MANCHESTER CONVENTION
Transcription
MANCHESTER CONVENTION
CONVENTION COVERAGE BEGINS ON PAGE 2 r i A e h t of MIND YOU, THIS WEB-DOC IS ABSOLUTELY FREE OF CHARGE looser than loose publishing www.looserthanloose.com All Original Material © 2012 E DITED & P UBLISHED B Y Dave and Ali Stevenson 188 Seames Drive, Manchester, NH 03103 U.S.A. [email protected] L A Y OUT & D ESIGN Dave Stevenson D ISTRIBUTION Ali Stevenson DEADLINE FOR VOL. 6, ISSUE Nº 2: September 1, 2012 Send images* to the postal address listed above, or to: [email protected] *300 dpi at actual size C ONTRIBUTORS Cole Johnson, Mark Johnson, Jeff Rapsis, Cliff Sawyer, Ali Stevenson, Dave Stevenson, Chris and Phil Wittmann and the ever-watchful Crooked Circle. TABLE OF C ONTENTS MEETING NOTES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 SILENT FILM SERIES AND NEWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 CONVENTION NEWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 CONVENTION EVENT NEWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 2012 SONS OF THE DESERT CONVENTION . . . . . . . . . 7 MANCHESTER POST CARD ALBUM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 PALACE VAUDEVILLE SHOW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 M/V MOUNT WASHINGTON HISTORY . . . . . . . . . . . 19 STRANGE MANCHESTER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 In just a few weeks the Sons of the Desert (the International Laurel and Hardy Society) will visit the old stomping ground of two Hal Roach favorites: Miss Thelma Todd (Lawrence, Massachusetts) and Walter Long (Milford, New Hampshire). Will you be joining us? Come visit with us in Manchester, New Hampshire from July 17th - 22nd as we celebrate the legacy of American film history’s brightest comedy stars. 2 h t t p : / / w w w. l o o se r t h a n l o o se . c o m Where Are You? NEW S ON THREE NEW RELEASES! Artwork by Cole Johnson convention planning meetings Next Meeting: Sat. July 7th, 2012 L OC ATION : LALA’S HUNGARIAN RES TAURANT 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM http://www.lalashungarianpastryandrestaurant.com LALA’S HUNGARIAN PASTRY 836 Elm Street, Manchester, NH (603) 647-7100 --------------------------------------Appetizers, Entrées & Desserts Beer and Wine Served --------------------------------------Vegetarian Friendly OF E M O C E E? B S O S ’ T LO N A WHA H T R SE O O L PLEASE JOIN US! The planning meetings for the 2012 International Convention of the Sons of the Desert will take place twice in July. Anyone wishing to involve themselves in the planning and running of the event is welcome to attend.. It is, in fact, recommended for any and all persons already involved in the scheduled entertainment, programs, logistics, etc.. As noted above, we meet for dinner and discussion at Lala’s Hungarian bakery and Restaurant in the heart of downtown Manchester. Should you wish to stay beyond the planning meeting(s) for film and continued fellowship, entertainment will be offered back at the Comique Theatre. All able-minded, able-bodied souls are invited to participate. If you cannot join us on the 7th of July, please consult the schedule below for additional meeting times and dates. We look forward to your help and enthusiasm. SEE OUR BOOTH AT THE SONS CONVENTION! After an absence of too many months, Looser Than Loose Vintage Entertainment will return soon with three new DVD collections. As of this writing, materials are being assembled and prepared for an all-new “Kid Gangs and Juvenile Stars” collection, a “Comedy Teams” multi-disc set and a silent feature DVD of the 1926 Universal feature “The Still Alarm” with a new score by accompanist Jeff Rapsis. “Kid Gangs and Juvenile Stars” Vol. 2 features the shorts of Mickey “Himself” McGuire, more “Buster Brown,” “Big Boy” and “Sunny McKean.” “Comedy Teams, Vol. 1” will feature both silent and early sound teams and even an audio disc of restored 78rpm recordings of vaudeville routines and even early radio broadcasts. “The Still Alarm” is being painstakingly restored from an old amber-tinted print and sequenced to an all-new score by local composer Jeff Rapsis, with whom we have worked for a number of years and who will be providing accompnaiment at this year’s Sons of the Desert convention. Watch the website for details on all three new releases. Full info coming soon! Remaining Meeting Dates July 7 th & 14 th If you are local and you wish to be involved, please notify us ahead of time so we know you are coming. 3 http://www.looserthanloose.com JEFF RAPSIS Wilton Silent Film Series 2012 Season ACCOMPANIMENT BY JEFF RAPSIS SILENT FILM ACCOMPANIST FOR MANCHESTER 2012 Jeff Rapsis warms up before a packed house at the Wilton Town Hall Theatre. The crowd has gathered for the silent cinema series that Jeff and theater manager Dennis Markaverich run on the last Sunday of every month. (See ad at left) Courtesy of Sunapeenews.com WILTON TOWN HALL THEATRE Photo courtesy of Jeff Rapsis Main Street, Wilton, New Hampshire Silent Sunday Series - Last Sunday of Every Month Accompanist for the silent films show at the 18th International Convention will be local composer Jeff Rapsis. He will be playing for all the films being screened at the Carpenter Public Library on Thursday, Friday and Saturday in the William K. Everson Silent Cinema. Jeff will also accompany the screeing of “That’s My Wife” during the Friday evening Vaudeville show at the historic Palace Theatre. The score that evening is sceduled to include members of the New Hampshire Philharmonic in support. At the “William K. Everson Silent Cinema” Jeff will be playing a vintage Steinway piano owned by the library. In other instances he may use his Korg Workstation, with which he is capable of producing some remarkable sounds. Jeff is an accomplished composer and improviser. He has played for silent films at numerous festivals including the annual Cinefest event at Syracuse, New York and the Kansas Silent Film Festival. We are fortunate to have him at this year’s Sons convention. All Shows Begin at 4:30 pm Sunday, July 29th THE THIEF OF BAGHDAD (1924) Eye-popping spectacle starring swashbuckling star Douglas Fairbanks Sr. in top form as adventurer who must complete a series of epic tasks to save his beloved. Sunday, August 26th THE IRON MASK (1929) TThe last silent