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*****
Stan in Martini and Maxmillian
Our thanks to Gino Dercola, Bernie Hogya and Carol Rugh for the
following:
In a letter dated May 20, 1957 to magician Charles ("The Great
Jaxon") Jackson, just added to the Stan Laurel Correspondence
Archive Project (lettersfromstan.com), Stan writes:
"Not sure if I told you or not, I worked in a magic & illusion
act a few years ago with a Bob Martini, we were known as Martini
& Maxmillian, I was doing the comedy, after he had done his
trick & gotten big applause, I would by accident expose them -
we played Keith-Orpheum, around the East & later came West on
the Pantages time - those were the happy days!"
According to A.J. Marriot, this is indeed a brand new discovery
in Stan's career timeline! Until now, everyone believed the
chronology was Karno Company; into Keystone Trio; into Three
Comiques; into Stan Jefferson Trio; into Stan & Mae Laurel.
Somewhere in there we now have Martini & Maxmillian. It's
incredible that Stan never mentioned it before. Not to John
McCabe. Not to Arthur Friedman. Not to anyone until this letter
was discovered.
Martini & Maxmillian was a long running magic novelty
act—playing on bills from 1904-1917. At some point, Stan was the
comic foil in the act. Exactly when is hard to say. It will
require a bit more detective work to sort out the most probable
time period. All in all, it's an exciting development. I love
when a casual mention in one of Stan's letters carries such a
powerful and important bit of information.
Check out LettersFromStan.com, if you haven't. It's constantly
updated and now houses over 900 letters from Stan along with
reams of articles and sidebar notes and information. You can
also read an in-depth article (with pictures) on my recent stay
INSIDE Stan's old Oceana apartment in Santa Monica, CA, which
was recently renovated.
The Stan Laurel Correspondence Archive Project (lettersfromstan.com)
hopes to collect and catalog letters from Stan to better
understand his life and celebrate his comedic genius. If anyone
has an original letter from Stan or a copy of one not included
in the Archives, please add a copy of your letter by contacting
us via e-mail at: info@lettersfromstan.com — thanks!
As ever:-
Bernie Hogya
Archivist
LettersFromStan.com
*****
31st Sons of
the Desert
UK Convention
30th April till 3rd May 2010
Unfortunately there is a
limit to the number of people we can accommodate at this year's UK
Convention to be held just outside the city of Oxford. At the time
of writing we have 98 people signed up and we can only accept a
maximum of 120. So if you intend to book, please do not delay. If
you have not sent a Registration Form, you are not booked. We would
hate to have to turn down any of the regular attendees. Send in your
registration as soon as possible, with either a full payment, or a
deposit, to be sure of your place.
The address for registration is The Live Ghost Tent, 6 Main Street,
Meadowlands Park, Weybridge Road, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 2RF.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Full details of the UK Convention are published on Bowler Dessert
On-line.
*****
I'm pleased to tell you
that we will be putting on a varied programme of entertainment this
Easter at Hoxton Hall (an 1863 Music Hall in London's East End) that
should appeal especially to the Laurel & Hardy community. For
the first half of the show the venue will become a 1920s Picture
Palace. We will be showing two of the boys' silent shorts
(HABEAS CORPUS & WRONG AGAIN) on the big screen with a live,
original score composed and performed by Lillian Henley on the
piano.
After an interval we will be presenting ONE NIGHT:STAN - a
critically acclaimed one-man play about Stan that has been seen and
enjoyed by Sons at various venues in Britain and Ireland over the
last few years (in fact, Gerry Dunne provided a very kind review on
Bowler Dessert online after seeing the show at the end of 2008).
The shows are on Good Friday at 7.30; Sat 3rd at 2.30 & 7.30; Easter
Sun 4.00pm. Tickets are available from www.ticketweb.co.uk
(08444 77 1000).
It's always a particular pleasure to welcome Sons of the Dessert to
the show, and we hope to meet friends old & new after the
performance.
Kind regards,
Miles Gallant
*****
A while back
Gino Dercola got in touch with the following:
'Above is a political
cartoon that uses Laurel and Hardy characters. It appeared last
week in The Columbia County News-Times newspaper. Harlem,
Georgia, Oliver Hardy's birthplace, is in Columbia County. In
the long tradition of political cartoons, Laurel and Hardy have
been used often by political cartoonists around the world. (Note
the Jitterbugs Research Institute--I love it!)
Thanks to fellow Son, Denise Carter, of the Berth Marks Tent in
Harlem for sharing this.'
Today the artist, BJ
Wood, got in touch with The Nutty Nut News Network with the
following:
'Thanks for sharing
this cartoon with the Nutty Nut News Network. I grew up
watching those movies with my grandfather, and have a great love
of them (along with Abbott and Costello, Three Stooges, etc.).
It was by pure chance that I ended up in the same County that
Oliver Hardy was born in, I wanted to incorporate
something true Laurel and Hardy fans would see and love, while
still catchy to readers not well associated with Laurel and
Hardy.'
BJ has also provided
us with a better copy of the cartoon, to see a larger copy
please
*****
Spuk um
Mitternacht on DVD
Gino Dercola has been
in touch with the following:
The following message
was received from fellow Son, Wolfgang Gunther, of Germany.
Wolfgang can be reached on: laurel.hardy.museum[at]t-online.de
Hi Laurel & Hardy friends, I have good news to tell you from
Kinowelt. After a long period of waiting at last we can get "Spuk
um Mitternacht" on DVD. You remember, this is "..Murder case"
but the only talkie that has survived in the original German
version. The DVD has also the German spoken trailer of "Pardon
us" and an interview with Stefan Droessler from The Munich
Filmmuseum. Also from Kinowelt comes a box with Chaplin Features
and another one with shorts and feature films of Harald Lloyd.
You can buy those films at our museum shop, the "Spuk..." DVD
cost about 9 Euro plus shipment. Ask me and I make you an offer
you can´t refuse.
Kind regards, Wolfgang
*****
Stan and Ollie on The Simpsons, Series 21, Episode 9, Grampa
Simpson is telling how he used to shine shoes at Springfield
Union Station and how the Tinseltown Starliner always stopped
every Monday and the stars got out to stretch their legs.
Also featuring were Clark Gable, Frankenstein and Shirley
Temple.
*****
Laurel and Hardy Original Negative
Stan Laurel & Oliver Hardy
perform at Chicago Stadium. Click the above for a larger
copy.
*****
Robbie Coltrane
Laurel and Hardy Project
In a recent interview for
Scottish newspaper The Daily Record, Robbie Coltrane stated his
desire to appear in a film about 'comedy legends Laurel and Hardy'.
To read the full article
In a further interview Robbie is quotes as
saying:
"I'm trying to raise money to do a film about
Laurel and Hardy touring Britain in the late 1940s.”
DECEMBER 2009 UPDATE:
Shortly after the above
appeared in the press the Nutty Nut News Network contacted Robbie
for an update and further information, today we got a letter and
signed picture from Robbie stating that he is quite far down the
road with the script. It sounds very encouraging that this
project will be filmed.
