May 3, 1961
Dear Joe,
Thanks yours, April 18th. with enclosure of news clip (’Daily Express!).
Needless to tell you I am very thrilled & happy to receive the Oscar, such a wonderful tribute - only wish poor old Babe had been there to share this great honor which he helped make possible.
Thanks for your encouraging wish for my return back to the Business - am afraid my clowning days are over, Joe, frankly, I have no desire, am very happy & content in my retirement. After all, I’m in my ‘Roaring 70’s’ now - ‘wot could be fairer or squarer than that’?!!.
Bye Joe - appreciate your kind sentiments.
As ever:
STAN LAUREL.
May 3, 1961
Dear Joe Rehyansky, Jr.:
Thanks your nice letter.
Appreciate very much your kind congratulations on my being awarded a special Oscar - needless to tell you I am very thrilled & happy to receive such a wonderful tribute - only wish my dear late partner had been here to share this great honor which he helped make possible.
Am pleased to know the old L&H films are still affording yourself & family so much pleasure - thanks for the kind sentiments.
My regards & best wishes,
Sincerely always:
STAN LAUREL.
May 4, 1961
Thanks Bob & Marie [Hatfield] for your letters conveying congratulations on the Oscar award, the eye dept. still is'nt too good, hence the delay in acknowledging - know you fully understand - Danny Kaye's speech was very charming - very touching indeed.
Eda joins in kind thoughts to Mother & Selves,
Will write fully as soon as my eyes permit. Bye now. Good luck & God Bless.
As ever:
STAN LAUREL.
In May 1961, Larry Harmon (best known for popularizing Bozo the Clown), received the exclusive publicity rights to the likenesses of Laurel and Hardy.
May 7, 1961
Laurel, 70 years old and retired since 1955 when he suffered a stroke, now lives in a Santa Monica apartment overlooking the Pacific Ocean and not far from the Hollywood where he and “Babe” Hardy once ruled the comedy world. Hardy died in 1957.
Stanley spends much of his time answering fan mail that still comes from all parts of the world.
Sitting at his work desk in the apartment living room, the comic who could laugh or cry in an instant when he and Hardy worked together, showed his fine sense of humor and comedy talent.
Talking about old pictures he made with Hardy, Stanley would break into a hearty laugh, the same laugh that many times caused a chorus of chuckles in theater audiences.
Citing some of the technical details of his old films, Stanley said they approached cartoonery.
“We had excellent prop men,” he said. “And, some of the things we did in those movies could be done in cartoons.”
Since his stroke. Laurel hasn’t traveled into Hollywood often, and plans to confine his TV activities to script consultation at home. For some time, there have been old Laurel and Hardy movies on TV and Stanley never appreciated the way the films were edited for commercial advertisements. Stories were often ruined, he said.
The proposed series will be Stanley’s first connection with TV and he’s looking for a new approach to the subject of Laurel and Hardy.
“I hope they won’t do all the plots of our movies in the TV series,” he said. “They’ve been on for years or want them to have fresh stories for the cartoons. Bits and pieces of our old pictures won't be the way to attack it.”
“Stanley admits to a limited knowledge of animated cartoons but says he’ll concentrate his efforts on dialogue.
“Ours was a special dialogue,” he said of the old days with “Babe,” and the famous Laurel laugh broke out as he quipped, “It was the same dialogue all the time.”
Turning serious, he explained that his lines were often motivated by the type of character he played.
“It was my way of expressing it,” he said “I had to rewrite scripts so I could be comfortable with the lines. I’ll help with that sort of thing in the series. They’ll give me the scripts and I’ll go over them.”
May 8, 1961
Dear Barrie Gilbert:
Thanks your very nice letter with enclosure of news clipping which appeared in "The Daily Express."
I appreciate very much your kind sentiments & expressions re our old films & the Oscar award. Needless to tell you I am very thrilled & happy to receive such a wonderful tribute - only wish my dear late partner had been here to share this great honor he helped make possible.
Interested to note you saw us in person at the London Palladium - pleased to know you fully enjoyed our performance.
My kindest regards & every good wish to self & Family. Trust alls well & happy with you.
Cheerio & God Bless.
