Latest News is added to the top of this page as we have it. Do scroll down the page and read past news snippets and direct links to our ever expanding site.
Jan. 21st.
– TONY BAKER
I have just had some sad news from Roger Robinson:
I have today received some
vey sad news. Tony Baker
died on 6th January 2012 at the age of 92. Tony was the train driver on
the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway in Kent, England, when Laurel and Hardy
visited on Friday 21st March 1947. Laurel and Hardy were there to re-open the
section to Dungeness that had been closed to the public during the Second World
War. The event was captured on newsreel film and shown to cinemagoers the
following week. Most fans will be familiar with this clip and some out-takes
which clearly capture the fun of the day - at one stage Ollie and Tony Baker do
a hat exchanged. Tony often talked with great love and fondness about this
occasion and remained a Laurel and Hardy fan for the rest of his life. He kept
in touch with a few Sons of the Desert and everyone who met him knows what a
thoroughly lovely chap he was and he had a wicked sense of humour. Up until very
recently, he was still sending occasional E-Mails.
I spoke to to his wife, Esme, tonight. Tony and Esme did not have any children but Esme has been supported by friends and family. I have told her that on behalf of the Sons of the Desert we send her all our love and she was so pleased to know this. Roger Robinson (20th January).
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Jan. 19th. – LAUREL & HARDY - WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN / DODGY AUTOGRAPHS
An important discovery has been made, could ‘ A PAIR OF TIGHTS’ been film ‘Laurel & Hardy’ 107. Trevor Dorman and Glenn Mitchell found evidence on January 13th to support this. A full illustrated feature has been written by Glenn Mitchell, so just go here to read it in full: A PAIR OF TIGHTS – NEARLY FILM 107?
BUYER BEWARE
I had an enquiry about the ‘Boys’ autographs on a business card, the owner wanted to know more about it. So our expert Dave Tomlinson had a look and thought it looked suspect, I also aired my reservations. So what did the chap do with our advice? He put it on ebay for £700! SO BEWARE!! HOW TO SPOT FAKE AUTOGRAPHS GUIDE
Jan. 16th
The superb, "LAUREL & HARDY - the British Tours" is now an eBook. You can read it on ePUB, or Kindle, etc. Go to "A.J" MARRIOT at 'Smashwords' via this link: The British Tours eBook
Laurel and Hardy Magazine - BACK ISSUES
We are having quite a few members who are now buying back issues of our magazine, so I thought I would just point you to both of our back issue pages. These issues hold so much material and rare photographs that are not on our web site or Internet, so are well worth catching up on.
GO HERE: BACK ISSUES PAGE ONE ALSO: BACK ISSUES PAGE TWO
Jan. 8th. – NEXT MAGAZINE IN THE PLANNING / CONVENTION
A big, big “THANK YOU” to all those of you who have renewed your subscriptions to “The Laurel & Hardy Magazine,” and for the compliments about our December “Winter Special” issue. Judging by your feedback you were all delighted with the mixture of photos and exclusive articles. Good news is that our Editor “A.J” Marriot and I are already planning our end of March issue; so, if you have any stories, Laurel & Hardy images, or comments you wish to make, you can start sending them in.
One new Feature will be “Ask A.J” in which our many members who bought “Laurel and Hardy the US Tours” will be able to ask author “A.J” Marriot any questions you may have about the content of his latest book, or you may wish to point out any errors you have spotted. Keep them light and interesting, so that readers get back some added information. (Send your questions for “Ask A.J” to ajmarriot@aol.com, and put “Ask A.J” in the subject box.) For those who haven’t yet bought the book, you can do so by Paypal using this link http://www.laurelandhardythebritishtours.com/ustourspay.html
We are also open to suggestions for our 6th May Convention. If you think you may be able to supply some form of entertainment to our attendees, please let us know. We’re not looking for “Britain’s Got Talent” auditionees, but things like display material, rare footage, etc.
We will keep you posted as and when we add new attractions to our already extensive programme. Meanwhile, we hope you continue to have a VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR.
Bookings are now coming in for our May 6th ‘Laurel and Hardy’ Convention already which is very encouraging. This will be an even not to be missed!
Go to our FACEBOOK site, then just click 'LIKE' for updates.