*****
WEBSITE OF
THE YEAR POLL WINNER
THE NUTTY NUT
NEWS NETWORK
Video by Bill Reed of The
Laurel and Hardy Forum
We are proud and honoured
to report that The Nutty Nut News Network was recently voted the
Laurel and Hardy Website of 2009 by the members of The Laurel and
Hardy Forum.
Past winners of this prestigious title were Letters From Stan ('07) and Bowler Dessert Online
('08). The nominees this year were: Blotto Online;
Laurel and Hardy Online; Laurel and Hardy Magazine; The Nutty Nut
News Network; Bowler Dessert Online; Letters From Stan; and, Laurel
and Hardy Central.
Upon learning of the
sites success co-founder Mike David said:
'We are honored no end to
have been chosen Website of 2009. All the sites nominated are
deserving and I think each is unique in what it offers to those of
us who have a great interest in everything Laurel and Hardy.
I'm still amazed at how much material is available now compared to
when the Nutty Nut News Network Show began in 1983. We have
several more audio interviews of interest with celebrities who
worked directly with the Boys. These will be posted in the near
future along with rare photos and news items that we come across.
This is all in keeping with the tradition of sharing and for us that
originated with the founder of the NNNN, Guido Cipriani, over 25
years ago. And it's a tradition that the forum and the other
nominated sites also follow so well.'
The other monkey....I
mean...Dean McKeown added:
'It is an honour to be
voted 'Website of the Year', we were pleased just to be nominated
but to actually win, we are over the moon. Congratulations to the
other sites as well, all would be worthy winners. Many thanks to
everyone who voted for us and the other sites because it does mean a
lot to folk who run websites just to know you have people who think
enough of your site to support it. Also thanks to The Laurel and
Hardy Forum which is and will always remain, in my eyes at least,
the leading Laurel and Hardy website and a source of much enjoyment
for us all.
Lastly in an email earlier Mike said to me that Guido would have
been beside himself with joy. I think we owe Guido and Mike a debt
of gratitude for forming The Nutty Nut News Network which will
always be a lasting legacy to his name.'
*****
The above two images
from Babes in Toyland come form the personal collection of Mike
David. The one that shows Ollie being bitten by the cat is
new to us so we hope you all enjoy it.
*****
Gino Dercola has been in
touch with the following:
Harlem, Georgia, had its
annual Christmas parade on Saturday, December 12th. It is somewhat
like the yearly Oliver Hardy Festival they have every October,
except on a much smaller scale. For this parade and celebration, the
main streets were blocked to traffic, which allowed visitors to walk
around freely. The parade had about 60 units in it, and there were
close to 40 vendors who set up tables to sell crafts, food, etc.
Approximately several hundred local residents attended.
Local Son, Gary Russeth, has put together a YouTube film
that highlights Gary's Tin Lizzy and calliope in the parade--Gary's
doing the driving, and you'll see that Stan Laurel is along for the
ride.
There's always something going on in Harlem, Georgia, for L&H fans,
thanks to the great folks who live there and support the remembrance
of the Boys.
*****
THE
NEW "FORTIES FORWARD"
Dear Ladies and
Gentlemen:
Many of you have been kind enough to request an update of my 1998
book Laurel & Hardy: From the Forties Forward. Here it is. I'm
pleased to report that the new version was just listed by the
publisher today (I had to wait until my 10-year agreement with my
former publisher had lapsed).
The new edition has more than 50% new material, and I think it's a
better book. It's available in both hardcover and softcover
editions. Here's the publisher's link for the softcover (the
hardcover sells for an additional US $10), and you can read the
product description there
If you prefer to buy it retail, Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
Thank you all very much for your interest.
Best wishes -- Scott
When writing his book
Scott got in touch with the Nutty Nut News Network's co-founder,
Mike David, and asked if he could use Mike's interview with
Jacqueline White in part
of his book. Mike was pleased to help out and would like to
thank Scott for acknowledging him in the book.
*****
A NUTTY NUT
NEWS NETWORK EXCLUSIVE
Shirley
Jean Rickert Interview
By
Guido Cipriani and Mike David
We
thought it would be timely to now release this 1984 audio
interview with Our Gang star Shirley Jean Rickert as she passed
away earlier this year and also since she talks about celebrating
Christmas at the Hal Roach Studios.
To
listen to this historical interview which was the very first
interview conducted by The Nutty Nut News Network and read more
about Shirley please
*****
A4 pictures of the Boys
needed
Chris Coffey writes:
If you have any A4 stills of the Boys, preferably wearing their
fezzes, can you scan and send them to me. This email will give you a
clue why. This email from a fellow Big Noiser (the Tent for we Sons
with a disability).
Hi Chris. Thanks for the latest chapter of the newsletter. Have you
thought any more about the Mouth & Foot Painters? I think you have
been in touch with Tom. Do you think it would be possible to gather
a few A4 size Sons of the Desert images for his painters to use?
Unfortunately, I only have magazines, where the photos are not big
enough. Any thoughts?
Nutty Nut News regular
John Bogie reports that 'on Monday 23rd. Nov. BBC.4 9pm. There was a
programme named "Gracie" The story of Gracie Fields.
In it there was a scene where her husband Monty Banks (played by Tom
Hollander), who used to be a Keystone cop and worked with Fatty
Arbuckle and Mack Sennett amongst others, received a phone call from
Stan Laurel, at the end of the call, he asked, 'How's your large
friend?'
In another scene (year is 1940) Monty was packing a suitcase, when
Gracie (brilliantly played by Jane Horrocks - 'Little Voice') asked
him where he was going, he answered, "I'm going to California, I'm
making a film with Laurel and Hardy" As we later found out that film
was Great Guns.
I didn't realise that he was Gracie Fields husband until now, even
although I knew of them both, I didn't make the connection. It
certainly enhanced my viewing interest, (yet another programme with
mention of The Boys).
*****
Laurel and
Hardy
Children in
Need Event, 13th November, 2009
The Call of the
Cuckoo Tent help a charity film night to raise money for
Children in Need. Over £250 was raised on the fantastic
night. Willie treated us to a host of films including Sons of
the Desert, Our Wife, Putting Pants on Philip, and Brats.
Janice, Grand Sheik of the Bonnie Scotland Tent, was on hand to
lend an ever able hand and run a terrific raffle in which some
monkey from the Nutty Nut News Network own first prize.
Hic….the prize tickles! The Call of the Cuckoo Tent will
meet in the Norseman Bar again on Wednesday, January 13th, 2010.
The owner of the
Norseman Bar in Greenock had told one of his regulars the event
was fancy dress and if he dressed as Ollie then the owner would
dress as Stan. You can imagine the reception he got when he
arrived half way through the event complete with bowler and
moustache. It wasn’t fancy dress….DOH! Ollie, however, had the
last laugh in the form of a prize for dressing up.
'I have nothing to
say!'
Legend has it that 20th
November was the happiest day in Pudsey Bear's life. Pudsey met
Willie McIntyre during the MacAulay & Co programme on BBC Radio
Scotland. To listen to the show
CLICK HERE, Willie can be heard at 1 hour 29 minutes and 27
seconds, the show can be heard for another five days only. To
read more about this story please visit
Bowler Dessert Online.
