#fred karno

Funny Valentines: Silent comedy at Slapstick 2023

This February, comedy fans will head west to Bristol, Unesco City of Film for the annual Slapstick Festival. As usual, there is plenty for fans of silent cinema in the programme, with stars from Charley Bowers to Harold Lloyd, Charlie Chaplin to Marlene Dietrich. Presenters include Kevin Brownlow, Steve Massa and Polly Rose, as well as the marvellous Ayşe Behçet, whose Charlie’s London posts you…

“Chaplin” 1992  Richard Attenborough (director)

Scene shows Charlie Chaplin arriving back home in England in 1921 and being told of the death of first love Hetty Kelly 3 years prior.

Fred Karno: Trying to impress that dancer Hetty -wasn’t that her name?

Charlie: Hetty Kelly

Fred Karno: I could see that you fancied her. Sad.

Charlie: I know all about it. She got married. She sent me a lovely note. I’ve got it with me somewhere.

Item seen at RR Auction site: rare "Stan Jefferson" autographed postcard:

#702 - Stan Laurel item

The 23-year-old troupe actor, "Stan Jefferson" Extremely rare and early vintage matte-finish 3.5 x 5.5 postcard photo of Stan Laurel in a mirthful full-length pose, signed in fountain pen, "'I want a girl, just like the girl—oh you 'Old Vic,' Faithfully yours, Stan Jefferson, U.S.A. 1913," with Laurel adding a signature and inscription on the reverse, "To Ted & Gert with all good wishes, yours as ever, Stan."

In very good to fine condition, with light soiling and a few small creases. A tremendously early, twice-signed photo of the comedic pioneer as an emerging solo talent—around this time period, Laurel, performing under the name "Stan Jefferson," was working alongside a young Charlie Chaplin in a troupe run by English theatre impresario and slapstick trailblazer Fred Karno. A rare portrait coupled with an even more elusive pre-Hardy signature.

This item is Pre-Certified! Purchase a third-party full letter of authenticity for $75. No extra postage and no long delays! ============================================================= The site does not mention it, but I believe the postcard was for Stan's brother Ted Jefferson!