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.

MAY 19th -  CONVENTION COUNDOWN NOT LONG NOW.

On 21st March 1947 comedy film legends Laurel and Hardy re-opened the section of line between Romney and Dungeness. To commemorate the event, 'AJ' Marriot is releasing a:

Souvenir Pack of eight 10 x 8" stills
PLUS!! the captions for the photos, and a newspaper facsimile with a report of the event. All in a 12" x 10" presentation envelope.

TO FIND OUT MORE AND GET YOURS, GO HERE: http://www.laurelandhardythebritishtours.com/RHDR.html

April. 22nd -  STAN LAURELS VALET JIMMY MURPHY  BOOK .

 

UK BUYERS GO HERE:

STAN LAURELS VALET JIMMY MURPHY  BOOK   It was Jack Stevenson who rediscovered Stan’s valet Jimmy Murphy in a New York bar quite a few years ago now. Jack was able to put him back in touch with Stan’s daughter Lois Laurel and introduce him to us.  I got to know Jimmy as well and looked after him on several occasions and he became close to ‘the Sons of the Desert’. Sadly Jimmy is no longer with us, so I was pleased to see this book just published about his life written by Joseph Hyatt:   Jimmy Murphy was Stan Laurel's valet and close friend. With meticulous research, miles of travelling tour routes and places from Murphy's childhood and conversations with the man himself, his life is now finally documented in "Stan Laurel's Valet - The Jimmy Murphy Story" Having worked for Morton Downey, Tom Mix, Al Steele (Joan Crawford's husband), Burt Wheeler (of Wheeler and Woolsey) and Stan Laurel, Jimmy's life reads like a Hollywood publicity tale. His friends included President Ronald Reagan and King Edward VIII, and many other politicians, royalty, and stars. Photos from archives and other private collections, including Jimmy's own, are used throughout the book. Special attention has been paid to the two American theatre tours of Laurel and Hardy. For the first time, all the dates and locations visited are complete. Included are interviews with cast, crewmembers, and Jimmy Murphy himself, who accompanied the team. Jimmy Murphy considered his relationship with Stan Laurel as the best time of his life.

USA REST OF WORLD BUYERS GO HERE:

April. 21st -  LAUREL & HARDY – CONVENTION SUNDAY MAY 26th / SOLOS BOOK .

NEW SOLO FILMS BOOK

'HELPMATES UK' Convention Holiday Inn Hotel, Chatham, Kent. ME5 9SF – Sunday 26th  May 2013   BOOKINGS NOW OPEN- GO HERE: CONVENTION

March. 28th -  LAUREL & HARDY – MAGAZINE MAILED TODAY.

The March issue of our “LAUREL and HARDY MAGAZINE” was mailed today, and will hit all points of the globe in the next few days. This issue features a SUPERB cover colorised and designed by Klaas de Jonge.

Inside, you will find a feature on “Laurel and Hardy in Grantham;” an exposé on two of Oliver Hardy’s nieces working as extras at the Hal Roach Studios; Stan and Babe raising money for charity in Dun Laoghaire; some stunning, hitherto unknown shots of Laurel and Hardy backstage at the Olympia Theatre, Dublin, and the latest items sold recently at auction.

Our “Special” is a 6-page feature on “The Battle of the Century” – which reconstructs the missing scenes with a detailed shooting-script, illustrated with rare stills from the film. All this, beautifully presented in an A4, with COLOUR, professionally printed magazine. If you are a Laurel & Hardy fan, you won’t want to miss it.

To subscribe, or simply re-new your subscriptions, go to these links:

oreTo subscribe to 'The Laurel & Hardy Magazine'l

,   For members who wish to renew via PAYPALl

March. 20th -  LAUREL & HARDY US TOURS - WEB PAGE

Our Editor, “A.J” Marriot, has just posted a great storyboard of the 1940s Laurel and Hardy US Tours on his website. Go to this link:

March. 12th -  LAUREL & HARDY  PHONE COVERS

I PHONE 5 COVERS: Following requests for our members, 'LENCO' have now added cases for the I PHONE 5 to their range, just go here: I PHONE 5 COVERS  or I PHONE 4 COVERS