*****
This book is
written in Dutch, but this doesn't have to be the reason NOT
buying it! It has 112 beautiful most never before
published photo's. A lot of these are FULL PAGE. Eight
pages of lobby cards are in colour. Further more you will find
superb quality photo's of Laurel & Hardy and Co-stars.
For ordering simply mail Piet at
thebohemianboy @ laurel-hardy-web.info . Price of this memorable
book is $ 25,00.
The book has 120 pages printed on 150 gr. satin white pages,
with a 380 gr. sulfate cover. The book is heavy bound.
*****
Urgent
Message from Jacksonville, Florida Tent
Forgive me if I'm only "preaching to the converted," but I'm
using every medium I can think of to get the word out.
I'm the "Grand Sheik" of the "Leave 'Em Laughing Tent" in
Jacksonville, Florida, and I am writing today to make an urgent
request on behalf of my group.
Once a month for the past three years, my Tent has screened
Laurel and Hardy comedy films for free to the general public at
a local library. Until this month, I have screened the movies on
Monday evenings, where we have gotten a small but regular group
of attendees. However, I've recently gotten a new job which
takes up my weeknights, so I was forced to switch my meeting day
to Saturday afternoons. Yesterday (Nov. 7), I held my first
Saturday Tent meeting and unfortunately got zero attendees, the
first time this has ever occurred with my Tent.
If this unfortunate trend continues, I will probably be forced
to shut down the Tent after the Jan. or Feb. 2010 meeting. I
really do not want to do that. These comedy films meant a great
deal to me when I was a child, and showing these movies for free
(esp. as a member of the Laurel and Hardy Society) means a lot
to me and especially to my young son (who assists me at the
meetings). I feel that the Tent is my way of "paying forward" my
love of Laurel and Hardy's comedy.
To all who are reading this, I ask that if you have any
designated space -- a publication, a blog, etc. -- in which you
can promote my Tent, particularly in the Jacksonville area, I
would greatly appreciate it. I have no advertising budget of any
kind to promote this Tent. But I would like to think that fans
of old-time comedy, people looking for free, family-oriented
entertainment, and even Jacksonville film historians (Oliver
Hardy made his first movies in Jacksonville) would provide
enough of a base to make publicizing this Tent worthwhile.
Our Tent's next meeting is on Sat., Dec. 12, 2009, at 4 p.m. If
you need any further info about our Tent or its meetings, please
feel free to visit the Tent's website
at: www.leaveemlaughing.moviefever.com
Thanks to all for your time and help.
Steve Bailey, Grand Sheik
Leave 'em Laughing Tent, Jacksonville, Florida
*****
Laurel and Hardy Museum, Solingen, Germany
Gino Dercola has been
in touch to say: Fellow Son, Wolfgang Gunther, has advised all
Sons that his Laurel and Hardy Museum of Solingen, Germany, has
a newly revised website (click on the link below). I just viewed
it and it's a wonderful site to see--so many new additions. I
particularly like the new photos that show some of the items in
the museum. There's even a blog set up!! Take the time to look
closely at all of the things you can click on to find nice
information related to the Boys and the SOD. For the English
speaking Sons, when you get to the website, you'll want to go to
the right side of the first page and click on the "Translate"
box so that the text will be viewable in English.'
I know that all Sons wish Wolfgang and his wonderful wife, Vera,
much continued success with their great Laurel and Hardy museum.
Go and see it if you ever get a chance--you'll love it.
A day not laughed is a day
not lived.
*****
Bill Cassera
Interview
The author of "Edgar
Kennedy: Master of the Slow Burn", Bill Cassera, gives a brief
but informative interview on how the book started off as a hobby
and was changed to a labor of love after a poignant contact with
one of Edgar Kennedy's family members. Hear the details directly
from the author of this very popular book in this 2007 exclusive
interview. For more details of the book please visit
www.edgarkennedy.org
To listen to this
interview
*****
The
Intra-Tent Journal
Issue 134, Fall 2009 is
out now for subscription details please visit:
*****
On a recent trip to
Shropshire Willie McIntyre snapped the above car loitering with
intent. The NNNN staff are all currently working on their
alibis!
*****
Oliver Hardy
Theatre?
You may recall that in
the past several years, I've provided some details about the
renovation of the old Columbia Theatre along the main street in
Harlem, Georgia. This building has not been in use for many years
and requires a lot of work to bring it back to its glory days. And
the City of Harlem has slowly been working on that. It's difficult
because of the costs involved, due to the extensive renovations
required. In the past several years, local volunteers have
accomplished a lot, including a lot of hard work gutting the
interior; but much professional work is still required. As the city
has gotten donations and grants to work on this, they have moved
forward. Currently, they have hired a company to do the next phase
of work. The new roof is completed, there are plans to remodel the
entrance and ticket booth back to their original state, much
electrical work needs to be done, and a new marquee put on the
outside of the theatre -- and lots more "stuff" to do! But the city
is moving ahead, and that's great news. The theatre is about two
blocks from the Laurel and Hardy Museum.
Fellow Son, Gary Russeth, sent me the three attached photos, as
follows:
1. A write-up that raises
the possibility of naming the new theatre, the Oliver Hardy Theatre.
That would be GREAT! BUT, I must say, I'm not sure that decision has
been made yet, and whatever the city finally decides, I know all
Sons will be happy about it.
2. Artist drawing showing
the proposed new marquee.
3. Artist drawing showing a proposed view of a rebuilt exterior
(this looks GREAT to me!).
For those of you who have
been to Harlem and know how dedicated so many of the local folks are
to the preservation of the memory of L&H, this is an exciting
project, and I know all Sons wish the city well in this endeavor. I
will pass along additional information as it becomes available to
me.
Gino Dercola
Any Old Port Tent - Oasis 212
Baltimore, Maryland
October 2009 update:
Contractors continue to
work on the historic Columbia Theatre in downtown, Harlem,
Georgia--particularly remodelling the interior and adding a really
nice new entrance. The first photo taken by Gary Russeth, of Harlem,
shows his Model-T car -- and enjoying the newly installed Theatre
marquee are Dennis "Stan" Moriarty and Dale "Ollie" Walter. A nice
picture, indeed. The second photo is a recent photo I [Gino] took of
the side of this Theatre, where you'll note several nice murals of
the Boys.
Oct. 31st 2009
update: The Columbia Theatre marquee lighting, Oct 29th 7pm
*****
When
Nutters Collide
The above picture
features Stan and Ollie with two puppets from The Nutty Nut News
Network. Andrew Smith and Mike David were able to meet up
in Ithaca, New York, where Andrew was a presenter at the Rod
Serling Conference. By all accounts both had a swell
time as was discovered by fellow Nutter Dean McKeown who had to
post bail and provide character references to the appropriate
authorities for all four reprobates.
Mike David adds 'I
brought along two "friends" who did "nothing but annoy me all
the way in." These are two Laurel and Hardy ventriloquist dolls
made by Goldberger which I got quite a while ago. I don't think
they make these any more. I hadn't taken them out for a long
time but brought them so Drew and I could pose with them. Maybe
when someone sees them they'll have more info for us on them.'
