OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
Letter from Stan Laurel to George Coleman - September 3, 1964

                SEPT.3rd.'64.
Dear George Coleman:
                Thanks yours 31st.ult.
Re: "Model T's" used in our old films - if a brand new one was necessary, the Ford Co. dealer (local) would loan one to the Studio as a form of advertising - of course with the understanding it would'nt be damaged (generally if was a demonstrator's car) the studio had many of these old models in the 'Prop' dept. some without motor & built to fall apart etc. all equipped for GAGS all kinds of shapes.
    Just returned home from hospital a couple of weeks ago - feeling much improved (diabetic situation).
    Not much new George - nice to hear from you again & to know alls well & happy.
    Take care - God Bless.
                As always -
Stan Laurel Signature                 STAN LAUREL.



POSTCARD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
Postcard from Stan Laurel to Mike Polacek - September 4, 1964

                SEPT.4th.'64.
Thanks Mike [Polacek] yours, 2nd.inst. Note you have shipped the film etc. will advise on arrival. The short silent film on the Carson show was titled: "KILL or CURE" a Hal E. Roach (One Reeler) I did get a telegram from Carson to watch the show - wish they had chosen a better one out of the 12 I made in 1923.
    Hope you had a nice trip to PA. & found your folks all well & happy. Joe was over last Wednesday Eve - he will meet you at the airport on the 21st. also Dave Saunders - in the meantime Eda joins love & bestest to Mildred, self & Family -
    HAPPY LANDING - God Bless -
                as always -
Stan Signature                 STAN LAUREL.

Note From The Editor

Read about Mike Polacek’s 10-day visit with Stan in the sidebar article on the right.



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

                SEPT.8th.'64.
Miss/Mrs.? JoAnn Goldberg:
Metropolitan Broadcasting,
205,East 67th.Street,
NEW YORK.21.N.Y.

Dear JoAnn Goldberg:
                Thanks yours 31st.ult.
Due to ill health, it is not possible to participate in the program you request - otherwise I would have been most happy to co-operate.
    My sincere regrets -
                as always -
Stan Laurel Signature                 STAN LAUREL.

Note From The Editor

Metropolitan Broadcasting (now better known as Metromedia) was originally the DuMont Television Network, the world's first licensed commercial television network.



OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN

                SEPT.9th.'63.
Dear Dick Anderson:
                Thanks yurs 29th.ult.
Interesting to know your Grandfather was formerly in Show Business also your Great Grandfather also they both met me a few years ago - please convey my regards & best.
    With pleasure I enclose an autographed picture.
    Thanks very much your kind sentiments.
                Sincerely always:
Stan Laurel Signature                 STAN LAUREL.


POSTCARD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN

                SEPT.11th.'64.
Thanks Freddie [Richards] yours 9th.inst. Yes, I did receive your previous letter & 'Lanza' Album, but due to being hospitalized was unable to acknowledge - Pleased to tell you am much improved, but still in the 'take it easy' dept. so pardon my brief note. Know you will fully understand.
    Bye Freddie - Good luck - God Bless.
                As always -
Stan Laurel Signature                 STAN LAUREL.


Letter from Stan Laurel to Glenn Laxton
STAN LAUREL LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN

The only snapshot I have of us both was made in ’52. I haven’t changed a bit, but HOW I HAVE ALTERED!

Stan Laurel

                SEPT.11th.'64.
Dear Glenn [Laxton]:
                Thanks yours, 5th.inst.
Note you have finished at EMERSON & now in the National Guard & plan a career in Radio & TV in California - wish you a happy & successful venture.
    Yes that was Daphne Pollard (Mrs Hardy in "Our Relations" the servant maid in "Bonnie Scotland" also Mrs Hardy in "Thicker Than water". Daphne is still living, I talk with her ocassionally on the phone.
    I have'nt seen or heard of Patricia Ellis since she appeared in "Blockheads" film.
    Yes I remember Mrs Campbell quite well - please convey my regards & best when you see her again - frankly I do'nt know what the distance is from here to Santa Anna - I imagine via the freeway it is'nt too far.
    Mrs Laurel was'nt an opera Star in Russia - she studied voice in China but the revolution situation greatly hindered her plans for a career in Opera - fortunately she had a Brother in San Francisco who was successful in getting her out of China.
    The only snapshot I have of us both was made in '52. I have'nt changed a bit, but HOW I HAVE ALTERED.! (enclosed)
    Pleased to tell you am feeling much better but still of course in the recoup dept.
    Take care - good luck.
                as always -
Stan Laurel Signature                 STAN LAUREL.