swashbuckler of Douglas Fairbanks Sr. marks the final installment of our summer series. Thrill to Fairbanks as patriotic musketeer D'Artagnan as he battles a sinister plot to replace King Louis XIV of France with a corrupt look-alike. FROM JEFF’S BLOG http://www.jeffrapsis.com Jeff Rapsis is a writer/editor, educator, and also a composer and performer who specializes in creating live musical scores for silent film screenings. He does other things, too. Specific talents include an ability to place coins on either elbow and then catch them in the same hand before they hit the floor, though sometimes he misses and the coins go flying just everywhere. He's also an award-winning journalist, newspaper publisher, and owner of multiple dogs. Synsopses by Jeff Rapsis (Accompanist) http://www.jeffrapsis.com See Profile at Right A DMISSION F REE , D ONATIONS E NCOURAGED ! SERIES SPONSORS WILT WILT ON TOWN TOWN HALL THEATRE THEATRE The Wilton Town Hall Theatre http://www.wiltontownhalltheatre.com Contact: [email protected] 4 I C E C R E A M I N Y O U R PA JA M A S Thelma Todd in costume for “Fra Diavolo.” She attended the British premiere of the film in 1933. On Saturday July 21st, 2012 at the 18th International Convention you will be invited to watch the film as a part of the “ice-cream in your pajamas” event after the New York Banquet. We will be screening the British version of the film complete with original titles and exit music (our thanks to Jack Roth). Please take note of the purse Thelma is holding. It will be included in a special exhibit the night of the screening along with a tam o’shanter and doeskin gloves she bought while in Scotland. Photo courtesy of Ron Lavallee 5 The As a part of the Laurel and Hardy Cinema programs at the Manchester convention we hope to be screening a number of 35mm films which will be on loan from the Library of Congress. These will be shown in the “William K. Everson Silent Cinema” located in the auditorium of the Carpenter Public Library at 405 Pine Street. A list of the titles follows. There are about three hours of short 35mm films and many of them focus on the players who contributed to the success of the Laurel and Hardy films as valued members of the Hal Roach Studios’ company of players. Jimmy Finlayson, for example, is featured in several of the films in very early appearances. It is our hope that you enjoy these obscure gems from the nation’s historical archive. Presented by the 18th International Convention of the Sons of the Desert SOAPSUDS AND SIRENS, (L-KO-Universal, 9.24.1917); Directed by: Noel M. Smith; Cast: Harry Loraine, Walter Stephens, Bert Roach, Gladys Varden and James Finlayson. 1 Reel. CUCKOO LOVE (Roach-Pathé, 10.18.25); Directed by: Fred Guiol; Cast: Glenn Tryon, James Finlayson, Katherine Grant and Blanche Mehaffey. 2 Reels DON’T WEAKEN! (Sennett Paramount, 9.5.20); Directed by Mal St Clair; Cast: Ford Sterling, James Finlayson, Charlie Murray, Harriet Hammond and Fanny Kelly. 2 Reels HE'S IN AGAIN (Bulls Eye, 12.15.18); Directed by Charley Chase; Cast: Billy West, Ethelyn Gibson, Oliver Hardy, Leo White and a cameo by Charley Chase. 2 Reels MEET THE FOLKS (Christie-Educational, 7.10.27); Directed by Al Christie and Robert P. Kerr; Cast: Jimmie Adams, Patsy O’Byrne, Gaylord Lloyd and Billy Engle. 2 Reels NEVER TOO OLD (Roach-Pathé, 6.27.26); Directed by Richard Wallace; Assistant Director: Stan Laurel; Story Credit (in part): Stan Laurel and Jimmy Parrott; Cast: Claude Gillingwater, Tyler Brooke, James Finlayson and Vivien Oakland. 2 Reels PLAYIN' HOOKEY (Roach-MGM, 1.1.28); Directed by Robert McGowan; Cast: Members of Our Gang (including) Joe Cobb, Jackie Condon, “Farina” Hoskins, “Wheezer” Hutchins, Mildred Kornman and Jay R. Smith; Also Charlie Hall, Sam Lufkin, “Tiny” Sanford and Lyle Tayo. 2 Reels TWEEDLEDUM'S SLEEPING SICKNESS (Società Anonima Ambrosio, 10.19.10); Directed by: Marcel Perez; Cast: Marcel Perez as Robinet. 1 Reel A WARM RECEPTION (Vim-General Film Cº., 11.9.16); Cast: Oliver Hardy, Kate Price, Joe Cohen and Florence McLaughlin. 1 Reel. WAY OUT WEST (Hank Mann Comedies- Arrow Film Corp., 1920; Directed by Bobby Burns and Walter Stull; Cast: Hank Mann, Vernon Dent, Jimmy Parrott and Madge Kirby. 2 Reels. WIFE AND AUTO TROUBLE (Keystone-Triangle, 3.5.16); Directed by Del Henderson and Mack Sennett; Cast: William Collier, Blanche Payson, Joseph Belmont, Alice Davenport and Mae Busch. 2 Reels. YOU'RE NEXT (Jester, Comedy Company, 1918); Directed by Marcel Perez; Cast: Marcel Perez as Twede-Dan. Located in the Carpenter Memorial Auditorium Manchester Public Libary 405 Pine Street, Manchester, NH http://manchesterlibrary.org/ Hours of Operation Thusday and Friday: 9:30 am - 4:30 pm 1 hour break at noon for lunch Saturday: 9:30 am - 3:00 pm 1 hour break at noon for lunch The library is conviently located just four blocks from the Radisson. It is easy walking distance; however, we will have a shuttle service to and from the hotel for those who require transporation. A full schedule of films and showing times will be furnished to all registered attendees upon registration. The William K. Everson Cinema will be formally dedicated by Lou Sabini on Thursday morning, July 19th at 9:30 a.m. The convention organizers would like to thank the following people for making this part of the film fun a reality: Cole Johnson, Jeff Rapsis, Steve Viggiano, Rob Stone, Eric Grayson, Bruce Lawton, Mark Johnson, and Tommie Hicks. 6 MANCHESTER CONVENTION T h e I n t e r n a t i o n a l L a u r e l a n d H a r d y S o c i e t y Vi s i t s N e w E n g l a n d i n J u l y , 2 0 1 2 JULY 19 - 22, 2012 Manchester, New Hampshire REGIONAL MAP The Radisson Hotel 700 Elm Street, Manchester, New Hampshire, 03101 PHONE: (603)-206-4109 TOLL FREE: (800)-333-3333 http://www.radisson.com/manchester-hotel-nh-03101/nhmanch Event Room Rate: $119 per night (+ taxes) Convention Rate Schedule Standard Rate: $375.00 (U.S.) per adult Checks/Money orders made payable to: Clifford Sawyer/Manchester 2012 C/O: Cliff Sawyer 64 June Street, Worcester, MA 01602 Website: http://2012.looserthanloose.com Pay online using Connect with us on http://www.facebook.com/pages/Manchester-2012-Sons-of-the-Desert-Convention/120113244698824 or search: Manchester 2012 Sons of the Desert Convention *Prices may be subject to change based upon rate(s) of inflation and other economic factors. 