*****
Call of
the Cuckoo Tent Season Finale
October the 7th
marked the final meeting of the year for the Call of the Cuckoo
Tent in Glasgow's Panopticon Music Hall. Everyone has a
great time and no one was any the wiser. We would like to
salute Willie McIntyre for hosting these meetings and thank the
staff at the Panopticon for making us all very welcome, although
Solomon, one of the Panopticon ghosts who likes to interfere
with all things electrical, nearly caused there to be no meeting
as the projector and DVD player refused to work until an appeal
was made to him not to bother us, later on I (Dean) had troubles
with my camera which is now thankfully working fine. A
special tip of the fez also goes to Pat McIntyre and Bill Crouch
who offer excellent support to Willie. On a personal note
I would like to thank Willie for allowing Maria and I to run a
stall alongside his own, all for a good cause. But most of
all the most thanks must go to all the fun loving people who
fill each meeting to capacity. We next meet in the
Panopticon on the first Wednesday of March, 2010.
Upon leaving the
Panopticon I pointed out a sign I had noticed earlier in the day
as Maria parked her car behind T.J. Hughes. The last time
we seen Willie he was still there....waiting!
*****
Laurel and Hardy Grocery Store
Gino Dercola has been in touch with the following:
Have you ever heard of a major grocery
store that entirely features Laurel and Hardy as its main theme?
Well, there is one now!! It's a brand new 32,000-square-foot
store that is having its grand opening on Wednesday, October 7,
2009, in Harlem, Georgia. The store is located on West
Milledgeville Road, about 6 blocks or so from The Laurel and
Hardy Museum of Harlem. The entire store has signs for its
Laurel and Hardy theme, based on their movie Way Out West. I had
a chance to visit the store a few days ago (before its opening),
and there are some wonderful signs all over the store, in the
aisles and on the walls, that feature L&H images and references
to the WOW movie. What a great tribute. And it's wonderful to
see this store located in Ollie's home town of Harlem, right in
the downtown area of the city. The store's name is KJ's Market.
It adds another nice spot in Harlem for L&H fans/visitors to
stop by and admire.
If you
click here, you'll be able to see
photos that I took of some of the signs in the store. You'll
need to click on the forward arrow to move from one photo to the
next. Also, above is a picture of Dennis "Stan" Moriarty and
Dale "Ollie" Walter, who also visited the store (photo taken by
Gary Russeth). We wish the new owners many years of success.
*****
The above picture
comes from the personal
collection of Nutty Nut News Network co-founder Mike David, Mike
would like to know if anyone can provide any information about the
image which is from the film Swiss Miss, if you can help please email
us by
clicking here or use the button at the top of the page.
A better copy can be
found in October's gallery of the month.
Jarry De Vulder has been
in touch to say:
I think it's a
promotional still for Swiss Miss. The timing seems about right
judging their ages. I think it's some unclear German writing that
can be seen on the wall behind them and also the little window seem
to be the Swiss type. And I think the big round things in the
picture actually represent cheese. But as I said, I'm just
guessing.
Thanks for your views
Jarry, we arrived at the same conclusions but still appeal for more
about the image.
Why not have a go and
submit your efforts for display. Now who can guess who the
third guy is?
Willie McIntyre sent in
the above Ollie, I wonder what Stan done to make him look so mad!
*****
Gino Dercola recently
heard from fellow Son, Wolfgang Gunther, Grand Sheik of Two Tars
Tent of Germany, and the owner (along with his wonderful wife,
Vera) of The Laurel and Hardy Museum in Solingen, Germany. Gino
had the honour of visiting the museum last year and found it
such an amazing place for any Son to see--with many thousands of
L&H memorabilia items--a fantastic place to visit: he said he
didn't want to leave!!!!
Recently, the museum suffered a problem with severe dampness in
one wall (which is now fixed) that destroyed a small number of
items (photos) in the museum for which Wolfgang is now trying to
find replacements. He is asking that if any Son has any of the
following, would you please contact him about helping him out:
- Hal Roach portrait at older age.
- Dana Andrews and C. Heston giving Stan his screen actors
award.
- Stan and Ollie arriving in Paris and being greeted by people
holding a banner "bievenue..."
In response to this
request The Nutty Nut News Network was able to send Wolfgang
a high resolution scan of the below image which turns out to be
the exact one they lost! A better copy will be posted in
the October Pictures of the month.
*****
RE-RELEASE OF THE GERMAN KINOWELT DVDS
From March 18, 2010 onward all DVDs in these collections will
also be
available as *single* DVDs!
Now offering FREE or REDUCED postage
rates, click the banner below for further information.
*****
Last Friday night Lois
Laurel Hawes informed the Nutty Nut News Network of Lucy's, her
great grand daughter, TV debut this coming Monday, sadly her great
grandson Tommy's costume didn't fit, so he did not appear. The
full story can be read below.
A Laurel is still performing in Culver City
Hello:
Here is a tidbit you might be interested in. Lois Laurel Hawes tells
me that her great-granddaughter, Lucy, taped a segment on the new
syndicate daytime talk show "The Bonnie Hunt Show" last week and it
is to be aired this Monday, September 21st.
She is on towards the end of the show and does a little magic. It
was not until after the taping was completed that Bonnie became
aware that she was the great, great, granddaughter of Stan Laurel.
The show was taped at the Culver Studios near downtown Culver City.
The Culver Studios used to be the old Selznick Studios where "Gone
with the Wind" was filmed and later one of the Desilu studios. Lois
figured out that this debut of Lucy's comes 83 years after Stan's
Culver City debut at Hal Roach Studios (which was about a quarter of
the mile up Washington Blvd.)
You can check your local listings or go to bonniehunt.com to find
out airing times near you. You won't want to miss history repeating
itself. I couldn't keep this information from interested Sons.
The legend continues,
Bob Satterfield
*****
Remembering
James Finlayson
Earlier this week a
reporter from The Daily Mail contacted me (Dean) regarding an
article he was working on about James Finlayson, he was asking for
some quotes and information. The article appeared in the
newspaper on Saturday 15th. To read the article
*****
Stan's Last
Stand
Back in May and June of
this year the Laurel and Hardy world was buzzing due to a series of
auctions on ebay from the estate of Jim and Irene Heffernan.
The lots included letters from Stan, pictures of Laurel and Hardy
and Babe London paintings (one of which I was lucky enough to get).
However without a doubt the star attraction was a silent home movie,
the seller described it:
'I watched it and found it was about 20 minutes long total. About 6
minutes into it appears Stan Laurel (at his apartment in Santa
Monica CA, I believe) as well as his wife Eda and Irene - and Jim
must have handed the camera off to Irene toward the end as he too
"gets in the picture". This section of the 20 minute long home movie
is short - probably less than a minute - BUT it's wonderful!
Everyone is happy and laughing and Stan clowns around some. . .
Irene kisses him, then wipes off the lipstick. . . When Jim enters
the shot, Stan's demeanor slightly shifts from embarrassing girl
fuss to regular guy stuff.
