I don't own anything.
Part 1 Mr. Laurel's stroke and Ollie's weight loss
The year 1955, the place Malibu. Home of Stan Laurel.
He will soon be a shadow of his former self, a recluse in hiding.
Because in 1955, Stan Laurel will suffer a stroke, that will leave him with a limp.
His slightly slurred speech will be cured with therapy, his voice a bit lower than it once was.
His wife Ida found him in bed, unconscious. She called the ambulence.
She sent word to Babe Hardy, who was living in Los Angeles at the time.
But Ollie Hardy was dealing with health problems of his own. He had suffered a heart attack.
Both actors were hospitalized for a few weeks.
Ollie was released first, then Stan to his home.
Stan was released in a wheel chair, the stroke had compromised his left side.
Throughts kept running through his mind.
'We were planning on reviving the name of Laurel and Hardy with a television series by Hal Roach Jr. This will certainly hinder things while I am on the mend. That is why I need to get stronger quickly, so we are able to do Laurel and Hardy's Fables.'
Ollie Hardy was at home with his wife Lucille, when he got word that Stan had suffered a stroke.
They went to Malibu to visit him. They knocked on the door and Ida answered and led them into the living room.
Stan was sitting in his wheel chair, he turned to them but did not speak. He was afraid to speak with his slurred speech.
Ollie looked at him and said "Well, heres another nice mess you've gotten into."
He walked over to Stan and kissed him on the forehead.
Stan looked at his best friend, tears began to well up in his eyes.
Ollie pulled up a chair and sat beside his best friend.
Stan immediately felt warmth encircle his hand, as his best pal held his hand gently.
Stan smiled. Ollie smiled. All was right in the world again.
Over the next few weeks, Ollie and Lucille stayed in the Laurel's guest bedroom.
Ollie wanted to make sure Stan was feeling better before he left.
Stan had attempted to stand a few times.
His partner noticed this and every time Stan stood up, Ollie was right beside him assisting him.
Stan was touched that his partner cared so much for him.
Slowly, Stan gained his strength back, though he still had a limp.
Each day, he and Ollie would have conversations. Though embarrased about his slurred speech, Stan knew that practicing would help.
Ollie never gave any indication that Stan was difficult to understand, they were partners, they knew what the other was thinking even without saying it.
Ida and Lucille marveled at the boys closeness.
Bathtime proved to be difficult. Ida had to assist Stan in his bathing duties, the stroke had left it difficult for Stan to lift his arms high. Ida had to wash his hair for him.
Breakfast was eggs and toast, Stan's favorite meal. Ida assisted him with his meals.
For the first few weeks, he had to have 24 hour assistance.
Over the next two years, Stan had recovered nicely.
He only had a limp on his left side and minimal use of his left arm.
Meanwhile Ollie went on a crash diet of beets and lost 150lbs.
He was hardly recognizable. Except to his partner.
Stan's daughter Lois invited them to her house in Tarzana.
Stan and Ida decided to travel there, where they met Ollie and Lucille.
There they met a neighborhood teenager by the name of Andy Wade.
Andy wanted to make a home movie of Stan and Ollie.
The boys agreed. Though Stan was still hesitant on account of the effects of his stroke.
Ollie assured him that it would be alright.
(Laurel Hardy 1956) video on youtube
The boys played it up for the camera.
Smiles and laughter ensued, this would be the last time they were ever on video together.