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

                OCT.5th.'64.
Thanks [Dick Baldwin] yours, 30th.ult.
    I know nothing of the project (Gleason-Van Dyke) to make a L&H life story - I've read a good deal about it recently but I doubt if it will ever materialize. I have never experienced Method Acting & know little about it. It's difficult to give you any 'TIPS' concerning comedy - that's entirely a personal problem - watch other Comics & decide on a style that appeals to your sense of humor, then study that line. Shall be pleased to autograph your L&H 'STILLS' - kindly send a stamped-addressed envelope for return.
    Again my regards & best -
                as always -
Stan Laurel Signature                 STAN LAUREL.



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

                OCT.6th.'64.
Dear Rene Rondeau:
                Thanks yours, 29th.ult.
Re the late Jean Harlow - I was in no way responsible for her success in the films - the small part she played in "Double Whoopee" was actually a test for her & requested by Hal Roach Sr. she only worked on the set with us for a couple of hours & that was the last I ever saw of her personally. Re our funniest film, frankly I have no particular choice in this respect - we just made them to entertain audiences of all types & hoped they would turn out funny - incidently many were very disappointing for us.
    I first met Charlie Chaplin in I909 when I joined the Fred Karno Co. in Manchester, England. I later became his 'Understudy', & came to the States in 191O in a Karno show "A NIGHT IN AN ENGLISH MUSIC HALL", WE PLAYED IN VAUDEVILLE TOGETHER TILL 1913. when he joined the Mack Sennett Keystone Films - most of the company returned to England but I remained here with a couple of the members & continued touring the Country in Vaudeville, in 1917, I first appeared in films finally quitting the Stage for the screen, the rest of course you know.
    Nice to hear from you again Rene - trust alls well & happy -
    my kindest & bestest -
    as always -
                sincerely -
Stan Laurel Signature                 STAN LAUREL.


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

                OCT.8th.'64.
Thanks Tom [Sefton] for copy of "Motion Picture DAILY" re the article & reviews on M.G.M. "Parade of Comedy" - very interesting - unfortunately L&H have no interest in this film financialwise - anyway hope I shall have the opportunity to see it sometime on TV. Again thanks for the kind remembrance - trust Donna & self had a wonderful trip-
    Eda joins in kindest & bestest to you all at 3910.
    God Bless.
    as always -
                As ever:
Stan Signature                 STAN LAUREL.


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

                OCT. 12th.'64.
Thanks Bill [(Brown) Starkell] yours 5th.inst.advising me your address. Yes the Famous TROLLEY CAR is really antique - I believe the only one of its kind in existence - frankly I could live without them.!! I recall your telling me Harpo Marx playing in Portland - now Eddie Cantor - the onld-timers are gradually disappearing, very few left now. Thanks Chinese post card - evidently you visited the famous China Town - S.F. a very interesting City. Note Kay speaks Ukranian, Mrs L was born in Siberia - raised in China, (Mongolia I think) due to the revolution.! If you do visit Santa Monica, give me a call, we can arrange a convenient date.
    Kindest & bestest from us both here to Kay & self - Take care - God Bless.
                as ever:
Stan Laurel Signature                 STAN LAUREL.


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

I never worked with Chaplin in films. I seldom saw him—only occasionally in a restaurant or on the street. He was always very friendly towards me.

Stan Laurel

                OCT.14th.'64.
Dear Hank Jones:
                Thanks yours, 13th.inst.
Sorry to tell you, Jimmy Finlayson passed on in 1953, he only worked occasionally for a few years previous due to ill health. RE your questions "Night in an English Music Hall", can only answer these briefly, otherwise take to long.
    1. It was produced originally in England by Fred Karno early 1900's. So successful, Karno formed several troupes to play in different Countries, one Co. played on the Continent, France, Germany etc. two in England - the London troupe & the Provincial, & the American Troupe. It was'nt a Revue, just a 30 minute vaudeville act, 14 in the Co. many doubling in parts & audience characters sitting in the 'BOXES' (Stage on a stage, a proscenium arch, front heavy drapes & on each side 2 or 4 private boxes - this was the set as the regular theatre audience viewed it from in front of the regular orchestra pit. A typical English Music Hall show was presented with 6 acts of dubious talent - each was resented & insulted by a white tie 'DRUNK' - he several times climbed out of the box & took part in the show. It was a terrific hit in the States from Coast to Coast in vaudeville also played a season with Ziegfeld Follies - the late Billy Reeves played the DRUNK - the Chaplin troupe was the last to come over (I think we were the 6th. & last Co.) then Chaplin left the Co. to join Mack Sennett Studio in 1913. The troupe finally disbanded. I remained & continued working in vaudeville.
    2. Several of the Karno boys appeared on the screen - BILLY RITCHIE made a few Silent films, also a JIMMY AUBREY - SYD CHAPLIN (Charlie's Brother) but never became prominent. Karno only visited America, was never a permanent resident.
    3. I never worked with Chaplin in films - I seldom saw him, only occasionally in a restaurant, on the street - he was always very friendly towards me.
    4. No, I never to my knowledge used any of the 'Karno' bits or routines in our films, but Charlie, took bits from several of them also adapted two or three of the shows bodily - one was Fred Karno's "SKATING" the film title was "The Rink", another was "THE SHOW" ("Night in an English Music Hall").
    The "Music Hall" is no more in England - completely vanished - same as the old American vaudeville - a tragic situation for show Bus. we've lost a great school of training unfortunately.
    Yes Beatrice Lillie is a great example of that thorough training a wonderful personality -she's "TIFFANY".
    Nice to hear from you again Hank.
    Take care - God Bless.
                As always -
Stan Signature                 STAN LAUREL.