In the beginning of the reel is an Art Showing of some of Jean
"Babe" London's paintings. . . and then the Stan Laurel footage and
then is a wonderful Vaudeville-type show and the very end has some
short footage of a party . . . another Babe Art Showing . . . and I
have more of that party on another reel that I will be offering in
another auction here shortly. . . Stan was not at the party as far
as I've seen BUT there's a painting in this bit of footage that is
her Laurel and Hardy painting.'
With Laurel and Hardy
collectors in a frenzy the lot disappeared with many thinking some
private collector had stepped in and would selfishly hide this gem
away from everyone. This couldn't be further from the truth,
Laurel and Hardy memorabilia collector Tyler St. Mark bought the
film and trust me when I say he has BIG plans for the footage, I
have spoken to Tyler and Lois Laurel Hawes about it and trust me you
won't be disappointed. Initial plans are to release the
footage next June other than that 'I have nothing to say'. We
should all tip our fez's to Tyler for his efforts and dedication to
promoting Laurel and Hardy. But for now Tyler teases us with
an image.
PRESS RELEASE
LAST FILM FOOTAGE OF
STAN LAUREL DISCOVERED
Rare Home Movie Holds Final Images of Laurel & Hardy Comic
LOS ANGELES, CA---An
amateur home movie has been discovered recently which apparently
contains the last known film images of comedy legend, Stan Laurel,
once celebrated as half of the most famous comedy duo in the world;
Laurel & Hardy.
The rare and historic eight millimeter film, which captures a
playful Laurel displaying his trademark impish smile while
scratching his head, is just two minutes in length and was taken at
his Santa Monica apartment by James and Irene Heffernan, a Los
Angeles couple who was acquainted with the film comedian in his
final years.
According to Laurel’s daughter, Lois Laurel Hawes, the film was made
in late December of 1964 just two months before his death. A letter
from Laurel to the Heffernans dated January 15, 1965 mentions their
yuletide visit when, apparently, the footage was shot.
Also featured in the brief home movie segment is Laurel’s honorary
“Oscar” award for Lifetime Achievement which was presented to him by
the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences (AMPAS) in 1961.
Apparently lost and forgotten for decades among the numerous
entertainment and travel home movies made by the itinerant couple
during the 1960’s, this final footage of Laurel was not known to
exist until several months ago and has never been viewed publicly.
However, the film’s present owner plans to arrange for the landmark
footage to be seen by Laurel & Hardy fans worldwide on June 16, 2010
which happens to be the comic’s date of birth. According to
actor/producer Tyler St. Mark, who purchased the remarkable footage
from the Heffernan estate, “Stan Laurel performs a special gesture
at the end of the film clip which was clearly intended for his
millions of fans worldwide and so we will help him deliver his
message 46 years later--on the 120th anniversary of his birthday.”
*****
George Gordon Jefferson
to see the full picture
Whilst browsing the net I came across this very rare signed image of
Gordon Jefferson with the first coloured heavyweight boxing
champion Jack Johnson. I immediately contacted two people, Lois
Laurel Hawes and the pictures owner/seller Johnny Griffin of
www.ringmemorabilia.com.
Lois was delighted at finding not only a picture of her uncle Gordon
but also an example of his signature. Lois has very few images
of Gordon and only one other example of his signature so you can
imagine how much of a surprise this find was. She told me that
Gordon was much more like her grandfather A.J. Jefferson, as he
had a fuller face than Stan but that the family resemblance is
still plain to see.
Johnny was also helpful providing me with a better copy of the
picture and some of its background. Johnny obtained this
piece from the owner’s daughter who lives in
Canada. Her father owned a number of flats in Edinburgh and
accepted this picture as payment for several months worth of
back rent in the early/mid 1980s, the very strange thing is that
the person living in the flat was said to be former Lightweight
champion, Ken Buchanan who as we know has had some rough times
in the past.
to see the full picture
Dean McKeown
*****
I am looking to compile a
list (for my upcoming book) on original/ official Larry Harmon's
Laurel and Hardy cartoon videos, especially those from South America
and mainland Europe. If any Son has any video releases at all, could
they please let me know of the title, episodes on the tape, and
video release company. Foreign titles are most welcome (with or
without translation).
Does anyone know if any were ever released on Betamax, Video 2000,
Laserdisc/ Laservision formats?
Does anyone know what
exactly Laurel & Hardy's connection is with the educational short
"Laughter Is Good Medicine"? I understand it is live action
and animation, but don't know whether we just see a photo, film clip
or newly animated Stan and Ollie.
Thanks in advance.
Antony Mitchell-Waite
lolarun2[@]yahoo.co.uk
*****
OLIVER
HARDY'S WAY OUT WEST PANTS
for the full story as told by Gino
Dercola.
*****
Exclusive
Randy Skretvedt 2009 Interview
The Nutty Nut News
Network presents a new, enthusiastic and informative interview with
Laurel and Hardy author and longtime member of the Sons of the
Desert, Randy Skretvedt. This presentation is filled with background
information on how Randy interviewed scores of Laurel and Hardy
related celebrities for his very popular book "Laurel and Hardy: The
Magic Behind the Movies".
We hear how he began
doing interviews in the early 1970s and in particular about his
successful encounters with studio boss Hal Roach. Randy also reveals
which celebrity he was the closest to and with whom he produced a
record album. (Randy gives details on how to order a CD copy of
this.) The commentary on the 20th Century Fox DVD release of "The
Big Noise" is discussed and Randy reappraises his evaluation of that
film.
This interview is loaded
with behind the scenes information and fascinating details
concerning a number of Laurel and Hardy co-stars, including Bob
Bailey ("Jitterbugs", "The Dancing Masters"). In addition, Randy
tells us how he came to acquire personal snapshots and written
material belonging to Babe Hardy.
And finally, we hear from
Randy about some new projects including an upcoming revised and
expanded version of his book. This 20 minute plus interview is
accompanied with a photo of Randy holding the sizeable Hardy
scrapbook album.
To
listen
*****
Randy
Skretvedt 1989 Interview
The Nutty Nut News Network is proud to present this exclusive
interview with author Randy Skretvedt talking with roving
reporter Steve Wichrowski in 1989. Randy discusses how he worked
on his very popular book "Laurel and Hardy - The Magic Behind
the Movies" and reveals the contents of a letter he received
from Exhausted Ruler Jack McCabe.
You can also hear
about some of the interviews Randy conducted for his book
including one which he found fascinating and provided much
valuable detail.
We also have a brand
new interview with Randy in which he discusses the upcoming
revised and expanded version of his book along with other
projects he has planned. Coming to this website very soon!
And now, for Randy's
1989 Interview for the Nutty Nut News Network
To
listen
*****
Exclusive
Interview with Our Gang actor Dick Jones
by
Mike David and Steve Wichrowski
Our Gang star Dick Jones
squeezed in a few minutes to sit down with Mike David and roving
reporter Steve Wichrowski at the recent Williamsburg Film Festival
in March 2009. In this interview you'll hear him talk about a
specific scene in the Our Gang short "The Pigskin Palooka" which was
filmed from September 18 - 25, 1937. He also tells us about going to
school with the other Our Gang members at the Roach Studio.
