August 1, 1963
Dear Richard [Sloan]:
Just to let you know I recd, the Bob Maxwell Tape this AM. Got a kick out of the Geo. Kirby impersonation of L&H. Very good.
Thanks again - hope by now you recd. the Album.
In haste.
STAN LAUREL.
August 4, 1963
A Huntington movie enthusiast and film collector has finally realized a dream. But, let’s start at the beginning.
The collector-enthusiast is Mike Polacek, of 3207 Washington Avenue, genial electronics technician.
“I love to watch them over and over,” Polacek says of his favorite actors, Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy.
Mike, who operates Mike’s Radio and TV Service and works for WSAZ-TV as a transmitter engineer, probably could be billed accurately as “the world’s No. 1 Laurel and Hardy fan.”
He saw his first Laurel and Hardy Comedy in 1932 or 1933 in his native Johnstown, Pa. From that time on, he has been a fan.
For the very young (for it’s only they who have not seen Laurel and Hardy), a little background is in order.
Stan Jefferson was born in England on June 16, 1890, and came to the United States in 1913 as a member of the cast of A Night in an English Music Hall. He was an understudy to Charlie Chaplin. After a stint in vaudeville, during which he changed his name to Stan Laurel, he made his first film in 1917.
Oliver Norvell Hardy was born in Harlem, Georgia, January 18, 1892. About 1910, he opened a movie house in Milledgeville, Ga. Seeing some of the comedies running in his house, Hardy decided he could do as well. In 1913, he went to Jacksonville, Fla., where he made his first picture.
Then, in 1926, Laurel and Hardy made their debut as a team in Putting the Pants on Philip.
For 20 years, Stan Laurel (the skinny one) and Oliver Hardy (the fat one) made funny and successful films which delighted millions. Television brought another resounding wave of popularity and set still another generation to laughing. (The team was separated by the death of Oliver Hardy in 1957).
As Jack Benny once said “Their humor will always be great.” And nobody believes it more than Mike Polacek.
At first, Polacek was content to see every Laurel and Handy motion picture he could find by scrutinizing newspaper theatre listings.
About five years ago, be took the big step. He bought his first Laurel and Hardy motion picture. It was a silent short called Double Whoopee which the comics made in 1929. Since then, the collection has become almost an obsession with Polacek.
The Polacek film collection now includes 96 Laurel and Hardy films—silent and sound, shorts and full length features and some duplicates.
His collecting is not limited to movies. Letters, clippings, photos, recordings and printed works on Laurel and Hardy supplement the films.
It was in early May that Polacek the collector soared to heights rarely attained by a fan. He spent a week with Stan Laurel in California at the actor’s invitation.
Naturally we were curious and asked Polacek, “What is Stan Laurel really like?”
“He’s a great guy! What can I say? He’s like a neighbor,” Mike replied. Collecting his thoughts, Mike expanded, “Stan Laurel is a great and wonderful man. He enjoys talking about Laurel and Hardy films. He lives with his wife, Ida, a former singer, in a modern apartment hotel overlooking the Pacific at Santa Monica, Calif. They treated me like a king.”
That was Polacek’s appraisal after spending four to eight hours daily with the film star for five days. They talked about movie making. Laurel answered Polacek'’s questions and posed for snapshots by the collector.
What next for Polacek the film collector?
“I hope to collect every movie they made as a team and individually.” (A considerable ambition since they made over 100 films together, Laurel made 59 by himself and Hardy also made a large hot undetermined number of pictures by himself.)
With the Laurel and Hardy kind of comedy he says, “...in my opinion, nobody can match the talent and comedy style of Mr. Laurel and Mr. Hardy.”
Naturally Mike’s family, wife Mildred and son and daughter Michael John Jr., 19, and Wilma Jean, 17, are exposed to a lot of Laurel and Hardy. How do they like it?
“They like them, but are not nuts like me as I love to watch them over and over.”
August 5, 1963
Thanks Doug [Solomon], for your letter & snapshot. Wish you all a happy trip to Gallup, New Mexico & Navaho MT. Note you are going to have a new Sister Lulu am sure you are all thrilled.