Note From The Editor

Chaplin had the lead in the burlesque vaudeville routine entitled “Mumming Birds”—changed to “Night in an English Music Hall” when Karno’s Company went on tour. The Act consisted of a number of routines that were interrupted by an inebriated “member of the audience” who panned the on-stage performances. The drunk was Chaplin. Stan became his understudy after he joined Fred Karno in 1910.



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

                OCT.16th.'64.
Thanks Bob [Stowell] your letter 10th.inst. Nice to hear from you again & to know alls well. We here too enjoyed seeing you & Pat on the eve of Mike & Mildred's departure - have had a couple of letters from Mike they were very happy about their visit & the kind & generous reception - you made their trip a very happy memory. I too felt saddened by the loss of Eddie Cantor - I knew Eddie quite well, he was indeed in the class of Jolson. Where did you find the L&H stationery? I have'nt seen this before - its cute. Note the program plan for NOV.6th. wish I were able to be present - wish you all a very happy evening.
    Eda joins in kind thoughts to Pat, self & family.
    Take care - God Bless.
                as always -
Stan Signature                 STAN LAUREL.

Note From The Editor

Eddie Cantor (1892-1964) was an American performer, comedian, dancer, singer and songwriter. His nickname, “Banjo Eyes” was inspired by his eye-rolling song-and-dance routines.



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

                OCT.19th.'64.
Dear Dick Baldwin:
    Thanks yours 10th.inst. with batch of L&H 'STILLS' which I autographed & just returned to you under separate cover you enclosed.
    Note you are strongly influenced by the Laurel character but do'nt let that bother you, just do what you feel like, if it does resemble me - SO WHAT.!! It might be a springboard for you to give experience in creating a style of your own which I am sure you would eventually do.
    No I'm not writing my biography - I do'nt have that capability or desire.
    Good to hear from you again Dick -
    Take good care of yourself.
                as always -
Stan Laurel Signature                 STAN LAUREL.


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

                OCT.19th.'64.
Dear Jim Willroy:
                Thanks your letter (undated).
The record you refer to on "Voice of the Stars" was made in London by the Columbia Recording Co. & titled "Dance of the Cuckoos". First side was expressing our thanks to the British public for the kind & generous reception they had accorded us during our short visit - the 2nd. side was a Columbia Orchestra arrangement of our theme music. I understand this was released under the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer label in 1932.
    During World War 2nd. The Columbia bldg. was Blitzed & all the 'Master' record prints were destroyed, I assume ours was among them. This recording was the only one we ever made - I know of no others - if any, I imagine must be a copy of "Dance of the Cuckoos".
    Nice to hear from you again - trust this little information will be helpful.
    My kindest & bestest -
                as always -
Stan Laurel Signature                 STAN LAUREL.


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

I fully agree the figures of Laurel and Hardy are “trés lousy”—have requested the management to either improve or throw out entirely.

Stan Laurel

                OCT.20th.'64.
Thanks Arthur [Wenzel] for brochure "Wax Museum" I fully agree the figures of L&H are tres LOUSEY - have requested the management to either IMPROVE or throw out entirely - they insist the likenesses are excellent - IDIOTS.!!
    Trust alls well Arthur - bestest to Frank & Family -
    take care -
                as always - God Bless.
Stan Laurel Signature                 STAN LAUREL.

