check with your local newsdealer.
OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
AUG. 14th.'62.
Dear George Roesler:
Thanks your letter, 8th.inst.
Nice to hear from you again & to know you recd. the picture OK. Just had a letter from my friend Mr Kobus, he told me he had contacted you regarding some films - I mentioned your name & address to him as I know he is always on the look out for old L&H films - already has quite a library of titles, over 50 odd I think - Mr Polacek too I understand has quite a few & is anxious to acquire more, so of course I told him to check with you.
Interesting to know you were in show bus. for a couple of years, I agree with you it is a grueling life & so unpredictable, I had over 50 years in it.
Am not too active these days, besides the after effects of the stroke I suffered in '55, I am too, a diabetic, insulin shot every day, not able to get around much outdoors, but all in all I've been very fortunate - happy & content in my enforced retirement. My birthdate is June 16th.1890. Ulverston, Lancashire, England.
Not much else to tell you George, so bye for now.
Again my kindest & best to self & family, wish you continued success in the film bus.
God Bless.
Sincerely as ever:
STAN LAUREL.
POSTCARD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
AUGUST.14th.'62
Thanks yours Ernie, 8th.inst. I too was deeply shocked to hear the news of your Aunt's death. Eda joins in sympathy to you all concerned - a great loss for your Uncle Moralee - very very sad. I called his home, but his phone has been disconnected, so wrote him C/O his daughters address. Hope by now you're feeling better - have'nt been so well myself (High blood pressure trouble).
Eda joins in kindest & best to Self, Flo & Pam.
Take care - God Bless.
As ever:
STAN LAUREL.
OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
AUGUST 14th.1962.
Dear Eric Burkitt:
Thanks yours, 10th.inst.
Nice to hear from you again & to know alls well & happy with you.
Pleased to know you read the "L&H" book - enjoyed & found it interesting. Thanks for the news clippings re the late Ralph Lynn & "L&H" film advert. I never had the pleasure of seeing Mr Lynn, only know him by reputation in films with Mr Tom Walls - am returning these clips in case you may like to keep them among your collection of souvenirs.
I remember well that photograph of Mr Hardy & I posed for in W'Chester in '32. I believe Hardy was holding a large umbrella (Scotch Plaid design) it was given him in Scotland at ST. Andrews Golf Course Club, he played golf there during our visit.
Its a long time since I saw a copy of that photo, so its difficult to recall you or any of the other people standing around us.
Since my enforced retirement, I have'nt been able to do any traveling or engage in any strenuous hobbies - plus the after effects of my stroke I suffered in '55. I am too a diabetic (since '48.) take insulin shot every day, so am not in condition for much activity, but I manage to keep busy, correspondence, TV, Visitors etc. I feel very fortunate, so no complaints.
Am afraid, due to the circumstances I have no future plans of visiting England.
Enclosed in a snapshot of myself, taken sometime in 1961.
Not much else to write Eric, so bye for now.
My regards & bestest to self & Family.
Good luck Lad - God Bless.
As ever sincerely:
STAN LAUREL.
Note from the Editor
Ralph Lynn (1882-1962) was a British stage and screen actor. Tom Kirby Walls (1883-1949) was an English stage and motion-pictures character actor, and film director. He is considered one of the most influential figures in British comedy. In the 1920s, Walls established a long association with London’s Aldwych Theatre, where he produced, directed and starred in a string of popular farces featuring an ensemble cast including Ralph Lynn.
OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
AUGUST 17th.'62.
Dear Nicolyn Lewis:
Thank you for your very nice letter - nice to hear from you & to know the old L&H films have afforded you so much pleasure, & I appreciate very much your kind sentiments so graciously expressed.
With pleasure I enclose an autographed picture - thank you for the kind request.
My kindest regards to you & your family
trust alls well & happy.
Very sincerely always:
STAN LAUREL.
OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
AUGUST 17th.'62.
Dear Mr & Mrs Youmans:
Thank you for the nice letter. Pleased to know the old L&H films are still affording you & your family so much pleasure, appreciate very much your kind sentiments. I shall be pleased to have you visit me sometime whenever you are in this beach area - if you will give me a call, we can arrange a convenient time & date, my phone is EXbrook 3-5656, anytime after Noon.
Congratulations on your 25th Wedding Anniversary wish you both many happy more years - with pleasure I will send you an autographed picture to add to your collection (a double picture, Mr Hardy & I, his signature is copied on it.)
Regarding your wish to locate address of the stars I would suggest you address your letters to them C/O Screen Actors Guild, 7750 Sunset Blvd. Hollywood, 46, Calif. the mail will be forwarded on to their home address. No information will be given by the Guild (by phone or correspondence.)
Yes, I remember Alice White very well, have no idea what became of her - its possible you may locate her via the guild.
Note you live in Canoga Park - I lived in that section for several years on Strathern St. 20213. (Off Winetka.) I understand that property is a 'Swim' school or something now.
My regards & best wishes.
Very sincerely:
STAN LAUREL.
OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN EXCERPT
AUGUST 21st.1962.
Dear Bill [Brown]:
Thanks yours, 11th.inst.
