October 1, 1962
Dear Oral [Cloakey]:
Thanks yours, Sept.22nd.
I too had another letter from Doug acknowledging receipt of the picture I sent him for his office, have'nt felt like corresponding recently, just seem to be neglecting everything - know you will understand my being brief in reply - glad to note you are feeling much better again - wish I had some of your 'Pep', you always were the energetic type.
My phonograph is in the 'Shop' was having trouble with the Needle dept. as soon as i get it back, I'll make a Tape recording for you of Max Miller the English Comic - think you'll enjoy it, also a copy of Tony Hancock's "Sunday Afternoon" skit (English).
Snub Pollard died recently - do'nt know what happened to Jules White - have'nt [heard] of him for a long time now.
Note you have that Red Tide business down there, we get it here occasionally - it do'nt 'arf Pen & Ink.!!
I talked with Grace last week, she told me the cartoon business was having a rough time this season, bus. very slow, otherwise she sounded well & happy.
All for now Lad.
Love & bestest from us both here to Thelma & self. God Bless.
As ever:
Harry “Snub” Pollard (Born Harold Fraser, 1889-1962) was a silent movie comedian, who became famous working for Hal Roach in the 1920s.
The term “red tide” is used to describe a particular type of algal bloom common to the eastern Gulf of Mexico, also called “Florida red tide.”
October 1, 1962
Note you are starting a collection of L&H films. Are you acquiring your films from Blackhawk Co. in Davenport, Iowa? If not, drop them a card & they will send you a catalogue. Regarding the L&H Movies made in the 40's, it would take too long for me to explain, but you can find that information in our book titles "Mr. Laurel Hardy" written by John McCabe.
As ever:
STAN LAUREL.
October 1, 1962
Dear Steve Ward:
Thanks yours, Sept.28th. nice to hear from you again & to know alls well.
Note you are starting a collection of L&H Films - inasmuch as your Father intends to get a 16mm Sound projector, I imagine it would be better in the long run if you get your future films in 16mm size instead of 8mm - its just a suggestion however.
Are you acquiring your films from Blackhawk Co. in Davenport, Iowa.? if not, drop them a card, & they will send you a catalogue listing on request (the address is Main St, Davenport.) I'm sure you'll find it interesting.
Regarding the L&H Movies made in the 40's, it would take too long for me to explain, but you can find that information in our book titled "Mr Laurel [& Mr] Hardy" written by John McCabe & published by Doubleday Co. New York. check with your local book store.
Wish you lots of pleasure & enjoyment in your new hobby.
Again my regards & best wishes,
Sincerely:
STAN LAUREL.
October 1, 1962
Dear Bob & Marie [Hatfield]:
Thanks your, Sept.26th. also card from Carmel - am sure you had a lovely vacation traveling around, seeing the Fair, visiting your Brother & Sister-in-law, Wining & Dining, the Movies et al - you filthy Rich.! Down with the aristocrats ITS BLOOD WE WANT.!!
Note Bob wanted a 'Night Cap' - HE WOULD.!! (Greedy little *?@!"#$%) Glad you all had a happy time & lots of fun. Note you're going to have a Dinner & 'BASH' on Oct.13th (P.O. Retirement)
Better keep in good shape for that Bob, cut out the Night Caps for a while.!!
Bestest from us both here to you Mother & selves.
God Bless.
STAN LAUREL.
October 2, 1962
Thanks George [Coleman], yours, Sept.28th.ult. with enclosure snapshot of your '26.model T Ford. Looks very good - yes we used many of them vintage in our films, but never that model in private use, I never cared for that type gear shift.! Imagine you get lots of pleasure coaching the 'Midget' Team, wish you lots of good luck in their future games. No I do'nt get outdoors very often, only to visit my Dr. occasionally for check up etc.. Nice to hear from you again & to know alls well.
Again my regards & best.
Sincerely as ever:
STAN LAUREL.