My kind thoughts to you all.
As always:
STAN LAUREL.
August 6, 1963
Dear Timothy Dalton:
Thanks yours,2nd.inst. with enclosure of L&H Book Jacket - which I have autographed & am returning herewith per your request.
I heard about Mr Hal Roach Sr. being on the "TODAY" program - would have liked to have seen it, but the showing time out here is too early for me. I have'nt seen Mr Roach in about 8 years - sorry I do'nt have his present address - I have'nt visited the Roach Studio since 1955 - it is now being demolished to make space for a super market. Whoever thought this would happen? Its pretty sad.
Mr Hardy died in 1957, he was aged 65.
Think that all for now -
My regards & best -
As always:
STAN LAUREL.
August 7, 1963
My Dear Mike [Polacek]:
Thanks yours,4th.inst. with enclosure of L&H News Article clipping - one or two minor errors which is to be expected, but on the whole I thought it very good - they spelt Eda's name correct (Eda is the Russian sound for IDA - the I's are pronounced as E's) - so go right over to the Newspaper office & beg their PARDON.!!
Re The portable organ - do'nt recall using it in any other film than "Below Zero". Just had a letter from Leo Wiseman in Den Haag,Holland. he was delighted to receive your letter, said he was writing you - you probably have heard from him by now.
Enclosed news clipping in case you have'nt seen it & to add to your collection - the "TODAY" show recently devoted some time to interviewing Hal Roach Sr. understand it was quite interesting. I missed it of course, it's on too early here for me.
Bestest to you all from us both here -
As always:
STAN LAUREL.
August 7, 1963
We went out to the doomed Hal Roach Studio for the auction. After half a century they’re tearing the old place down. I didn’t expect to buy anything, but I wanted to pay my last respects. That old factory has given me a lot of laughs.
When we got there the auction was proceeding in the great cavern of Stage 1. A sea of costumes, props and other artifacts of picture-making flooded the old barn.
My eye fell on a painting on the wall, among hundreds of others. It showed some dyspeptic college dean of stern visage, attired in cap and gown.
I nudged my wife. “Look.” I said. “Up there. The old geezer in the cap and gown. You see anything peculiar about him?”
She studied him a moment. “Why, he doesn’t have any eyes,” she said. “They’ve been cut out of the painting.”
“Exactly!” I said. "“Isn’t he wonderful? Remember those comedies where there’s a painting like this on the wall in some old castle, and then all of a sudden the eyes begin to move back and forth? Wouldn’t it be a great gag? For parties?”
She glanced sharply at me. “We better move along,” she said.
We were browsing among the light fixtures when I was all but knocked down by the most extraordinary chandelier I had ever seen.
When I got my breath back I pointed it out. “Isn’t it fantastic!”
“Ugh!” she said. “What is it?”
“It’s a moose chandelier,” I explained.
The chandelier actually was made of the antlers of at least three moose, hung in rotation on a metal circle. It was horny and hairy and beautiful, in a primitive way.
“It’s right out of the dark ages!” I whispered. “Beowulf, probably. Wouldn’t it be sensational! Can you picture Magruder’s face if he walked in our place and saw that hanging from the ceiling?”
She seemed stunned with admiration for the idea.
“I’d like to go look at the draperies,” she said at last.
On the way I caught sight of a magnificent old tuba. It was dented and crinkled with the years, and painted with a exquisite patina.
“Look look!” I exclaimed. “Do you see what I see?”
“You mean that dusty old horn? Ugh!”
“Ugh my foot!” I said. “You’ve got a work of art there. It’s not just an old horn. It’s pure sculpture. You put that tuba on a table somewhere, under an indirect light, and presto!—you've got an object d’art. It’s the latest thing. Avant-garde and all.”
“Let’s get out of here for a minute,” she said. “This dust is making me sneezy.”
As it turned out, we didn’t buy anything. I was dickering for a 7-ft. tall beer bottle. It’s one they used in a Laurel and Hardy picture where they were in a giant’s house.
Before I could complete the deal my wife took to sneezing badly. We had to go home.
I was hoping to put the beer bottle in the patio as a kind of symbol.