I have decided to temporarily remove Neil Sims busts and figures from our online stores, the trouble is that his work has proved so popular that he is having trouble keeping up with demand. But do not worry; I hope to put them back on as soon as he catches up with orders. However, I may move them to our ‘MEMBERS ONLY’ area only, and then only subscribers to our magazine will be able to collect them.
Dec. 17th – MAGAZINE MAILED TODAY -“US TOURS” BOOK NOW OUT .
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The December issue of our “Laurel & Hardy Magazine” was mailed today to all subscribers Worldwide. There’s lots to celebrate in this issue: the
release of the new book, plus a new box-set of DVDs. Then there’s a nice
pictorial feature on “The Boys and Their Dogs;” plus a great layout
of behind the scenes shots during “Babes in Toyland.” Next we make
some positive “snipes” (as opposed to those websites and magazines that make
negative ones) with some stunning pictorial examples. Our centre-page is a great piece of ephemera,
publicising “Busy Bodies.” Trevor Dorman unearths some unseen clips
from “Swiss Miss,” and David Wyatt introduces us to the merits of the
“Robert Youngson compilations.” Add to all of this the photos we have saved specially for this larger A4 edition, and you will see why we call it our “Winter Special.”
GREAT NEWS!! “Laurel and Hardy the US Tours” has now been released. I spent the whole of Monday 12 December at the printers with it’s author “A.J” Marriot. While “A.J” sat there scribbling his signature and dedications in the book (and I do mean “scribbling”), myself and a team of four employees of TT Litho wrapped and then put mail stickers on them, ready to send to all four corners of the globe. With the number of sacks we filled, and dragged to the Royal Mail depot, you’d have thought Santa Claus himself had just made a delivery. UK buyers should allow 3-4 days for delivery; Europe 4-5 days, and USA and Rest of the World 10 days, which means everyone should get them in time for Christmas. TO ORDER A COPY, GO HERE: Laurel and Hardy the US Tours |
If you wish to subscribe, or simply renew your membership to the 'Laurel & Hardy Magazine', then use the links below:
oreTo subscribe to 'The Laurel & Hardy
Magazine'l
,
For members who wish to renew via
PAYPALl
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THANKS FOR
COMING TO
MEMORABILIA
THE NEC BIRMINGHAM
The BIG MEMORABILIA SHOW at the NEC was a huge success, we will be back there in 2012. Many thanks to all those who came along and supported the event.
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“RETRO iPhone GAME ”
I have just had and email from Drew Ramsey:
Hello, I have some news that I thought you would be interested in maybe writing
about in Laurel and Hardy Magazine... We just released a retro-style iPhone
game yesterday called Doodle Driver, and we were able to license Leroy Shield's
music (4 songs) from 'Laurel and Hardy' and 'Our Gang' films. I have been in
contact with Leroy Shield's granddaughter to acquire the license. My brother
and I are still in our 20's, but we've been big fans of Laurel and Hardy and The
Little Rascals as well as the music since we were very young kids. Our dad would
take us to Sons of the Desert gatherings as kids, and we even have a few
pictures with some of the late Little Rascals.
The great thing about having this music in the game is that we are now able to expose this timeless music to new generations who may never hear it otherwise.
[NOTE FROM ROB LEWIS: This wonderful music has been available
some time now, first by Ronnie Hazlehurst who
produced two albums. This was followed by two albums from the Dutch
Beau Hunks Orchestra]
Here's the link to the game on iTunes: DOODLE DRIVER
NEWS FROM DAVE WYATT: Now in its 8th year,
Slapstick festival's annual silent comedy gala presents 3 comic film
masterpieces -
Buster Keaton's classic feature THE GENERAL, Laurel & Hardy in THE FINISHING TOUCH & Charlie Chaplin in THE ADVENTURER. The show will be hosted by comedian & writer Griff Rhys Jones, with live music including the world premiere of a new orchestral score for THE GENERAL composed and conducted by Guenther Buchwald, plus a performance by The Matinee Idles featuring Paul McGann - Friday, January 27th 7.30pm at Colston Hall.
Box office number for these shows 0117 922 3686 or book online at
www.colstonhall.org
Laurel & Hardy: The Essential Collection has now been released (mine is on the way from the USA!). Richard Bann has sent in a link to this review for the set: Essential Collection REVIEW
OCTOBER 19th 2011 - “BOOK AND DVD RELEASES/ MEMORABILIA 19th and 20th NOVEMBER.”