7 MANCHESTER CONVENTION The International Laurel and Hardy Society visits New England in July, 2012 BOSTON PRE-CONVENTION ~ TUESDAY JULY 17, 2012 A DAY’S WORTH OF FUN DOWNTOWN BOSTON Join Us For A Harbor Tour, Lunch and Sight-Seeing A NOTE ON LOGISTICS, COSTS, As You may Find It In July ETC. A day-trip Pre-Convention to Boston will take place on Tuesday, July 17th. Buses will leave from the Radisson at 9:00 in the morning and take attendees for a day-long adventure in Boston. Massachusetts’ capital city is just 50 miles south of Manchester and getting there ought to be a piece of cake. The preconvention costs just $85 per person. There will be a harbor cruise, lunch (on your own) at Faneuil Hall, general sight-seeing and return trip home at 4:30 pm. Interest permitting, we will make a stop on the return trip to visit the last resting place of Thelma Todd in Lawrence, Massachusetts. The bus will return to the Radisson by 6:30 pm. With any luck, daily commuting traffic will be light and the travel time will be just around an hour each way. (Above) The old State House, site of the Boston Massacre. This is only a few blocks from the harbor tour embarkation point. (Below) Faneuil Hall Market Place. (Bottom) Interior of the newly renovated Paramount Theatre on Washington Street. Photos snatched thoughtlessly from Flickr.com (Above) The Boston city skyline as it appears during the harbor cruise. (Below) Graves Light in Boston Harbor. Photos lifted shamelessly from the internet 8 MANCHESTER CONVENTION The International Laurel and Hardy Society visits New England in July, 2012 WEDNESDAY EVENING COCKTAIL MIXER Celebrating the Hal Roach Studios’ 20th Anniversary Party Where and When Entertainment and webcast On Wednesday evening July the 18th an informal mixer will take place in the red oak-paneled Currier Room at the Radisson Hotel. The festivities will begin at 7:30 and our theme for the evening is to celebrate the 20th Anniversary party of the Hal Roach Studios, which was held on December 6th, 1933. Entertainment will be provided, a webcast will be attempted and the highlight of the evening will be the cutting of a 98th Anniversary cake. On hand to parcel out large dollops of cake and frosting will be our L&H impersonators, Jamie McKenna and Jeffrey Weissman, Jenny Blatchford (first cousin of Thelma Todd) and suitable stand-ins for Patsy Kelly and Mr. Roach. Full details are below. Entertainment for the cocktail mixer will concist of both the “live” and “canned” varieties. A program of background music will provide atmosphere at times when “live” entertainment is not the focus of attention. Live entertainment will consist of early radio renactments featuring some of our convention guests and a local old-time radio actors’ group. The featured music of late twenties instrumental fox trots on the playlist were all recorded at the Hal Roach Studios and the bands led by big names of the era such as George Olsen or Abe Lyman. The 78rpm recordings have undergone extensive digital restoration and will be played through high-quality audio equipment. The OTR (old-time radio) portion of the program will feature a re-enactment of “The Marriage of Stan Laurel” as the center-piece. Additional OTR skits will be offered by a group of local enthusiasts. If all goes as planned, the event will be streamed live to the internet to be picked up by Sons all over the world who have not been fortunate enough to join us in Manchester. The streamed content will be free of charge and accessible to anyone with a computer and a relatively speedy internet connection. (Pictured below) George Olsen and His Music (Above) The Currier Room all decked out in wedding garb. This room is located directly behind and to the left of the hotel’s front desk. It will also be home to the ‘Hal Stanton Talking Cinema’ and the ‘Film in Your Pajamas’ event described on page 5 of this issue. Photo from the Radisson website The Cake and how to cut it The cake ordered for the convention’s commemoration of the Roach Studios’ 20th Birthday Party will not be so grand as the one pictured at left, but we hope to capture a good deal of its elegance and an honest representation of its heartfelt affection. In an effort to allow weary travellers to catch up on their rest and/or jet lag, we’ll not wait until the wee hours to perform the cake cutting ceremony. Participants in the recration of the photo-op at left will include Jamie McKenna as Oliver Hardy, Jeffrey Weissman as Stan Laurel and Jenny Blanchford standing in for her cousin Thelma Todd. Suitable representatives for Patsy Kelly and Mr. Roach are presently being sought. We are contacting local bakeries in an effort to commission a fairly inspired cake. The cutting and distribution of the cake through the crowd will also be streamed to the web. 9 Convention Registration Form 18th International Sons of the Desert Convention http://2012.looserthanloose.com Hosted by New England Tents J u l y 19 - 2 2 , 2 012 M a n ch e s t e r, N H Radisson Hotel Name:________________________________________________ Tent Name/#:_______________________ Address: __________________________________________________________________________________ City:_____________________________ State/Zip/Country:_________________________________________ Phone:________________________ Cell:______________________ Email:___________________________ ALL AMOUNTS ARE IN UNITED STATES DOLLARS FREE Convention T-sshirt: (circle size) S M L XL XXL (first free; $20 each additional shirt) $ _____ Convention Cost: $375 (paid in full) includes admission to Roach ‘34 Anniversary Party, Thursday Lake Cruise (transportation, food, entertainment included) Friday Vaudeville Show at Palace Theatre ** Saturday New York Themed $ _____ Costume Banquet * Sunday “Honolulu Baby” Breakfast Brunch $ _____ Dealer Room Table: (circle) One table $35 Two tables $50 Three tables $60 Convention Hotel: Radisson, 700 Elm Street, Manchester, NH 03101, USA http://www.radisson.com/manchesternh (603) 206-4109 or (800) 333-3333 Rate: $119 single/double (plus tax; rate expected to be in effect a few days before and after convention; check when booking). Reserve using promotional code DESERT. Pre-C Convention Tour: Boston Trip: $85 includes transportation (Manchester to Boston and back), boat tour, discount coupons $ _____ Terms and Conditions: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. All Registration Fees must be paid in U.S. funds via Money Order, Check, or PayPal. Cut-off date for registration is July 16, 2012. Cancellations in writing (signature confirmation required) are accepted until July 1, 2012. A US$50 cancellation fee will be charged plus cost of converting moneys into foreign funds if applicable. A US$50 charge will be made for returned checks. No refunds can be made after July 1, 2012. Manchester 2012 Committee, its members and/or representatives cannot be held responsible monetarily or otherwise for any fees loss or injury incurred while traveling to attending or returning from Manchester 2012 Convention. I understand that if I do not attend an event the cost of which is included in my registration fee I will not be entitled to any refund for that event. Events may be subject to change or cancellation without notice. Total amount enclosed by mail: $ ___________ Total amount paid by PayPal: $ ___________ I agree to the Terms and Conditions Please sign, date and return with payment made out to “Cliff Sawyer/Manchester 2012” or forward payment to [email protected] via Name: ___________________________________________ Date: ___________________________ Host Contact Information: Dave Stevenson, 188 Seames Drive, Manchester, NH 03103, USA Cliff Sawyer, 64 June Street, Worcester, MA 01602, USA 10 [email protected] [email protected] MANCHESTER CONVENTION The International Laurel and Hardy Society visits New England in July, 2012 july 19th - 22nd, 2012 Manchester, New Hampshire 18th International Convention of the Sons of the Desert Daily Agenda Daily Agenda Tuesda y July 17, 2012 Preconvention Activities Wednesda y July 18, 2012 Convention Eve DAILY ACTIVITES (Formal and Otherwise) Some events subject to time and location change. A finalized schedule will be included with your goody bag 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM: Boston Site Seeing Excursion (Round Trip: Manchester to Boston) Includes: 6Air conditioned coach trip (to and from the Manchester Radisson) 6Harbor boat trip 6Discount coupons to restaurants 6Visit to Thelma Todd’s last resting place (interest permitting - involves some walking) 6:00 - 8:00 PM: Dinner On Your Own Suggested Venue: Gaucho’s Churrascaria Menu: Traditional Brazilian steakhouse Walking distance from the Radisson: Six blocks north Continued 9:00 AM–11:00 AM & 1:00 PM–3:00 PM: Early Registration Note: The Registration Desk will be located in the foyer outside the meeting rooms, to the right of the main lobby as you enter the hotel. Also Please Note: Goody bags will not be available until Thursday morning. Volunteers for a goody bag stuffing party, to be held Wednesday afternoon/evening, are being sought. Let us know if you would like to help. Additional Note to be Noted: Once issued, please wear your lanyard to all official events. It is your admission pass and the means by which we weed out the deadbeats and Nana-Sahibs. So, please, make sure it is visible to the staff at all events. No admittance will be granted by our paid thugs to convention activities without that lanyard. Lunch and Dinner On Your Own Lots of good restaurants within walking distance of the hotel 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Goody Bag Stuffing Party Hotel Location TBA Note: Exact time and place (within the Radisson Hotel) to be determined based upon room and volunteer availablitiy. 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM: Palace Theatre Show Rehearsals Location TBA 62 Lowell Street, Manchester, NH 03101 Tel.: 603.669.9460 http://gauchosbraziliansteakhouse.com/index.html Sunday, July 15 is National Ice Cream Day, officially, but in 1984 President Ronald Reagan designated all of of July as National Ice Cream Month in perpetuity. We suggest you celebrate your arrival in Manchester, New Hampshire (whenever that may be) with a trip to Lala’s Hungarian Pastry on Elm Street for a homemade cup of the stuff. Made from a centuryold family recipe. You will not be disappointed! You will also find a Ben and Jerry’s store along Elm Steeet, a few blocks north of the hotel. Note: This rehearsal is not open to convention members at large. Only those performing in the Friday evening program and technical crews will be admitted. Additional reheasal events and meetings relating to the Palace show will be conducted on Thursday and Friday. 7:30 PM: 1934 Roach Studios Cocktail Mixer Location: Radisson Hotel Currier Room (Enter to the left of the hotel Registration Desk) 6 Old-Time Radio Show Recreations Including “The Marriage of Stan Laurel” 6 ‘Live’ Internet Streaming Webcast 6 Roach Studios’ Anniversary cake cutting 6 Film Kick off the convention with a swell party. It’s a darb! 11 Please note: A complete schedule of films and showing times will be available at the time of your registration. All of the films being exhibited at the Carpenter Public Library will be silent with live accompnaiment. All those shown at the hotel will be sound shorts and features. The Hal Stanton Talking Cinema will be open during dinner hours so attendees can catch rare film and dine at the same time. Daily Agenda Daily Agenda Thur sda y July 19, 2012 The Laurel and Hardy Hostage Crisis Day One DAILY ACTIVITES (Formal and Otherwise) Thur sda y July 19, 2012 The Laurel and Hardy Hostage Crisis Day One SPECIAL ACTIVITES (Formal and Otherwise) Continued 9:00 AM–11:00 AM & 1:00 PM–3:00 PM: Registration Note: The Registration Desk will be located in the foyer outside the meeting rooms, to the right of the main lobby as you enter the hotel. Additional Note: Once issued, please wear your lanyard to all official events. It is your admission pass and the means by which we weed out the deadbeats and Nana-Sahibs. So, please, make sure it is visible to the staff at all events. No admittance will be granted by our paid thugs to convention activities without that lanyard. Continued 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM: Discussion: “Collecting L&H Memorabilia” With Gino Dercola One of the foremost authorities on L&H memorabilia, Gino will give a video presentation featuring a number of items from his personal collection. 