August 9, 1963
Thanks Steven [Zaharoff] yours, 4th.inst. Glad to know you had a nice vacation in Camp & enjoyed the trip to Orchard Beach. The license plate you mention was the one used in "Big Business" (selling Xmas Trees) it was made in 1928 but was'nt released till '29. the same as "Double Whoopee". Imagine you are glad to be home again - not much new to tell you Steven so bye for now.
Nice to hear from you again -
My bestest as always:
STAN LAUREL.
August 12, 1963
Dear Vic & Gladys [Silver]:
Thanks yours,7th.inst.
Glad you got a few laughs out of "MAD" magazine. Interesting about the 'TARZAN ROPE' idea - should be attractive to the kids if you can find some means to demonstrate it to them, once they see it I think you'd get a lot of customers.
Enclosed some more gadget ideas, (was in the Sunday Paper Ad section) Guess by now you recd. the Tape - am sure it brought back memories - strange no one writes those kind of Lyrics & melodies anymore, they are simple & have a touching effect & will live forever - you do'nt hear audiences joining in the chorus anymore, the numbers today have no appeal whatsoever - well, enough of that.!! Do'nt think I'd want to live in North Shields anymore its no different to anywhere else now, those days you dream about are gone & passed Vic. Yes I knew Jack Hogg's Father, was a prominent figure around the Tyneside, & I imagine Jack is quite wealthy - I believe his wife Nora's family owned a Bank - of course this has nothing at all to do with you & me, we still have to make our own coffee.! Dockwray Square is no more - just blocks of Flats I understand - great changes in Shields most all the landmarks have disappeared, everything but the 'Happney Dodger', I sailed on her to South Shields every night for a week in '53. when we played the Sunderland Empire (We lived at the old Grand Hotel in Tynemouth unfortunately, so deteriorated & run down now.)
You told me previously about the old dames with the caravan & the 'umber to pull it - I can picture your expression.!! HI HO SILVER.!!
All for now kids. Love & bestest from us both here.
God Bless.
As always:
August 12, 1963
Dear Bill Brown [Starkell]:
Thanks yours, 7th.inst. with enclosure of news clip re: Senor Freele purloined some candies from a food Mart, do'nt know how L&H entered this situation, this was certainly not in our characters to deliberately steal.
Sorry I omitted to enclose the brochure in my last - I discovered this after I had mailed the letter - anyway, here it is. The new film you mention I think is titled 30 Years of Fun & laughter, it has been released for some time now, same outfit as "Golden Age of Comedy" "When Comedy was King" etc. etc. I have'nt seen this one, there are several clips of the films I made before I teamed with Hardy & some of him without me - many many years ago.
The number 90403. is a new postal code system its supposed to speed up the mail deliveries, its called ZIP Code. This is in force all over the States now. Its not necessary to use a code number, but it does help some I guess in the handling dept.
The climbing the rope scene was no secret, it was a solid pole with rope around it, I was on a wire, we too used a pole that bended in some of the shots. Yes, I knew & met Geo Arliss, he was a good friend of my Dad's - knew Reginald Denny quite well too - never met Roland Young or Ernest Thisiger, knew of them by reputation of course. Arliss never worked for my Dad, they toured in the same show for some time.
Note you applied for a Visa to visit the States - thats a good idea to get away from that cold climate for a while during the winter.
Nothing new here - so bye for now,
Bestest from us both here to Kay & self,
As always:
STAN LAUREL.
August 12, 1963
Thanks Edmund [Tester] for book of views (Washington.D.C.) appreciate the kind remembrance - assume you are all on vacation - trust a good time for you all. Nothing new or exciting to tell you - hence my being brief.
Hope alls well & Happy & business flourishing.
Good luck - God Bless.
As always:
STAN LAUREL.
August 13, 1963
All the props and supplies have been auctioned off. Soon the bulldozers will do their work and nothing will be left of the Hal Roach Studios but memories.
“It’s a shame,” says Stan Laurel. “Who would ever have thought that it would happen!"”
Stan, surviving member of the great comedy team of Laurel and Hardy, has plenty of memories and he lives surrounded by them in an apartment overlooking the Santa Monica Bay.