Trevor Dorman has just tipped me off that this DVD actually came out. Here is a good description of its contents from USA Son 'Scott MacGillivray' . NOTE amazon put in two auto reviews above Scott's that refer to the WRONG DVD, so scroll down and you will see that this is in fact the new LEGEND release. (REGION ZERO- So will play on all DVD players) By Scott MacGillivray Format:DVD To my very pleasant surprise, this is not the usual DVD repackaging of public-domain Laurel & Hardy material. It's really the very obscure 1968 compilation feature THE BEST OF LAUREL AND HARDY, compiled by James L. Wolcott using 1930s footage licensed from producer Hal Roach. This new Legend Films DVD offers the film in a pleasantly colorized version as well as in black-and-white. There is no narration or original musical score, the clips are not identified by film title, and there is no attempt to bridge them together; each sequence stands as a separate comic episode, with the original musical underscoring intact. There are 11 Laurel & Hardy comedies represented, usually in lengthy excerpts. In order of appearance: NIGHT OWLS features the boys as "cat" burglars (who make meowing sounds!). In BELOW ZERO they're street musicians who offend everybody, including Amazonian Blanche Payson, who looks meaner in color with her thin, grim mouth! A quick clip from ONE GOOD TURN has them trying to sell their old Model T for $100. THE LIVE GHOST has Stan and Ollie hired to shanghai a crew for a seagoing skipper. PARDON US, the team's first feature film, is represented by the opening sequence, the "dentist's office" scene, and the climactic jailbreak in the last reel. (This last sequence reads very well in color, with the added tints distinguishing what had been a drab monochrome cast.) LAUGHING GRAVY involves Stan and Ollie trying to protect their dog during a snowstorm. BE BIG! picks up in the middle of the original subject, concentrating on Ollie trying to take off his too-tight leather boots. COUNTY HOSPITAL is seen in its first reel, with Stan ruining convalescent Ollie's hospital stay. OUR WIFE has Mr. Hardy trying to elope (a tapestry visible in the doorway is carefully colored). The "telephone" sequence from THEIR FIRST MISTAKE is shown, ending with Mae Busch angrily chasing the boys away. The final sequence is an intelligently compressed version of the feature OUR RELATIONS, with Stan and Ollie appearing as themselves and their seafaring, good-time twin brothers. This compilation ends as OUR RELATIONS ends: the picture fades and the vintage-1936 end title appears. Legend's color palette in this one is subtler and more realistic than the garish colors seen in Legend's Three Stooges DVDs of 2005. Careful attention was paid to the color (Stan wears a brown suit in the first sequence only; for the rest of the movie he's got the authentic gray flannel suit.) Bonus features, all in black-and-white, include coming-attractions trailers for THE DANCING MASTERS (in a superb print, even better than the one included in 20th Century-Fox's own DVD release) and A CHUMP AT OXFORD, as well as Laurel & Hardy's only appearance on live television in the "This Is Your Life" biography program. Print quality of "This Is Your Life" seen in this DVD is fair to middling; casual fans will appreciate its inclusion here but dyed-in-the-wool L & H admirers can find an upgrade sold elsewhere on the Amazon site. Very few Laurel & Hardy buffs have seen THE BEST OF LAUREL AND HARDY, and the new colorized DVD adds even more novelty value. At 84 minutes, it makes a nice sampler of Laurel & Hardy's brand of visual comedy, and it's entirely suitable for the whole family. Hats off to Legend for finding an excellent print of this "lost" feature, and for making it available in such an enjoyable, viewer-friendly form. GO HERE : BEST OF LAUREL AND HARDY

DEC. 29th - UTOPIA SPECIAL SCREENING AT HE BFI.

Hello Rob,

                     I'm writing with Helpmates Fez and my BFI Archivist hat on today about a special LAUREL AND HARDY RARITIES screening I've set up that will take place at BFI Southbank in Waterloo (formerly the NFT) on Wednesday January 30th 2013 at 18:30.
We'll be showing a good quality 35mm print of ATOLL K aka UTOPIA running approx. 95 minutes made from nitrate master materials held by the Archive, which is significantly better/longer than the DVD releases I've seen.

Plus we'll be showing GRAND HOTEL aka LAUREL AND HARDY VISIT TYNEMOUTH, which as you know is some great footage of the Boys in the UK in 1932.

News just in:  We have an additional extra for the show: a recently recovered 3 minute film of The Boys, opening a Gymkhana in Eastwood Park, Scotland, 21st June 1947 (see photo of said event in AJ's British Tours book, page 126).

Amateur silent footage of them there and attending a dinner nearby. Not much clowning, but Scottish hats and this'll be the first screening anywhere!