Sincerely always:
STAN LAUREL.
May 9, 1961
Thanks Bob & Marie [Hatfield] from San Francisco. Glad you had a good time - I dined at the Cliff House, it was wonderful to look out on the ocean & rocks & watch the seals making SEALING WAX.!! just fascinating.!
Thanks for the kind remembrance.
Regards & bestest from us both here to Mother & selves.
As ever:
STAN LAUREL.
May 11, 1961
Dear Thomas Sefton:
Thanks you nice letter, 9th.inst.
Pleased to know the old L&H films are still affording your family so much pleasure - I appreciate very much your kind sentiments.
If you will kindly send me the names of your Daughter & Son, I would like to send them each a picture as a souvenir. (Enclosed card for your convenience.)
My regards & best wishes,
Sincerely always:
STAN LAUREL.
Minna Gombel played Mrs. Hardy in Block-Heads (1938).
May 11, 1961
My Dear Johnny [Municino]:
Thanks yours, 4th.inst. with enclosure of news clip re Jerry Lewis, too bad the situation was mentioned.
Yes Danny Kaye's acceptance speech was very touching - you can rest assured I'll send you a snapshot as soon as I get the Oscar - should be here by XMas.!!
Note your idea of running the L&H films intact, I heard from several sources that the present editing is'nt too good - I know Chuck [McCann] means well & does his best, but lets face it, this type of cutting needs experience, it's a specialized job.
Anyway, nothing else to tell you Johnny, I talk with your Sister Carmella occasionally, she sounds to be in good spirit.
Mrs. L. joins in all the best.
Remember me to the gang.
Trust your feeling Ok, & family's well.
As ever:
No improvement in the eye dept as yet.
May 14, 1961
Dear Jack & Vicky,
Please pardon long delay in acknowledging your kind congratulations on the Oscar award - I had a hemorrhage in my left eye about two months ago, Dr. advised me to avoid reading & writing for a while till my vision gets stronger - no improvement as yet, so consequently am unable to attend to my mail & of course its piling up. Anyway, know that you will fully understand.
Appreciate very much your kind expressions & sentiments re the award - nedless to tell you I'm very thrilled & happy to receive such a wonderful tribute - only wish deal old 'Babe' had been here to share this honor he helped make possible.
Hope by now you were able to find the L&H book - shall be delighted to autograph it for you.
Must close now - Eda joins in love & best to you both.
Trust alls well & Happy.
As ever:
May 15, 1961
My Dear Frank [Buxton]:
Many thanks your kind congratulations on my Oscar award - much appreciated.
Sorry delay in acknowledging, fact is, had a hemorrhage in my left eye a couple of months ago, Dr. advises me not to read or write for a while, till the vision gets stronger, so of course am not able to attend to my mail as I usually do - hence my reply being brief.
Happy to know the show is so successful - understand the Ausie audiences are very enthusiastic & responsive - have always had a great desire to tour that Country, but never got the opportunity - I know our old films are still quite popular down there, still get a great deal of fan mail in fact.
Thanks again for your kind sentiments - do hope to see you again on your way hack to N.Y. (come up, I'll show you my Oscar!!!)
Wish you continued success & happiness.
Cheerio & God Bless.
As ever:
STAN LAUREL.
May 15, 1961
Many thanks [Mr. & Mrs. Short] your kind congratulations on my Oscar Award - appreciate very much your kind sentiments.
Am very thrilled to receive such a wonderful tribute - Only wish my dear late partner could have been here to share this great honor he helped make possible.
Thanks again for your kind thoughts.
Trust alls well & happy with you.
Cheerio & God Bless.
As ever:
STAN LAUREL.
May 16, 1961
Dear Antoinette Handler:
Sorry delay in acknowledging your very kind letter expressing your sentiments on my Oscar Award.
I am very thrilled & happy to receive such a wonderful tribute - only wish my dear late partner had been here to share the honor he helped make possible.
Again my sincere thanks.
As ever:
STAN LAUREL.
May 17, 1961
Dear Lillie Wray:
Thank you for your nice letter with enclosure of very interesting news. Clippings concerning Sidney St. during the "Blitz". The picture of you is excellent, certainly belies your age - congratulations Lille.!