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM: Hal Stanton Talking Cinema Dedication And Charley Chase Spanish Language Shorts Program 8:15 AM–9:00 AM: Currier Room of the Radisson Hotel Chuck McCann’s Let’s Have Fun Morning Orientation Chuck will begin each day with an outline of the day’s events. All in the spirit of fun and fellowship, the first official gathering of each convention day will be a combination of information and entertainment, presented by a great talent and, for many of us, an old childhood friend. 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM: William K. Everson Silent Cinema Carpenter Public Library 405 Pine Street, Manchester, NH http://manchesterlibrary.org/ The Convention’s Silent Cinema will be open daily between the hours of 9:30 am and 3:00 pm. Live accompaniment will be provided on the library’s 1930 Steinway piano by local composer Jeff Rapsis. The cinema will open on Thursday morning with a dedication by Lou Sabini (One Good Turn Tent). This cinema will feature both 35mm and 16mm film. See page 6 for details. Breakfast On Your Own We suggest the world-famous Red Arrow at 61Lowell Street, just a few blocks north of the Radisson. http://redarrowdiner.com SPECIAL ACTIVITES (Formal and Otherwise) 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Authors’ Panel Authors Scott MacGillivray and Chuck McCann offer insights to their respective books and upon the lives, careers and influence of Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. Location within hotel TBA. Lunch On Your Own We suggest Lala’s Hungarian Bakery and Restaurant at 836 Elm Street, Manchester. Just two blocks north of the hotel. Adjacent to Hotel Lobby Main Desk Our Talking Pictures Cinema will be officially dedicated at this hour by Night Owls Grand Sheik Cliff Sawyer. After the ceremony, the theatre will be opened with a digital video screening of two Charley Chase Spanish language shorts: “La Señorita de Chicago” (The Pip From Pittsburgh) “Una Cana al Aire” (Looser Than Loose) Open daily, as needed, between the hours of 3:30 pm and late, late, late; sound one and two reel shorts will be shown in this venue. This cinema will feature both 16mm film and digital video projection. 5:30 PM: Bus Trip To Lake Winnipesaukee Departs from Radisson Hotel main Entrance Adjacent to Hotel Lobby Main Desk 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM: M/V Mount Washington Lake Cruise and Shipwreck Departs from Weirs Beach, Laconia, New Hampshire See the article on page 19 for an illustrated history of the Mount Washington. This cruise will include a dinner buffet and entertainment. The boat belongs entirely to the Sons of the Desert for the evening. Music will be provided in the main lounge and will feature Laurel and Hardy related comedy and song, plus dancing to classic and pop rock music of the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s by the band Still Kickin’. A 90º list and rapid sinking will follow the entertainment. 12:00 AM - Wee Hours Hal Stanton Talking Cinema Open for the film-hungry night owls upon our return 12:00 AM: - 1:30 AM Dealers’ Midnight Madness Currier Room of the Radisson Hotel http://www.lalashungarianpastryandrestaurant.com/ 12 Balcony Above the Hotel Lobby Daily Agenda Daily Agenda Frida y July 20, 2012 The Laurel and Hardy Hostage Crisis Day Two DAILY ACTIVITES (Formal and Otherwise) Frida y July 20, 2012 The Laurel and Hardy Hostage Crisis Day Two SPECIAL ACTIVITES (Formal and Otherwise) Continued Continued 9:00 AM–11:00 AM & 1:00 PM–3:00 PM: 1:00 PM – 2:15 PM: Note: The Registration Desk will be located in the foyer outside the meeting rooms, to the right of the main lobby as you enter the hotel. Even for you late arrivers Additional Note: Once issued, please wear your lanyard to all official events. It is your admission pass and the means by which we weed out the deadbeats and Nana-Sahibs. So, please, make sure it is visible to the staff at all events. No admittance will be granted by our paid thugs to convention activities without that lanyard. Main Banquet Room at the Radisson Hotel Moderated by local broadcaster, actor and On The Loose Tent member, Paul Bellefeuille, we will pay tribute to all the chapters in attendance with this time-honored tradition. Microphone time will be limited so all may get a chance to extend greetings. Registration and Information Desk Parade of Tents 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM: Trivia Contest Main Banquet Room of the Radisson Hotel 8:15 AM–9:00 AM: Hosted by Scott MacGillivray Chuck McCann’s Let’s Have Fun Don’t miss Chuck’s daily orientations which will feature rare TV clips, L&H films and general good fun. Begin each day with a broad smile and a fond memory. Test your knowledge of all things Laurel and Hardy in the annual expert challenge. This year’s contest will be hosted by autor Scott MacGillivray who will be assisted by Dwain Smith. 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM: 4:15 PM – 5:15 PM: Morning Orientation ITJ Meeting Attendance is restricted to working members of the editorial staff, correspondents and regular contributors. Location TBA. 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM: William K. Everson Silent Cinema Carpenter Public Library 405 Pine Street, Manchester, NH http://manchesterlibrary.org/ As with Thursday, the Convention’s Silent Cinema will be open daily between the hours of 9:30 am and 3:00 pm. Live accompaniment will be provided on the library’s 1930 Steinway piano by local composer Jeff Rapsis. This cinema will feature both 35mm and 16mm film. See page 6 for details. Breakfast On Your Own Again, we suggest the world-famous Red Arrow at 61Lowell Street. Just a few blocks north of the Radisson. http://redarrowdiner.com SPECIAL ACTIVITES (Formal and Otherwise) 10:00 AM - 11:30 PM: Grand Coucil Meeting Convention bid presentations for the 2014 convention will be made and general business discussed in general terms until everyone is generally disgusted. Then we will break for lunch. Lunch On Your Own Thelma Todd in Lawrence Multi-Media Presentation with Dave Stevenson Currier Room, Adjacent to Hotel Lobby Main Desk A look at the early life of L&H costar Thelma Todd with obscure photos and closely researched facts pertaining to her life in Lawrence, Massachusetts and early years at Paramount Pictures in Jackson Heights, New York. 