It'll be a great opportunity to see The Boys in their last feature on the big screen; and it's a genuine 35mm print made from 1950s master materials. You can actually see what's going on in the bat sequence! Who knows when this will be shown from celluloid again. If there's a good turnout I hope we can get some more of Stan and Babe on at the Southbank before too long.

Thanks a lot
Vic Pratt

PS. Tickets will be available from the BFI website - they're not up yet but I wanted to warn you in advance! http://www.bfi.org.uk/

ALSO NEWS OF A SPECIAL DVD

I just want to inform you that Cornerstone Media will distribute "Atoll K." on DVD the first time ever uncut. It is made from the only available film print of the complete US-version in a length of approx. 100 minutes. It is the "Director´s Cut" before it was cut down to the "Utopia-version" of round about 80minutes. The master-material was digitally remastered to get the best possible picture and sound out of it. The DVD will be available from the beginning of January 2013 - latest at the 07.01.2013. The language of the film is English, with switchable German subtitles. There is an introduction with information about the movie, the shooting etc. in English language by US-Actor/Comedian Bart Williams, who is a friend of the Laurel family and also switchable in German language by Maddin Schneider, a well known German comedian. You can order the DVD in advance  at : www.laurelandhardyshop.com Until 31.12.2012 free of shipping charges (it will be shipped latest at the 07.01.2013). ANDREAS BAUM

DEC. 27th - GERRY ANDERSON RIP.

I was very sad to hear that Thunderbirds creator Gerry Anderson has passed away at the age of 83. He is said to have died peacefully in his sleep at midday yesterday (December 26).

I had the pleasure of meeting Gerry when he was a special guest at the ‘Dorking Movie Fair’ I helped organise. The first thing I said to him was, “ I grew up watching THUNDERBIRDS”, Gerry bounced back with, “Well I grew up watching Laurel & Hardy”.  It turned out Gerry was a fan of ‘the boys’ and promptly purchased a set of figures from our stall.

Gerry Anderson also created Captain Scarlet, Stingray, Joe 90 and Space: 1999 and more.

Nick Williams, the chairman of Fanderson - a Gerry Anderson appreciation society - said: "To those who met him Gerry was a quiet, unassuming but determined man.

"His desire to make the best films he could drove him and his talented teams to innovate, take risks, and do everything necessary to produce quite inspirational works.

"Gerry's legacy is that he inspired so many people and continues to bring so much joy to so many millions of people around the world."

Anderson was diagnosed with mixed dementia two years ago and his condition worsened over the past six months.  Gerry’s memory will live on through all those wonderful TV series he made.

DEC. 15th - FESTIVE SPECIAL MAGAZINE MAILED TODAY.

The FESTIVE SPECIAL issue of “The Laurel & Hardy Magazine” has just been mailed ahead of schedule today to all subscribers World-wide.

The cover alone – a full colour winter scene, with the Boys in festive costume – is worth the cost of subscription. Other highlights are: Part 5 of the Robert Youngson compilation films; some superb previously unpublished behind-the-scenes shots of Laurel and Hardy in “The Flying Deuces”; a reprint of a sixty year-old newspaper article, which has been re-set and complemented with original photos. We also feature some recently discovered press-photos, showing Stan and Babe judging a Bathing Beauty competition during their 1947 British Tour. And we launch a brand-new series titled “Background Story” in which we give you the literal and figurative background to a photo of Stan and Ollie at an outside location. All this in an A4 colour professionally produced magazine.

NOV. 17th - COMING SOON - SEE US AT THE MEMORABILIA SHOW .

This time next week we will be at MEMORABILIA, NEC BIRMINGHAM, NOVEMBER 24th / 25th . This is the BIG ONE. This event has over 1000 sales stalls, selling anything and everything to do with Films and TV.

I am pleased to say that ACE Lookalikes Stan Slade and Rob Graham will be coming along on the SUNDAY of the show. They will amaze you with their close up magic tricks and will pose for photos. Go to our web page for full details’, and then follow the links from there to see the impressive list of guest stars also going.

Plus many STAR GUESTS from FILM, TV and SPORT. Also displays, side show events and more!! A BRILLIANT day out for the family. We will be there with our full 'Laurel & Hardy' sales stall.  Its EASY to get to ...try and make it!  MEMORABILIA SHOW.

NOV. 11th - LAUREL & HARDY US TOURS .