 WH SMITH SET |
LIGHTER SIDE OF LAUREL AND HARDY - OUT IN WH SMITH AND BRITISH HOME STORES! It’s that time of year now when stores start releasing their Christmas products. Many of you will recall that WH SMITH released a ‘BOOKAZINE’ called ‘The Lighter Side of Laurel & Hardy’ written by our own “A.J” Marriot. This sold out quickly, and was immediately reprinted for a second release in SAINSBURYS stores, which again sold out. Then, last year it was released in a smaller format packaged with 'Flying Deuces' for ‘THE WORKS’ chain of stores. For those who missed out you may like to know that it has been reprinted again TWICE, but in different formats. It has now come out in large BOOKAZINE FORMAT at WH SMITH in a box with FOUR DVD's for £9.99. The DVD's are, FLYING DEUCES, UTOPIA, WIZARD OF OZ (Oliver Hardy). But what would interest collectors is the last DVD. It has their first film together, LUCKY DOG plus Stan's HOME MOVIES and TREE IN A TEST TUBE in colour.
Also in a
large box packaged with UTOPIA & FLYING DEUCES, but now it is in a very nice
compact hardback book exclusive to BRITISH HOME STORES, priced at £15. So if you
did miss out on this publication, I would suggest you grab a copy now, as it is
bound to sell out again.
I met up with "A.J" Marriot on 19th October at the printers.
They have now started work on his next book, "LAUREL
and HARDY - The U.S. Tours," which should be out by mid November. |
You can now see the official trailer for the USA DVD Box set
below and order it from the link in the right hand box. NOTE: It is a USA
release and may not play in Europe unless you have a multi region player.
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If you already own the 21 DVD set from Universal, you would already have the first two DVD releases below. Plus, it seems that 'FOX' have also followed Universals lead by repackaging their titles in new boxes. Again, if you already own the 20th Century Fox DVD box sets, then there is nothing new for you here. You can click on the 'blue' links to find out what is actually on these DVD's.
BOOK UPDATE FROM ANTONY MITCHELL-WAITE
Hi everyone,
The new book is
now nearing completion, and will have over 300 pages of exciting adverts,
promotions and rare photos, in themed chapters.
All the best,
Ant n Jo
WE WILL OF COURSE KEEP YOU UPDATED HERE ON LATEST NEWS.....
OCTOBER 6th 2011 - “LAUREL AND HARDY MAGAZINE - MAILED TODAY”
Our next quarterly A5 colour Laurel & Hardy Magazine ( VOL. 8 No.7 ) was mailed today to all subscribers worldwide. In “Who, What, Where, When” we feature some rare shots from Oliver Hardy’s garden. ‘Lord Paddington’ reveals more from his diaries; and Rob Lewis gives us the background story to film “Inserts.” “Focus on a Photo” reveals one of Babe’s cousins visiting the Roach Lot; and in our “Letters” page, we reveal some intriguing Laurel & Hardy finds sent in by readers.
Next we go some way to solving the riddle of a photograph which featured on a TV auction show; and then ask if we have found Stan Laurel’s brother – on screen.
Add to the mix more rare photos from our Archives, plus the bonus of some rare footage finds, and we yet have another exclusive and exciting Laurel and Hardy magazine. To top it all is news of “LAUREL and HARDY – The U.S. Tours.” The book will be out REAL SOON!
If you wish to subscribe, or simply renew your membership, use the links below:
oreTo subscribe to 'The Laurel & Hardy Magazine'l
,
For members who wish to renew via PAYPALl
o-o-0-o-o
SEPTEMBER 23rd 2011 - “LAUREL AND HARDY CHIMP BUSTS / CALENDARS MAILED”
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THE CHIMP BUSTS SET This is a TRIPLE set with ‘Laurel & Hardy’ in circus outfits PLUS a bust of ETHEL the chimp. Neil is now ready to take advance orders for this superb set. We also intend to have finished sets on our stall at the NEC Birmingham Memorabilia Show on November 19th and 20th. JUST GO HERE : THE CHIMP ORDER PAGE TODAY: I have mailed out our '2012 LAUREL & HARDY' calendars to all those who pre-ordered them, so they are on the way. I now have some actually in stock and ready to send if you want to order a copy: 2012 LAUREL & HARDY CALENDAR |
AUGUST 17th 2011 - “BEWARE of FAKE LAUREL & HARDY AUTOGRAPHS ”
We have updated our sales catalogue, so why not take a spin around to see what's new: CATALOGUE
This has to be the FAKE OF THE DAY on ebay. But the JOKE is that its not even Laurel & Hardy...but look-a-likes. Beware of ebay for buying autographs, as our expert, Dave Tomlinson tells me there are also another 2 fakes up at the moment. OH and have we got a good story that will be in our next magazine about a FAKE actually sold on a respected TV programme. For our guide on how not to get ripped off, just go here: BUYER BEWARE.