I understand the old Town has greatly changed & many of the old Land-marks have gone.
I am thrilled & happy to receive such a wonderful old tribute - only wish my dear late partner had been here to share this great honor he helped make possible.
Thanks again for your kind sentiments Lillie - much appreciated. Trust alls well & happy with you.
Good luck & God Bless you.
As ever:
STAN LAUREL.
May 18, 1961
Dear Dick Iwanowski:
Thanks for your very nice letter expressing congratulations on my Oscar award. Needless to tell you I am very thrilled to receive such a wonderful triute - only wish my dear late partner had ben here to share the honor he helped make possible.
Pleased to know the old L&H films have afforded you so much pleasure thru' the years - appreciate very much your kind sentiments.
It was indeed nice to hear from you Dick - interesting to know you are a police officer - wish you a safe & successful career. Good luck & God Bless.
My kindest regards always,
Sincerely:
STAN LAUREL.
May 19, 1961
Dear Darline Arzac:
Thanks your letter 18th.inst.
Regarding "Fabian & Connie Stevens", my only suggestion to contact them would be to drop them a line to C/O Screen Actors Guild, 7750, Sunset Blvd. Hollywood. 46. Calif. your letter will be forwarded to their home address of Agents office. Hope you'll be successful in your plans - my congratulations to your daughter Carolyn on her graduation.
Nice to hear from you again.
Kindest regards,
As ever:
STAN LAUREL.
This is in regards to the enclosed thermoflax letter dated May 19, 1961, addressed to Mr. Stan Laurel, Oceana Apartment Hotel, concerning the possibilities of asking a favor from you kind people to participate in making one evening memorable for my daughter Carolyn and one of herf friends upon graduation from South Junior High School, Downey, California. Our daughter also be fifteen years old at the same time. She has always remarked how much she enjoys listening to your records and at the same time wished to be able to see you in person. Do you think this wish could be granted by spending an evening together in noted place?
I wrote to Mr. Laurel, because we had the privilege of spening an afternoon with him, reminiscing old films with him. Again, I wish to say in advance “thanks” for bringing enjoyment to one of your fans by your records and if possible by an eventful evening spent with you people. Please contact me at my office address above, as I would appreciate keeping this as a secret until the occasion should arise to inform her and her friend.
Sincerely yours,
Darline Arzac
May 19, 1961
Dear Art Shackman:
Thanks your very nice letter.
I appreciate very much your kind sentiments.
WIth pleasure I am enclosing you a picture. Thanks for the request.
Again my thanks & best wishes,
Sincerely always:
STAN LAUREL.
May 19, 1961
Dear Mr [Thomas] Sefton:
Thanks your letter & booklet "The Country of Joyous Aspect", I shall with pleasure add it to my little library, thank you for the kind thought.
Re the non mention of the background music in the L&H book, frankly, I don't think it was ever thought of any interest to discuss - I don't even know the titles of the numbers that we used, they were assembled from old recordings that were on file in the studio music library, a bit of this & a bit of that to fit the particular situation in the film - probably the music used was in Public Domain, so no royalty fees were required.
Enclosed are the pictures for Laurie & Harley incidentally, my granddaughter is named Laurie.
Again my regards & best to you all.
Sincerely as ever:
STAN LAUREL.
May 20, 1961
Dear Giovanna, Sandro & Roberta Mazorati:
Thank you for your very nice letter - pleased to tell you that the report that I am poor is not true & I AM NOT RICH, but fortunately I am comfortably fixed financially for the rest of my days, so please do'nt worry about me.
Am enclosing you each a picture, thought you would like to have one as a souvenir.
I appreciate very much your kindly interest & sentiments.
Good luck & God Bless you:
Sincerely always:
STAN LAUREL.
May 22, 1961
Thanks Bob & Marie [Hatfield] for the nice package - Eda is delighted & appreciates very much your kind thought.
Still no improvement in the eye dept. think I'll have it taken out & replaced with a CHERRY.!!, it would look much dressier.!!
Bestest to you all.
As ever:
STAN LAUREL.