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM: Dinner on Your Own We recomend Piccolo Italia, Elm Street http://www.piccolaitalianh.com/eng/ 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM: Palace Theatre Variety Show 80 Hanover Street. Manchester Four Blocks from the Radisson See the articles on pages 12 and 13 for complete details and images. This “vaudeville” program will feature comedian Emo Philips and costar “Roots Troubador” Samuel James and Ventriloquist Carla Rhodes. House band for the evening will be local R&B group The River Brds. 12:00 AM - Wee Hours Hal Stanton Talking Cinema Open for the film-hungry night owls upon our return 11:30 PM: - 1:30 AM Open Mic. Night Show off your musical, poetic or comedic talents on the stage in our banquet room. Instruments and microphones will be provided - God help us. We recommend Consuela’s Taqueria, Amherst Street. http://www.consuelostaqueria.com/ 13 Daily Agenda Daily Agenda Satur da y July 21, 2012 The Laurel and Hardy Hostage Crisis Day Three DAILY ACTIVITES (Formal and Otherwise) Satur da y July 21, 2012 The Laurel and Hardy Hostage Crisis Day Three SPECIAL ACTIVITES (Formal and Otherwise) Continued Continued 9:00 AM–11:00 AM & 1:00 PM–3:00 PM: 1:30 PM: Note: The Registration Desk will be located in the foyer outside the meeting rooms, to the right of the main lobby as you enter the hotel. Even for you late arrivers Additional Note: Once issued, please wear your lanyard to all official events. It is your admission pass and the means by which we weed out the deadbeats and Nana-Sahibs. So, please, make sure it is visible to the staff at all events. No admittance will be granted by our paid thugs to convention activities without that lanyard. As always, the event is run by Glenn & Tammi Campbell. The location will be the green in front of the hotel. Registration and Information Desk 8:15 AM–9:00 AM: Chuck McCann’s Let’s Have Fun 2:30 PM: 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM: William K. Everson Silent Cinema Carpenter Public Library 405 Pine Street, Manchester, NH http://manchesterlibrary.org/ As with Thursday and Friday, the Convention’s Silent Cinema will be open daily. Saturday the hours are slightly shorter (9:30 am to 2:00 pm). Live accompaniment will be provided on the library’s 1930 Steinway piano by local composer Jeff Rapsis. This cinema will feature 16mm film. See page 6 for details. Pee Wee Contest The Pee Wee Contest will run by Elaine Johnson & Roger Gillette. Contestants should gather on the green in front of the hotel. 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM: Historian’s Panel History of the Hal Roach Studios 1914 - 1934 Morning Orientation Once again, Chuck’s daily orientation begins our daily excursion into fun. Learn the day’s schedule and take in a Laurel and Hardy short. Putting Contest Main Banquet Room at the Radisson Hotel This panel will feature prominent film historians, including Annette Lloyd, Mark Johnson and Cole Johnson. The panel will discuss the history of the HR Studios during its heyday and feature numerous film clips and stills. A Q&A period will follow. 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Cocktail Mixer Foyer Outside the Main Banquet Room Prior to the All Things New York banquet, we respectfully request that you drop by for cocktails and get organized. 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM: All Things New York Banquet 9:00 AM - 9:30 PM: Breakfast On Your Own Hosted by the New York Founding Tent SPECIAL ACTIVITES (Formal and Otherwise) This is a fancy--dress event in which you are requested to appear as your favorite Hal Roach Studios character. Prizes will be awarded for best costume. Entertainment will be staged by the Founding Tent and will include an auction and raffle. All menu items are New York City inspired. The Radisson offers a weekend breakfast buffet just to the side of the registration desk that is just terrific. 10:00 AM - 1:30 PM: Currier Museum of Art Tour We will tour this incredible art gallery which is located just nine blocks from the hotel. Transportation will be provided to those unable to make the walk. Please assemble in the lobby after breakfast for the trip to the Currier. Mutliple trips will be made by our bus beween 9:45 am and 11:45 am. http://www.currier.org/ 1:30 AM - 3:00 PM: Lunch On Your Own Main Banquet Room 11:00 PM – 12:30 PM: Ice Cream in Your Pajamas Currier Room See the articles on page 5 for complete details and an image. We will show the original British release of the film Fra Diavolo. This is the version seen by Thelma Todd, Dennis King and Jimmy Finlayson at the British premiere. 11:30 PM: - Wee Hours Hal Stanton Talking Cinema We reccommend The Shaskeen Pub, Elm Street Open for the film-hungry night owls http://www.theshaskeen.com 14 Daily Agenda MANCHESTER GEOGRAPHIC CHALLENGE Continued Sunda y July 22, 2012 The Laurel and Hardy Hostage Crisis Day Four DAILY ACTIVITES (Formal and Otherwise) 9:00 AM–11:00 AM Going Bye-Bye Brunch Traditional breakfast and closing ceremonies Passing of the Pineapple ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Special Notices Multi-Denominational Prayer Circle For anyone interested, a Prayer- Circle will be organized on Thursday afternoon prior to our departure for the Lake Winnipesaukee cruise. We will attempt to keep this a mult-denominational function. Anyone is welcome to attend. Many of you attend church in your respective communities and we wanted to offer an opportunity to convene an out-oftown, mid-week prayer group for you. The service will be conducted by a member of the local clergy and will take place in the hotel or on the green out front. There are three English-style telephone booths within the Manchester city-limits. All are within three miles of each other. Should any convention attendee be able to name the location of all three, a prize will be given. See the folks at the registration desk with your answers! Where’s The Fire? Film and Video Presentations We have a number of institutions and private collectors to thank for the obscure films the Manchester Convention will be screening. We have tried to ensure that only the best quality and rarest examples of the early comedy work of Stan Laurel, Oliver Hardy and the Hal