Our Editor, A.J Marriot, has just launched a new website to promote his book "LAUREL and HARDY - The US Tours." To buy the book, or simply view the site, use this link:  http://www.laurelandhardytheustours.com

NOV. 5th - LAUREL & HARDY - BRONZE BUSTS.

NEW OUT - BRONZE BUSTS I am pleased to say that after a long gap, we can now launch TWO new sets of busts. Stan & Ollie in BRONZE ( two designs) produced by Neil Sims Productions created by Luke Johnston. These are a pair of highly detailed display pieces . Each bust stands approximately 4.5" inches tall, in fact the photograph does not do them justice, you have to really handle them to appreciate the work that has gone into sculpting these: GO HERE: BRONZE BUSTS We are now taking ADVANCE orders

OCTOBER 31st - LAUREL & HARDY UPDATES.

OCTOBER 8th - LAUREL & HARDY IN 3D!!!

Now this is a FIRST, I bet the 'Boys' would have never have thought their film would be out in the future in colour and 3D when they made it. Glenn Mitchell has just tipped me off about this new release. HHMMM...now shall I go out and buy a 3D TV?? March of the Wooden Soldiers in 3D! Features Fully-Restored Colour and Black & White Versions of this Heart-warming Holiday Classic. Imagine an enchanted fantasy world of timeless characters and magical moments where nothing goes right for the clumsy toymakers Stannie Dum and Ollie Dee. When a notorious scoundrel, Barnaby, demands to marry the beautiful Little Bo Peep, guess who secretly emerges as the blushing bride? Based on the original Babes in Toyland, this movie is a dazzling spectacle of 6-foot wooden soldiers, Mother Goose characters and the beloved team of Laurel and Hardy. Spectacularly restored in both colour and black-and-white, and including a beautiful high-definition transfer of this beloved classic, this release boasts superb graphics that are enhanced with a stunning stereoscopic 3D transfer. See the storybook characters come to life with imagery so real you feel you could reach out and touch it -- it is like seeing this family favourite for the very first time, all over again! Now in stunning stereoscopic 3D, March of the Wooden Soldiers has never looked better! Includes high-definition digital restoration and a beautiful colour print in 3D. Fully-restored Black-and-white and Colour versions of film are available in the DVD and Blu-ray Disc formats! GO HERE (or use the links to the left). BABES IN TOYLAND 3D

OCTOBER 6th - LAUREL & HARDY MAGAZINE MAILED TODAY.

The end of September issue of “The Laurel & Hardy Magazine” has just been mailed, today (a week later than we would have liked) but you will find the wait was well worth it. Firstly, it isn’t our usual A5 format, but has been expanded to A4. This has meant you can now even better enjoy the numerous rare images we always come up with. Other highlights are: a huge feature on some recently discovered footage of Stan and Babe during the making of SHOULD MARRIED MEN GO HOME; Part 4 of the Robert Youngson Laurel & Hardy compilation films; and some rare behind the scenes photos. Even Superman pays us a flying visit, in a very surprising way.

Throw in a couple of adverts, more rare photos, and news of the latest Laurel and Hardy merchandise, and the result is that even this larger format magazine is full to overflowing.

LAUREL & HARDY CONVENTION - SUNDAY MAY 26th 2013

BOOKINGS NOW OPEN- GO HERE: CONVENTION

SEPTEMBER 22nd -  STAN - BBC TV DRAMA COMES TO DVD .

STAN by Neil Brand DVD   Based on the Neil Brand's critically acclaimed radio play of the same name, this BBC drama tells the story of the world's greatest comedy double act, Laurel and Hardy how they met, worked together and remained close friends. Jim Norton (Father Ted) stars as the Stan Laurel, who somewhat reluctantly goes to visit his friend and long-time collaborator Oliver Hardy (Mike Goodenough) on his death bed in 1957. The story reflects the lives and work of Stan and Ollie in a series of flashbacks, and portrays the conversation between the two men as they bid their final farewells after a lifetime of sharing the world's spotlight. Making over 100 films together Laurel & Hardy remain one of the most popular and critically acclaimed comedy double acts of all time. ***************************************************** Also available in a box set with: THE LAUREL & HARDY ANTHOLOGY. Laurel and Hardy were hailed as ....the greatest comedy duo of all time. This programme is an affectionate look back at this amazing acts career, from their early black and white silent film days through the Hal Roach era, to their hugely successful British tours and beyond. Generously laced with hilarious clips from the cream of Laurel and Hardy s films as well as original colour film footage from the U.S. government promotional films, this programme also includes rare newsreel interviews and chronicles their amazing success all around the world.

