The Sons of the Desert Tent #240. HOLLYWOOD PARTY was founded on June 21, 2000 by a group of enthusiasts dedicated to the preservation and exhibition of motion pictures made by the Hal Roach Studios in Culver City, CA.

Starting in October 2012, HOLLYWOOD PARTY will transition to their new location at the historic DeMille/Lasky Barn in Hollywood, CA, currently housing the Hollywood Heritage Museum and located directly across Highland Ave. from the Hollywood Bowl.

Visit http://www.hollywoodparty.org for more information

*****

REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL

INVERCLYDE RADIO started broadcasting on Saturday (13th Oct).  Willie McIntyre has been invited to present his Reasons to be Cheerful programme each week and my first show on Inverclyde Radio was on Sunday. It will be repeated tonight (Tuesday, 16th October) at 7.00pm.

It is a one-hour show that Willie describes as an eclectic mixture of music and vintage comedy dialogue, it has featured Laurel and Hardy in the past and they will be returning next week.. Catch it if you can!

Log onto inverclyderadio.com to receive the station over the internet.

*****

Chelsea Rialto Studios and Screen Archives announce relaunch of LAUREL AND HARDY LAUGHTOONS, VOLUME ONE.

Chelsea Rialto Studios, also home of the Them Thar Hills tent of the Sons of the Desert, and Screen Archives Entertainment have announced new availability of the original soundtrack CD LAUREL AND HARDY LAUGHTOONS, VOLUME ONE. These wonderful scores, by Fred "Bullwinkle" Steiner, Lyn Murray, Jeff Alexander and Ruby Raksin, were written for the famous television adaptations of the Laurel and Hardy silent shorts, entitled LAUREL AND HARDY LAUGHTOONS. The suites on the CD have been edited and presented to represent the original silents including DO DETECTIVES THINK, SHOULD MARRIED MEN GO HOME, THAT'S MY WIFE, THE FINISHING TOUCH, PUTTING PANTS ON PHILIP, FLYING ELEPHANTS and BIG BUSINESS.

The scores are taken from the master tapes produced by George Korngold and are in full stereo. Also included is Stu Oderman's Main and End title sequences, adapted from Marvin Hatley's "The Dance of the Cuckoos".

LAUREL AND HARDY LAUGHTOONS, VOLUME ONE may be ordered from Screen Archives Entertainment 

For more great vintage soundtracks, please 

*****

Stan Laurel: The Fine Mess-Maker at Home
by Dick Cavett

“Fat and skinny guys comin’!”

That’s how a Nebraska playmate of mine would burble the news that, if Saturday would ever come, we’d be once again rolling with laughter at Stan and Ollie. Twice. We’d learned how not to get caught, sitting through for the second showing.

If someone had told me then that I would one day meet a member of that beloved team, my mind would have had no way of processing the thought.

I’d be as likely to meet Donald Duck.

Just out of school and working as a copyboy at Time, I returned a folder to the “L” section of a file shelf and noticed the next folder said, “Laurel, Stan.” It was 1960. Who knew he was alive?

To continue reading this excellent article

*****

 JEFFERSONS IN GLASGOW

Willie McIntyre informs us that Bill Crouch has been researching Stan Laurel's early days and has made some intriguing discoveries including:

Stan Laurel could not have lived at Craigmillar Road, Glasgow, in 1906 nor in early 1907.

No records have survived for 1905-1908 for Stonelaw High School. There is no record of Stan in the Queens Park School Term Report Book 1901-1910.

Mystery also surrounds the schooling in Glasgow of Teddy, Stan's younger brother.

In 1905 the Jeffersons lived at 57 (not 42) Buchanan Drive, Rutherglen.

185 Stonelaw Road, Rutherglen remains an enigma.

To read the full article please visit Bowler Dessert Online by clicking below

*****

2012 SONS OF THE DESERT

INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION MEMORIES

With over thirty images to read Mike David's memories and experiences of the recent Sons of the Desert International Convention.

*****

Oliver Hardy Festival

Dennis Moriarty and Mike David (wearing a tie and behaving, which is rare!)