Note From The Editor

Patricia Ellis (1916-1970) made Blockheads with Stan and Ollie in 1938, and retired in 1939 when she married a successful businessman from Kansas City, Missouri named George T. O’Malley. Ellis left Hollywood behind her, and settled into life raising a family in Kansas City. She died from cancer, aged 53, on March 26, 1970.



POSTCARD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN

                SEPT.12th.'64.
Dear Freddie [Richards]:
    Herewith one of my old tie's you requested as a souvenir.
    My bestest -
                as always -
Stan Signature                 STAN LAUREL.


POSTCARD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN

                SEPT.12th.'64.
Thanks your card [Ron Maher] - I know nothing of this Jay Ward L&H project nor have I been asked to narrate the subject - even so, I have no desire to participate.
    Pleased to tell you am feeling much improved, but still of course am in the recoup dept.
    My regards & best-
                as always -
Stan Laurel Signature                 STAN LAUREL.

Note From The Editor

Jay Ward, best known for his animation work and most notably for creating Rocky and Bullwinkle, produced The Crazy World of Laurel and Hardy in 1966. The film, produced in association with Hal Roach, was a compilation feature film á la the Robert Youngston series and featured clips from many of Stan & Ollie’s films. Many critics panned the film partly due to its mishandling of the material, with some reviewers singling out the “over the top” style of the narrator, Garry Moore.



OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN

                SEPT.15th.'64.
Dear Mr and Mrs Short:
    Thanks yours,9th.inst. with enclosure of new clipping which I am herewith returning.
    I had several of these sent me also a letter from the 'Daily Express' apologizing for the mistake - I know of this chap, he claims his family name is Laurel & using the name of Joe Laurel, he's a night Club entertainer, a comic dancer or something - his wife also works in the act with him & for some time now he poses as my Brother. At present he is playing in Australia. I have no idea who the little Girl is in this picture - I do'nt think he has any children - anyway, I appreciate very much your trouble. Pleased to tell you am feeling much improved since I returned home from the hospital.
    Trust alls well & Happy with you - Mrs L joins in kindest & bestest -
    Take care - God Bless.
                as always -
Stan Laurel Signature                 STAN LAUREL.


POSTCARD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN

I finally got the mail opened up and sorted out—over three big cartons of ‘Get Well’ cards and a big stack of letters, which am afraid will never be answered—only wish I were able.

Stan Laurel

                SEPT.16th.'64.
Dear Dean [Kaner]:
    Thanks yours 13th.inst. advising your new address - wish you all lots of happiness & success in your new surroundings - naturally you have'nt got your bearings yet, but am sure it won't be long before you'll know your way around the City blindfolded & even know every lamp-post.!! Imagine you're happy the moving business is over with, especially your Mom & Dad. Pleased to tell you am feeling pretty good again, but still not too active unfortunately - I finally got the mail opened up & sorted out, over three big cartons of 'Get Well' Cards & a big stack of letters which am afraid will never be answered - only wish I were able. Bye Dean, bestest to yourself & Family.
    Take care - God Bless.
                As always -
Stan Laurel Signature                 STAN LAUREL.

VOTE:! BURY GOLDWATER.!

Note From The Editor

Barry Goldwater (1909-1998) was the Republican presidential candidate in 1964. He and his running mate, Representative William E. Miller of New York, lost to their Democratic opponents, President Lyndon B. Johnson and Senator Hubert H. Humphrey. Johnson served as Vice President under John F. Kennedy and assumed the Presidency after J.F.K.’s assassination on November 22, 1963.



OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
Letter from Stan Laurel to Richard Sloan - September 17, 1964

                SEPT.17th.'64.
Dear Richard [Sloan]:
    Thanks yours, 13th.inst from Atlantic City. Interesting to note L&H were mentioned in the "Edge of Sadness" Novel - guess with a title like that they needed some Comedy Relief. Yes I read a couple of the Reviews on M.G.M's "PARADE OF COMEDY" - it has'nt played out here as yet. Yes, I knew about the Larry Harmon Dolls etc. of L&H have seen the ones you mention, they also have one of me alone, its a 'Kiddies' savings bank (Piggy Bank) Also a lamp the two figures standing at the Base, quite attractive. I remember Conrad Nagel talking about them on the "Tell us More" program. I heard about the "Crazy World of L&H" film, I still think its stupid - this idea has been worn out by Robt Youngston - no have'nt seen Hal Roach since 1954, when we were photographed at 'Lake L&H'.
    Yes I returned the picture you sent me to autograph some time ago - evidently you will find it on your return home. Not much else to tell you - Mrs L joins in kindest & bestest -
    Take care - God Bless.
                as always -
Stan Signature                 STAN LAUREL.

Note From The Editor

The Edge of Sadness is a novel by the American author Edwin O’Connor. It was published in 1961 and won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1962. The story is about a middle-aged Catholic priest in New England.

Tell Us More was an N.B.C. television program hosted by Conrad Nagel.



POSTCARD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN

                SEPT.19th.'64.
Thanks Jack [Graves] your very nice letter 15th.inst. So sorry missed seeing you, but am sure you fully understand my situation (diabetic dept.!) very disturbing at times. Anyway, WELCOME HOME - wish lots of success at the U of CALIF. Please do give me a call again when you are down this way - Mrs L. joins in kindest & bestest to Mrs Graves & Self - trust both in good health.
    Cheerio - God Bless -
                as always -
Stan Laurel Signature                 STAN LAUREL.


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

Am afraid I would be very disappointing in a discussion on comedy—something I prefer not to be questioned. Even Einstein would be baffled!

Stan Laurel

                SEPT.19th.'64.
Dear Hank Jones:
    Many thanks your very nice letter of July 16th.ult. Appreciate very much your kind sentiments so warmly expressed also the compliment you paid me on the 'Ernie Ford' Show - am afraid I would be very disappointing in a discussion on Comedy - something I prefer not to be questioned - even EINSTEIN would be baffled.!
    Wish you a happy & successful career in Show Bus. Its a rough old Road Hank - need lots of courage & fortitude to survive.
    Good luck - God Bless.
                as always -
Stan Laurel Signature                 STAN LAUREL.

Hank Jones Adds

One day on The Tennessee Ernie Ford Show, Ernie asked the cast, “Of all the great people in history, who would you like to spend an hour with, if you had the chance?” Dean [Kay] said, “Abraham Lincoln.” Dick Noel reflected and answered, “Leonardo DaVinci.” Our announcer Jim Lange thought and replied “Beethoven.” And I said, very seriously, “Stan Laurel.” I’d been a lifelong fan of Oliver Hardy’s skinny partner and considered him the funniest man ever to grace the silver screen. Well, guess what? I was the only person on the show who got his wish. (DaVinci, Lincoln, and Beethoven were unavailable). Stan heard about my response, and we started a correspondence that lasted several years. In his many letters, he generously gave me performance tips and commiserated about the feast or famine aspects of show business when I was “between pictures” (which was often!). And then one day in late 1964, out of the blue, I received a phone call: “Hello, lad,” said a soft, unmistakable English voice. “Come on over, let’s have a visit.” What an afternoon we spent.



OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN

                SEPT.24th.'64.
Dear Irene [Heffernan]:
    Just a few more stamps - Trust alls well & happy - love & fond thoughts to Jim & self from us both here -
                as always -
Stan Signature

POSTCARD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN

                SEPT.25th.'64.
Thanks [Dick Baldwin] your letter 19th.inst. with enclosure of snapshots - very interesting - nice to hear from you again & to know alls well.
    Re the life story film with Jackie Gleason & Dick Van Dyke - I know nothing of such a picture - it has been rumored several times but so far has not materialized - frankly do'nt think it ever will be produced.
    Wish you lots of god luck in your work & a successful career.
    Take care -
                as always -
Stan Laurel Signature                 STAN LAUREL.