SEPTEMBER 21st -  Hard Boiled Eggs and Nuts BBC RADIO 4 - Friday 28 September 2012.

STOP PRESS!! “A.J” Marriot informs us he has unexpectedly had some tickets returned for the “Fred Karno Centenary Celebrations,” at the Cinema Museum, London S11 4TH, on Saturday 29^th September. In attendance are several descendants of the members of the 1910 and 1912 Fred Karno Companies which toured America, plus three Chaplin authors. “A.J” is doing an illustrated talk on these Karno American tours. Having seen several of his previous presentations, we Helpmates know you can guarantee scores of photos of Stan Laurel (Jefferson) and Charlie Chaplin which you are unlikely to have seen before, all accompanied by A.J’s detailed knowledge and humorous narration.

To apply for tickets write to A.J Marriot at fredkarnocompany @ aol dot com. Full details at this link: http://fredkarnocompany.com/karno102.html . Apply now, or they’ll be GONE.

SEPTEMBER 1st -  NEW DVD BOX SET FROM GERMANY.

Here is 'Another Fine' DVD box set from Germany. Christian Aberle has put up an order page in English with one overall price to cover postage outside of Germany. This is a set for 'Laurel & Hardy' Buffs as it also contains some rare solo material plus a whole host of other goodies. For more info and full contents go here: http://order.laurelandhardyworld.com/

AUGUST. 31st -  BBC RADIO SHOW.

Message from Toby Field:

Great Lives: Stan Laurel will be broadcast on Radio 4 on Tue 4 Sept at 4:30pm, and repeated on Fri 7 Sept at 11pm, and available in perpetuity via the Radio 4 webpage.

In Great Lives, Ken Dodd speaks to Matthew Parris about Stan’s humble beginnings in Lancashire, his move to the States, his partnership with Ollie ‘Babe’ Hardy, his tireless work behind the camera as well as in front of it, and his generosity and warmth towards his fans. They also speak about his final years in Santa Monica, and his somewhat colourful love life. Ken also reveals a little bit about himself on the subject of his own journey into comedy, his relationship with his audience, and on the more prickly topics of money and marriage, insisting that although he does have another life, when the front door closes, the front door closes!

I’ve added links to Letters from Stan, Sons of the Desert and the Laurel & Hardy Museum.  I’d be only too grateful if you could link to the programme via your own websites/social networking sites: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01mdf0d

I’ve also written an article for the Bristol Silents website which you can also find on the webpage.

Thanks for all your help and I hope you enjoy the programme - it was a pleasure to produce.

AUGUST. 25th -  JAMES FINLAYSON PIN BADGE.

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 September / 1st week of October. This PIN will be very popular, it is James Finlayson colorized by Klaas de Jonge. 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

AUGUST. 17th -  LAUREL & HARDY IN FRANCE NEWSREEL.

Thanks again to Trevor Dorman for the tip off about this ‘Laurel and Hardy on the road around Europe’ video footage. We knew of the existence of this footage, as Dave Wyatt covered it in his ‘BEYOND FILM 106’ article in our magazine, but we had not seen this first part. The ending is the boat train footage that we have seen. CLICK THE IMAGE BELOW:

JULY. 31st - NEW LAUREL & HARDY BUSTS.

NEW OUT: AIR RAID WARDENS I am pleased to say that after a long gap, we can now launch a new set of busts. Stan & Ollie produced by Neil Sims Productions created by Luke Johnston. These are a pair of highly detailed display pieces with special custom made decals by Leon Garcia. Each bust stands approximately 4.5" inches tall, in fact the photograph does not do them justice, you have to really handle them to appreciate the work that has gone into sculpting these: GO HERE: AIR RAID WARDENS BUSTS We are now taking ADVANCE orders

JULY. 30th - RARE BEHIND THE SCENES FOOTAGE FOUND (UPDATED NOW UNCUT)

Since Trevor Dorman tipped us off about this rare footage that had recently surfaced, we all wondered if there was more. Well, Peter Mikkelsen was first to tip me off that a longer version has now been posted.