The timing of this new interview was significant since it occurred
during the week when Walt Disney released the 70th Anniversary DVD
edition of the 1940 classic "Pinocchio", and it was a youthful Dick
Jones who provided the voice for the title character.
To
listen
*****
LAUREL AND
HARDY STATUE APRIL 19th 2009
Photo Credit: Christopher Warner/Zoom
Picture Agency
The Statue page has been
updated with newspaper articles and more pictures both from my
camera (Dean) and that of Willie McIntyre, we hope you enjoy them,
if you would like to submit a picture then please send it to
UPDATE
The Statue page has been
updated with audio of the unveiling speeches sent to us by our
friend Ross Owen at The Laurel and Hardy Forum and some pictures
form Graeme Green, Grand Sheik of the Sailors Beware Tent.
*****
WILLIE
MCINTYRE INTERVIEW
We are proud to present
this interview with one of the true gentlemen of The Sons of the
Desert
and editor of the ever popular Bowler Dessert Magazine.
To
read
*****
Exclusive
Interview with Laurel and Hardy Co-Star!
JACQUELINE
WHITE
The Nutty Nut News
Network proudly presents a very special and exclusive audio interview
with Laurel and Hardy Co-Star Jacqueline White who appeared with the
Boys in 1943's "Air Raid Wardens".
Miss
White sat down with Mike David and Steve Wichrowski to discuss many
of the films she appeared in at MGM and RKO studios. She also
relates interesting anecdotes about Buster Keaton, comedian Red
Skelton, director John Sturges and others. And in this fascinating
interview you will hear Miss White tell of witnessing a remarkable
Laurel and Hardy event that occurred some ten years before she
worked with them at MGM.
For all of this and more,
including photos of Miss White in films and also at this recent
interview
please
*****
THE CHARLIE
HALL PICTURE ARCHIVE
The Charlie Hall Picture Archive is a unique
book for all fans of Charlie Hall and Laurel and Hardy. The book features
over two hundred and ten images, many of which have never been published and has
sections covering Charlie Hall, his family and the places they visited,
his cars, the studio set up in Hollywood (with a section dedicated to Hal Roach)
and the stars of the time (including Mary Pickford and Mabel Normand).
There are numerous mini biographies of Charlie's co-stars and the book closes
with a sixty five page chapter relating to Charlie Hall's film stills with in
depth synopsis of some of his films. Where possible Charlie's own words
have been used.
The book is slightly smaller than A4, has 178
pages in total and close to 17,000 words. The book was written by the
Nutty Nut News Network's very own Dean McKeown and edited by Maria Cairney, the foreword was written by Willie
McIntyre.
You can leave comments on any item on the Nutty Nut News
Network or just say hello on our guestbook.
*****
The
Abraham Lincoln Murder Case
Playwright Larry Tremblay
has written a comedy play called 'Abraham Lincoln Goes to the
Theatre'. The play features two actors who are hired by a theatre
director to re-enact Lincoln's assassination using the comic
characters of Laurel and Hardy!
To read more
Also reported in the news
is the story of two criminals jailed for drug offences. Their
names were Carlos Laurel and Andre Hardy. Both Laurel and
Hardy were well known to the police!
To read more
*****
The Little
Nemesis Charlie Hall
The Nutty Nut News
Networks own Dean McKeown (author of The Charlie Hall Picture
Archive) has founded a Facebook group dedicated to Charlie Hall.
The group can be found but entering 'The Little Nemesis Charlie
Hall' into the search bar on Facebook.
*****
Ulverston 2010
Calendar
The North-West Evening
Mail reports that the 2010 Ulverston calendar can be bought in
stores in the town centre, with proceeds going to the town’s
regeneration programme fund.
The front cover is a picture of legendary comedian Ken Dodd leaning
against the Laurel and Hardy statue, which was taken when he
unveiled the bronze likeness in County Square last April.
*****
How
many hyphens can you count?
Willie McIntyre writes:
Hyphens in Laurel and Hardy film titles may seem relevant only to
pedants, but, just for fun, can you say how many titles have
hyphens? We can think of seven. Bowler Dessert will fill you in next
month!
*****
Home Movie
Roadshow
Diverse TV are in the
early stages of producing a show named 'Home Movie Roadshow' for the
BBC which documents the social history of Britain through ‘home
movies’. They are seeking anyone who can help them with Laurel
and Hardy tour footage.
For more information
*****
Did you see Laurel and
Hardy getting a mention on Scotland Today, The news was doing a
feature on the refurbishment of The Central Hotel, at Central
Station. The reporter pointed out the balcony were Stan and Ollie
waved to the gathered crowds. What we found most amusing was the
reporter mentioning Laurel and Hardy BEFORE the other iconic guests
she mentioned, JFK and Winston Churchill.
*****
Tyler St.Mark has been in
touch to inform us of the sad, sudden, passing of Chuck McCann's
son. He was 49 and was waiting for a kidney transplant.
All of us here at The
Nutty Nut News Network would like to offer Chuck and the whole
McCann family/friends our sincerest condolences at this difficult
time.
*****
David Vass has been in
touch to say:
"March of the Wooden Soldiers" is to air in primetime December 19th,
2009 at 8pm on WPIX channel 11 in New York after all the people
complaining about Laurel and Hardy not being on Thanksgiving.
We might just be getting a salute to our beloved "Babes in Toyland".
Also airing that morning on Fox Movie Channel are "Dancing
Masters" - "The Big Noise" and "The Bullfighters". But the real
treat may be that viewers are going to get an apology of sorts this
Saturday.
TAKE THAT MR.
BARNABY!
*****
CHANGE OF EMAIL ADDRESS
Recently Dean
McKeown has been forced to change email address by his broadband
company. He will no longer be able to use his blueyonder
address, anyone wishing to contact him please
CLICK HEREor use the details
on this sites contact page.
*****
The North-West Evening
Mail reports: 'The proceeds from a hand-painted Christmas card
depicting Ulverston’s Laurel and Hardy statue will be donated to the
Cumbria Flood Recovery Fund.
After floods wreaked havoc in parts of Cumbria and south Ulverston
last week Artist Chris Benefield decided it was appropriate to
pledge the proceeds to the relief appeal in support of the victims.'
Full information on the appeal can be found
HERE. The full newspaper article can be read
HERE and the card, titled Stan and Ollie’s first Christmas in
Ulverston, can be purchased for £1.20, or five for £5, from the
Tinners’ Rabbit in Market Street, Ulverston, where Mr Benefield
works. They are on sale now.
*****
The Saps at Sea Tent have
sent out the latest issue of the excellent Perry Winkle Magazine, to
find out more please
CLICK HERE.
*****
to read an article from The Guardian newspaper entitled 'David
Haye fight proves more Stan and Ollie than David and Goliath'.
The article starts by saying:
I shall tell you what you
rarely see on TV these days – Laurel and Hardy shorts. BBC2 used to
show a whole bunch of them – not the silent ones, sadly, but you
cannot have everything – round about Christmas time, slung into the
schedule wherever there was a 20-minute gap, and bringing welcome
relief from the overblown variety shows and family films showing
elsewhere.
