December 4, 1962
Dear Gerard Stigter:
Thanks your interesting letter of Nov. 29th.ult.
Nice to hear from you again & to know alls well with you.
Yes, I remember the "Soilers" film very well - it was a parody on a well known Alaskan story, yes I enjoyed making that one with Jimmy Finlayson. Regarding my Hair style, I changed that after I teamed up with Hardy (actually it happened by accident - I shaved my hair off to make a prison picture as a Life Convict, it took a long time to grow back, so I did'nt bother to change it back to the former style.)
The film you mention where Hardy plays a Hotel detective, I do'nt recall ever being in - your friend must be mistaken.
Note you were going to see some old American films, Lloyd, Keaton, Chaplin & Langdon - Langdon was a very funny comedian, a great talent, I had great admiration for him, knew him very very well.
"The County Hospital" is the story of my visiting Hardy in Hospital - no doubt you've seen it by now.!
Pleased to know your family are all well - wish you all a very Merry Xmas, lots of good health & a happy prosperous 1963.
As ever sincerely,
STAN LAUREL.
December 5, 1962
Dear Alex Soma:
Thanks yours 3rd.inst. with enclosure of picture - with pleasure I autographed & returning herewith.
Indeed nice to hear from you & to know the old L&H films are still afford[ing] you so much pleasure - appreciate very much your kind sentiments so graciously expressed - again my thanks.
Re the life Story of L&H - I think Mr Susskind discarded the idea due to casting difficulties or other problems - Story etc. I frankly doubt if it will ever materialize.
Re my favourites among the films - being so many it's difficult to make a choice - I'd prefer to leave this to the audience.
Re a L&H Fan Club, I believe there are several around the Country, but am [not] too familiar with locations etc. I enclose a membership card of a club in New York connected with Mr Chuck McCann W.P.I.X. suggest you get in touch with him for information.
I'll take this opportunity to wish you & yours a very Merry Xmas, lots of good health, success & happiness in 1963.
Very sincerely,
STAN LAUREL.
December 5, 1962
Dear Irene [Heffernan]:
Thanks yours 3rd.inst.
Pleased to know you enjoyed a Happy Thanksgiving with your Friend Verla & family - please convey my best when you see her again.
Next Monday I have an appointment with the Dr. in Beverly Hills, & Tuesday Eda has a date with her Dr, the 3rd. in a course of a check up, Wednesday is the Maid's day to clean the Apt. so if Thursday or Friday is convenient for you Irene, please give rue a call, on what you decide, looking forward to seeing you again.
Eda joins in love & bestest to Jim & Self.
As ever:
A fee more stamps enclosed.
December 6, 1962
Dear Steven Zaharoff:
Thank you the Menu you sent me from 'The Lafayette House' - am sure you had a lovely time there, the different dishes are certainly enticing, I even enjoy just reading the menu.!
I take this opportunity to wish you & your family a very Merry Xmas, continued good health & a happy prosperous New Year - 1963.
Bye Steven - good luck,
Sincerely as ever:
STAN LAUREL.
December 7, 1962
Dear Ron [Maher]:
Thanks your card - hope you'll enjoy the L&H films "Murder Case" & "Hog Wild" - I frankly don't remember the names of the characters you mentioned in these films, the Wife & the Butler - I believe the Lady that played Hardy's wife was Fay (1st.name) & the Butlers last name was Austin? not too sure.
Again Happy Holidays,
Sincerely,
STAN LAUREL.
December 8, 1962
I have seen several pictures of the L&H wax figures at the Buena Park Museum - Am not too happy about them very disappointing I think - especially the likeness of me - anyway, its a matter of opinion I guess!!
As ever:
December 8, 1962
Dear Olive [Karno]:
Thanks your nice letter, 1st.inst.
Pleased to hear from you again & to know alls well with you & your Summer business proved profitable for you - I can fully imagine you have many problems catering to 'Actor' boarders, they are a very unpredictable lot - I can fully understand you're being a bit FED Up with it all, but I guess after a few weeks rest you'll be ready to face the situation again with WILL & DETERMINATION.!!
Happy to know all your family doing so well. I can imagine Josephine works very hard at the hospital, it does'nt seem right these nurses are so Under paid, they have so much responsibility & importance in the medical profession especially being assigned to the Accident Ward - am sure you are very proud of her Olive as I'm sure Freddie would have been.
Thanks for the news clipping ('Stage') quite interesting - was sorry to hear that G.H. Elliott had passed on - a great artiste. Hope you were not affected by this recent Fog in London - thats a frightening situation so many lives lost - unfortunately nothing can be done to combat it.
Eda & I are feeling pretty fair - wish you all a very Merry Xmas, lots of good health, & a happy & prosperous new Year.'63.
Bye Dear - God Bless.
As ever:
STAN LAUREL.