There are cartoons and posters of Stan and Ollie in their prime.
Stan’s honorary Oscar stands, ironically, on the television set. Above his desk is a signed portrait of President Kennedy, which came to Stan after he was given the Oscar.
The veteran comedian strays little from the apartment. A stroke a few years ago paralyzed his side and he moves with some difficulty.
He lives quietly with his Russian-born wife, answering correspondence and receiving a few friends and fellow workers. When I paid a call, three comedians were leaving—Dick (Rowan and) Martin, Gary Morton and Jack Carter.
Despite his incapacity, Stan is bright and cheerful, and his hearty laugh sometimes resounds through the room. He was able to laugh despite his sadness at the passing of Roach Studios.
“We had a lot of fun there,” he reflected. “Hal and I used have our fights. You see, I was a ‘no’ man.
“Hal would say, ‘You know what I mean,’ and I would say, ‘No, I don't know what you mean.’”
The comedy team finally left Roach in 1940 and went on to make features at 20th Century Fox.
During none of their career did they receive a share of the profits. Hence when television brought their greatest fame, they received only the glory and none of the money that was coined from reruns of their comedies.
August 14, 1963
Dear Leo [Riemens]:
Thanks yours,1st.inst.
I think the Lady in "Below Zero" film was Blanche Payson - not Charlotte Minnow? I'd have to see that film again to be definitely sure.
I just recd. a letter from your friend Gerard Stigter, funny thing you should mention "Blockheads" film coupled with "Me & My Pal" he saw this same combination in Amsterdam just recently - this is difficult to visualize. I recall the film where I am selling Cleaning fluid & polishing the Car for Noah Young, it was a film I made for Broncho Billy Anderson, it was either titled "The Handy Man" or "The Pest". Yes, Mr Hardy actually sang that Song in "Pardon Us" - it was called "Lazy Moon" - Mae Busch played Mrs Hardy in "Their First Mistake" (thats the film I think where Hardy adopts a baby. Edgar Kennedy died some time ago also Mae Busch - No, Charlie Hall was never with the Fred Karno shows. Am returning herewith the picture Post Card you sent me which with pleasure I autographed.
Mr Polacek told me he had written to you - I had the pleasure of meeting him recently, he came out to California to visit with me for a week at the hotel - he has a wonderful library collection of L&H films & is quite an authority too - a very very nice person.
Nothing much new Leo, so bye for now.
Enjoyed hearing from you again.
My kindest & bestest to you & yours,
As always:
STAN LAUREL.
August 14, 1963
Thanks Steve [Ward], your, 12th.inst. No, Hal Roach never made any films in Color. The General in "Beau Hunks" & "Flying Deuces" was played by the late Chas.Middleton. Pleased to note you finally located the three films you were anxious to get - hope you'll have lots of pleasure out of them.
My best to your Dad, self & Family,
Trust alls well & happy.
As always:
STAN LAUREL.
August 16, 1963
Dear Mr [John] Kilpatrick:
Thanks your very interesting letter dated June 5th.ult. Just received.
Yes I was born in Ulverston, Lancs. in 1890, left there at an earty age - my parents were in the theatrical business. Note you are from Whitehaven. The Mr Gibson you mention who managed the Gaiety Cinema (Percy) was a very old friend of mine in fact the whole family, his sister May Gibson is the widow of the Late Geo Black, who controlled the Moss Empires & the London Palladium Theatre. I believe Percy is now living with his Sisters May & Addie, at their home - St. Annes-On-Sea, he is now retired. That was correct that Mr. Hardy & I were invited to appear at the Annual Town Carnival in Whitehaven, but were unable to attend due to previous engts.
Note your visiting a cinema in London & by accident sat next to my Dad - sorry to say he died in '49. at the age of 94.
Indeed nice to hear from you - appreciate very much your kindly interest & sentiments.
Trust alls well & happy with you & yours.
Take care - God Bless.
Sincerely always:
STAN LAUREL.
August 21, 1963
Dear Dick Sloan:
Many thanks yours,18th.inst.
