February 2020 Auction Ends Thursday, February 27th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/27/2020
Interesting Stan Laurel typed letter signed, regarding his career with Oliver Hardy at 20th Century Fox, receiving his Academy Award in 1960, growing up in a theatrical home, and Hollywood gossip such as Johnny Carson taking over for Jack Paar in hosting ''The Tonight Show''. Dated 3 February 1962, Laurel writes to his pen pal friend, uncorrected, in part, ''...Yes the Ernie Kovacs auto accident was indeed a shock, a great loss to the industry, so few creators in the business these days. / I hear that Hoot Gibson had been operated on at the Motion Picture Country House hospital & is making good improvement. / Re the 'Big Noise' film & the others made at 20th. Century Fox Studio, yes they did copy routines gags etc. from our earlier films at the Hal Roach - told if we did'nt like it, we knew where the Gate was, consequently we were very unhappy about it & finally we quit after five films - forfeited the balance of seven more pictures - could'nt take any more.
The Oscar I recvd. is exactly the same as the other awards - mine was awarded for 'CREATIVE PIONEERING IN THE FIELD OF CINEMA COMEDY'. Others were given for best performances of the year, best direction, best photography, best writing etc. etc. The animated cartoon series is not in production expect to be released on TV. next Sept. Yes, I read about Chaplin's addition to this family - I heard his film 'King of New York' was'nt too good. Doubt if I'll ever see it, as you know his films are banned in this Country. / Re the film program 'Close Up' - I have been requested to appear on this - frankly I have no desire...I never had an acting 'Bug' - all my family were in the Theatrical business, I was raised in that atmosphere, no [so] naturally I followed in Father's footsteps as it were - have no regrets, it was rough going at times, but worth the struggle - you face the same situation in any line of business, but show bus. of course has more glamour which somewhat helps through your struggles, if you're fortune enough to hit the TOP, its very rewarding. / No, I never worked for Hal Roach Jr. but he worked on several of our films as an assistant to gain knowledge & experience - I have'nt seem him these last few years. / I heard that Johnny Carson is going to replace Jack Paar next October when his present contract expires. (Johnny's contract.) I think it is a good choice...[signed] Stan Laurel''. With much more content on this 2pp. letter, composed on a single sheet measuring 5.5'' x 8.5''. Folds, else near fine. Accompanied by original mailing envelope.
Stan Laurel Letter Signed Regarding His Academy Award, & Leaving 20th Century Fox -- ''...we were told if we did'nt like it, we knew where the Gate was...we quit after five films...''
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