Brad Smith tells us:

After posting "On Location with Laurel and Hardy -- March 1928," (during the making of "Should Married Men Go Home"), several people have requested the unedited version of the film also be posted. This is the unedited film. George Mann of the comedic dance act Barto and Mann shot the film or handed his camera to someone else to shoot. I've taken a first cut at identifying individuals in the film below. It's likely I've misidentified individuals in some of the shots. Corrections are welcome as well as the names of individuals I've identified as "Unknown."

Also included in the clip are: John Aasen (Tall golfer) -- http://johanaasen.com/ , Edgar Kennedy (Golfer with toupee) -- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edgar_Kennedy

Edna Marion (Blond golf partner) -- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edna_Marion, Viola Richard (Brunette golf partner) -- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viola_Richard

Charley Chase -- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charley_Chase, There's more about Barto and Mann here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barto_and_Mann

George Mann's photography here: http://www.thegeorgemannarchive.com/, And later in life here: http://onbunkerhill.org/georgemann

0:00 - 0:09 Unknown female #1 with scarf; Jack Hill (?) (muddy combatant); unknown female #2 in plaid dress.

0:10 - 0:23 Dorothy Coburn (?) (muddy combatant) in hat; Jack Hill (?) (muddy combatant); unknown female #3 (muddy combatant) with golf club.

0:24 - 0:35 Oliver Hardy strikes Stan Laurel with golf club.

0:36 - 0:42 Stan Laurel.

0:43 - 0:50 Oliver Hardy (and Stan Laurel).

0:51 - 1:01 Viola Richard and George Mann.

1:02 - 1:35 Viola Richard, Edna Marian, Stan Laurel, Oliver Hardy. Laurel hits Oliver Hardy in chin with golf club.

1:36 - 1:59 Stan Laurel, Oliver Hardy & George Mann.

2:00 - 2:12 Dorothy Coburn (?) (muddy combatant) and Viola Richard on Oliver Hardy's shoulders. Jack Hill (?) (muddy combatant) assisting.

2:13 - 2:32 Oliver Hardy, John Aasen (very tall golfer) & George Mann. Mann does high kick.

2:33 - 2:38 Stan Laurel and Edgar Kennedy (golfer).

2:39 - 2:45 Dorothy Coburn (?) (muddy combatant).

2:46 - 2:56 Dorothy Coburn (?) (muddy combatant) and Jack Hill (?) (muddy combatant) dancing.

2:57 - 3:18 Stan Laurel and Edgar Kennedy (golfer). Kennedy loses toupee.

3:19 - 3:35 Unknown female #4 sitting in chair.

3:36 - 3:50 Unknown male #1 in suit; unknown female #4 sitting in chair; unknown male #2 shirtless; Jack Hill (?) (muddy combatant); Dorothy Coburn (?) (muddy combatant) standing; and unknown female #5 sitting.

3:51 - 4:03 Engine.

4:04 -- 5:20 George Mann walking through movie set.

5:21 -- 5:39 Jack Hill (?) (muddy combatant) on set of the S.S. Mirimar.

5:40 -- 5:55 Charley Chase and George Mann dancing and hamming together.

5:56 -- 6:09 Unknown male #3 with cat.

6:10 -- 6:16 Hal Roach Studios.

6:17 -- 6:20 Sign for Laurel-Hardy Comedies.

Go here to find out more about George Mann : http://www.thegeorgemannarchive.com/

JULY. 1st - LAUREL AND HARDY CONVENTION MAY 26th 2013, BOOKINGS NOW OPEN.

LAUREL & HARDY CONVENTION - SUNDAY MAY 26th 2013

BOOKINGS NOW OPEN- GO HERE: CONVENTION

JUNE. 30th - LAUREL AND HARDY MAGAZINE MAILED TODAY.

The June issue of “The Laurel & Hardy Magazine” was mailed today, Saturday, and will hit all points of the globe in the next few days.

Inside you will find: a write-up on the Helpmates UK Convention; and our traditional “Happy Birthday” to Stan. In “Who, What, Where, When” we reveal the story behind one of the support acts on Stan and Babe’s 1952 British stage tour. We learn the story of the transition to sound at the Hal Roach Studios; the later story of how Stan & Ollie became animated; followed by Part 3 of the Robert Youngson Laurel & Hardy compilation films. Then there is a recently found photo of Joe E. Brown clowning with Babe Hardy; plus more rare finds from our own archives. Throw in some merchandise, a couple of adverts, and news of the forthcoming Fred Karno Centenary Celebrations, and the result is yet another overflowing goody-bag.