October 2, 1962
Dear Tom [Sefton]:
Thanks yours, 1st.inst. with enclosure copies of Signs (Wells Fargo Bank.) Very interesting.
I heard about the 'Duck' situation in the recent Dick Van Dyke show - sorry I missed it.
Re "Beau Hunks" film, the marching & sand storm scenes were made in El Segundo (the Sand Dunes) it was difficult to shoot, had to avoid telegraph poles & the many 'Shacks' etc. I imagine by now there is no vacant land left, the other characters outside of Charlie Middleton, there were many of the Roach regulars (extras bit players etc.) Frankly I don't recall the names. The Arab Chief who attacked "Fort Arid" was played by Jimmy Horn the director, the original fellow was a very bad actor, after several rehearsals, Jimmy Horn decided to play the part himself - I thought he did a very good performance.
Not much else Tom, Kindest & best to Self & Family from us both here.
Cheerio - God Bless.
As ever:
P.S. The cartoon Stamp of L&H was clipped from an old letterhead (Stationery) We also had gummed stickers of this for use in autograph books etc. I do'nt have anymore now Tom, but do have the color negatives somewhere in my file.
October 6, 1962
Thanks Edmund [Tester] for the "JAZZBO" Coloring book - very attractive - I imagine you are merchandizing these, should be very popular with the kiddies, the drawing of your character [is] very well done, hope they will prove profitable & successful - Good luck Ed. Have'nt been feeling too well, get these spells of excessive weakness occasionally - am now taking Vitamin B12. shots, pills etc. seem to help for a while, still at times I [am] so weak I feel like a Fortnight.!! Kindest & best to Self & Family -
God Bless.
As ever:
October 8, 1962
Dear Bill Brown [Starkell]:
Thanks yours,Sept.24th.ult.
The L&H wax figures I understand were made in Mexico City - had they been designed in Europe am sure they would have done a more thorough job in the liknesses.
Yes I knew the many various occupations Vic McLaghlen experienced, he was also a boxer, understand he once opposed the late Jack Johnson, the colored heavyweight champion & lasted a few rounds too, & as you probably know Vic served in the British forces in India for quite some time, I knew Vic pretty well, visited his home one evening on Catalina Island, he used to like hunting wild Boar up there, had several horses.
The "Atoll K" film was made on the French Riviera near Cannes, but due to my illness in hospital, the film was made at a studio in Paris, most of the picture was done in the Studio. Hardy was'nt Mad - just disgusted with the whole afiair, it was really a shocking experience. The film was released in the States as "Utopia", in England was titled "Robinson Crusoeland" - it would'nt have made any difference what they called it, it would still stink.!
Harry Langdon, was a very good friend of mine - a truly great comic.!
Re the questions:
1. Yes we used the "Notre Dame" sets in the making of "Dr Pyckle & Mr Pryde.
2. Yes, I had a lot to do with the making of "Blockheads", had a very competent gag men crew too - I suggested the idea of staying in the trench for 20 years after the armistice - everybody of course helped on the idea -
3. Do'nt recall just exactly who worked with me in the "Hickory Hiram" films at Universal, I remember another comic was NEAL BURNS, a girl: Teddy Sampson, she was the wife of the late Ford Sterling (Keystone Cops Fame). No this was'nt around '26-27. I was at the Roach studio at this time directing - I think the "Hiram" films were made in '1916' or thereabouts.
4. Yes, Hardy was a very powerful Man & very quick tempered - by no means a 'Pushover' for anybody when he really got mad.!
G5. I think we appeared at the San Francisco World's Fair sometime in 1938-9, we tried out a new vaudeville sketch there "Getting a Driver's License", turned out very successful, we toured with it both in the U.S & Abroad.
6. Our entrance into Cobh Harbor will always remain a wonderful memory - but my great moment was the Royal Command performance at the London-Palladium, in '47.
Not much else Bill, so bye for now.
Bestest from us both here to Kay & your kind self.
Take care - God Bless.
STAN LAUREL.