Am happy to know the news about Chuck & everything is OK with his L&H program - I can fully understand not hearing from him. He's certainly had his hands full these last few weeks - Freedomland, W.P.I.X. show & taping the Sunday morning show plus all that travel back & forth. I imagine (hand on the hip) 'HE'S ALL FAGGED OUT'.! I guess by now, he's all rested up & back to normal again but he's foolish to take on so much work, its a terrible strain on the nerves & system in general & lack of sleep etc. then's the wear & tear of GOING TO THE BANK & that laughing routine is murder especially when you can't control; yourself.!!
Note Chuck's Birthday is Sept.2nd. will certainly send him a telegram. I'll sign it anonymous.! that should send him into hysterics.! Note your friend Les de Lyon appeared in the Command Performance in '53. that Gold Plaque name plate on his dressing door must be something new - never heard of that before - many many Top Stars have appeared on several occasions before Royalty but were never accorded the Gold Plaque treatment - that certainly an interesting souvenir to have.
Am looking forward to know who that young lady is that Chuck knows who claims to be the daughter of one of the Fred Karno troupe, am wondering if she resembles Chaplin? (fireside chats was a big hobby of his.!)
Note your comments on the L&H comic book - frankly, I have'nt paid much attention to the story material or the characterization of L&H in general. I do'nt know whether Harmon is responsible for the material & drawings in these books or not - am under the impression this work is done by the Dell publishing Co's Staff. I'll mention it to Harmon when I talk with him again - I seldom hear from him, so of course have no idea what the situation is concerning the Cartoon Series, as far as I know they are now in full production & are to be syndicated in the Fall - what they are like, I have'nt the slightest idea - have'nt seen any of the film, except for a short piece of a TEST. I was'nt too impressed incidently - the color looked very good indeed, but that does'nt produce laughs.!
Thanks again Dick - always nice to hear from you with all the current news.
Again, my regards & best to you & yours.
Sincerely as ever:
STAN LAUREL.
P.S. My best to Chuck & his family.
“Fagged out” was an expression is use in the 19th and early 20th century. It was generally used to describe someone who was exhausted.
August 21, 1963
Dear Vic & Gladys [Silver]:
Thanks yours,I6th.inst.
Note you recd, the "Confidential" magazine - since the big law suit,it has been toned down considerably, it used to be really "RED HOT". The 'ADS' you mention would be perfect for this magazine - think you could get some dough for those - especially if you could take some snapshots of these signs - do'nt send them the pictures till you make a deal with them, tell them you have actual proof of authenticity (imagine springing this word on a 'Geordie' that had never been further than Jesmond Dene on a Bank Holiday!
I guess the tape has arrived by now - surface mail (parcel Post) takes quite some time - think I notified you the date I shipped it - anyway if it gets lost, I can easily make you another one, but am sure it will reach you finally.
I guess those dogs of yours get plenty cold not having any hair serves'em bloody well right for not 'aving any sense, thev should have stayed in Mexico silly buggers.! they can thank their lucky stars they do'nt live in Tynemouth on Marsden Rock.!
Got a big kick out of that Sarah Dodds character - very funny that gag could be used today.! I love the King Of Newburn too - thats wonderful humor. I do'nt have any Tyneside material on the tape, I'd sure like to get some of those old comics - J.C. Scatter, Adam Tomlinson etc. etc. very funny characters - probably they did'nt make records in their time.
Interesting you have a few Old Timers living m your area - imagine old Firey Jack still going at 70 - remarkable - I guess if he did'nt continue he'd just lay down & die - fortunate he's able to keep active.
Not much else Kids, so adios mi amigos.! (that Spanish blood oi mine keeps surging.!)
Love & bestest to you both.
God Bless.
As always:
STAN LAUREL.
James Cosgrove Scatter was a concert hall singer/humorist and Adam Tomlinson was dialect comedian in England in the late 19th-early 20th centuries.
August 21, 1963
Dear Jack Graves:
Thanks your very nice letter,19th.inst.
Indeed nice to hear from you & to know the old L&H films still afford you so much pleasure - appreciate very much your kind sentiments so warmly expressed.
