September 1, 1962
Dear Earl:
Pleased to know you enjoyed a brief vacation at the Seaside with Mrs S. and Diana. Am wondering if that was Liege? I visited there once in 1912. Yes, it was sad about Marilyn Monroe. It's difficult to understand. She had everything to live for - money, fame, etc.
As ever:
September 1, 1962
Dear Freddie Richards:
Thanks yours,28th.ult.
Pleased to know you recd. the Book OK. Note you heard from Ralph Edwards regarding "This is your Life" film, I understand its pretty difficult to acquire copies of this program - frankly you have'nt missed much. Strange that Dell publishing Co advised you they had'nt any release date for the L&H Comic Book - the first issue for Aug - Oct. have been on the stands for several weeks in N.Y. & throughout the States, suggest you call for the manager of the circulation dept. & make a check on this, several people wrote & told me they have copies, the 2nd issue is due for release shortly.
Yes, I heard about the several L&H games - have'nt seen any of them as yet - yes we have a percentage deal on these, all merchandise concerned with our name & characters.
With pleasure I enclose a picture for your Son Larry - trust alls well with you & yours.
Cheerio - God Bless.
STAN LAUREL.
September 1, 1962
Dear Dean Kaner:
Thanks yours, (undated)
The enclosed snapshot is the only picture of myself alone I have - hope this will be adequate to add to your photo collection, it was taken sometime in '61.
The "Laughter U.S.A." you mention was a re-run, so did'nt see it this time - I heard that the 1st time it was shown, L&H were much funnier.!!!.
Nice to hear from you again Dean.
Trust alls well & happy.
Sincerely as ever:
STAN LAUREL.
September 4, 1962
Dear Bill Brown [Starkell]:
Thanks yours, 30th.ult.
No, I do'nt recall seeing Bob Hope in the "Louisiana Purchase" film version - I assume Victor Moore played the original character as in the play.
No, no offence re the article you mentioned concerning Mrs L. - thats to be expected from these unreliable columnists & reporters - after so many years I'm immune. Do'nt bother to send the article Bill, its of no interest to me.
So sorry to hear the sad news of your Brother Richard - my deepest sympathy - I too feel it is a blessing to be relieved from all that suffering - am sure he prayed for this.
Naturally I heard about Hoot Gibson - the last time I saw him he was on his honeymoon with Sally Eilers, we were on the same ship bound for Hawaii, we became quite friendly on that voyage, but never met either of them since.
Thanks Bill for your kind suggestion to send the book "Master's of Destiny" - sounds very interesting, but please do'nt bother with it, due to my eye trouble I do'nt read much anymore, especially books - too much of a strain - know you will understand.
The old Jack Paar show has still been running since be left, a different Host every week, its been interesting seeing a new personality every week in charge, there have been about 18 names so far - this week is Red Buttons - this formula continues till Johnny Carson takes over permanently in October.
Re your questionaire:
1. No, Alan Ladd did'nt appear in "Great Guns"
2. I assume the L&H cartoon series will be shown in Canada - have no idea when this program will be released. Will let you know of course.
3. L&H met the late W.C. Fields on occasions, but never became close friends.
4. Yes, Hal Roach Sr. is still around (retired)
5. ?
You mention again re 'old negatives', am under the the impression I previously told you I do'nt have any - - -.
Guess you heard about Gene Autrey's 'Melody Ranch' being destroyed in the recent Fires out here (most of his Western Street Sets burned to the ground) no doubt he's covered by insurance & wo'nt be too serious a loss to him.
Not much else Bill, so bye for now.
Kindest & best from us both here to Kay & self.
Cheerio - God Bless.
As ever:
STAN LAUREL.
September 5, 1962
Dear Bobby [London]:
Thanks yours, Septober the Oneth. with enclosed drawing you made with the aid of the L&H electric set - looks very good does'nt it? of course I realise a great deal of it can be credited to your skill as an artist, I imagine many who attempt these drawings could'nt draw a deep breath.!
Pleased to know you visited with Chuck McCann at W.P.I.X. & had such a nice time - I heard about his collection of L&H Stills etc. Note you are going to make a drawing for him of L&H & Jimmy Finlayson (the One eyed Pike.!!) Chuck will probably invite you to appear on his show to display it.! That would be good experience for you. Remember me kindly to Chuck when you see him again, also Joe Mutoli, Chuck’s assistant, you probably met him during your last visit to the TV Station.
Thanks for returning the cards, even tho' it was necessary I have no further use for them - I agree with you, there speling wos veri pore i cudent maque wot'thay MENT.!
Bye now. Best to you & yours,
As ever:
STAN LAUREL.
September 8, 1962
Dear Arthur Pappidar:
Thanks yours, 5th.inst.
Nice to hear from you - interesting to know you've just returned from a tour of Europe - sounds like you had a wonderful trip & met many personalities - Hardy & I made personal appearances in Denmark & Sweden in '47. We enjoyed meeting those wonderful people over there, they were indeed kindly, gracious & hospitable to us, our visit will always remain a very happy memory.