Roach Stock Company of Players. Our sincerest thanks to the Library of Congress, Jack Roth, Bruce Lawton, Eric Grayson, Ralph Celentano, Rob Birarelli, Ron Lavallee, Lou Sabini and all of the other film collectors and archivists that have contributed to our cinematic fun. Convention Volunteers Thanks also to the numerous local folks who have helped work on this project from the very beginning and will continue to help through Sunday the 22nd at closing time. Cliff and Nancy Sawyer, Ali Stevenson, Phil and Chris Wittmann, Paul Bellefeuille, Jeff Todd, Jeff Rapsis, The Hippo staff, the staff of the Palace Theatre and M/V Mount Washington. Bands and Musicians A big part of this convention is to be found in the music accompanying just about every event. Many thanks must be made to accompanist Jeff Rapsis, and also to the staff of NY Founding Tent troupers who will be staging the Saturday Night Banquet. A very special thanks to the two bands who are appearing on Thursday and Friday night on the M/V Mount Washington and during the Palace Theatre show. The cruise band is Still Kickin’ with Roger LeMay, Terry Goodman, Bob Cunya, Jim Parr, Phil Wittmann, Chris Wittmann and Dave Stevenson. The Palace house band is the River Birds featuring Laura Perkins, Mary Bergey, Tom Black, Jim Parr, Nathan Strout, Jim Parr and Dave Stevenson. 15 This Amoskeag steam fire pumper is on display at the Manchester Regional Airport. It is impossible to miss as you enter or exit the main terminal. The Amoskeag Mill was located along the Merrimack River not far from the Radisson. The company also made steam locomotives, some of which are still in operation on the Mount Washington Cog Railway. A Picture Post Card Tour of Manchester, New Hampshire Here’s a bit of a picture post card album depicting some relatively unchanged scenes around the city’s downtown area. All of these locations should become familiar to you during your stay in New Hampshire’s “Queen City.” An Overview of the City at Night Hanover Street and the Palace Theatre The Carpenter Center (Then the Carpenter Hotel) City Hall from Elm Street 16 Just Around the Corner from the Radisson P AL ACE V AUDEVILLE Dragging Variety Performance into the 21st Century You are cordially invited to spend the two and a half hours from 8:00 PM until about 10:30 PM on Friday the 20th of July at the Palace Theatre for a program of contemporary variety entertainment. Headlining the event is comedian (and Son of the Desert) Emo Philips. In support are “Roots Troubador” Samuel James and ventriloquist Carla Rhodes. House band for the evening will be local R&B band “The River Birds.” The evening’s entertainment will also feature a Laurel and Hardy silent film “That’s My Wife” with live accompaniment by New Hampshire composer Jeff Rapsis. The program is comprised of contemporary entertainment. This is not an effort to reconstruct a vintage or period variety show. Rather, it has a 21st century sensability. Therefore, the comedy, the music and all the trimmings, with few exceptions, will be aimed at a modern audience. Emo Philips headlines the bill at the Palace Theatre on July 20th, 2012. His comedy, delivery and demeanor are instantly recognizable. Emo is an inimitable and substantial part of contemporary American comedy. We are enormously pleased to feature his name on our marquee. Photo by Walter Tabayoyong ‘Rock ‘n Roll ventriloquist Carla Rhodes and the cantankerous Cecil Sinclaire. Photo Courtesy of New York magazine Performance artiste and roots troubadour Samuel James. . 17 Photo by Jon Reece T HE PALACE T HEAT RE 80 Hanover Street Manchester, New Hampshire http://www.palacetheatre.org Program for the Evening of July 20th, 2012 8:00 PM - 10:30 PM Performance Schedule 8:00 The River Birds R&B Music 8:25 Samuel James Roots Troubador 8:50 Emo Philips Comedian Set 1 9:55 Intermission 10:05 Carla Rhodes Dragging Vaudeville Into The 21st Century Starring Rock ‘n Roll Ventriloquist Emo Philips 10:25 Emo Philips Featuring Comedian Set 2 Samuel James Carla Rhodes 10:50 “That’s My Wife” Supported by The River Birds L&H Silent Film Jeff Rapsis, Accompanist House Band Paul Bellefeuille 11:10 “Shine on Harvest Moon” House Announcer Jeff Rapsis Rebecca Kane Entire Cast & Guest Soloist Rebecca Kane Program may be subject to slight alteration. Some artists will have merchandising tables at the back of the auditorium or adjoining hallway. Accompanist Guest Soloist 18 M/V MOUNT WASHINGTON From the Cruise New Hampshire Website http://www.cruisenh.com Since 1872 there have been only two vessels named Mount Washington to have cruised the beautiful waters of New Hampshire's largest lake, Winnipesaukee. The first vessel was a wooden side-wheeler 178 feet in length with a beam of 49 feet. It was built and launched in 1872 at Alton Bay, New Hampshire. Referred to today as the "Old Mount", this vessel was built by the Boston & Maine Railroad company for the sole purpose of transporting travelers and cargo from one side of the big lake to the other. The affiliation with the railroad brought this grand steamer worldwide notoriety from the company's vast marketing and advertising resources. The S.S. Mount Washington was only one of many steamships operating on the lake in the late 1800s. However, in just a few short years she had become Queen of the Winnipesaukee fleet and dominated the lake transportation business, mainly because she was the fastest of the major steamers plying the lake waters. It was not uncommon for her to have transported over 60,000 people per season in the late 1800s. This was due to the fact that New Hampshire's White Mountains was one of the most popular destinations for vacation travelers and the most prominent way to get there was by railroad car, which traveled through the Lakes Region. This early exposure to a diverse clientele paid big dividends, as many people bought property and built summer homes around the lake. Later, when the automobile began to slowly take away from the railroad business, the old side-wheeler was sold and thus began her life as primarily a tourist attraction. The Grand 'ol Lady continued to carry 60,000 plus passengers a year and stopped at the many different ports around the lake. The B&M Railroad continued, well into the 1940's to bring tourists from the greater Boston area to the Weirs. The