The Nutty Nut News Networks very own Mike David writes: I had a wonderful talk with Dennis Moriarty at the recent international convention. Dennis is a pleasant, talented fellow with a keen resemblance to Stan. He asked me to let everyone know that the annual Oliver Hardy Festival will be held on Saturday, October 6, 2012, and he will be there with his Look-A-Likes Ollie partner, Dale Walter, Sr. I saw Dennis out of costume before I left and he said: "I look different out of my clothes, don't I?"

to read Gino Dercola's 2012 Oliver Hardy Festival memories

*****

NEW DISCOVERY

On Location with Laurel and Hardy, March 1928

The above footage recently appeared on Youtube with the following description 'On location with Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy during the making of "Should Married Men Go Home." George Mann of the comedic dance act Barto and Mann shot the film or handed his camera to someone else to shoot.'

UNEDITED 1928 FOOTAGE

*****

Jacquie Lyn Interview 1992

by Scott MacGillivray

Jacquie Lyn, the child co-star with L&H in 1932's, "Pack Up Your Troubles", talks with Laurel and Hardy author Scott MacGillivray at the Sons 1992 Las Vegas Convention.  This is one of our favorite audio interviews because of the very charming story that Jacquie tells about what Stan Laurel did for her on the set of the Boys' second feature film.

Jacquie discusses her connection with Lois Laurel. She also explains how she gradually lost her English accent, about her work in a couple Our Gang films and about why they had to use glycerine tears for her crying scene in "Pack Up Your Troubles".

Finally, Jacquie gives her reaction to the "craziness" and "high spiritedness" of the Sons convention.

To Listen

*****

*****

Diosa Costello Interview 1992

by Scott MacGillivray

Diosa Costello, a Laurel and Hardy co-star in 1945s "The Bullfighters", gives a lively and humorous audio interview recorded in 1992 at the Sons 8th International Convention in Las Vegas.

After talking about how she got her start in show business, Diosa explains what she witnessed as the working and improvisational methods used by Stan and Babe during the film's production.

She also discusses the story behind her exaggerated accent and how she had to be careful with her fiery dance moves.

This is an interesting talk with a fascinating entertainer, wonderfully conducted by L&H author and Boston Brats Grand Sheik Scott MacGillivray.

To Listen

*****

Advertising Antics Book Update

Ant and Jo Mitchell-Waite tells us: We have made a 32-page update to our Advertising Antics book, as we have had so much new information. We have made two versions available, one in black and white and the other in full colour. The interiors are exactly the same otherwise, with just a slight variation to the cover layout/colour.
The black and white one costs £3.29 plus postage
The colour one costs £5.49 plus postage
 

*****

Boys At the Bull

The Beau Hunks Tent invites all Sons everywhere to join with them in an afternoon of film, fun and frivolity at the Bull Inn in Bottesford on Saturday 23rd June, 1pm until 6pm. The Bull Inn was once run by Stan's sister, Olga, and her husband, Bill Healey. Stan and Ollie occasionally visited the pub during their 1950s theatrical tour of the UK. This year we celebrate their first visit to the pub, 60 years ago. . . Easter 1952...in our own diamond jubilee, though we hope the weather will be good for us! There will be the usual film show, early afternoon buffet, quiz, rarities and the infamous tent raffle! Antony Mitchell-Waite has also kindly agreed to provide a short illustrated talk on Laurel and Hardy in adverts. He will also be on hand to sign copies of his super new book Laurel & Hardy's Advertising Antics. The press will be there so don't forget to bring your fezzes!

In the morning, we will again be visiting The Plough Inn in Barkston (4 miles north of Grantham) where Stan's father, AJ, and his sister, Olga, once lived and ran the small pub during the 1940s - and where Stan and Ollie made at least one visit during their 1947 tour. We will also be visiting AJ's grave in the village and paying our due respects. Those interested in this pre-event. . . please meet at the Stagg Inn at the centre of this village at 11am, Saturday morning.

For more information please contact Dave Tomlinson.

*****

Bill Cubin Interview 1990

by Steve Wichrowski, Jr.

Renowned Grand Sheik and founder of the Laurel and Hardy Museum in Ulverston, England, Bill Cubin, talks with Nutty Nut News Network reporter, Steve Wichrowski, Jr.

This interview begins with a hilarious gaffe by Steve who is gently corrected by Bill. (It's an outtake which we purposely left in.)

Bill explains why he missed the previous Sons convention in 1988 and also tells about how he contacted Frank Hall, Charlie Hall's younger brother.

The then current mayor of Harlem, Georgia, James Lewis, talks briefly about his involvement in organizing a celebration earlier that year for Oliver Hardy's birthday.

Recorded at the Sons 7th International Convention held at Clearwater, Florida.