AUGUST 5th 2011 - “LAUREL & HARDY DVD BOX SET FOR USA RELEASE- UPDATED”
Gino Dercola has just sent me the full listing of each Discs contents for the new USA 10 DVD set. There is not enough room here to display it, so I have put up a web page with all the info for you: CONTENTS OF USA BOX SET
After several rumours, we can finally bring you news of a confirmed release for a USA DVD box set. This set looks great with so many mouth watering extras. Priced at $99.98 it will be a bargain, but if you PRE-ORDER from the links below, you can get it for just $64.99!!
TIMELESS SOUND-ERA FILMS FROM THE LEGENDARY HAL ROACH LIBRARY DEBUT IN ONE EXTRAORDINARY DVD SET FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE U.S. LAUREL & HARDY: THE ESSENTIAL COLLECTION  |
Digitally Remastered And Digitally Restored, Loaded With Over Two Hours Of Special Features, The Spectacular 10-Disc Set Arrives October 25 From RHI Entertainment And Vivendi Entertainment UNIVERSAL CITY, CA Celebrating the genius of the most beloved comedy team of all time, LAUREL & HARDY: THE ESSENTIAL COLLECTION debuts in a stunning 10-disc set on October 25, 2011 from RHI Entertainment and Vivendi Entertainment. With a comedic style that defined an era and created a legacy that is still celebrated today, 58 of Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardys talking shorts and feature films, produced under legendary movie mogul Hal Roach from 1929 through 1940, are now available for the first time in the U.S. all together in one magnificent collection. Transferred in high definition for the first time and digitally enhanced for home viewing in the finest quality available to date, the set contains favourites that have been enjoyed for generations including Helpmates, Hog Wild, Another Fine Mess, Sons of the Desert, Way Out West, and the Academy Award® winning* film The Music Box. LAUREL & HARDY: THE ESSENTIAL COLLECTION comes housed in collectible, book-style packaging with an extensive, detailed film guide. The set also boasts over two hours of special features including exclusive, never-before-seen interviews with comedy legends Dick Van Dyke, Jerry Lewis, Tim Conway and more, who discuss the enduring impact and influence of Laurel and Hardy. Additional features include commentaries by Laurel and Hardy aficionados, along with a virtual location map that allows viewers to take an interactive tour of the iconic places in and around Los Angeles where Laurel and Hardy filmed. Available for the suggested retail price of $99.98, LAUREL & HARDY: THE ESSENTIAL COLLECTION showcases some of the most cherished and hilarious films in cinema history and is a must-have for comedy fans and collectors everywhere. BASIC INFO Price: $99.98 Release Date: October 25, 2011 / Catalogue Number: RH3021 / You can PRE-ORDER it now with a big discount from this link below: |
JULY 6th 2011 - “MAGAZINE MAILED TODAY”
Our next quarterly A5 colour Laurel & Hardy Magazine ( VOL. 8 No.6 ) was mailed today to all subscribers worldwide. There’s a write-up and photos from our May ‘Laurel & Hardy Convention,’ which over 150 of you attended. In “Who, What, Where, When” we reveal a mystery visitor on the set of “Our Relations.” We learn the story of a ‘lost’ book; hear the musings of ‘Lord Paddington,’ and gain the background story to glass-slides. Plus we have our regular array of rare photos and finds – all beautifully presented in a full-colour, glossy magazine.
Why not have your OWN Fez made to measure?
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We have
just received the next batch of metal club badges to be sent out to our
MEMBER/SUBSCRIBERS who renewed their membership with the last magazine.