If you love that kind of material as I do, you will be familiar with
the plot device whereby the little chap – Stan Laurel, Charlie
Chaplin – finds himself for some reason or other in a boxing ring
with a big, ferocious fellow, and has to run around avoiding him,
squealing and making cartoon movements of the legs in the case of
Stan, eluding the blows in a comically balletic manner in Charlie's
case.
I had thought this kind of comedy was more or less dead until the
David Haye-Nikolai Valuev fight on Sky Box Office on Saturday, which
was essentially the old story of the little fellow ducking and
dodging some hulking great grim-faced opponent.
*****
Could you let everyone in
the Sons know that we are having a display of Laurel and Hardy/ Sons
of the Desert information, and a cabinet of memorabilia at our local
library in Newcastle-Under-Lyme, Staffordshire.
The display will run from Saturday, 7th November until Saturday,
28th November. On the morning of Tuesday 23rd, we are also putting
on a talk and film show for the public in one of the library's
meeting rooms.
Antony Mitchell-Waite
Antony goes on to say:
Our cartoon research is going very well, but it will not be
completed in time for Christmas. We hope to get it printed and
available early next year.
We have completely updated, reworked and revamped our original
findings, and now present it chronologically from 1929 to 2008, for
all of the major appearances and covering over 70 references in
film, TV and computer games in total.
Running at approx 150 pages, the book will include a brand new
episode guide to the Larry Harmon series - with an individual
episode synopsis where possible. Almost every appearance features
new screen shots, and many that we have been asking about over the
last year have now been proved or disproved - there will be a few
surprises for you.
We are aiming to make it A5 sized, with a colour cover, b/w inside.
Willie McIntyre has written the foreword for us, and it will be
fully indexed.
Title and more info to be revealed soon.
*****
As you know, the 10th
European Convention of the Sons of the Desert will be held in the
same venue where we started with the first Convention, back in 1993:
the former monastery is now a modern convention centre and hotel
ROLDUC in Kerkrade, the Netherlands. The Convention is in 2011 and
registration will not start before March 1, 2010, but we already
have a website. Look at:
http://www.rolduc2011.com
For now visitors are asked to vote on one of three proposed logo's.
Voting will end November 10, 2009 and from then on the website will
be gradually expanded and be ready for registration in March next
year.
*****
Ulverston Brewing
Company on the move?
The North-West Evening
Mail reports that the Ulverston Brewing Company has submitted a
planning application to move from its current base in Lindal Moor to
the former auction building in Lightburn Road, Ulverston. One
of the companies bosses, Ms Garnett, believes the brewery’s Laurel
and Hardy link could further boost the town’s visitor appeal saying
'It would be an ideal location to tie in with the (Stan and Ollie)
statue and the Stan Laurel pub just round the corner'.
To read the full article
*****
Scared Silly
This halloween Paul
Castiglia wants to scare you silly! The veteran writer-editor
launches a blog to preview his upcoming book on classic Hollywood
horror-comedies. The book will feature legends such as
Laurel and Hardy, the Little Rascals and the Three Stooges.
*****
You Sure Know How to
Plan a Meal
The Sacramento Tent has cooked up a cookbook as a fundraiser for the
international Sons convention in Sacramento this June. The book will
be called, "You Sure Know How to Plan a Meal." The details are on
this site below.
This will prove to be a fun book that's sure to be a collectible for
any Son.
*****
Lucy's Calendars
Just to let you all know
the L K Southward 2010 calendar of 'The Boys' is now available to
purchase from my redbubble site. Below is the link, be sure to order
now for Christmas, don't forget one for family and friends!
*****
'No' to Statue
Collection box
The Westmorland Gazette
has reported that a member of the public in Ulverston suggested
visitors to the town who went to see the Laurel and Hardy Statue
could donate money which would be divided equally between good
causes. An unnamed spokesman for the Sons of the Desert said they
would feel 'uncomfortable' with such an idea. The idea was also
dismissed by the local council as it would be 'a bit insensitive'
and 'totally against what Ulverston stands for.'
To read the full
artcle
*****
Richard Bann Reviews
The Charlie Hall Picture Archive
'Laurel and Hardy fans
will devour and enjoy The Charlie Hall Picture Archive. It is the
next best thing to having known the diminutive chap from Birmingham,
England, the one who advertised himself in casting directories as
"(Little) Charles Hall." He did so in order to distinguish himself
from the similarly British-born art director and production designer
Charles D Hall. Evidently the two men were even born the same year.
Besides the illustrations in Dean McKeown's book, and Charlie Hall's
own captions for them, I enjoyed the text. I learned some things I
did not know, giving a better sense of who this man really was.
And right when so many of us believe there are no more Laurel and
Hardy still photos yet to be unearthed, more surface. It seems there
are always more to discover - a good thing!'
Richard Bann on the Official Laurel and Hardy Website read the whole
review
HERE
*****
Hardy fans fill
streets of Harlem
To read Jenna Martin's
(the Augusta Chronicle) account of the recent Oliver Hardy Festival
please
*****
Antony Mitchell-Waite has
been in touch with the following:
I thought fellow sons may be interested in this that I found during
my research; it is the theme music to the Commodore 64 Laurel &
Hardy game.
To listen
*****
GRAVE SITUATIONS
to read how you can help
the departed people we
love on screen not be forgotten in life
*****
Ulverston
square on shortlist for award
to read an article about Ulverston's County Square, typically the
contribution of The Sons of the Desert has not been mentioned or
acknowledged.
*****
Recently in Toronto John
Cleese spoke of his love of physical comedy, listing Laurel and
Hardy, Buster Keaton, Harpo Marx and Charlie Chaplin among his
comedic influences.
*****
Steve Hillenberg the
creator of kids favourite SpongeBob recently stated that the
character was “born out of my love of Laurel and Hardy shorts.
You’ve got that idiot-buddy situation – that was a huge influence.
SpongeBob was inspired by that kind of character: The Innocent – a
la Stan Laurel.”
*****
The North_west Evening
Mail reported that the theme of this years Ulverston Carnival was
comics and comedians in an article that also features a short video
clip of the event.
*****
Dorothy
Layton RIP
Dorothy Layton who
appeared in Chickens Come Home, The Chimp, County Hospital and Pack
Up Your Troubles has died in Maryland,USA. A full obituary was in
The Telegraph website (dated 15 June 2009),
for further details.
*****
to read a June 15th
article about the Laurel and Hardy statue in Ulverston. The
Nutty Nut News Network thanks Gino Dercola for submitting this
article.
*****
Gino Dercola informs us
that Dorothy W. "Dotty" Taylor, a former baby starlet and Hollywood
movie actress who appeared during the early 1930s in comedies
starring Laurel and Hardy and Charlie Chase, died in her sleep
Thursday at the Edenwald retirement community in Towson. She was 96.