To Listen

*****

Trudy Marshall Interview 1990

by Scott MacGillivray

Actress Trudy Marshall, the leading lady in Laurel and Hardy's 1943 effort, "The Dancing Masters", talks with Laurel and Hardy author Scott MacGillivray about how she got her start in films and how her work as a photographic model led to film roles.

Finally, Scott amusingly describes his surprise first meeting with Miss Marshall.

Recorded at the Sons 1990 International Convention in Clearwater, Florida.

To listen

*****

Stan and Mae Laurel

The reverse of this image currently on ebay reads: Mystery Girl Sues Stan Laurel as 'Wife' Out of Stan Laurel's past, like a Hallowe'en ghost, today loomed a self-described common-law wife to stun Hollywood. The woman who gives her name as May Laurel has filed through Attorney S.S. Hahn, a separate maintenance suit alleging she "entered a common-law marriage" with Laurel in New York on or about June 18, 1919, and lived with him as his wife until January 11, 1925. Laurel's second wife, Virginia Ruth has a suit pending in which she asks separate maintenance. The woman who calls herself May Laurel, and Comedian Stan Laurel, when the pair were appearing in vaudeville. Bureaus.

Yesterday we added this image to The Nutty Nut News Network Facebook group and it attracted a lot of responses.  To read the heated and humorous exchange of opinions please visit and join our group on Facebook.

*****

LAUREL AND HARDY: THEIR LIVES AND MAGIC

Michael Ehret writes:

I just want to inform you about the bonus material of the 2-DVD-Box of the documentary of Andreas Baum.  The DVD-Box will be sent out on the 18th of June 2012 and will contain round about 60 minutes of bonus-material and 5 Laurel and Hardy postcards.  Andreas would be very glad if buyers can order it in Euro, GBP and US-Dollar via paypal (only). For all orders until the 15th of June we will charge no shipping costs (except orders via amazon.de). ORDER DETAILS laurelandhardyshop.com

BONUS:

- "The last Footage" of Stan in color, music (4:3 original framing, unpublished))

- "Stan Laurel, Mr. Clean and the Puppets" in color, music (4:3 original framing)

- "Stan's birthday footage" of 1964 in color, music (4:3 original framing, unpublished)

- "Ida Laurel at a Hollywood convention", color footage of Ida at a convention, signing photographs etc. (unpublished)

- the complete color footage of Stan's funeral at the Forrest Lawn Memorial in LA 1965 (4:3 original framing, unpublished)

- a special with color footage of Babe London in Hollywood in a movie actors veterans home and on stage etc., voice over in English and German (to switch), (4:3 original framing, unpublished)

- a 5 minutes-special about Stan's yacht, the "Ida May", color and music (16:9, music, unpublished)

- the complete MGM-Promo-Reel from 1936 with Laurel & Hardy and James Finlayson, sound, black & white

- a short special about Laurel & Hardy in Italy before the beginning of the shooting for "Atoll K" (music, 16:9, with unpublished photographs)

- a special about Stan's last home, The Oceana Apartment Hotel in Santa Monica, then and today, with Lois Laurel, voice over in English and German (to switch), (16:9 and 4:3, unpublished)

- a morphing sequence with a lot of photographs from Stan (music)

- a morphing sequence with a lot of photographs of Babe (music)

- the German trailer for the documentary

- the longer English trailer for the documentary

 and a lot more.

www.laurelandhardyshop.com

www.laurelandhardyshop.de

*****

When the Wicked Witch of the West Met the Sons of the Desert

By Mike David

In May 1982, famous character actress Margaret Hamilton spoke at a Sons of the Desert meeting in Connecticut. The program was organized by the Night Owls Tent of the Connecticut Valley under the direction of the very popular Grand Sheik, Hal Stanton. They had previously invited a number of film celebrities to their meetings including Mae Questel, Rosina Lawrence, and some of the Our Gang cast. 

This was a very special event so I decided to film a bit of it with my Super 8 sound movie camera. At the time I could only afford one reel of film and, this being a home movie, some of the footage is a bit dark and grainy. But it does give us a good sense of what it was like to experience this memorable gathering.  Sons convened from all over the region to hear Miss Hamilton talk about her famous role as the Wicked of the West in 1939's "The Wizard of Oz". Members of the Night Owls Tent collected 16mm film clips from many of her movies and they were shown to the audience.