The next issue of our magazine will be
sent out at the end of June / 1st week of July. We only ever have
30 to 40 pins spare to sell, after that they will NOT be produced again.
Many 'Sons' like to adorn their Fezzes with these pins, so for those who
would like one for your collection, just go to this page:
PIN BADGES |
Now here is some RARE footage: Laurel & Hardy filmed this skit on
location in Times Square on Broadway (New York City); police enforce crowd
control while the Boys do their thing.
Debbie Reynolds auctions off Hollywood treasures.
In this June 10, 2011 photo, entertainer Debbie Reynolds poses on a 1918 Ford
Model T used in "Laurel & Hardy" films, at the Paley Centre for Media in Beverly
Hills, Calif. Pieces in Reynolds' extensive collection of Hollywood memorabilia
will be put up for auction at the Paley Centre
Our next Laurel and Hardy Convention is confirmed as
SUNDAY 6th MAY 2012 (Bank Holiday Weekend). We are
retaining this year’s Entry Fee – at just £10 per adult and £5 per child.
Combined with the great deal the Holiday
Inn is giving us on Room tariffs, the event represents absolutely
UNBEATABLE VALUE. Full details will
follow soon – BUT, put the date in your diaries
NOW!!
To read
what you missed if you didn’t come to our 2011 Laurel and Hardy Convention, go
to this link. REPORT PAGE.
MAY 29th - “LAUREL & HARDY CATALOGUE UPDATED" / NEW BOOK.
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The Making of Stan Laurel Echoes of a British Boyhood Stan Laurel, the man, lived in the USA. Stan Laurel, the boy, lived in the UK. His family background gave him an intimate introduction to the theatrical world and he grew up determined to dedicate his life to making people laugh. This ground-breaking book examines his family, boyhood years and struggle to establish a career in theatre and films. It describes his pivotal roles both behind and in front of the camera and how his boyhood experiences are echoed in many Laurel and Hardy films. Stan never forgot his boyhood. He returned home when circumstances allowed. Friendships forged in his early years lasted a life-time and he remained in touch with his family and friends until his death in 1965. About the Author: Danny Lawrence is a retired sociologist from the University of Nottingham. He was born and raised in North Shields, a few hundred yards from Stan’s boyhood home. TO FIND OUT MORE or TO BUY this book, just click on the amazon link to your LEFT. |
SALES NEWS
I have just added three new pages to our online CATALOGUE as well as updating several pages, so now may be a good time to take a spin round to see what we have on offer. We are pleased to announce next years OFFICIAL 'Laurel & Hardy' Calendar page is now ready to take advance orders. There will only be the SLIM version for 2012, again it will be packed full of interesting snippets provided by author, Glenn Mitchell. JUST GO HERE: 2012 CALENDAR .
Following on from NEIL SIMS very popular 'Stan and Ollie' BONNIE SCOTLAND BUSTS is this superb James Finlayson in matching Bonnie Scotland garb. GO HERE: BONNIE FIN BUST.
The first set of NEIL SIMS Laurel & Hardy Cartoon Figures are now ready for ordering. The few sets we had at our recent convention soon sold out as there proved to be very popular. GO HERE: CARTOON FIGURES.
We now have a
FACEBOOK page to compliment our main site, but
of course come here first, as this is where everything can be found. However, if
you are on
FACEBOOK and go to our page, just click the
LIKE button. You will then get updates,
GO HERE:
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OUR LATEST NEWS PAGE GOT SO BIG - WE HAVE HAD TO SPLIT IT!
GO HERE: FOR INTERESTING PAST NEWS
Some random pages to visit on our site
OUR BEHIND THE SCENES PAGES The Music Box Steps. are still there in LA. Behind the scenes: 'Any Old Port'. Behind the scenes of 'Wrong Again' Behind the scenes of 'A CHUMP AT OXFORD' Our 'Way out West' Behind the scenes site. Behind the scenes of 'Perfect Day'. Behind the scenes of 'Babes in Toyland'. Behind the Scenes.Towed in a Hole. MORE INTERESTING PAGES THE LAUREL & HARDY MIDI JUKE BOX Beware of FAKE Laurel and Hardy Autographs Laurel & Hardy Visit the R.H & D.R. Railway 1947 plus our return visits. No Laughing Matter. L&H find themselves on TV...for free.
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Memorabilia
Sales
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