Note you are with the Air Force stationed in France - trust you are enjoying the experience over there. But am sure both you & Mrs G. are looking forward to returning home next year.
Am enclosing you a little picture - thought you might like to have one as a souvenir.
Again my thanks & every good wish.
Take care - God Bless.
Sincerely always:
STAN LAUREL.
August 22, 1963
Dear Tim Dalton:
Thanks yours,20th.inst.
Re Stills of "The Devils Brother" film - suggest you check with "Movie Star News", 212,East 14th. Street,New York.3. N.Y.
The Roach studio was in Culver City.Calif. - "Atoll K" film was produced in France, by the Franco-London Film Corpn.
Yes, I knew the late Will Rogers quite well.
The film "Flying Deuces" produced by Borros Morros was on a loan out basis - The Ladies who appeared in "Sons of the Desert" were the Late Mae Busch & a Lady named Christie (do'nt recall her first name off hand.)
Yes I am very familiar with Lancashire, England - I was born in Lancashire.
I do'nt know who gave permission to use the L&H film clips on the DuPont program you mention - we have no interest in them whatsoever unfortunately.
Pleased to note you recd. the bookjacket - thanks for refund of postage.
Again my regards & best -
In haste.
Sincerely:
STAN LAUREL.
August 24, 1963
Dear Laura & Harry Sornell:
Thanks your very nice letter 16th.inst. Appreciate very much your kind sentiments so warmly expressed.
Note you were recently Married - sincerely wish you both many many years of happiness, good health & success -
Take care - God Bless you.
Sincerely always:
STAN LAUREL.
August 26, 1963
Thank you for your nice letter [Myrna Rapoport], 20th.inst. I too enjoyed the pleasure of meeting you & your friend Ellen Bank - appreciate your kind sentiments so kindly expressed - shall be pleased to meet your friend Dick Whittington whenever convenient - kindly give me a call, so we can arrange a definite date for some afternoon -
My kindest & bestest,
As always:
STAN LAUREL.
August 26, 1963
Dear Vic & Gladys [Silver]:
Thanks yours,19th.inst. Glad to know you finally recd. the Tape & enjoyed it. I have quite a collection of those early Music Hall records, they are very interesting, unfortunately the recording equipment used in those days was very elementary, no electronics like today hence the voices & music are slightly distorted. Anyway, they have a nostalgic value.
I remember the Kelso Bros. very well, they were Australians, very successful in this Country - often wonder what became of them.
I met Syd Fields a few times in '47, he was playing at the Price of Wales in a revue - a nice guy but his own worst enemy - success was his defeat, the old story - put a beggar on horseback.!
He did confide in me that he was'nt happy being in the West end, would much rather be back in the provinces touring around - evidently this is the reason he turned to alcohol as a means of escape - poor guy.
Pleased to note the gadget books are giving you ideas & incentives - they certainly have some interesting & unique merchandise, quite a few of these firms & now opening up here, which is a sign - 'There's Gold in them Thar Hills' - maybe you should investigate & get into the parade! I have'nt heard from the Hogg's for sometime either - probably they are both under the weather, I know Jack was very ill last time I heard from Nora. Note the Winter is starting in - thats not a happy outlook, I sure do'nt envy that business, if I were you, I'd close up the shop & spend the Winter in Cullercoats - relax in the FOG.!!
Eda joins in kindest & bestest to you both,
Take care - God Bless.
As always:
Sid Field (1904–1950) was a British Music Hall comedy entertainer who, like Stan, got his start impersonating Charlie Chaplin. The expression Stan uses to describe him—“Put a beggar on horseback and he’ll ride to hell”—is a saying that means if one gives an undeserving person an advantage, he will misuse it.
Cullercoats is an area of North East England, with a semi-circular sandy beach that is a popular destination for day-trippers.
August 27, 1963
Dear Glenn Laxton:
Thanks your,17th.int.
No, I do'nt recall the name of Claude La Belle - note his brother is your landlord.
I read Kilgallens column you mention, had several clipping of this article sent me - her information is ridiculous.
No Mr Hardy & I never wrote a book or article - I do'nt see Jerry Lewis often, but talk on the phone with him occasionally.