Meanwhile, Miss Hamilton spent much of the time generously signing autographs. She was a very kind and gentle woman, nothing like many of the film characters she portrayed for so many years.  While she was signing an autograph for me, I was telling her about the article in the book I had brought for her to sign. And she gently put her hand on mine and said: "Michael, dear, you may not want to talk to me while I'm writing because I may end up writing down what you're saying to me." And we both laughed. Then, as she signed a photo to give to my young niece, she said to be certain to tell her that Margaret Hamilton is actually a nice grandmother and not really a wicked witch.  Later that evening, she charmed the audience with her recollections of the Oz film, some of which I managed to briefly capture in my home movie.

This footage hasn't been seen in over 25 years and after having it transferred to digital video, I wanted to make it available for everyone to see.  It brings back the memories we have of attending those wonderful Night Owls meetings and is evidence that the Sons of the Desert organization has a long history of honoring classic films and the celebrities associated with them.

*****

The Amazing Spider-Man

by Stan Lee, Larry Lieber & Alex Saviuk

*****

Dorothy DeBorba 1990 Interview

Our gang star Dorothy DeBorba talks with L&H author and Boston Brats Grand Sheik Scott MacGillivray at the 1990 Sons of the Desert Convention.

In this interview she explains about her early start in films and mentions some of the famous movie stars with whom she worked.

Dorothy also discusses her connection with California's Way Out West Tent and her reaction when the Our Gang comedies were first shown on TV in the 1950's.

To listen

*****

We are thrilled to announce the launch of a unique database of 850 film canisters that were recently discovered in Amman, Jordan. We were able to photograph every canister label and are looking for help from the international community to translate the Russian and Arabic labels. This a truly collaborative project with no ownership by any one person or institution.  This is DIY archiving.

We believe there are rare films among this collection (see our "About" page on the website) This project is part of an ongoing effort to advocate the preservation, digitization, and distribution of these lost films and others like them in the Middle East region. To that end, once we can identify the titles on these cans, we can begin to work on them. Reels identified so far include an early short film by Mustapha Abu Ali, Tarkovsky, official speeches by regional leaders, and much much more.

Russian and Arabic speakers we desperately need you at this stage: please help us translate the titles of these reels into English!

To Everyone: anything you an add is welcome in the comment section for each reel. Look for any thumbnail image that is slightly transparent - those titles have been translated and you can help us by telling us anything you know about them! And follow us on Twitter where we will be post updates and special finds.

Keep visiting the database as it grows with captions and comments. Feel free to update and adapt the translated captions of these reels as you see fit.
If you have any questions please email us at info@afilmarchive.net
Please do spread the word!
Matthew Epler

http://afilmarchive.net

Stan Taffel adds: Who knows what lies inside these cans.  A few years ago, hundreds of cans were discovered in New Zealand that brought to the film world lost Sennett films among other amazing finds.

Glasgow's Grand Central Hotel: Glasgow's Most-loved Hotel

Glasgow's most loved and famous hotel was formerly a British Railway Hotel and the choice of Hollywood stars on trips to Scotland when they appeared at the Alhambra and Empire theatres, is the subject of this timely chronicle. Glamour, drama, stars, fame, food and travel, weddings, life above and below stairs, music and dance, weddings and pianos, autograph hunters, board meetings and AGMS, fancy dresses and ballroooms - Glasgow's Grand Central Hotel has it all - and more! Origins, growth, heydey, and then bust! And now refurbished and stunning in glorious luxury - the hotel is celebrated in this wonderful, beautiful book. Personal mementoes, wonderful images of stars like Danny Kaye, Mae West, Laurel and Hardy, Gene Kelly, The Beatles, Cliff Richard, Laurence Olivier, Lena Horne, Jimmy Durante, decorate this gorgeous book.

Laurel and Hardy Fans will be interested in pages 92 and 93 with which The Nutty Nut News Networks very own Dean McKeown helped the authors of the book.

Paperback: 160 pages, Publisher: Waverley Books Ltd (26 Jan 2012), Language English, ISBN-10: 1849342202, ISBN-13: 978-1849342209
 

*****

THE CHARLIE HALL PICTURE ARCHIVE
LOWEST PRICE EVER Only £8.49 *

*excluding postage if applicable.

FREE or REDUCED postage rates.  Free UK postage. Europe £11.99 including postage (Airmail Printed Paper) saving you £2.50, Rest of world £16.59 including postage (Airmail Printed Paper) saving you £2.50

Charlie Hall Picture Archive

United Kingdom£8.49 GBP Europe£11.99 GBP Rest of World (Airmail)£16.59 GBP

Charlie Hall Postcard Set

United Kingdom£3.50 GBP Europe£5.00 GBP Rest of World£6.00 GBP

Laurel and Hardy by Tom McGrath

United Kingdom£9.99 GBP Europe£11.59 GBP Rest Of World£12.59 GBP

The book is softback, slightly smaller than A4 (292x205mm), has 178 pages in total, close to 17,000 words and features over two hundred and ten images, many of which have never before been published. The book was written by Dean McKeown and edited by Maria Cairney, the foreword was written by Willie McIntyre.