Re your list of questions:
1. No, I do'nt have any prints of the L&H films.
2. Yes, you answered this one yourself (Re the name L&H or H&L.)
3. No I never hear from Chaplin. He lives in VEVEY, Switzerland with his wife Oona O'Neil & eight children.
4. No, I know of no book in reference to Silent movie Stars - Suggest you check your local public library.
5. I had no particular hobby outside of my work, but my favorite sport was deep sea fishing (Swordfish etc.) I had a nice boat fully equipped for this type of fishing, a 45 ft. Twin screw Hall–Scott motors - 75 hundred H.P. combined.
6. No I do'nt recall being nicknamed by Babe or anyone else at anytime, always referred to as 'Stan'.
No, we never had the opportunity to buy distribution rights of our films, unfortunately - Billy Boyd's situation was entirely different - takes too long to explain. The rumor that Mrs L is in real estate is ridiculous, wonder where the hell they got that idea from. It's stupid.!
I don't know about Marilyn Monroe, also Eddie Cantor's wife.
Think that's about all Bill.
Regards and best from us both here to Kay & self.
God Bless.
As ever:
STAN LAUREL.
Note from the Editor
William Boyd (1895-1972) was an American film actor who is best known for portraying the cowboy hero Hopalong Cassidy. After the series ended in 1948, Boyd bought the rights to all of the Hopalong Cassidy films. The Producer thought both the films and the star were played out, so he agreed. Boyd brought a print of one of his pictures to the local NBC television station and offered it at a nominal rental, hoping for new exposure. The film was received so well that NBC asked for more, and within months Boyd released the entire library to the national network. They became extremely popular and began the long-running genre of Westerns on television, making him the first national TV star and restoring his personal fortune.
OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
AUGUST 21st.'62.
Dear Dick Sloan:
Many thanks yours, 18th.inst.
Am happy to know the news about Chuck [McCann] & everything is OK with his L&H program - I can fully understand not hearing from him, he's certainly had his hands full these last few weeks - Freedomland, W.P.I.X. show & taping the Sunday morning show plus all that travel back & forth. I imagine (hand on the hip) 'HE'S ALL FAGGED OUT'.! I guess by now, he's all rested up & back to normal again but he's foolish to take on so much work, its a terrible strain on the nerves & system in general & lack of sleep etc. then's the wear & tear OF GOING TO THE BANK & that laughing routine is murder especially when you can't control yourself.!!
Note Chuck's Birthday is Sept. 2nd. will certainly send him a telegram, I'll sign it anonymous.! that should send him into hysterics.! Note your friend Leo de Lyon appeared in the Command performance in '55. that Gold Placque name plate on his dressing door must be something new - never heard of that before - many many top Stars have appeared on several occasions before Royalty but were never accorded the Gold Placque treatment - that [is] certainly an interesting souvenir to have.
Am looking forward to knowing who that young lady is that Chuck know[s] who claims to be the daughter of one of the Fred Karno Troupe, am wondering if she resembles Chaplin? (fireside chats was a big hobby of his.!).
Note your comments on the L&H Comic book - frankly I have'nt paid much attention to the story material or the characterization of L&H in general. I do'nt know whether Harmon is responsible for the material & drawings in these books or not am under the impression this work is done by the Dell publishing Co's Staff. I'll mention it to Harmon when I talk with him again - I seldom hear from him, so of course have no idea what the situation is concerning the Cartoon Series, as far as I know they are now in full production & are to be syndicated in the Fall - what they are like, I have'nt the slightest idea - have'nt seen any of the film, except a short piece of a TEST, was'nt too impressed incidently - the color looked very good indeed, but that does'nt produce laughs.
Thanks again Dick - always nice to hear from you with all the current news.
Again, my regards & best to you & yours.
Sincerely as ever:
STAN LAUREL.
P.S. My best to Chuck & his family.
POSTCARD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
AUGUST 28th.'62.
My Dear Ben [Shipman]:
A Fan in N.Y. informs me there are three more L&H games now on the market, he describes them: A L&H "Ring Toss" a "Pie throwing' game & an L&H "Electric Drawing" set. Thought this would be of interest to you.
Thanks Ben.
As ever:
POSTCARD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
AUGUST 28th.'62.
Thanks Bob & Marie [Hatfield] your note,23rd.inst. Nice hearing from you & to know alls well - note your Cousin Marie is visiting with you, please convey my kind wishes & apologies for the long delay in acknowledging her letter, one of these days when I feel 'Up to it' I'll probably forget all about it.!! RIGHT BOB? RIGHT.!! pleased to note your Dad has adjusted himself to his new surroundings - just shows you Bob what you can't do when you never make up your mind.! especially when you put that greasy, kid stuff on your hair - from now on use ketchup - THATS MUCH BETTER.!
Bestest to your Mother, selves & Cousin Marie, from us both here.
God Bless.
Note from the Editor
In 1962, Vitalis hair tonic TV commercials urged people to “switch from that greasy kid stuff.”
OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
AUGUST 29th.'62.
Dear Mrs Short:
Thanks yours,24th.inst.with enclosure of letters from Mr Omiston, manager of the Tatler News theatre in Newcastle-On-Tyne. When you visit him again, please convey my thanks & appreciation for his kind sentiments so graciously expressed.
Note you are getting to see the L&H films Mr Omiston listed for the next few months, trust they will still afford you a few laughs & happy memories.
Am returning your letters herewith as you requested.
Again my kindest regards & every good wish to Mr Short & your kind self.
God Bless you Hinney.!
Sincerely always:
STAN LAUREL.
P.S. My best to Chuck & his family.