October 8, 1962
Thanks [Dean Kaner] your letter with enclose of little Placque - appreciate your kind sentiments.
Yes, I feel a bit saddened that the old Studio is to be auctioned off (Roach Studio) I spent many happy years there.
Trust alls well with you. Again my regards & best.
Sincerely as ever:
STAN LAUREL.
October 8, 1962
Dear Jennie & Jack [Racey]:
Thought the enclosed would give you some laughs.!!
Bestest to you all.
As ever:
STAN LAUREL.
October 9, 1962
Thanks yours [Timothy Dalton], Sept. 30th. ult. the height of the bridge in "Swiss Miss" film was around 45 foot, but the special camera knowledge gave the effect of being much higher. The Roach studio is [being] auctioned off at the end of this month, do'nt know if it will still operate as a film studio. Yes Chas. Chaplin is still living, resides in Switzerland.
I have no idea if the L&H animated cartoons will be released on 8mm size or not, I would doubt it however.
Hope alls well & happy with you.
My best wishes always:
Sincerely:
STAN LAUREL.
October 9, 1962
Dear Glenn [Laxton]:
Thanks yours,5th.inst.
Yes my daughter is married to Rand Brooks - have no idea where the L&H ashtray idea came from as I told you previously, have never heard of or seen one - I do have a salt & pepper shaker set (Two Heads L&H) made out of chinaware in England - maybe that is what the reporter was referring to.?
No I never hear from Charlie Chaplin have'nt seen him since I948. Yes Jimmy Finlayson [and I] were very good friends off screen, for many years.
Have no particular choice of comedians, am interested in all of them that are funny & create laughter. Enclosed are some news clipping pictures thought you would like to have - I just sent a few to my friend Ron Klugman, he has quite a large collection of these which he sends me to autograph, I mentioned to him, if he has duplicates of the ones I sent him recently to give them to you (if you cared to have them of course)
Note you are taking Acting Course - wish you lots of success.
Bye now.
Take care of yourself/
Sincerely as ever:
STAN LAUREL.
October 9, 1962
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.
October 10, 1962
Dear John Andrews:
Thanks your very nice letter.
Nice to hear from you & to know the old L&H films have afforded you so much pleasure thru’ the years - appreciate very much your kind sentiments so graciously expressed.
Am enclosing you a little picture - thought you might like to have one as a souvenir.
My kindest regards & every good wish.
Very sincerely:
STAN LAUREL.
October 12, 1962
Dear Tom [Sefton]:
Pleased to know you recd. the Tape OK. Had no idea the 8th. was your Birthday - certainly was a coincidence!
Wish you a belated very Happy Birthday - Many Happy Returns Tom.
Note you are leaving for a trip East wish you & Donna a pleasant journey.
Kind thoughts,
As ever:
October 16, 1962
Thanks Bill [(Brown) Starkell] for copy of "Screen Thrills" magazine. Funny thing, the author of this article visited me last week & brought me a copy. (Sam Sherman) he's from New York - he did'nt mention re anymore articles on L&H.
Again thanks for your kindness & trouble - much appreciated.
Best to Kay & self from us both here.
As ever:
STAN LAUREL.
October 16, 1962
The Chimney Sweep's film you mention was titled "Dirty Work" & the Appliance shop was "Tit for Tat" which was the sequel to "Them Thar Hills."
As ever:
October 17, 1962
Dear Carl Darovich:
Thanks yours, 12th.inst.
Pleased to know the old L&H films have afforded you so much pleasure thru' the years & now your family - appreciate very much your kind sentiments so graciously expressed - again my sincere thanks.
Yes I do have a copy of the magazine article you mention ("Screen Thrills").
With pleasure I enclose you an autographed picture also one for your Son Denny. Thanks for the request.
My kindest regards & every good wish to you all - trust alls well & happy.
Good luck - God Bless.
As ever:
STAN LAUREL.
October 18, 1962
Dear Tom [Sefton]:
I just came across the enclosed article & news photo of a home movie theatre, built in-to a garage by a friend of mine Earl Manbeck, Jr. of Des Moines, Iowa. Thought it might interest you.