Click the banner below for further information.

*****

Two Laurel and Hardy type characters have once again briefly appeared on the latest episode of The Simpsons (series 23 episode 17).  On Mr Burns robot which turns into a projector we see the characters standing at the bottom of a flight of stairs with a large crate, the character based on Ollie then kicks a nanny 'right in the middle of her daily duties'!

*****

Autograph Auctions

Below are some autographs which will be offered for sale in the UK by www.autographauctions.co.uk (Sale Date 24 Mar 2012 11am, 25 Mar 2012 12pm).  Visit their site for further information and details on more Laurel and Hardy (including some Stan Laurel letters) related items.

Lot 299, estimate £200-£300

Lot 307, estimate £250-£350.  'LAUREL STAN (1890-1965) & HARDY OLIVER (1892-1957) English and American Film Comedians. An unusual D.S. by both Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy individually, one page, oblong 8vo, Dublin, 18th September 1953. The partially printed document is receipt form supplied by the Provincial Bank of Ireland Ltd in which the comedians acknowledge receipt of the sum of £300 received from the account of Bernard Delfont Agency Limited. Signed by both Laurel and Hardy at the base in dark fountain pen inks. With purple rubber stamp cancellation of the bank and an Eire revenue stamp dated in Laurel`s hand. Some light folds and creasing and two file holes to the left edge, not affecting the text or signatures.  The receipt was evidently issued, presumably for salaries or expenses, in relation to Laurel and Hardy`s forthcoming British tour with their sketch entitled Birds of a Feather. The comedians had arrived in Ireland on 9th September in order to rehearse and prepare for the tour.'

Thelma Todd, Lot 204, estimate £100-£120

*****

MYSTERY WOMAN

Bob Duncan asks:  This is about the clearest image I have been able o find of the actress who does the walk-on role as Billy Gilbert's wife "Ethel" in the ending sequence of The Chimp. In just about every film information source she is identified as Martha Sleeper. Martha, though, had been gone from the Roach studio for over three years when The Chimp was filmed, and was working at M-G-M, so it's highly unlikely that she would have been available for such a brief part. The face, too, doesn't look like Martha. Does anyone know who this woman is or have access to a Roach studio call sheet or some other document that might help identify who she is? 

Bob has been back in touch to say the woman has been identified as Dorothy Granger who also appeared in Hog Wild and The Laurel and Hardy Murder Case,

*****

To commemorate the 60th Anniversary since Laurel and Hardy appeared in Southend, life-long fan, Roger Robinson, has published ‘A Spot of Trouble in Southend’. The A4 size book has 130 pages and as well as briefly telling the story of their roots and film careers, the book is essentially focussed on that week in August 1952 when Laurel and Hardy visited, stayed and performed in Southend. Roger has met and interviewed many people connected to their visit and relates their anecdotes and fascinating memories. There is new and extensive information about the supporting acts that not only toured with Laurel and Hardy but became lifelong friends with the comedy duo. The book is richly illustrated with over 200 photographs, many of which are rare and unpublished, and 50 reproductions of letters, adverts and documents about the visit.

The Foreword is by Jeffrey Holland, popular star of stage, radio and many famous TV series including Hi-de-Hi, You Rang,M’Lord and Oh, Doctor Beeching!  The Lastword is by Glenn Mitchell, a comedy aficionado, broadcaster and writer including encyclopaedias on Laurel and Hardy, the Marx Brothers, Charlie Chaplin and Silent Comedy.

£10 signed by author
Postage and Packing £3 to UK, £5 to Europe, £10 to USA
• Copies in UK can be purchased by cheque or Paypal
• Copies for Europe or USA can be purchased by cash or Paypal – please do not pay by non UK cheques as the transaction charges are too costly.  Cheques payable to Roger Robinson, 115 Neil Armstrong Way, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, SS95UE
For Paypal details or further information contact by email  or by phone 01702 526187.