home port of Weirs Beach was an attraction in itself with a busy railroad station, large dance pavilion and beautiful grand hotel overlooking Weirs Bay and the surrounding mountains. This beautiful resort area experienced two major fires 15 years apart. The first one, in 1924, sadly destroyed the grand Hotel Weirs. The second fire proved to be more disastrous. On a cold December evening in 1939, a fire broke out in the railroad station and quickly spread down the ramp to the dock where the S.S. Mount Washington was berthed for the winter. Futile attempts were made to set her free; for she was stuck in the mud as a result of the common, low lake water levels that time of year. The ship was completely destroyed as was the entire railroad station and boardwalk. Leander Lavallee, well known in the area as Captain of the "Mount ", had agreed to sell the old side-wheeler weeks before it perished. Devastated by the loss and in his 70s, no one expected he would start all over again; but this ol' Yankee was determined to replace the lost hull with a new, faster and bigger ship. Upon securing local support and forming a new corporation, the search began. Building a ship would prove to be impossible, as large quantities of steel were unattainable because of prewar munitions build up. Searching throughout New England, a vessel for sale was found in Vermont on Lake Champlain. Built in 1888 and operated under the name of Chateaugay, this vessel fell victim to newer modes of transportation. The Chateaugay was 203 feet long and constructed of iron. After much testing, the hull proved to be sound and just what the old captain was looking for. A purchase price of $20.000 was agreed on, and in April of 1940, less than four months after the fire, the new Mount Washington II started to become a reality. In five more month's time a hired crew from Boston General Ship & Engine Works dismantled the Chateaugay hull, cut it into twenty sections and shipped it by flatbed railroad car from Shelburne, Vermont to Lakeport, New Hampshire. They reassembled the pieces, constructed a new steel super structure and outfitted the ship with two 750 hp, steam engines, boilers included. The new vessel grew in the welding method of construction and was launched August 15, 1940 with a length of 205 feet, a beam of 32 feet and a draft of 7 feet. Christened the S.S. Mount Washington II, the new ship would sail through some rough financial waters in the beginning, as the final bill for performing the phenomenal feat would exceed $125,000. Within a year, to clear the indebtedness, the ownership was passed to Carl Hedblom of Boston General Ship & Engine Works. The Hedblom family owned and operated the company for the next thirty years, and it was during this time that the company grew in size with the addition of two smaller vessels, the M/V Sophie C.. and M/V Doris E. Owning a ship building company in South Boston, the Hedbloms' resources were a major factor in the development of the Mount Washington II through these early years. The S.S. Mount Washington II has undergone many physical changes over the past 57 years. The two most significant changes were the addition of twin diesel engines in 1946 and the addition of 25 feet to her length in 1982. By adding the diesel engines, the ship was rechristened with the prefix M/V which stands for motor vessel as opposed to S .S. for steamship. After a lengthening the ship 25 feet, she was given the title of M.S. (motor ship) Mount Washington. The future looks bright for Mount Washington Cruises. Times have changed and so has the "Mount". What used to be basically a summer attraction now operates May through October, offering Daytime Scenic, Evening Dinner/Dance and Special Theme cruises. In 1987 a new home port facility was built at Weirs Beach. This new building included an onshore kitchen, expanded gift shop and modern offices. For the past ten years the " Mount " has been owned and operated by local individuals. With a capacity of 1250 passengers, the Mount is a popular venue for school proms, college gatherings, and large corporate celebrations, not to mention all the tourists visiting New Hampshire. The Mount is a true fixture in the Lakes Region making the choice of where to get married an easy one. We estimate that over 700 happy couples have tied the knot on the Mount and many return to share the memories. 19 M/V. Mount Washington Formerly Chateaugay S.S. Mount Washington 1872 - 1939 1888 - Present 20 TRANSFER YOUR MOVIE COLLECTION TO DVD L E T U S C O N V E RT Y O U R H O M E M OV I E S , V I D E O S OR AU D I O R E C O R D I N G S TO DVD OR CD LOOSER THAN LOOSE HOME VIDEO SERVICES 16mm to DVD Transferred using an Elmo Telecine 8mm and Super-8mm to DVD Transferred using Goko Telecine Players Video to DVD Conversions between all of the following: NTSC - PAL - PAL-M - PAL-N - SEACAM Audio to CD Starting at $10 per 1 hour tape Looser Than Loose can offer you the same level of quality for home movie and video transfer as we achieve in our commercial DVD products. Preserve your valued movies and add them to your digital collection for a reasonable cost. Starting at just 15 cents per foot for 8mm, Super-8mm and 16mm film conversions and $15 per two-hour video tape, your media will be preserved in digital form with easily accessed menus. For an additional cost we can add soundtracks to silent materials, offer restoration services like image stabilization or color correction, and make multiple copies of the finished discs. Your home movies or videos will be in safe hands with us and the DVD transfers will be returned in standard armory cases along with your original materials. Additionally, if you have silent or early sound films that you would like us to transfer to digital media, please ask us for a quotation. Looser Than Loose Publishing 188 Seames Drive, Manchester, NH 03103 http://www.looserthanloose.com Looser Than Loose works only with material in the public domain. We are unable to duplicate copyright materials. Quotations: [email protected] Good Lord, It’s Uncanny! How Could The Possibly Have Known Looser Than Loose of the Air is the internet noiseletter of Looser Than Loose Vintage Entertainment http://www.looserthanloose.com 21 from the collection of Will Todd
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