19.08.23.
European Convention
A recent photo taken of Cobh and two photos showing Oliver Hardy disembarking and making his way through some of the crowds who had gathered to see them there, where in a few weeks’ time the Sons of the Desert will gather to celebrate the 14th European Laurel and Hardy convention. Five years planning and organising, booking out the two main hotels in the town and making sure everything is just right. The Irish team are fired up and ready to deliver a top notch convention. And if anything should go wrong, you'll find us at the bar.
Liam Muldowney on Facebook
The 14th Sons of the Desert European Convention will be hosted by the Jitterbugs Tent Ireland in The Commodore Hotel, Cobh from September 8th to 11th. Pictured is a mural commissioned by the Commodore Hotel to commemorate Laurel and Hardy and their connection to Cobh.
On the 9th of September 1953, Cobh came alive with the sound of St. Colman's Cathedral bells chiming the 'Cuckoo Song' played by Carillonneur Staf Gebruers to welcome the famed duo, Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy who had just arrived on the SS America. In a remarkable tribute to that remarkable day in 1953, they are honoured to announce that Adrian Gebruers, the son of Staf Gebruers, will grace us all with his bell-playing talents.
Cobh & Harbour Chamber
This will be a mega fun weekend in Cobh. We have been working with the organisers for the past five years and are delighted to bring the duo from Lucky Dog Theatre Productions to Cobh for the whole weekend. They will be in costume at all times, with a special performance on the bandstand at 2.45pm on Saturday 9th September.
Philip Hutchinson
Liam Muldowney tells us: "The media is beginning to get interested in our weekend and we have done some interviews with newspapers and radio. I attached a link here to one of them."
www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-41207098.html
The Birmingham Bark
The latest newsletter of the Laughing Gravy Tent has arrived, full of great news and comments. Included is a list of forthcoming events planned by the tent.
In cinemas shortly
It seems that Showcase Cinemas in the UK are planning to screen 4K versions of Dirty Work and Sons on the Desert. These restored versions will really be something to see and as I've said on occasion, there really is nothing to compare with seeing Laurel and Hardy as they were intended, on the Big Screen!
Mike Jones
Silents pianist
Join Neil Brand, composer, writer, broadcaster, musician who is a world expert on silent film & silent comedy with his all-new show about the immortal comedy duo. Fully illustrated with stills, clips & Neil’s superlative piano accompaniment, this show promises gales of laughter throughout.
Details are on
Zug shop
Dave Williamson spotted an interesting violin shop in Zug in Switzerland.
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On the telly
Wow, Christmas Eve 1977 on WPIX was a Laurel and Hardy festival, with "The Golden Age of Comedy" running from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m., then "The Flying Deuces" from 3:00 to 4:30, then "March of the Wooden Soldiers" from 4:30 to 6:00. The New York Times described the latter with, "Silly new label for 'Babes in Toyland.' A lavish, delightful movie, fine holiday viewing for all." The silly label had been in use since 1949, but I agree with the sentiment.
Randy Skretvedt on Facebook
...and finally,
from MAD magazine