December 10, 1962
Dear Richard [Sloan]:
Tape arrived - my machine in the shop for repair, soon as able to play back the recording, will return right away - will advise you of shipment.
Thanks again Richard - much appreciated.
Merry Xmas, Happy prosperous New Year - 1963. & three cheers for the FOURTH OF JULY.
As ever:
STAN LAUREL.
December 11, 1962
My Dear Ivy [Stoetzer]:
Many thanks for your kind remembrance - so nice to hear from you again & to know alls well & happy with you - Eda joins in wishing you & Mr S. a very Merry Xmas, continued good health & a Happy & prosperous New Year - '63. Not much of interest to tell you Ivy - have'nt been feeling too well - hence the neglect in correspondence.
Take good care of your sweet self - love & kind thoughts from us bother here,
God Bless.
As ever:
P.S, Eda having some gall bladder trouble - going through a series of examinations - Exrays etc.
December 11, 1962
My Dear Edna [Jansen]:
Many thanks for your kind remembrance - Eda too joins in wish, you, Al & Ruth a Very Merry Xmas, lots of good health, & a happy successful New Year - 1963.
Fond thoughts,
as ever:
STAN LAUREL.
December 11, 1962
Dear Glenn Laxton:
Thanks yours,5th.inst.
No, I never appeared on "Here's Hollywood" but have been approached two or three times - you missed nothing not seeing the "This is your Life" program in '54. forget it.! The academy award on the "Music Box" was in the category of the best short subject of the year, the award was not an 'Oscar' but a parchment scroll affair, actually presented to the Hal Roach Studio - our names being on it of course we accepted it on behalf of the studio.
Have heard nothing further re a film being made on the life of L&H - I understand there were casting difficulties & the project did'nt materialize - No I have no choice in the casting or production, my only interest was strictly on a 'Royalty' basis.
I did'nt send any 'Limbo' song to Ronnie Klugman? (he sent me one) you've got your duties mixed.!
Am afraid its difficult to say what I might have been had I not finally succeeded in being a Comic?
Wish you & yours a very Merry Xmas, continued good health & a Happy successful New Year - 1963.
Good luck Glenn.
Sincerely as ever:
STAN LAUREL.
December 11, 1962
Dear Bill Brown [Starkell]:
Thanks yours, 6th.inst. My eye trouble has'nt improved any, due to not having any pain or discomfort, I seldom think about it anymore. Congratulations on your acquiring an '88' Oldsmobile - note you can't drive - suggest you get a Tow Chain & buy a horse.!
I saw the Chaplin Film "CARMEN" many years ago (silent) am sure it must have been shown in Winnipeg many times since then. Yes I saw Bert Wheeler in the "Defenders" I understand he's going to be in a Broadway Show (New York) shortly. Thanks for Seasons greetings - Mr L joins in too wish Kay & Yourself a very Merry Xmas, continued good health & a Happy prosperous New Year - '63.
Good luck -God Bless.
As ever:
STAN LAUREL.
December 11, 1962
Dear Cliff Barrett:
Thanks your kind remembrance - I too wish you & yours a very Merry Xmas, continued good health & a Happy Prosperous New Year.
Very Sincerely:
As ever:
STAN LAUREL.
December 11, 1962
Dear Jim White:
Thanks for the kind remembrance - much appreciated - I too wish you & yours, a very Merry Xmas, continued good health & a happy & prosperous New Year - 1963.
Good luck Jim -
As ever:
STAN LAUREL.
December 14, 1962
Dear [Ilmija] Laivins:
Thank you again [Ilmija Laivins] for kind thought & good wishes. I too wish you & your family a very Merry Xmas, continued good health, & a very Happy & prosperous New Year - 1963.
Good luck & God Bless you.
Very sincerely,
As ever:
STAN LAUREL.
December 14, 1962
Dear Verne Block:
Thanks yours with enclosure of news clipping (Chicago Daily News.) Have several of these sent me - I know of this Joe Laurel, but we are in no way related - fact is, his family name is actually Laurel, my name is legalised - the reason he poses as my brother - it seems to help him theatrically, he & his wife appear in night Clubs Abroad, evidently he appeared in some film during an Engt. in Milan. Nice to hear from you again - appreciate your kindly interest. Wish you & yours a very Merry XMas, continued good health & a Happy prosperous New Year - '63.
Sincerely as ever:
STAN LAUREL.
December 14, 1962
Dear Freddie Richards:
Thanks your kind remembrance - much appreciated - I too wish you & yours a very Merry Xmas - continued good health & a Happy Prosperous.
Very Sincerely:
As ever:
STAN LAUREL.
December 14, 1962
Thank you for the kind remembrance - much appreciated. We here too wish you & yours a very Merry Xmas, continued good health & a happy successful New Year - 1963.
Very sincerely always:
STAN LAUREL.