Note you give speeches on the subject of laughter - you should title your lecture 'BELLY LAUGHS or ABDOMEN GUFFAWS.!!
Am sure your crusade for Slapstick Comedy is greatly needed, but unfortunately nothing can be done about it - sorry I have no pictures other than I already sent you, I understand at the Roach studio auction, all the old Stills were sold in fifty thousand lots, I imagine dealers bought these, will have them copied & re sell to the public for around 50¢ per copy or more in some cases - a very profitable business.
Guess you are now taking a vacation since you stayed in school during the summer.
Ronnie Klugman called me yesterday, he'd just returned home from Camp - enjoyed chatting with him, he's quite a boy.!!
Bye now.
Take care,
As always:
STAN LAUREL.
August 27, 1963
Dear Bill Brown [Starkell]:
Thanks yours, 22nd.inst.
No, hove'nt heard of the film "Days of Thrills & Laughter" starring L&H - thats a new one to me.
Note you have applied for a visa & intend to leave Canada permanently & live in California - wish you lots of good luck in your venture & welcome to California, am sure vou'll enjoy the climate here in some section clear of the Smog situation, there are a few areas where its free & clear.
Yes, I read about 'Clem Bevins' passing on, he was around Hollywood for many years, just heard that Mary Gordon, the Scotch character actress had died, she worked with us several times - "Pack Up Your Troubles" & "Bonnie Scotland" were the last ones I believe. Re the questions:
1. Arthur Dandoe died several years ago, The Hurley's were living in Buffalo, N.Y. the last time I saw them ('39), they had quit show-Biz, he was working for a Coal Co.
2. Vic McLaglen, I understand was a boxer at one time in Canada, & once fought the late Heavyweight Champ Jack Johnson (not a title fight.) Edgar Kennedy also was a former boxer.
3. Have no idea who actually were the first group of "Keystone Cops" so many of them thru' the years.
4. I first met Marcel Marceau in Paris in 1950. His great talent impressed me very much. 1 was responsible in setting him some appearances in London. which he made a wonderful success & brought him to notice - since then he never looked back.
5. Yes, "A Night in an English Music Hall" was the show we did in Winnipeg.
6. A.E. Pickard to my knowledge is still around - I met him last in Glasgow Scotland in 1952. he was Hale & Hearty.!
7. Pictures made during the L&H tours Abroad are all packed away in storage.
Not much else Bill so adios mi amigo.!
Mrs L joins in kindest & best to Self & Kay -
As always:
STAN LAUREL.
August 28, 1963
Dear Irene [Heffernan]:
Herewith Stamps -
All news when we see you Thursday (5th.)
Love & bestest from us both here to Jim & your sweet self -
As always:
August 30, 1963
Dear George Spangler:
Thanks your very nice letter, 29th.inst.
Indeed 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 warmly expressed - again my thanks.
With pleasure I enclose you an autographed picture - you so kindly requested.
My kindest & bestest -
Sincerely always:
STAN LAUREL.
August 30, 1963
Dear Violet Nathan:
Thanks your very nice letter of the 8th.inst. recd. this AM. Nice to hear from you & to know the old L&H films are still affording you a little bit of pleasure - appreciate very much your kind sentiments so warmly expressed.
Interesting to know you are from Chester-le-Street - I am quite familiar with that area, I was partially raised in North Shields, my Dad operated several theatres around the North - 2 in No. Shields - Blyth, Jarrow, Hepburn, Wallsend, also one in Bishop Auckland & Glasgow, Scotland. You mention the Lake District, I was born in Ulverston, in the area of Lake Windermere - Barrow-in-Furness.
I heard that the Empire Newcastle closed down permanently, Mr Hardy & I played there in '47.-'52. & '.53, also the Empire in Sunderland, that too I believe is now closed - it is a great pity there is no more of the wonderful "Variety" days, it was a great era.
Am enclosing you a little picture - thought you might like to have one as a souvenir -
My kindest regards & bestest to you & yours, trust alls well & Happy.
Take care - God Bless,
Sincerely as always:
STAN LAUREL.