Bye - Cheerio!
As ever:
October 20, 1962
Dear George [Roesler]:
Thanks yours, 18th.inst. with enclosure of snapshot of yourself & Daughter - she's very attractive. Pleased to note business is good & alls well with you & yours.
Funny thing, several magicians have written me re the thumb lighter gag, its very simple to do on the screen, having the aid of a camera the gag required three different set-ups & the use of a special 'prop' thumb with cotten pack in the end & lighter fluid which was lit by a prop man. Incidently what is the name of this magician you mention, maybe I know him - if you do'nt wish to disclose his name, please forget it.
Thanks for news clipping re the diabetic tablets - have already tried this type of treatment unfortunately they do'nt work for me so have to continue with the insulin business. Note your Mother is diabetic too, I first discovered mine in '48, I guess I was a victim long before that but was unaware of it, had I known in the early stages maybe it could have been checked, anyway, I've learned to live with it.
Not much to tell you - so bye for now.
Again my thanks & every good wish to your kind self & family.
Cheerio - God Bless.
Sincerely always:
STAN LAUREL.
P.S. do'nt know what the stamps were intended for so am returning herewith.
October 20, 1962
My Dear Frank [Buxton]:
Thanks yours,14th.inst.
Enjoyed hearing from you again & to know alls well & happy with you.
Noting you were appearing on the "Discovery" program, I tuned in Channel 7 here - 4:30 Friday the 19th. (The Arctic Subject.) I liked it very much Frank, very interesting indeed - wonderfu1 for the kids being in the educational category, shall continue to watch this program. Thought you looked very well Frank - marriage evidently agrees with you.! Hope you'll have an opportunity to have Elizabeth on the show with you sometime.!
I can imagine the new show every day routine is pretty rough on you & all concerned.
Did you know that Jack McCabe was married on the 19th.inst.? I'm very happy for him & wish them both lots of good luck.
Am enclosing a news clipping concerning a good friend of mine thru' many years - did you know him Frank? a great performer in the old vaudeville days, a real 'Show-Stopper', I know, had to follow him many times - a swell guy.!
Not much new to tell you Frank, so bye for now. Eda joins in love & bestest to Elizabeth & self.
Take care - God Bless.
As ever:
October 21, 1962
MRS BOB [MARIE] HATFIELD
MANY HAPPY RETURNS WISH YOU CONTINUED GOOD HEALTH AND HAPPINESS
EDA AND STAN LAUREL
October 22, 1962
Dear Ernie [Murphy]:
Thanks yours,6th. just rec. this AM. good to hear from you again & to know alls well with you.
I too heard the Fair was'nt too exciting, but understand it proved a financial success which after all was the main purpose I guess.
I just heard that "Tonnage" died (heart trouble) glad I was'nt invited to be a Pall-bearer.! imagine carrying all that HEAP.!!
Haven't been feeling too good, get occasional spells of excessive weakness, no energy at all - am now taking Vitamin B12 shots - special pills etc. seem to help for a while.
Not much to tell you Ernie, Eda joins in love & best. Hope to be seeing you again soon.
Take care - God Bless.
As ever:
STAN LAUREL.
PS: A nun in Chicago, looking for an address, got lost after hours of search, was tired & thirsty - decided to stop at a house & ask for a drink of water, climbed the steps, rang the bell, was invited inside & sat down in the parlor - in there was a few dames sitting around in negligees etc. (It happened to be a whore house.) The door bell rang & in walked a regular customer, looking around to pick his choice, he spotted the nun sitting in her black robes & white head gear. He could'nt believe his eyes, finally said: OH NO.!! now those Kennedy's are going too dam far.!!!.
—February 5, 1941
October 24, 1962
Dear Bill [(Brown) Starkell]:
Thanks yours recd. this AM.