December 15, 1962
Dear Howard [Mann]:
Happy to know you enjoy the old L&H films - thought you'd like to have this little picture as a souvenir -
Wish you many more happy Days.
My kindest regards,
Sincerely as ever:
STAN LAUREL.
December 15, 1962
Dear Jean Mann:
Thanks for your very interesting letter, pleased to know the old L&H films are affording so much pleasure - appreciate very much your kind sentiments. With pleasure I enclose a picture of my favorite audience - Howard.!!
I'll take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Xmas, continued good health & a Happy Prosperous New Year. Good luck & God Bless.
Very sincerely always:
STAN LAUREL.
December 15, 1962
Dear Vic & Gladys [Silver]:
Thanks for your nice letter 9th.inst.
The news report that I lost an eye is greatly exaggerated, I had a hemorrhage in my left eye a few months ago. I still have sight but of course it's weak - anyway am not discouraged - if it was good enough for Lord Nelson, it's quite good enough for me!!!
As ever:
December 18, 1962
Dear Bob & Marie [Hatfield]:
Many thanks for card & Package (will open Xmas) appreciate your kind remembrance - Eda too joins in wishing you All a wonderful Xmas - lots of good health & a Happy prosperous New year.'63.
Note you are having a family celebration - know you will all have a very happy time.
Good luck - God Bless:
As ever:
Pardon my standing in my head.!!
December 19, 1962
Dear Tom [Sefton]:
Thanks your letter - Packages 'Stills' - will write you fully later - This is just to wish you & your family, a Very Merry Yuletide - continued good health & happiness in the New Year - 1963.
Mrs L. joins in kind thoughts -
As ever:
STAN LAUREL.
December 26, 1962
Thank you Bob & Marie [Hatfield] for the very nice Xmas gift appreciate very much your kind thought & gesture - will certainly enjoy these cheeses.
Hope you & your Mother all enjoyed a Merry Xmas celebration - I heard you Bob were singing Carols outside a Deaf & Dumb Institute - probably just a rumor: Again Eda joins in wishing you a Happy & Prosperous new Year.
Love & bestest.
As ever:
STAN LAUREL.
December 26, 1962
My Dear Tom [Sefton]:
Many thanks your letters, Stills, L&H game set & very nice Xmas gift (Stamp ejector) the latter will be very useful - appreciate your kind thought & generous gesture - I have a great weakness for desk equipment, stationery, etc. so I am very delighted with this little gadget.
I just returned the stills under separate cover - what a wonderful collection of model trains & railroad equipment in general - its quite a museum - must have taken you a long time to acquire all those many items, am sure you must be very proud of that interesting display - I enjoyed seeing them.
Am returning herewith the letter from Louis Hertz - am afraid I am unable to help in this matter Tom - am not too familiar on this subject. However, please convey my Thanks to Mr Hertz for his kind sentiments & to remember me kindly to the guy he puts in the 'DRIVER'S SEAT' !!!
Thanks for the L&H game - frankly I didn't look at it - in the spirit of Xmas, I gave it to a little boy.! I know he'll get a lot of pleasure out of it.
Wes & Mary Harris are long time good friends of mine, am very fond of them - nice nice people - they told me they had the pleasure of meeting you recently - Wes is an old Vaudeville performer - they are looking forward to your kind invitation to see some films.
Nice to talk with you again on the Phone shall be happy to you & Ben [Chadwell] whenever you're in this area - please let me know when I can expect you.
Trust Donna & yourself & Family enjoyed a Merry Yuletide - again we here wish you a Happy Healthy 1963.
Bye Tom - God Bless.
As ever:
STAN LAUREL.
P.S. I think Bill Quinn has a print of 'Pardon Us' (202,Muscat St. San Diego. 5.)
December 28, 1962
Thanks [Mr. & Mrs. Short] for your kind remembrance - hope you enjoyed a very Merry Yuletide - wish you both a very Happy & Prosperous New Year - '63.
Good luck - God Bless.
Sincerely always:
STAN LAUREL.
Hal Roach Studios was sold to a real estate developer on December 20, 1962. Evereything was razed in 1963.
December 29, 1962
Dear Richard [Sloan]:
Thanks yours 27th.inst.
Was intending to write you today to let you know I returned the Tape yesterday (28th) via Parcel post 4th.class mail as you mentioned there was no immediate hurry - I played the tape - frankly I was'nt too enthused over it - I guess I resented the disrespect & bad taste - I realise in this Country that its considered good humor to poke fun at the President - but people ABROAD do'nt understand such things - I feel it belittles the government & gives a false impression - anyway, this record will soon be forgotten like that overnight sensational song of the 20's "Dardenella" it will suddenly fade out completely.
Note the L&H & Chuck [McCann] program is folding - Happy to know it wo'nt affect Chuck too much - he had a pretty good run with this, so he should'nt feel too bad about it.