Rosina Lawrence Interviews

Rosina Lawrence 1983 Interview.  In the very first interview done for the Nutty Nut News Network, Hal Stanton, Grand Sheik of the Night Owls Tent of the Connecticut Valley, briefly chats with Laurel and Hardy co-star Rosina Lawrence. They discuss her appearance in the Charley Chase short "On the Wrong Trek" and her career as a dancer. Finally, Rosina talks about her falsetto singing for Stan in the 1937 classic "Way Out West".

Rosina Lawrence 1984 Interview with Steve Wichrowski, Jr.  In a brief interview recorded at the Sons 1984 International Convention in the UK, Rosina describes what she has enjoyed most about that convention.

Henry Brandon Interview 1984

Graham McKenna, Grand Sheik of the UK's Laughing Gravy Tent, conducts a noisy but interesting interview with Henry Brandon who relates an anecdote about Stan Laurel's input and direction on the set of 1934's "Babes in Toyland".  This interview was conducted at the 1984 Sons International Convention held in the UK.

The above interviews were all painstakingly digitally restored by Mike David.

*****

STAN LAUREL 1958-1965 (OCEANA)

Michael Ehret writes 'I'm looking for photos & documents of Stan Laurel at his residence 'OCEANA' in Santa Monica.  He lived there from 1958 until his death 1965.  I`m a collector and would pay for the original photo/document or for a high quality scan of it. Can anyone help me?'

If you can help Michael drop us a line using the link at the top of this page and we will forward your details to him.

*****

A Pictorial collection of promotional ephemera 1929 to 2011.
-Foreword by Roger Robinson.
-Themed chapters, covering Food, DIY, Banking, Entertainment, etc.
-Over 500 illustrations.
-Fully indexed with over 460 entries.
-An appendix featuring a list of known TV adverts.
-A5 sized with nearly 400 pages of information.

Price £14, plus postage (UK Postage is £2.99).
A digital download will also be available in the near future.

Order direct from this link

25% off any of your books.  Coupon Code: LULUBOOKUK305.  Coupon expires 31 January 2012, £50 max savings.
 

Everyone here at The Nutty Nut News Network would like to echo the sentiments of The Laurel and Hardy Archive on Facebook and say ‘The basic principle for 2012 is THINK POSITIVE’.  As Gary Gold wrote on the Facebook group ‘I like to think of it as Stan and Babes core philosophy; no matter what problems or calamities lie ahead; never lose your optimism; determination and sense of humor! Nuff said!’

Felix Knight Interview 1990

In time for the holidays, here is a fascinating audio interview with "Babes in Toyland" star Felix Knight.

When first released, this 1990 interview caused somewhat of a stir due to Mr. Knight's comments on difficulties he experienced working with Oliver Hardy in this 1934 production.

Conducted by Laurel and Hardy author and Boston Brats Grand Sheik Scott MacGillivray, the interview also covers Mr. Knight's recollections of the atmosphere on "Babes in Toyland" (aka "March of the Wooden Soldiers") and his description of co-star Charlotte Henry and her unhappy life.

In addition to praising what he terms as the "genius" of Stan Laurel, Felix Knight also discusses his own work in other films and his connection with the Sons of the Desert.

The interview was recorded at the Sons 7th International Convention in Clearwater, Florida.

To listen

The above image showing the entire cast of Babes in Toyland is from the Mike David collection.

*****

Tyler St. Mark shares the above image on Facebook saying: This photo was taking in 1940 while the Boys were playing the Orpheum in Minneapolis.  They took time to visit the theatre dept. at University of Minnesota and have their picture taken with student cast members rehearsing the play, "Peer Gynt."

*****

LAUREL AND HARDY: A FUNNY STORY

Photo: Copyright 2011 EXIT Film- und Fernsehproduktion Kassel/Germany – www.exitfilm.tv

Michael Ehret writes:  Andreas Baum from exitfilm.tv informed about the 92-minute documentary "LAUREL AND HARDY: A FUNNY STORY“. It contains a lot of never-before-seen footage. The documentary will be broadcasted by the TV-station ARTE on December 28, 2011 in Germany and France (20:15).

Furthermore you´ll see a lot of Laurel and Hardy film clips, unpublished photographs, archive footage, film footage and documents. Interviews with: Lois Laurel Hawes, Lucille Hardy Price, Hal Roach, Jerry Lewis, Marcel Marceau, Maddin Schneider, Ingo Appelt, Ottfried Fischer, Michael Habeck, Bart Wiliams, Booth Colman, Phyllis Coates, Jean Darling, Stan Taffel, Irv Hyatt, Chuck McCann & Jim MacGeorge, Richard W. Bann, Tyler St. Mark, Michael Ehret, Wolfgang Günther and René Riva.

