This book chronicles the final years of Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy.

After having to end their last British tour ahead of schedule, the Boys return to the United States in June of 1954. A planned television comeback never happens due to both men’s failing health. Although Stan is the first to suffer a stroke, it is “Babe” Hardy who departs first, after a long and debilitating illness, in August of 1957.

Devastated by the loss of his dear friend and comedy partner of 30 years, Stan never performs again. Instead, he moves into a brand-new Santa Monica apartment building facing the Pacific Ocean, where he spends the rest of his days writing letters and entertaining the occasional visitor while observing a new generation discover Laurel & Hardy on TV, wondering whatever became of “Stan & Ollie”.

This impressive tome with many hundreds of pages is the result of years of in-depth research by three dedicated authors who are lifelong fans and have combined their knowledge, insights, and extensive collections to compile an extraordinary resource that takes the reader back in time to the 1950s and beyond. They have faithfully reconstructed the daily lives of both men through news articles, correspondence, private documents, and personal objects that once belonged to these comedy giants.

In addition, the authors have gathered a wealth of rare and remarkable photographs, some of which have never before been seen or published.

On top of that, the accompanying DVDs offer rare bonus audio and footage, including home movies and several candid conversations with Stan and his widow, Ida, which are presented here for the very first time.

Stan Laurel & Oliver Hardy – After the Laughter offers exceptional detail and sets the record straight on various matters. It is the definitive account of the last chapter in the lives of those two brilliant comedians and beloved human beings, who brought laughter to millions of people worldwide and whose film legacy continues to entertain and inspire audiences to this day.