Block-Heads Oasis #3

11/22/2025

A message from my old pal Randy Skretvedt, Laurel & Hardy historian and author extraordinaire...
The holidays will soon be here, a perfect time to revisit Laurel and Hardy's timeless classic "March of the Wooden Soldiers," originally released as "Babes in Toyland." Your humble correspondent was blessed to become friends with and interview several folks who worked on the film, which has an amazing story. In my book, you'll learn about the original 1903 stage production and why it can never be reproduced; the planned 1930 film which was never made; how Walt Disney helped Hal Roach get the rights in 1933; how Stan Laurel held up production, intentionally and unintentionally; why the HAL ROACH Studios were in financial peril; and how the film became a favorite on TV for decades despite the Victor Herbert family's opinion of it. FIlled with rare photographs and exclusive interviews, the book is a treasure for all who love this classic film. It's available worldwide on Amazon. The US link is here: https://tinyurl.com/MOTWSUS

10/31/2025

10/03/2025

Birthday boy Leroy Shield's music is not only heard on all those great Hal Roach comedies, but is also on Band Organ music rolls! Here's a favorite tune of his, "Bells," played on Cafesjian's Carousel's wonderful Wurlitzer 153 Band Organ in Saint Paul's Como Park.

10/03/2025

Today is the anniversary of Minnesota native Leroy Shield's birth in Waseca, MN, October 2, 1893. He wrote many of the lilting tunes heard on the Laurel & Hardy films of the early sound era. The Our Gang Theme Song, titled "Good Old Days," was Leroy's composition. His music was on innumerable films of the gang, Charley Chase, Thelma Todd & ZaSu Pitts/Patsy Kelly, the Taxi Boys, the Boy Friends, and more! The editors' constant reuse of his wonderful music helped make those comedies great! I always have said that Leroy Shield is as famous for his music as are the composers of the scores for GONE WITH THE WIND, KING KONG, and THE WIZARD OF OZ! We recognize and love the music, but few people know the composers who wrote it! Pictured with me at the first Leroy Shield Festival in Waseca in 2007 are its organizers, Mary & Jack Williams.

07/16/2025

Memories from the 6th International Convention of the Sons of the Desert, held in Saint Paul, Minnesota, 37 years ago this week, July 14-17, 1988

07/15/2025

Thirty-seven years ago tonight, the Sons of the Desert's 6th International Convention was underway in downtown Saint Paul on the mighty Mississippi River, with 400 delegates split between two paddle wheelers, redubbed "The Prickly Heat" and "The Periwinkle." Everyone on board had a chance to play "Home Sweet Home" on a trombone and received a "Certificate of Musical Deficiency" as a souvenir for trying! Pictured with convention chairman Tracy Tolzmann is one of the celebrity guests, Our Gang's Dorothy "Echo" DeBorba, who really "blew it!" Dixieland bands on both boats provided better music for the enjoyment of everyone! It was a great kick-off to a magical weekend!

07/04/2025

Have a Happy & Safe Independence Day!

06/16/2025

Happy Heavenly Birthday to Arthur Stanley Jefferson, best known as Stan Laurel, born on this day 135 years ago -- June 16, 1890.

05/01/2025

Cafesjian's Carousel opens in Como Park on May 1st, 11 to 4 daily, Thursday thru Monday (closed Tuesday & Wednesday). Stop by and you may hear some familiar music on the Wurlitzer 153 band organ -- Minnesota's own Leroy Shield's music from Laurel & Hardy and Our Gang films! For carousel information, go to ourfaircarousel.org -- Here's a sample of Leroy's music...

01/14/2025

Happy Heavenly Birthday to "The Boss," HAL ROACH, without whom there would be no Laurel & Hardy as we know them! Born on January 14, 1892, he passed away on November 2, 1992, at age 100. Merrie and I had the privilege of meeting him in July of 1992 in Las Vegas thanks to Saint Paul native, former Block-Heads Grand Sheik, and THE authority on all things Hal Roach, L&H, and Our Gang, Dick Bann.