To read the full
story
Mobile Alabama
Tent
Gino also passed on this
information from Richard Ward, Grand Sheik of You're Darn Tootin'
Tent:
SOD members worldwide
should check out our website, www.youredarntootin.com
Under the "clips" tab we have a media gallery featuring both
complete and excerpted public domain silent shorts featuring such
Hal Roach luminaries as Charley Chase, James "Paul" Parrott, and
Snub Pollard.
I long wondered if the
U.S. Government still had the original film materials for "Tree in a
Test Tube." It turns out they do. For around $250 I was able to get
a video transfer from a 16mm duplicate negative made straight off of
the 16mm Kodachrome camera original. The color quality is sooo much
better than anything that I have ever seen before, and this is the
complete film, with all of the non-Laurel & Hardy second half
intact. At one point in the second half we are told of an airplane
with a wooden gas tank -- a notion that me wonder if Stan and Ollie
might have been the designers! As soon as I get a chance, I'll add
it to our tent's website.
*****
Dean McKeown has a new
line of Laurel and Hardy pin badges for sale, to view them
Willie McIntyre also has
three new lines in pin badges to view them
*****
The Nutty Nut News
Networks own Dean McKeown was on Shokus Internet Radio earlier
speaking to host Stu Shostak and his special guest Actor/comedian
and founding Son of the Desert Chuck McCann.
Dean Says:
It was fantastic having
the opportunity to speak with Chuck (both on air and during the
commercial break and briefly after the show). Chuck told me
that there are plans afoot to open a new Culver City Tent. I
managed to plug the forthcoming UK Convention and Chuck asked about
the Statue saying how he'd like to come over and see it. It
might have been 2am (GMT) when the show went off air but I am more
awake now than I was this morning!
To read Buck Wolf's
article about Larry Harmon and how he 'allegedly deceived Laurel
into signing over Laurel & Hardy marketing rights.' Please
*****
John Duff, from Early To
Bed Tent, has passed along a website that is really fun reading for
those of us who enjoy collecting L&H memorabilia. It's about Bob
Duncan's collection, and it is truly impressive. Enjoy.
Gino Dercola
Any Old Port Tent - Oasis 212
Baltimore, Maryland
*****
NEW TENT
The Sons of the Desert,
the international Laurel and Hardy organization, has opened its
281st "Tent" or "Oasis" in the Hudson Valley. The "Them Thar Hills"
tent of Ellenville will meet monthly for the purpose of preserving
and perpetuating the love and laughter of Stan Laurel and Oliver
Hardy.
"We're hoping to have
residents of Ulster, Sullivan and Orange counties consider joining
the tent," said Grand Sheik Ray Faiola. "Dues are $20 annually, with
a discount for family memberships."
Those interested in joining the Sons of the Desert can visit
www.themtharhills.org, where they will find an online membership
application and an e-mail link for further information.
*****
Gino Dercola has been in
touch to say the Laurel and Hardy Museum of Harlem, Georgia,
received some very nice news recently. A lady living in kentucky
contacted the musuem recently and expressed an interest in donating
her collection of Laurel and Hardy collectibles to the museum. She
has in excess of 200 items to donate! The lady had been stationed
for 10 years in England while with the US Air Force. During that
time, she became an avid fan and collector of Laurel & Hardy items.
She brought home the collection when she returned to the states.
Now, she is interested in having these collectibles located where
everyone can see and enjoy them. She collection is too numerous to
list here, but includes many framed pictures, statues (some as high
as 3-4 feet), door stops, paper towel holders, small end table, book
ends, etc.--some may be from the 1930s-40s. It is expected that the
items will be transported to the museum around the end of April or
early May. Needless to say, the folks at the museum are very excited
about this generous donation. Hopefully, the items will be
catalogued and out for display by the time of the Oliver Hardy
Festival this October so that the many visitors can see and enjoy
them.
If anyone has any Laurel & Hardy items that they wish to donate to
the museum (which is a non-profit organization), no matter how big
or small, you can send it to the below address. Your donation surely
will be appreciated.
L&H Museum
P.O. Box 99
Harlem, GA 30814
*****
Steve Martin Remembers
The Boys
In a recent interview
Steve Martin, the star of the new Pink Panther movie,
was asked:
Do you remember the first
comedy movie that you saw as a kid?
Steve replied: “It has to be Laurel & Hardy. They did a movie called
Way Out West. One scene I found hilarious is when Stan Laurel smokes
his hand. (Demonstrates how Stan Laurel does it) Another scene shows
them having a little fight. Stan Laurel reaches down and grabs his
toe which is coming through a shoe, stretches it and snaps it back.
It’s so surreal and hilarious.”
A few days ago I was
lucky enough to get another Laurel and Hardy bargain from ebay, a
seller had listed a set of Primrose Laurel and Hardy cards with a
starting price of £5 (free P&P), the picture that accompanied the
auction showed only six of the cards which may have led some to
believe this was all that the seller had available. I
contacted the seller to make sure it was the complete set of 50, it
was and I won the auction for only £12.53! Not bad since
complete sets can reach in excess of £150, a similar set is
currently on ebay with a 'buy it now' of $1000.
Dean
*****
A 'joke' found online
Laurel and Hardy are
walking down the street when they spot a sandwich bomb in the middle
of the road. Stan walks over to it and says 'I think it's tickin'.
Ollie replies. ' No it's beef'
*****
Lois Laurel Hawes has
been in touch to say someone is currently attempting to sell a
signed picture of her on ebay for a massive $449, she says for it to
be that expensive it would need to be signed by Stan or Ollie. So
beware buy this and it may make you a 'BS'
*****
Tent 274 Founded
*****
Stan and Ollie on
stage in Blackpool
One of the highlights of
my holiday this year (2008) was going to see the Ken Dodd Happiness Show
at Blackpool's Grand Theatre. The show started at 7.30pm
Sunday 21st and ended at 12.45 Monday the 22nd, with one fifteen
minute interval! Part of the act was a dance routine where Ken
had dancers dressed as Stan and Ollie and wearing masks. Ken
also referred to Laurel and Hardy as being the best comedy double
act of all time.
Dean
*****
FAKING IT
To see images and read
the story about the autograph faker facing prison
*****
Sons Stephen Barlow
and Gary Winstanley have created a new Laurel and Hardy forum which
can be found at
www.stanandollie.co.uk the duo have also
formed a new tent further information can be obtained from their
forum.
*****
Audiences forget comic
giants
*****
The Final Film of
Laurel and Hardy
for an interesting book review.
*****
Willie
McIntyre has produced a new T-shirt to read more and
see it posed by the Nutty Nut News Network's Dean
McKeown
*****
to read about the Laurel and Hardy
Paradox.
to see Stan and Ollie arrive in
Edinburgh in 1932 and visit the Castle.
to see Stan and Ollie on stage in
Edinburgh.
*****
In
Stan's words
"You have
to learn what the public laughs at and get in tune
with it," he said in an interview. "A young comic
has to know the repertory very well, change parts,
assume several roles. You can get a lot of ideas
studying the reactions of different audiences. Some
people will laugh at a scene and others won't. When
you understand why, you've earned your diploma."
*****
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for February
2010 
THE
NEW "FORTIES FORWARD"
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