I have seen Buster Keaton many times recently on TV - "Candid Camera " Commercials etc. also the "Route 66" with Joe E. Brown, I understand he's now in Rome, Italy appearing in Movie, Busters been doing very well in recent years financially.
That "Haunting we will go" film should head that list of the Worst 50 - I fully agree with them, all those made at 20th Fox should be included too. Anyway, Why bring that UP??.!
Re a picture of L&H nat the Rpyal Command performance, there was no picture made at that time, but I do have a photo in the same outfits we wore on that show. I'11 have to look for it, if I come across it, will send it to you with pleasure. Re the 8XIO picture, have one of myself taken several years ago (not in screen character) a straight one, if that will he adequate, let me know in your next.!
Now to answer your Questions.
1. Yes, we visited Madame Taussards in London, there are no figures of L&H. but pictures were made of us among the historic figures. (for magazine publicity purpose.)
2. No, never made any films abroad other than "Atoll K".
3. Ollie did great work in many of the films.
4. I do'nt recall Ollie ever getting mad at any reference to his weight or having any inferiority complex.
5. Re future 'Greats' ?????? who can tell.!
6. No have never met any of the Presidents or corresponded.
7. Babe & I had n great respect for each other, we had a very happy association thru' the years. Incidently why do you want such information? Have you in mind to write a book?
Thats All for now.
Best to Kay & Self from us both here.
As ever:
STAN LAUREL.
October 24, 1962
Dear Edmund [Tester]:
Thanks yours, recd.this AM.
Many thanks for your kind thought & gesture - am feeling a little better, the vitamin B12 shots help me quite a bit.
All those films made at 20th.Century Fox were very bad, we were treated with great disrespect - had no say or choice of material a very unhappy experience for us - I'll never know why they took such an attitude - anyway, I prefer to forget it.
Thanks for suggestion to send a Pheasant Ed, but please do'nt go to all that trouble, Mrs L, would'nt know how to cook it & I'm not particularly fond of it. We do very little cooking here, most of our meals are prepared & brought in from the cafeteria & local places, Barbequed Chicken, Fish, Roasts etc. its much more convenient than fixing the meals ourselves & MUCH BETTER.!! with all due apologies to Mrs L. (she fully agrees.)
Nice to hear from you Ed - appreciate your kind remembrance.
Kindest & best to you all from us both her.-
As ever:
October 26, 1962
Dear Phil [Nesbit]:
Thanks yours, 24th.inst. with enclosure clipping, item out of the "Reporter" concerning 'Joe Laurel'. No he's no relative of mine - Laurel is his family name, he was born in Glasgow Scotland, he is a song & dance comic, (Night Club entertainer) he had been asked so many times if he was my Brother, but denied it, the club managers however decided to 'Bill' him as my Brother with the idea of capitalizing on the L&H reputation in Europe. However, he wrote me sometime ago & explained the situation & requested my permission to continue, as this name was helping him a lot in getting a lot of work. I of course had no objection, as actually my name is'nt Laurel, only legalized for theatrical purposes & he has every right, being his family cognomen.!
We now correspond quite frequently - a very nice person. I noted the reporter quoted me as the 'late' Stan - I'm not as late as he thinks.!! Thanks for the jokes - I heard a 'Grave' story recently, same situation as yours, but a much funnier punch line,! but would'nt sound too funny in writing, so remind me to tell it when I see you again.
How long have you been back Phil? Trust alls well & happy. This Cuba situation is pretty frightening is'nt it?
Take care - God Bless.
Bestest from us both here.-
As ever:
STAN LAUREL.
October 27, 1962
Thanks yours [Carl Darovich], 23rd.inst. Yes, that was a copy of Mr Hardy's signature on the picture I sent you.
Sorry I do'nt have any 8 X 10 size, there are several places where you can acquire copies of L&H Stills (8X10) one is, Blackhawk Films Co. Main St. Davenport, Iowa. They will send you a catalog listing on request.
Again my regards & best.
Sincerely as ever:
STAN LAUREL.