Note you have decided to make a movie - wish you lots of good luck & success in your venture - no doubt you will make many errors & mistakes, but do'nt let this discourage you, this will be of great value & benefit to you in the future - the trick is to learn What NOT to do.!! thats very important.
Not much advice I can give you frankly, thats something you'll have to figure out for yourself - its your 'Baby' & only you know what you visualize.
I do suggest however, you shoot your script or story in continuity, right from the first scene to your finish, this will simplify the shooting for you & avoid confusion in the editing, every time you screen the positive print, assemble it right away - keep adding - do'nt let it go till you've completed shooting. Every time you assemble more film run all you have put together, & you will see how your picture is forming, it will guide you in many ways.
This first one will he good experience for you so its more as an experiment - do'nt think you should spend more than One Million on it.!!! maybe you'd better go over to Sweden to shoot it at those prices you could make a whole series.!! but do'nt put Liz Taylor into the film.!
Again my regards & best Arthur.
As ever Sincerely:
STAN LAUREL.
September 10, 1962
Sorry Al [Kilgore] long delay in acknowledging yours,16th.ult. with enclosure of "Bullwinkle" strips - having a rough time healthwise, spells of excessive weakness etc. have'nt been in mood for correspondence or interest in anything frankly, including your brochure & strips, so of course have no comments. Am now taking Vitamin B12.shots - special pills etc. hope soon to be feeling much better, then will write you fully.
Eda joins in kind thoughts to you all - continued success with your Strip.
As ever
September 10, 1962
Dear Oral [Cloakey]:
Thanks yours, 4th.inst. with enclosure of 'Lil Abner' cartoon strips - looks like Al Capp has cast us as a couple of 'Commies'! wait till Mr K. hears of this.!!
Nice to hear from you again Oral - you sound in good spirit. I read about that recent epidemic you had down there 'Sleeping sickness'. Hell, they've had that for years, its most prevalent among Theatre audiences.!!
I can imagine your photographic display is quite an attraction - thats a good idea to start a guided tour "THE CLOAKEY GALLERIES".
The last time I met Hoot Gibson was in 1930, he was on a honeymoon trip to Honolulu with Sally Eilers, I was on the same Ship, we became quite friendly, but never saw him since that voyage, he was a wild character in those days.!
I have a slight recollection of Doug, I remember your visiting me during the time I was doing a Luther Burbank routine - crossing potatoes with mint also onion, my idea was to get the flavour into the potatoe - nothing materialized, but I had a lot of fun testing my patience.
The vitamin B12.shots I'm taking seem to help a bit, but am still far from shape to enter the Olympics.
KAm wondering if you happen to have a Tape recorder? I have a few English Comic records I'd like to make copies of & send you on tape, know you'd get a big kick out of them.
All for now Lad. Eda joins in kind thoughts to Thelma & your kind self.
God Bless.
As ever:
“Mr. K” is a reference to Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev (1894-1971).
Hoot Gibson (1892-1962) was an American rodeo champion and a pioneer cowboy film actor, director and producer. His third wife, Sally Eilers (1908-1978) was an American actress who made her film debut in 1927 in The Red Mill, directed by Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle.
September 14, 1962
Dear Mr [Gerard] Stigter:
Thanks yours, 10th.inst. Nice to hear from you again - note you bought the L&H book in your local bookshop. Am sending your letter to Mr McCabe, am sure he will be very pleased to read your kind comments on his work.
The name of the film you refer to (the Jig-saw puzzle) was titled "ME & MY PAL". The other two films you mention: (hiding the dog) was "LAUGHING GRAVY", the other, (Street musicians in the snow) was "BELOW ZERO". No we never made any special photograph for 'Van Houten chocolate', we knew nothing about this advertisement.
Pleased to know you enjoyed a brief vacation at the Seaside with Mrs S & Diana - am wondering if that was Schveningen? I visited there once in 1912.
Yes it was sad about Marilyn Monroe, its difficult to understand, she had everything to live for - money - fame, etc.
Pardon my omitting your first name, I was unable to decipher your signature - fortunately you printed the address.
Again my regards & best wishes,
Kind thoughts to you all.
Sincerely as ever:
STAN LAUREL.
Actress Marilyn Monroe died from an overdose of barbiturates on August 5, 1962. She was 36 years old.
September 17, 1962
Dear Bill Brown [Starkell]:
Thanks yours, 1Oth.inst.
That Voyage to Hawaii in which I met Hoot Gibson was in 1930.
If Alan Ladd was in "Great Guns" film I was certainly not aware of it - Carey Grant was an "Extra" in one of our Silent films one time - did'nt know that either at the time.
Note Chaplin will appear in an interview from his Swiss Chalet on TV shortly - that should he very interesting indeed, would certainly like to see that, hope it will eventually he broadcast over over here sometime.
Yes I know of the Wax Museum, have seen pictures of the L&H figures - very disappointing.
Note you decided to quit smoking - I myself was a very heavy smoker for years, 3 to 4 packs a day, never ever thought I could quit. One morning about over two years ago I lost all desire & have never smoked since, it was a case of Will Power or determination to Quit - I never thought it possible - very strange was'nt it? Incidently, I've never felt any benefit healthwise did'nt affect me in any way whatsoever.