It was a pleasure to work with Andreas for this wonderful project. I´m glad I was able to support the documentary with the research of rare and unpublished footage.
 

Photo: Copyright 2011 EXIT Film- und Fernsehproduktion Kassel/Germany – www.exitfilm.tv

*****

An excellent cartoon of the Boys from "Way Out West" sent to us by cartoonist Fernando Llera.  He did this in 1980 for the Sons' Hollywood Convention.

*****

The above letter where Stan refers to the agreement made with Larry Harmon  is currently for sale on ebay.

*****

Laurel and Hardy: The Essential Collection

OUT NOW

For more information on the above from Richard Bann

*****

The above is one of four colour images of Laurel and Hardy taken in the 1930s.

A NUTTY NUT NEWS NETWORK EXCLUSIVE

Ernie 'Sunshine Sammy' Morrison Interview

The summer might be a distant memory but The Nutty Nut News Network would like to bring a little more 'Sunshine' into your life.

Sunshine Sammy Morrison, one of the earliest stars in the Our Gang series, talks with Nutty Nut News Network reporter Steve Wichrowski in a 1989 audio interview.

*****

Laurel and Hardy performing The Drivers License Sketch, this longer clip was recently found on you tube by Trevor Dorman.

Above is a press photo from Salute to Stan Laurel, 1965, including Bob Newhart, Danny Kaye, Dick Van Dyke, Phil Silvers, Buster Keaton, Louis Nye and Lucille Ball, Audrey Meadows, Tina Lousie, Caesar Romero and Gregory Peck. 

The above image dedicated to Leslie Spurling reads:  (very faded) 'We will always be indebted to you `Leslie` your pal Oliver Hardy (Ollie)'; 'Thanks Leslie for your capable and valuable support, greatly appreciated.  Regard and Best Always, Stan Laurel (Stan).

The above images were posted on The Nutty Nut News Network Facebook group, to join simply search for the group and request membership.

Can anyone shed some light on this image believed to be form the late 1940s of Stan, Eda, Ollie, Arthur Jefferson (Stan's dad), Beatrice Olga Jefferson and her husband Bill.  The picture is believed to have been taken in the Bull Inn in Bottesford.

Dave Tomlinson, Grand-vizier of the Beau Hunks Tent writes:

The photo was taken at Olga's first pub, The Plough Inn, in Barkston (near Grantham) in March 1947. Stan was visiting his father at the beginning of the 1947 UK tour and it was the first time they had seen each other in quite a number of years. AJ died a couple of years later and he is buried in the local village cemetery. You can read more about the story on my website but most particularly

The Nottingham Beau Hunks Tent runs a Laurel and Hardy film-show event on a Saturday afternoon at the Bull Inn, Bottesford once a year around Stan's birthday. In the morning, a number of us takes the trip out to what was the old Plough Inn for photographs and then on to AJs grave, to pay respects to a wonderful father.
 

Following on from his successful Laurel and Hardy: The Hat Facts parts one and two, Tyler St. Mark has written a piece about Stan Laurel’s favourite book, Clowns and Pantomimes, which he personally signed in 1930 and presented to his favorite cameraman, fellow sportsman, and close friend, George Stevens (1904-1975).  This book and hence tale has been 'lost' for years until it found its way to Tyler who through his fathers friendship with George Stevens knew of this books existence.  In the article he writes:

"I have said before that we do not so much find these memorabilia treasures as they find us. It may take days, months, or years until we have gained the knowledge and insights necessary to recognize these extraordinary items when they may finally cross our path."

  to read Tyler's article.  Once again everyone here at The Nutty Nut News Network would like to thank Tyler for his outstanding work, effort and research which he provides freely for our enjoyment. 

“I didn’t know that comedy could be graceful and beautiful until I met Laurel & Hardy,  I didn’t know comedy was humane. I looked at these two men and I realized that these guys understood human nature. By some artistic instinct they had this wonderful business of being in touch with the human condition.”

George Stevens

LAUREL & HARDY: THE HAT FACTS PART TWO
By Tyler St. Mark

for the second part of Tyler St. Mark's paper about Stan and Ollie’s iconic headwear.

for part one of Tyler St. Mark's excellent paper concerning Stan and Ollie’s iconic headwear.

