1964 LETTERS

November 4, 1964

Dear Dave Hill:
    Thanks yours 2nd.inst.
    Re your request to visit me for School Paper interview - sorry my Dr. forbids me being disturbed for the next few weeks, at least - till after the holidays. However, I shall be glad to give you the information you require via a questionaire or suggest to check your local Public Library for our book titled "Mr Laurel & Mr Hardy", by John McCabe, published by Doubleday co. Inc. this covers our career.
    Again my thanks -
    Sincerely always,

    STAN LAUREL.

November 5, 1964

My Dear Irene [Heffernan]:
    Thanks your card, yes we have a new phone number, changed about a week ago, its now 395-8196 - intended to let you know earlier, so glad you reminded me.
    Enclosed some more Stamps - I think a few new ones for your collection.
    Looking forward to seeing you soon - Eda joins in love & kind thoughts to Jim & your sweet self.
    Trust alls well & happy.
    Bye dear - God Bless -
    as always -

    x x

November 12, 1964

Thanks yours [Bill (Brown) Starkell], 10th.inst. with news clips. Ves, I knew about "Parade of Comedy" film several months ago. We made several films for M.G.M. This egg scene was in a film titled "THE HOLLYWOOD PARTY" - the Scottish Dance scene you mention was out of "BONNIE SCOTLAND" made at the Hal Roach Studio (released thru M.G.M.) Please convey my regards to Vince Barnett, I knew him well. Re Chaplin having a Million at 25 - I frankly would'nt know, he never let me count his money.!! Incidently, I have his recent book, its interesting, but in essence a duplicate of his previous ones. Funny you mentioned Buster Keaton, he just visited with me only last week, he told me of his Canadian trip - he looks wonderful, enjoyed seeing him again & remeniscing. Mrs L. joins in kindest & bestest to Kay & Self. Trust alls well.
    Bye -

November 11, 1963

Thanks Richard [Sloan], yours 10th.inst. Do'nt understand "Come home quick" have been home since Sept. 26th. Thanks anyway for kind thought & good wishes.
    Chuck [McCann] called me last Thursday (12th) re his appearance on the "Les Crane" show - no doubt you saw the program - Chuck was excellent. Understand he will be on the show again Monday I6th.inst.
    Nothing new here. Again thanks & bestest -
    Take care -
    as always -

    STAN LAUREL.

November 23, 1964

Dear Ray Atherton:
    Thanks yours, 17th.inst.
    Regarding the Foreign versions of the old L&H films. The foreign language was NOT DUBBED IN - we first made the film in ENGLISH - after this was previewed & final editing was completed - we then called in four interpreters, FRENCH, SPANISH, GERMAN & ITALIAN who translated the script & engaged a different cast for each version, excluding of course L&H & principal characters such as Jimmy Finlayson etc. The interpretor read each scene to us word by word & we wrote it on a blackboard as it sounded to us (Phonetic system) these boards were placed in back of each of us (out of camera range) so we had no difficulty in speaking the lines in every language.
    In the early days of making foreign versions in sound, the technique of 'DUBBING' was'nt conceived - it soon became a specialized job & our method was discarded.
    We made 5 versions of: "THE L&H MURDER CASE", "NIGHT OWLS", "CHICKENS COME HOME", "BRATS", "BE BIG", "COME CLEAN", "BELOW ZERO", "PARDON US" a few others I do'nt recall the titles.
    Thanks Ray for the kindly interest.
    Very Sincerely -

    STAN LAUREL.

November 24, 1964

Thanks yours, 17th.inst. My belated wishes on your recent birthday - many many happy returns Louis [Sabini], continued good health & happiness. Congrats on your Sound Projector, know you will get a lot of pleasure out of it - suggest you drop a card to Blackhawk Films, 1235,West 5th.Street, Davenport, Iowa. ask for a catalogue listing - Think it will be of interest to you. Nice to hear from you again -
    My kindest & bestest -
    as always -

    STAN LAUREL.

November 25, 1964

November 27, 1964

Thanks your card [Ron Maher], 23rd.inst. Have heard nothing from Jay Ward (do'nt expect to.) Re L&H films, drop a card to Blackhawk Films, 1235,West 5th.St. Davenport, Iowa. a catalogue listing will be sent to you on request. I suggest, you try "Sugar Daddies" "County Hospital" "Busy Bodies" "Leave 'em Laughing" "Flying Elephants (Shorts Silent & sound - 16mm. & 8mm.)
    The feature Length, suggest "Way Out West" "Blockheads" "Sons of the Desert". I too wish you & yours, a very Merry Xmas & a happy successful New Year 1965.
    Good luck Ron.
    as always -

    STAN LAUREL.