May 22, 1961
Dear Barbara Brown:
Thank you for your very nice letter - I appreciate your kind sentiments.
Note you recently moved to California from N.Y. State, sincerely wish you lots of good luck, success & happiness in your new surroundings.
I had a hemorrhage in my left eye sometime ago, Dr. advised me to avoid reading & writing till my vision gets stronger, so please pardon my being brief - know you will fully understand.
My kindest regards & every good wish,
Cheerio & God Bless.
Sincerely always:
STAN LAUREL.
May 23, 1961
Dear Walter Krawczyk:
Many thanks for your kind congratulations on my Oscar Award. I appreciate very much your kind sentiments so graciously expressed. I feel gratefully happy to receive this wonderful tribute, only wish my dear late partner had been here to share the honor he helped make possible.
Again my sincere thanks.
My kindest regards & every good wish.
Sincerely always:
STAN LAUREL.
May 24, 1961
Dear John Thom:
Sorry delay in acknowledging your kind congratulations on my Oscar Award.
Appreciate very much your kind sentiments. Please too convey my best to your friend Jim Gideon.
Kindest regards,
As ever:
STAN LAUREL.
May 25, 1961
Dear Gary [Alexander]-
Sorry delay in acknowledging your kind congratulations on my Oscar Award. Appreciated very much your kind thought.
Pleased to know you enjoyed the L&H book & found it interesting.
Again my thanks & every good wish,
Trust alls well with you.
Sincerely as ever:
STAN LAUREL.
May 25, 1961
Dear "Bunny" Ohlson:
Sorry delay in acknowledging your kind congratulations on my Oscar Award.
Appreciate your kind sentiments - only wish my dear late partner could have been here to share this wonderful tribute he helped make possible.
Again my thanks & every good wish, trust alls well & happy with you.
My kindest regard,
Sincerely as ever::
STAN LAUREL.
May 29, 1961
Dear Bob & Marie [Hatfield]:
Thanks your card.
Nothing much to tell you, but thought the enclosed news article would interest you. (do'nt bother to return.)
The eye dept. is still giving me a dirty look, so bye now.
Eda joins in all the best, to selves & Mother.
Cheerio.
As ever:
STAN LAUREL.
May 31, 1961
The celebrated team started together in 1925 and has since starred in more than 200 films most of which now are on television all over the world and still drawing record audiences.
The idea of taking the human characters and turning them into cartoon characters is Larry Harmon’s. Harmon is president of his own company, which produces “Bozo the Clown” and half a dozen other shows.
“We’re going to do ‘Laurel and Hardy’ as a half-hour cartoon series,” Harmon explained the other day. “The figures will be those of Laurel and Hardy and the voices will be theirs too.”
At this juncture, Harmon, who is the voice of Bozo the Clown, did an imitation of Stan Laurel which caused nearby heads to swivel. “When I call Stan sometimes I imitate his voice,” Harmon said. “He still can’t get over it. ‘It's like talking to myself’ he told me once.”
Harmon has been working closely with Stan Laurel on plots and characterizations. Laurel, who is now 72 years old, suffered a stroke that incapacitated him six years ago but he’s still mentally active. Oliver “Babe” Hardy died in 1956.
“The Laurel and Hardy cartoon series is a big step forward in cartoon-type humor,” Harmon said. “It’s the first time live characters will be portrayed as cartoon characters, but the plots will not be remakes of the old shows. they will be original stories and because of that they aren’t limited in movement. Thanks to animation they’ll have more action than the old movies.”
Harmon is aware that the originals will be on television running with his cartoon characters, but he considers this a bonus rather than a drawback.
“The old movies are playing in every market in the United States at sometime or another during the day,” he said, “That’s pre-selling and familiarizing audiences with our characters.”
The new cartoon series has, Harmon says, given Stan Laurel a “new lease on life.” Actually Laurel has never been happy with the way the old comedies have been cut up for television in order to fill time slots and is pleased at the opportunity to present Laurel and Hardy the way he believes they should be.
As technical advisor on the new series Laurel is enthusiastic, because he said it’s like reliving the old days. “Babe and I have got a whole new life ahead of us,” he said. “I couldn’t ask for anything nicer for us.”