22.08.25.
New Blu-Ray issue announced
Kit Parker, longtime film distributor and lifetime Laurel & Hardy fan, announces a new Laurel & Hardy set on Blu-Ray, coming November 11 (in the USA):
Eight Laurel & Hardy shorts restored from 35mm sources:
• MEN O' WAR (1929) • PERFECT DAY (1929) • BLOTTO (1930)
• ANOTHER FINE MESS (1930) • DIRTY WORK (1933)
• GOING BYE-BYE! (1934) • THEM THAR HILLS (1934) • TIT FOR TAT (1935)
And these bonus movies:
• Previously lost SILENT VERSIONS of BRATS and BLOTTO
• The 1937 reissue version of PERFECT DAY
• Alternate version of BLOTTO with VOICE & EFFECTS TRACK ONLY
• Alternate version of ANOTHER FINE MESS with VOICE & EFFECTS TRACK ONLY
• GALAXY OF STARS (1936) MGM promotional film
• THERE GOES MY HEART (1938) Original Hal Roach Studios trailer and outtakes
• SHIP’S REPORTER (1952) featuring both Laurel & Hardy
• THIS IS YOUR LIFE: LAUREL & HARDY (1954) from 35mm kinescope negative
• HAL ROACH BACKLOT INTERVIEW (1960s) Rare interview and footage of the studio backlot
Save a space on your shelf for this one!. Street Date: 11/11/25
Audio: Stereo. Format: Blu-Ray
SRP: $39.95
# of Discs: 2. Label: KIT PARKER FIL
New blue plaque for Stan in Ulverston
Ulverston Town Council shared this week that a blue plaque has been created in honour of the comedy icon, which will be unveiled on Saturday, September 20 at 2pm.
The event will be held at 3 Argyle Street, the place Laurel originally called home - a fact that was first discovered in 1976.
A town council spokesperson said: "Ulverston Town Council have recently had a blue plaque made for Stan Laurel's birthplace on Argyle Street. All very welcome to attend the grand unveiling and celebration afterwards at the Laurel and Hardy Museum."
Laurel was joined by his comedy partner Oliver Hardy in 107 short films, feature films and cameo roles, and he is seen as one of the most noteworthy residents in Ulverston's history.
The Westmorland Gazette
Laughing Gravy Tent
The latest edition of The Birmingham Bark tells us, as always, that the Laughing Gravy Tent of Birmingham have been enjoying some great meetings. It also announces a couple of exciting upcoming events.
Leeds show
Intra-Tent Journal 197
The latest issue of the Intra-Tent Journal has arrived.
Contact editor Bill Oates at
itj.inbox@gmail.com
Call of the Cuckoos Tent of Glasgow
The film show at the Panopticon in Glasgow on 6th August went well, with a full house once more.
The next programme is lined up for 1st October and it will be the last one this season. All are welcome.
Bonnie Scotland Test of Paisley
We are running out of Saturdays for our Waverley summer cruise. There is a final sail on 18th October, so there will likely be a trip then.
Our next meeting is on Thursday 28 August. Only 4 months until Christmas: more of that later.
Janice Hawton
2026 Spiff Up
Make a note of the date and place on next year's Spiff Up.
Wise words
Film Fun
In Southport I saw this 1946 edition of Film Fun in a so called antique shop. It was just a huge dark junk shop.
Interesting to see the cover layout as though L&H were looking down on the 'newcomers’. Also the symbolism of a bowler hat, over the heads of Abbot & Costello. Passing on the Crown?
I'm not sure about the shop's claim that it's rare (£35). Possibly better condition than this one online (below), but it’s only £11…
Dave Williamson
...and finally
From Stephen Barlow