October 29, 1962
Dear Richard [Sloan]:
Thanks yours, 26th.inst.
Nice to hear from you again & to know you're not yet in uniform.! That Cuba situation was certainly alarming - no doubt those Soviet Hoods will cook up further trouble, but I doubt if they've got the guts to throw a couple of missiles at us, they'll continue their Cloak & dagger methods now that they've tested our MIGHT.!
I too was terribly sorry to hear the sad news of Charlie Althoff, sorry to say, I think I destroyed the copy of tape you sent me anyway will check, if I do still have it, will certainly return it to you. Yes, Charlie appeared in one silent film with me, he was playing at the old Pantages Theatre here (Vaudeville) he had a week's lay-off before opening in Salt Lake City, so I was able to fill in a few days for him at the Roach Studio, the film was a fishing village background, so his character was very appropriate - after that he continued his vaudeville - that was the last time I saw Charlie, but we corresponded occasionally.
Yes I saw Chuck [McCann]'s show on the Griffin hour, was expecting to see Chuck in Person, but he never appeared - guess that News-bulletin was the reason he did'nt show up. I liked the puppets very much, very good indeed, I especially liked the speed, very well done.
Re the L&H placque...frankly I could'nt care less whether I had it or not - what the heck would I do with a rusty piece of Iron? heavy etc. if I hung it on a chain around my neck it would make a nice St. Christopher medal. Forget it Lad.!
Have'nt heard [from] Harmon for a long time, have no idea what his plans are for the cartoon series, last I heard he was going to syndicate them. Re the 'Cuckoo' music, it was an adaption from a very old marching number, the arrangement on that tape I sent Chuck, was made by the Columbia Recording Co Orchestra in London, Eng. in 1932. I understand was copyrighted by M.G.M. Harmon had a special arrangement made for the series, it was adapted from this record we made in London, as far as I know Harmon has a copyright on his version. On one side of that record was some talk by L&H & the other was instrumental. Do'nt know if Harmon would be interested in your lyrics, suggest you you contact him - Producers Studio,649,NO.Bronson Ave.,Hollywood 4.Calif.
Yes I knew that Jack McCabe had married, he sent me a picture of his bride - very charming - wish them both lots of happiness. No I have'nt seen any of Don Bevan's caricature work, if not too much trouble would very much like to see a copy of L&H, the best to date is Al Kilgore's version. Not sure if I saw the "Films in review" magazine or not.
Not much else Richard., so bye for now,
Bestest to you all.
As ever:
STAN LAUREL.
Charlie Althoff (1889-1962) co-starred in Stan's solo 1927 two-reeler Why Girls Love Sailors.
October 30, 1962
Thanks yours [Ron Maher], 22nd.inst. Yes, I remember the 'Cave Man' film very well, the original title was "Flying Elephants" - my birthdate is June 16th. 1890. Re the L&H Fan Club, I suggest you contact Mr Larry Harmon, Producers Studio, 649, No. Bronson Ave. Hollywood.4. Calif. for information on this matter.
My best wishes always,
Sincerely:
STAN LAUREL.
October 31, 1962
Dear Marie [Hatfield]:
Thanks yours, 26th.inst. Pleased to note you recd. the telegram OK. Sounds like you had a nice celebration viewing the Shopping Centers (Shop window fuddling.) the winding up the evening with a slab of the British National Dish: "Prime Rib of Beef", am sure you stood up & sang "God Save the Queen" & toasted her Majesty before dining.!! no doubt Bob saluted.!!
Glad you had such a nice time at the postal carrier's affair - note the 'old timers' recd. watches & pins - those 'Mickey Mouse' watches keep wonderful time, but they have no alarm to wake you up in the morning - I guess thats why they were all given pins (to wake themselves up.!!
Weather here has been very hot the last few days - quite a heat wave - very unexpected, guess you [are] having some of it too.
All for now.
Eda joins in kind thoughts to your Mother & selves.
Cheerio - God Bless.
As ever:
STAN LAUREL.