Hello Laurel & Hardy friends,
Our next film show is this Wednesday, 20th February at the usual location, THE WHITE LION….24, Middle Street, BEESTON, NG9 1FX commencing at the usual time of 7.30pm. We could be upstairs or….ermm downstairs!!
All are welcome and entry is free.
Though the sad news is that the wonderful “Stan & Ollie” cinematic film show may have come and gone, the good news is that it has generated a great deal of interest, new information and a new fervour for all things Laurel & Hardy including their films…and so the party continues. Horray!! This month, we will be showing one of the Boys best feature films……“Way out West” from 1937. Indeed this was the film that the Boys were making at the start of the latest “Stan & Ollie” film with the “At the Ball, That’s all” dance routine, which was then later reproduced on stage. It also contains the magical “Trail of the Lonesone Pine” …..also reproduced in the “Stan & Ollie” film. I will also be showing a number of short Laurel & Hardy films from the Hal Roach studio which include some gags/routines that are seen in the new film release.
As I’ve mentioned before, though the “Stan & Ollie” film is a great film, the writer was a bit (OK a lot) fast and loose with the true facts of the 1953/4 UK tour and the UK tours in general. Yes…hmmm, why should the true facts get in the way of a good story! And indeed, its a good story! Last month, we highlighted two of the major untruths in the film. First concerning their trip to Cobh, which though it did happen, it occurred at the beginning of their 1953/4 tour, that is before they travelled on to the UK England and certainly not at the end. We also exposed that the “elephant in the room” argument concerning Zenobia was just pure fiction, another rouse for a good story line. Though undoubtedly they would have had a few grumpy moments during the tour, there were certainly no reported grudges, arguments or upset between them; then or ever. Of course without these dramas, “Stan & Ollie” may never have been filmed. This month, I will continue to look at the UK leg of the 1953/4 tour….and dismiss the myth that it was a rags to riches story as depicted – infact, sadly it was probably more the opposite!
The film is a great film and if you haven’t yet seen it, I still urge you to go and see it. The characterisations are brilliant and you will soon forget you are watching Messrs Cougan & Reily.
We will also be continuing our series of Laurel & Hardy cartoons from the 1930s and of course we will have our usual raffle, any donations are always gratefully received.
Forthcoming Events…
- The Lucky Dog theatre company are performing 3 shows at the Leicester guildhall as part of the Leicester comedy festival. First off is a 2- hour biographical show “Hats Off to Laurel & Hardy” for £10 on Friday at 7,30pm. Then on Saturday and Sunday is a 1-hour “The Laurel & Hardy cabaret” show which looks at sketches in films and on UK-tour for £8 at 3pm. I’ll be at the first show.
- Jeffrey Holland will be at the Century Theatre in Coalville on Saturday March 9th 7.30pm with his wonderful play, “…And this is my friend Mr Laurel” . £16 & concessions £14. They also have a screening of “Stan & Ollie” Friday, March 22nd. Indeed, I will be there.
- Our next film show is on usual 3rd Wednesday of the month – March 20th.
- Rob Lewis and Roger Robinson are planning a Laurel and Hardy event on May 25th with a visit to the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch mini Railway that Stan & Ollie partly re-opened in 1947. Details to follow.
- Our event at the Bull Inn has now been set for Saturday June 22nd – we will be having a bit of an animal theme. Rob Lewis GS of the Helpmates UK tent will again be joining us…Rob, was one of three Laurel & Hardy consultants who were on set during the filming of “Stan & Ollie”.
Hopefully, we’ll see you on Wednesday. Please bring your friends and family – all are very welcome.
Fraternally Yours,
Dave T
(Grand Sheikh – Nottingham Beau Hunks tent)
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