MAY. 23rd - LAUREL AND HARDY: THEIR LIVES AND MAGIC DOCUMENTARY.

Plus, additional interviews (unpublished) with:   - Lois Laurel-Hawes - Bart Williams - Chuck McCann & Jim MacGeorge - Tyler St. Mark - Stan Taffel - Irv Hyatt - Stu West - Michael Habeck - Ottfried Fischer - Maddin Schneider - Ingo Appelt

You can now order the superb documentary ‘LAUREL AND HARDY: THEIR LIVES AND MAGIC’ by Andreas Baum:  ORDER PAGE The documentary in DVD-Box has a length of round about 105 minutes (directors cut) instead of the 90-minutes TV-version. It will be region ZERO in PAL-system (plays in USA on computers OK, etc. But check your DVD-player if it can handle the Pal system – Some players can be set to convert the signal, some do it automatically) with the documentary in German, English and French language (switchable) and the bonus material in German and English language. The Bonus Disc material runs for 70 minutes and contains:   - "The last Footage" of Stan in colour, music (4:3 original framing, unpublished)) - "Stan Laurel, Mr. Clean and the Puppets" in colour, music (4:3 original framing) - "Stan’s birthday footage" of 1964 in colour, music (4:3 original framing, unpublished) - "Ida Laurel at a Hollywood convention", colour footage of Ida at a convention, signing photographs etc. (unpublished) - the complete colour footage of Stan’s funeral at the Forrest Lawn Memorial in LA 1965 (4:3 original framing, unpublished) - a special with colour 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", colour 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 Prices are:  in Euro is € 24.90, in GBP £19.90 and US-Dollar $33.90  ORDER FROM HERE: http://www.laurelandhardyshop.com/page3.html

MAY. 19th - NEIL SIMS BUSTS AND FIGURES BACK ON OUR CATALOGUE

NEIL SIMS BUSTS

I have reinstated all of Neil Sims busts and figures into our catalogue. These are now made and painted by Luke Johnston and are up to the same high standard. Neil still hopes to keep the range going by sculpting new busts in the future.

GO HERE: CATALOGUE

MAY. 16th - FLYING DEUCES IN COLOUR / ON THE TRAIL OF CHARLIE HALL.

Peter Denmark has just tipped me off that Legend Films will be releasing 'Flying Deuces' in colour. They did a splendid job with 'Babes in Toyland' in colour, plus that release was REGION ZERO. To order your copy now from amazon.com, just follow the link in the box on your RIGHT.   We have now added the  'ON THE TRAIL OF CHARLIE HALL book by Ray Andrew to our web site: CHARLIE HALL BOOK

MAY. 13th - CONVENTION - THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT.

I would just like to say a personal thank you to everybody who came along and supported our convention last weekend. Wow, the last week seems to have flashed by! I have put a write up and more photos on our this site :  GO HERE: CONVENTION

March. 31st - LAUREL & HARDY MAGAZINE MAILED TODAY .

 Our  printed “Laurel & Hardy Magazine” was mailed today to all subscribers Worldwide. Again it is full of interesting features:

In “Who, What, Where, Why, When” we feature an unknown lady feeding Babe some birthday cake. ‘Lord Paddington’ reveals more from his diaries, and we have Part II of the Robert Youngson comedy compilation films; plus details of a Laurel & Hardy film that might have been. There’s another “Take your dog to work day,” at the Hal Roach studios, and more previously unseen photos of pin-up girl Viola Richard. The latest L&H books on the market are listed, accompanied by reviews of “LAUREL and Hardy the US Tours.” Our main feature is a whole gallery of rare behind-the-scenes photos of Block-Heads.

*************************************

March. 19th - LAUREL & HARDY BOW TIES NOW IN STOCK .

            GO HERE FOR: NECKTIES , BOW TIE & WAISTCOAT

March. 9th - CONVENTION -HOW TO BOOK ROOMS IF YOU INTEND STAYING .

The Holiday Inn has just informed me our allocation of rooms held for our convention have now been used up. HOWEVER, do not panic, as there are still plenty of rooms at the hotel if you want to stay, plus, you can still get a good deal that compares to the rate we have by booking online. I have changed our booking page (LINK) over to the Holiday Inn online booking. But, as you get nearer the weekend the room rate will go up, so do not leave it late to book.

