There is limited space available for the following Laurel and Hardywood events for locals unable to attend the entire 19th International Sons of the Desert Convention. These events are open to anyone wishing to take advantage of this unique opportunity. All trip departures will leave on time from the Loews Hollywood Hotel at Hollywood and Highland. If you purchase a single-event ticket, be sure to arrive early so you don’t miss the scheduled tour. Parking is available in the parking structure of the Hollywood and Highland Complex. Allow plenty of time to get parked and to the lobby of the hotel.
Click here for a Single Day Registration form
Monday, June 30 Habeas Corpus Tour — $65
Coach buses will depart at 9 a.m. sharp and return approximately at 4 p.m. The price includes a walking tour of the Hollywood Forever Cemetery where Laurel and Hardy costars Walter Long, Charles Middleton, Carl “Alfalfa” Switzer and Darla Hood will be among the graves visited. Douglas Fairbanks, Rudolph Valentino and Tyrone Power will be some of the other final resting places seen on this tour. Lunch is on your own at the world-famous Farmers Market.
Tuesday, July 1 Wild Goose Tour and Lunch on the Queen Mary — $149
Sons will take a two-hour tour on John Wayne’s famous boat, The Wild Goose. The group then will transfer to Long Beach for a buffet lunch on board the HMS Queen Mary, the ship Laurel and Hardy used in their travels to the UK. There will be free time to explore this famous ship after lunch and before returning to Hollywood. This tour runs from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, July 2
In the evening, there will be film screenings with celebrity guests at the Egyptian Theatre, which is within walking distance of the hotel. You may purchase your admission ticket for this event at the theatre box office.
Thursday, July 3 — Grand Banquet at the Hollywood Museum — $125
Thursday evening is the costume-optional grand banquet across from the hotel at the former Max Factor Building, now the Hollywood Museum. You will have time to explore three floors of movie memorabilia as well as the 100 Years of Hal Roach Studios exhibit. You won’t want to miss seeing these rare, never-before-displayed items from the studios’ history. A delicious buffet will be catered by Someone’s in the Kitchen, which will include a Laurel and Hardy-themed meal.
Friday, The Fourth of July — $50
Starting at noon, you can get a day pass for the panel discussions, films, performances and the dealers’ room, all scheduled at the convention hotel that day. Later in the evening will be the largest gathering of Our Gang actors since Hollywood ’80. (Details of the day’s activities soon will be posted on the Laurel and Hardywood website, www.laurelandhardywood.com).
Saturday, July 5 Pottsville Banquet — $50
The Saturday evening banquet will be served at Heritage Square, site of the relocated Palms Station that appeared as “Pottsville” in the film Berth Marks. A catered tamale dinner from Mom’s Tamales, featured on the TV show Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, is included. (Catering subject to change). A screening of both Berth Marks and Our Gang’s Pigskin Palooka will be shown. Attendees also will enjoy the US premiere of the Lucky Dog Theatre’s production of “Hats Off to Laurel and Hardy,” a loving tribute to Stan and Ollie starring Philip Hutchinson and Tony Carpenter.
Sunday, July 6 Farewell Brunch — $65
The traditional passing of the pineapple, award presentations and fond farewells to Sons from all over the world will be highlights of this buffet brunch at the hotel.
A final Hal Roach Studios-themed film program will be featured at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood. You may purchase your admission ticket for this event at the theatre box office.