Re the photo in the L&H book (serene at 70.) I do'nt have a copy of this Richard, but suggest you have a copy made from the book the Zerox machine system, its a photo copy - excellent duplicates, check your local printer.
Re the L&H Placque - do'nt know what happened to that thing - I understand the Roach studio has been sold to some Real estate FIRM IN Hollywood - if the Museum people can acquire it - its OK with me.
Congratulations on your winning two seats for the Bert Lahr show - glad you enjoyed it - Bert is a great comic - very talented, a really funny comic, have always admired him. Pleased its a HIT show.
Hope you enjoyed a Merry Yuletide - Mrs L joins in wishing you & yours a wonderful New Year, lots of good health, success & happiness in 1963.
Good luck Dick - God Bless.
As ever:
STAN LAUREL.
P.S. Love & best to Chuck & his Family.
“Dardenella,” written by Johnny S. Black and Felix Bernard in 1919, was recorded by a wide-range of singers including Eddie Cantor and Judy Garland.
December 29, 1962
Thanks Dean [Kaner] for your kind remembrance - I too wish you & yours a very Happy New Year - lots of good health & a successful 1963.
Good luck:
Sincerely always:
STAN LAUREL.
December 29, 1962
Many Thanks for your kind remembrance - I too wish you & yours a Very Happy New Year - lots of good health & a Successful 1963.
Good luck Fred [Goldrup]:
Sincerely always:
STAN LAUREL.
December 31, 1962
Dear Tom [Sefton]:
Re the L&H films - Blackhawk is the only dealer that handles a good variety of titles that I am familiar with - however, a friend of mine back East might be able to help you in this matter, he has a large collection of L&H films Shorts & features (Over 50 I understand.) so probably has many addresses of dealers.
His name is Edward Kobus, 47, Fuller Avenue, Webster.N.Y. - he is associated with the Delco Co. (Gen Motors) in Rochester N.Y.
He converted his basement into a miniature theater - has quite an interesting set-up, modern equipment - regular sound proof projection room - twin machines - wide screen, special lighting, electrical control drapes covering screen, & even a cocktail Bar to keep the guests in good humor.! Ed is a very nice person & am sure he will be happy to help you.
No, I don't recall this Lady June Marlowe of the title of the film "The Warden's Daughter" - Babe was a member of the Lakeside Country Club for several years - He knew Jack Carson quite well, but I never met him.
Must close now Tom - had an unusual amount of Xmas mail this year - hope I can manage to acknowledge it all nib time for '64.!!
Bye Tom- besets to you all.
As ever:
STAN LAUREL.
December 31, 1962
Dear Glenn Laxton:
Thanks yours, 18th,inst.
Hope you enjoyed a very Merry Yuletide with you[r] family - wish you a wonderful New Year, lots of good health & a successful '63.
No I do'nt know Mr Benjamin Brittan - am not too interested in Carol singing dept. - also not interested in Football, Baseball, cutting rugs etc.! I am a boxing Fan & love seep sea fishing as a sport.
It was 'Babe' who liked Horse racing, owned several horses at one time - he was the only one who bet on them & LOST - the jockey took his bet.!
Yes I had a nice boat, fully equipped for big game fishing, Twin Hall-Scott motors, 750 HP. 45 ft. length, 12 ft. Beam - 3 ft. draft. Speed 32. Knotts PH. accomodations for 6 - GALLEY etc. During World War 2. the Navy converted Catalina Island into a training base, all pleasure craft were not allowed in these local waters - my boat was purchased by the navy & used as an officers 'GIG' for quick transportation tween Catalina & the Mainland. do'nt what happed to it since.?
Sorry I do'nt have any snapshots other than those I already sent you.
Mrs L. joins in all the best.
Convey my best to Vladimir Klugman the Babies idol!
Cheerio!
Sincerely as ever:
STAN LAUREL.
December 31, 1962
Dear Jerry Haber:
Thanks for your interesting letter, 28th.inst.
Indeed nice to hear from you - appreciate very much your kind sentiments so graciously expressed.
I would have liked very much to see your L&H program, a very nice tribute. Note you are a friend of Hal Stanton too, he called me Long distance on Xmas Day, we correspond occasionally, but have never met him personally, so it was a pleasant surprise to talk with him.
Thanks for the caricature Xmas card - very cute.!
Wish you & yours a wonderful New Year, lots of good health & a Happy Prosperous 1963.
Good luck Jerry - God Bless.
Sincerely always:
STAN LAUREL.
P.S. Pardon my being brief - my Xmas mail was unusually large this year - know you will fully understand -
December 31, 1962
Thanks Gary [Arnold] for your kind remembrance - I too wish you & yours a wonderful New Year, lots of good health & happiness in 1963.
Sincerely as ever:
STAN LAUREL.