LAUREL & HARDY CONVENTION - SUNDAY MAY 6th 2012

BOOK NOW - GO HERE: CONVENTION

I have just had a print out of all those who have booked rooms for the event. Some of those booked have yet to purchase their tickets, so do not forget to do so in advance, as they will cost more on the day.

March. 2nd - DAVY JONES.

DAVY JONES

I was so sorry to hear that ‘The Monkees’ star Davy Jones has died at the age of 66, the English-born lead singer of the 1960s pop group. But did you know Davy sang about ‘Laurel & Hardy’? This page written by my daughter Gemma will tell you all about it, and you can play the song.

GO HERE: Last Train to Clarksville / Pottsville

Feb. 24th - PICK A STAR ON DVD.

Trevor Dorman has just informed me that 'PICK A STAR' is to be released on DVD on Feb. 28th. However, this site will not ship to the UK...only USA. GO HERE: WARNER DVDS

Also see our 'Laurel & Hardy Magazine Facebook site - CLICK BELOW:

Go to our FACEBOOK site, then just click 'LIKE' for updates.

Feb. 21st - PANCAKE DAY / MAGAZINE BACK ISSUES.

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. TIP: Grab these while you can, as once they are gone......That's it!!!

GO HERE: BACK ISSUES PAGE ONE   ALSO: BACK ISSUES PAGE TWO

2012 CONVENTION

Bookings are now coming in for our May 6^th ‘Laurel and Hardy’ Convention already which is very encouraging. This will be an event not to be missed!

LAUREL & HARDY CONVENTION - SUNDAY MAY 6th 2012

BOOKINGS NOW OPEN- GO HERE: CONVENTION

We have now added a new product line from 'LENCO' in our Catalogue. We can now offer top quality iPhone Covers, just go to this page: PHONE COVERS

THIS WEB PAGE HAS BEEN UPDATED WITH EVEN MORE PROOF!!!

Could ‘ A PAIR OF TIGHTS’ been film ‘Laurel & Hardy’ 107. Trevor Dorman and Glenn Mitchell found evidence on January 13^th 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?

Feb. 14th - TWO NEW BOOKS

Since finishing reading 'A.J' Marriot's superb 'Laurel and Hardy The US Tours' book, I was pleased to receive copies of two more books self-published by Sons - details as follows:

Laurel & Hardy's Advertising Antics

Laurel & Hardy's Advertising Antics is a unique collection, with over 500 illustrations of Stan and Ollie in advertising and other forms of promotion and publicity. The foreword has been written by Roger Robinson, and the appendix contains a list of known TV adverts in which Stan and Ollie or look-alikes appear. COST IS £14.

ORDER ONLINE FROM: LULU BOOKS

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. £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 roger.robinson5@btinternet.com

Jan. 21st.  – TONY BAKER

I have just had some sad news from Roger Robinson:

I have today  received some very 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. ).

Jan. 19th.  – LAUREL & HARDY -  DODGY AUTOGRAPHS

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

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 6^th 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.

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. 17^th  – MAGAZINE MAILED TODAY -“US TOURS” BOOK NOW OUT .

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

o-o-0-o-o

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.

 “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

OCTOBER 27tth 2011 - “SLAPSTICK FESTIVAL/ USA DVD BOX SET NOW OUT ”

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. We do have a few copies left of 'THE WORKS' gift set in case you would like a copy, just go here: BOOKS PAGE 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.

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.

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

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?

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

"Movie Comedians See the Big City" (Hearst Metrotone News, 1932)

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.

JUNE 19th 2011 - “FATHERS DAY UK / AUCTION NEWS”

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.

STOP PRESS: Just in, the start price of the auction was $20,000. It sold for (including fees) $43,050.00 !

JUNE 5th 2011 - “LAUREL & HARDY HELPMATES CONVENTION – 2012”

Our next Laurel and Hardy Convention is confirmed as SUNDAY 6^th 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.

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 .

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:

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'. Seeing Double...Hog Wild. 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.

Memorabilia Sales TRADING CARDS   We offer SIX sets full of great card sets!We offer SIX sets full of great card sets! TRADING CARDS PREMIER COLLECTION THE MILLENNIUM SET THE LOBBY CARD SET THE CANDID SET POSTER ARTWORK SET RARE & PRESS SET AUTOMOBILE SUB SET BABES AT WAR SET

All features on this site are (c) The Laurel & Hardy Magazine  

<