POSTCARD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN

                SEPT.25th.'64.
Thanks yours [Bill (Brown) Starkell], 22nd.inst. So sorry re Kay's relatives - Please convey my sympathy - wish you both lots of success in San Francisco, am sure you'll enjoy living there - a 'Live' City - noted for excellent restaurants - many spots of interest etc.
    Pleased to tell you am feeling much improved - still of course in the re-coup dept. hence neglect in correspondence. Am sure you fully understand my being brief.
    Nothing much exciting to tell you so ADIOS mi AMIGO.
    Bestest to Kay & Self from us both here -
    Take care - Good luck.
                as always -
Stan Laurel Signature                 STAN LAUREL.


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

                SEPT.26th.'64.
Dear Hank [Jones]:
                Thanks yours 24th.inst.
Re "The Paperhanger's Helper" - that team was Oliver Hardy & Bobby Ray - I had never met Hardy at that time frankly unknown to me - I saw this film about a couple of years ago for the first time & I must admit, a great resemblance to L&H - very convincing.
    Re Jimmy Finlayson. Yes, he was a Scotsman, he did have some Music Hall experience in the old Country I understand, (a character comic - sketches etc. also appeared in scotch plays with Alec Lauder - Brother of the Late Sir Harry.) Jimmy came to this Country in a production of "Bunty Pulls The Strings" (all Scotch cast) then later toured in vaudeville with Alec Lauder in a sketch: "The Concealed Bed" - very successful - later he joined Max Sennett Keystone Films. He was a great character & foil for L&H - under contract at the Roach Studio for several years.
    Re the preservation of L&H films on TV. Am afraid nothing can be done about it - unfortunately I have no interest or say in the matter or I certainly would straighten out the situation.
    Note your recent roles in the current TV series & the parts getting bigger roles plus the "folding" money - congratulations - take care of your health Hank, your most important asset.
    Continued success & happiness -
                Sincerely always -
Stan Laurel Signature                 STAN LAUREL.


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

                SEPT.29th.'64.
Dear Wayne:
    Many thanks for the tape recording - most interesting subject - appreciate the trouble you went to. Not much to tell you Wayne - not feeling too good frankly.
    Thanks for the brochure on the "GARLANDIA" tapes - hope the project is successful - trust the recent unfavourable press re Judy will not affect you - too bad this had to happen to such a great artiste - well, "THAT'S SHOW BIZ."
    Again thanks Wayne for all the cards etc. so much mail during my stay in hospital - impossible to acknowledge - know you will fully understand.
    Take care of yourself -
                God Bless -
Stan Signature                 STAN LAUREL.

Note From The Editor

By September of 1964, Judy Garland’s personal and professional life was in a decidedly downward spiral, marked by faltering performances, comebacks, lawsuits and hospitalizations. Her long awaited television weekly series did not fare well, and CBS canceled the variety show after one season (1963-1964).



Mike Polacek Visits California Laurel and Hardy’ers!

Latest news for Laurel and Hardy’ers comes from Mike Polacek—“No. 1 Laurel and Hardy fan.” He recently visited with Stan Laurel and attended a meeting of the Laurel and Hardy Club of America in Los Angeles.
    Mike writes: “My wife and I boarded a jet in Cincinnati and flew to Los Angeles to visit our dearest friends, Stan and Eda Laurel, and to take in a meeting of the Laurel and Hardy Club of America, of which we are members.
    “As we got off the jet at L.A., to our surprise we were met by all of the Laurel and Hardy club members in convertibles, and driven to Santa Monica to our hotel, the same that Stan and Eda live at. Our room was only two doors away from theirs.
    “We spent a happy 10 days in California, visiting with Stan and Ed all but one day of those 10.
    “We met Murray Glass of Glenn Photo Supply, and Charlie Tarbox of Film Classic Exchange. I bought films from both for my Laurel and Hardy collection.
    “We were forced to turn down many invitations from many Laurel and Hardy fans.
    “We attended the L&H Club meeting in Duarte, Calif. on Sept. 25th as honored guests. We were presented with a plaque from the club. We watched ‘The Devil's Brother’ (feature from my collection) and the short ‘Double Whoopee.’
    “Gary Hough, Laurel and Hardy fan and collector from Santa Ana drove up to visit with us and attend the meeting.
    “Stan is looking good from his latest hospital ordeal. He was as chipper as ever and we had many a ‘gab’ session. Stan presented me with many items from his personal collection. These are very sacred to me.
    “We had a grand time, and hated to see those ten days come to a close.”

—8mm Collector
    Winter 1964

Stan Watermark