Bernie Hogya writes on the Laurel and Hardy Forum:  The Stan Laurel Correspondence Archive Project has just added a terrific letter from Stan dated April 8, 1954, where Stan gives his own recollection of one of his first performances EVER as "Bugler Dunne" in one of his father's shows in May 1900! Check it out:

www.charliehallpicturearchive.com

Dean McKeown is delighted to announce that after more than a year of protracted legal haggling he was able to reclaim the .com address to his website.  Dean says:

‘It is a relief just to have the address back and directing to The Charlie Hall Picture Archive book website.  This whole mess started last year when my old web space provider went to the wall whilst retaining ownership of my domain name and refusing to transfer it over to me.  However justice has now been done and as the old saying goes…all’s well that ends ok!’

THE CHARLIE HALL PICTURE ARCHIVE
Only £8.49 *

*excluding postage if applicable.

The book is softback, slightly smaller than A4 (292x205mm), has 178 pages in total, close to 17,000 words and features over two hundred and ten images, many of which have never before been published. The book was written by Dean McKeown and edited by Maria Cairney, the foreword was written by Willie McIntyre.

Click the banner below for further information.

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The enduring appeal of Laurel and Hardy

 In March and April of this year Scotland on Sunday reporter Peter Ross interviewed several Sons in Scotland including Willie McIntyre Grand Sheik of the Call of the Cuckoo Tent and the Nutty Nut News Networks very own Dean McKeown about the continued popularity of Stan and Ollie. to read the article.

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FILM PRESERVATION – ANOTHER FINE MESS
“Why don’t you do something to help me?”

By Richard W. Bann

In 1914 Hal Roach began his career as an independent producer, specializing in comedy. Memorable series were built around star names Harold Lloyd, Our Gang, Charley Chase, Will Rogers, Thelma Todd, Harry Langdon, and Laurel & Hardy. Anyone who has seen their work is likely to agree on the importance of preserving these threatened movies for future generations to discover, study and enjoy.

Threatened? How could movies like these, so widely seen for so long, be at risk of disappearing forever in first-class quality copies? Because they were too popular. Too many prints and negatives wore out, is the simple answer. Also, unfortunately, the surviving original nitrate elements have suffered decades of benign neglect.

to continue reading this essay and learn, among other things, about the last sighting of HATS OFF, and why it will never be found on 16mm; what happened when the fire department came to Stan Laurel's house; who really conceived and orchestrated the whole Buster Keaton revival; what Richard Currier had to do with saving the Laurel & Hardy films; who "The Master Duper" is; and why all the Hal Roach Studios camera negatives were quietly parked by the side of the road in the Nevada dessert.

Frustrated fans who know and care about saving and sharing the films have long asked how they can aid in this effort to restore and preserve the battered remaining nitrate, recently deposited at the UCLA Film & Television Archive. Now there is a way everyone can get involved, by donating funds, at any level of participation.

Here is the link to UCLA’s new website which explains how you can be involved in the grassroots international fundraising effort: www.cinema.ucla.edu.
 

'One of the ironies of film preservation is that it's often the most popular titles that are most in need of restoration, and this is certainly true of the work of the universally beloved comic duo, Laurel & Hardy, whose films have been used, reused and overused to the point of severe attrition.

UCLA Film & Television Archive is kicking off a major preservation effort to restore all of its surviving negatives of Laurel & Hardy. Thanks to the generosity of Mr. Jeff Joseph, a major lead gift has already been pledged for the project.

Often our preservation efforts are funded by public agencies and charitable foundations, but we thought we'd try something different with Laurel & Hardy, allowing the general public to contribute directly to the restoration of the Boys' timeless classics......and know that you are contributing to the preservation of their work for generations to come.'

THE NUTTY NUT NEWS NETWORK

ON FACEBOOK

We have good news for all our regular visitors after some requests we have created a Nutty Nut News Network group on the popular social networking site Facebook.  By joining the group you will be alerted to any new audio material or major news added to the site, you can also use the group to leave messages or Laurel and Hardy/Tent related news of your own.  To find us log into Facebook and simply type The Nutty Nut News Network into your search bar.

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2012 SONS OF THE DESERT INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION

Dave Stevenson has been in touch to say that Manchester, New Hampshire will be the setting for the 2012 Sons of the Desert International Convention! The bid-winning video shown in Sacramento this afternoon is show below.

2012 Sons of the Desert Convention
Convention dates have been changed to July 19th - 22nd, 2012

Check out the Facebook home for the 18th International Convention of the official Laurel and Hardy Society, search Facebook for Manchester 2012 Sons of the Desert Convention.

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