POSTCARD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
Postcard from Stan Laurel to Marie Hatfield - October 22, 1964

                OCT.22nd.'64.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARIE [HATFIELD] - MANY HAPPY RETURNS - !!
    My apologies not answering your kind letters & the lovely flowers, am sure you fully understand my situation - difficult to attend to correspondence.
    Eda joins in congratulations to Bob & your kind self - happy to know alls well & happy again trust this time for KEEPS.! Wish you both continued good health, success & happiness from here to There - this way & thatta Way.!!
    Take care - God Bless.
                as always:
Stan Signature                     x x
                STAN LAUREL.
P.S. Was saddened by the news of your Mom - our deep SYMPATHY!


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

                OCT.22nd.'64.
Thanks Richard [Sloan], yours 10th.inst. Do'nt understand "Come home quick" - Have been home since Sept. 26th.! Thanks anyway for kind thought & good wishes.
    Chuck [McCann] called me last Thursday (12th) re his appearance on the "Les Crane" show - no doubt you saw the program - Chuck was excellent. Understand he will he on the show again Monday 16th.inst.
    Nothing new here. Again thanks & bestest -
    Take care -
                as always -
Stan Laurel Signature                 STAN LAUREL.

Note From The Editor

Best remembered for his 1971 spoken word hit record Desiderata, Les Crane started as a rock and roll DJ. Success in that field led to a late-night talk show, The Les Crane Show, whose highlight was the Rolling Stones American television debut on June 2, 1964.



WESTERN UNION TELEGRAM

                OCTOBER 22, 1964
MRS BOB HATFIELD =
MANY HAPPY RETURNS WISH YOU CONTINUED GOOD HEALTH AND HAPPINESS =
EDA AND STAN LAUREL =


Letter from Stan Laurel to Bill Starkell
A CLASSY NOTE LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN

                OCT.23rd.'64.
Dear Bill [Brown] Starkell:
    Thanks yours 21st inst. Note your new address. Enclosed postcard I sent you on the 12th.inst. Sorry difficulty in finding work, sincerely hope you'll make connections soon - with your capabilities am sure you will. Sad news about Kay's Brother sad especially nothing can be done to help him. Please convey my regrets to Kay. Did'nt know Dick Van Dyke was in S.F.
    Not much else, so bye -
    Kindest & bestest to you both. Good luck -
                as always -
Stan Laurel Signature                 STAN LAUREL.


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

                OCT.23rd.'64.
Dear Don Anderson:
    Thanks your very nice letter 21st.inst. Appreciate very much your kind sentiments so warmly expressed.
    With pleasure I enclose an autographed picture - thank you for the request.
    My regards & best wishes -
                Sincerely always -
Stan Laurel Signature                 STAN LAUREL.


Postcard from Stan Laurel to Ray Briggs
POSTCARD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN

                OCT.26th.'64.
Dear Ray Briggs: Thanks your very nice letter 22nd.inst - appreciate very much your kind sentiments so warmly expressed - Happy to know the old L&H films are still affording you so much pleasure - the gracious gesture is deeply valued - my sincere thanks Ray.
    Trust alls well & happy with you -
    My kindest & bestest -
                as always -
Stan Laurel Signature                 STAN LAUREL.


Postcard from Stan Laurel to Dean Kaner
POSTCARD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN

                OCT.30th.'64.
Thank you Dean [Kaner] - the package of chocolate arrived this AM. Mrs Laurel appreciates your kind thought & generous gesture - certainly very sweet of you. I have to confess - when I opened the package, the smell of the wonderful chocolate tempted me to sneak one of the squares - I really enjoyed it DELICIOUS! so now I can join Mrs L in Thanks.
    Guess by now you are settled down & enjoying the new surroundings.
    Bye Dean - please convey our kindest regards to your Family & again thanks to you - trust alls well & happy.
                As always - God Bless.
Stan Laurel Signature                 STAN LAUREL.

Dean Kaner Adds

In September, my family moved from Superior, WI to Minneapolis, MN. I wrote to Stan about my new surroundings. I sent him a box of chocolates with a personalized wrapper that read, “This chocolate is made especially for Stan Laurel.”



STAN LAUREL AT HOME
Stan Laurel Portrait


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

                OCT.30th.'64.
Thanks Bob & Pat [Stowell]: Thanks your letter 19th.inst. & tape which arrived this AM. Nice to know you are getting so much pleasure out of the Club & taking so much interest, am sure Dave & Joe appreciate your efforts very much. Am looking forward to running the tape, as soon as I get my recorder back - Joe took it to be fixed a week ago last Wednesday - am afraid I'll have to getting a new one - had this 7 years now - pretty well worn - not much else Bob - Eda joins in kindest & bestest to Pat, self & the children. Take care - God Bless.
                as always -
Stan Signature                 STAN LAUREL.


Stan Watermark