I have'nt heard anything about the new 'Universal Studios' "Hollywood Then & Now"- I'vE got news for you, I WO'NT BE IN IT.!
No, I did'nt see the "Lil Abner" Film with the old time comics playing Al Capps cartoon characters.
Re your questions:
1. The situation in the "Rogue Song" film had no connection with the plot of "Fra Diavalo". Our appearance in the "Rogue Song" was made several weeks after that film was finished, We were never intended to be in it by Metro, but after several public previews they decided they needed some comedy relief, hence our added assistance. Yes, the only color film we were ever in.
2. Yes we were generally recognized when not in make-up character, but I waS never mistaken For Doug Fairbanks Sr. or Clark Gable.!!
3. I never met many of the Movie Greats you mention. I knew Vic McLaghlen quite well, met Von Stroheim in Paris in 1950, thats all in this group.
Not much else Bill, so bye for now. Kindest & best from us both here to Kay & self.
As ever:
STAN LAUREL.
September 17, 1962
Pleased to know you're feeling better Jennie [Racey], those disturbances can be very distressing & can cause you to feel very depressed at times, especially under the unfortunate circumstances.
Eda joins in love & bestest to you all.
As ever:
September 21, 1962
Dear Craig Fall:
Thank you for your nice letter. Pleased to know the old L&H films are affording you so much pleasure - appreciate your kind sentiments.
With pleasure,I enclose you an autographed picture - thanks for the kind request.
My best wishes always,
Sincerely:
STAN LAUREL.
P.S. Have you seen the Laurel & Hardy Comic Books published by Dell Co. Check with your local newsdealer.
September 22, 1962
Dear Glenn [Laxton]:
Thanks yours,20th.inst.
I just had a letter from Ron Klugman telling me he met you - re the snapshots you mention - I just happen to have one left that was taken sometime in '61, so please find it enclosed.
Re Babe's & my first film as a team (official was in 1926 - we worked together in several Silents before that - our book "Mr Laurel & Mr Hardy" provides all definite information concerning this, also lists the titles & dates etc.
We appeared on "This is your Life" program December 1st.1954. Have no idea where you could get a L&H ash tray - did'nt know there was such an article on the market. No we never made any film after "Utopia" (do you blame us??) I have no particular choice as to whom would be cast for the characters of L&H.
Whenever you visit Santa Monica, I shall of course enjoy the pleasure of meeting you personally - note you have one more year to go at Emerson - wish you continued success.
Please convey my regards & best to Ron Klugman.
Cheerio!
As ever:
STAN LAUREL.
September 25, 1962
Dear Tom [Sefton]:
Thanks yours, 20th.inst.
Nice to hear from you again & to know alls well. Glad the L&H Comic Book reached you OK. I assumed you were away on vacation being the reason I hadn't heard from you.
Am sure you enjoyed the trip to the Islands - I visited Honolulu in 1930 had a marvelous time fishing, was out several times on a 'Sampan' - I too made two or three appearances at the military & Naval Bases - Pearl Harbor & wheeler Field, I think that was the name - Hardy wasn't with me, so I had requests to appear single - naturally I wasn't prepared, but everybody seemed satisfied just to see me, so all were happy - note too you went to Durango, I think you were there last year checking the mine dept.
Please convey my regards to Nancy Starkey - I too enjoyed our little correspondence - shall look forward to seeing the pictures of your 'Museum' house, I think you showed me some snapshots of the bldg. before you started to remodel.
Not much new to tell you Tom, everything with me as usual, except have been having some excessive weakness spells, at times I got so weak I felt like a fortnight.! anyway, am now taking Vitamin B12. shots which seem to help me a bit.
I imagine you will miss Ben [Chadwell] quite a bit now that he's not around, he'll probably be stopping by the hotel one of these days to see Milton Weber, so hope to be seeing him too, Ben IS a very nice person.
Bye Tom, Mrs L. joins in kindest regards to self & family.
Sincerely always:
September 27, 1962
Dear Jenny & Jack [Racey]:
Thanks yours, 21st.inst.
Pleased to note you're feeling better Jennie - hope you'll continue to take care of yourself.
Congratulations on your new wardrobe - you don't sound too pleased with the Fit - didn't you try them on at the Store? maybe you could return them for a different size.
Yes I saw the Jack Paar show last week - very interesting indeed to see the survivors, am wondering if they will be invited to visit the White House to meet President Kennedy, I imagine he would enjoy seeing them all again.
I guess Dave & his wife Lillian will miss their Son when he leaves, but I think it will be a wonderful experience for him & put him in great shape Physically am sure he will never regret it.
Note Goldie & Bill took a trip to New York - they'll probably see a few Broadway shows, maybe they'll cover the TV shows like "Tonight" etc. it would be nice to get on the "Price is Right" & win some fabulous prizes, who knows, they could drive back home in a Cadillac & a summer house in Florida & two full length mink coats.!!
Wishful thinking but these things do happen.
Eda joins in kind wishes to you both.
Cheerio - God Bless.
As ever:
STAN LAUREL.