Browse: Home > > The Hal Roach Studio

The Hal Roach Studio

June 07, 1998

The Hal Roach Studio

Hal Who? You are probably asking yourself who is this guy, and where and what are his studios? Actually, his studios are no more, and you may not recognize his name, but you will surely recognize his product.

The Hal Roach Studios were for over 30 years known as the Lot of Fun. They were located on Washington Boulevard in Culver City, California, just down the street from another movie studio run by Louis B. Mayer called MGM. Mr. Roach's studio was noted for the comic short films that he produced, both during the silent film era, and during the talkies. Some of his stars were, and still are, household names. They include Laurel and Hardy, Our Gang, Charlie Chase, Thelma Todd, Patsy Kelly, the list goes on.

Everyone associated with the studio has nothing but good to say about Mr. Roach. He lived to be over 100 years old, and will be remembered as one of the great pioneers of the movie industry. This site shows a little of what it was like to be at the Lot of Fun.

http://www.exit109.com/%7Esmazoki/original/hrstudi.html

This article is a little old. If the URL above does not work, you might want
to try the WayBack Machine to see an archive of it.

Digg It! It's Del.icio.us! Furl It!

Written by mayor at June 7, 1998 12:00 PM

Comments on “The Hal Roach Studio”

So far, there are 8 comments on this entery. Why not add yours!

  1. Jacque Dasno on February 19, 2004 02:15 PM

    I have a question. Hopefully someone there can answer it. I found a pin in my brothers stuff after he died that is brass 1 1/2" wide circle. It says on the front Hall Roach Studios Inc. #864. What is it? What was it for? Thank you in advance for your help. Jacque Dasno

  2. Beau on April 6, 2005 11:42 PM

    Hello there,

    I was doing a little internet search and came accross your Hal Roach page. In case you didn't know, there is a new book out on the topic.

    The History of Hal Roach Studios by Dr. Richard Ward. It's publisher is Southern Illinois University Press (http://www.siu.edu/~siupress/titles/s05_titles/ward_history.html) and is available through amazon.com.

    SIU Press requires that potential reviewers contact them directly. The marketing guy is Larry Townsend, and he can be reached at townsend@siu.edu.

    Regardless, I thought you might find it interesting.

    ---Beau

  3. Gary Graziano on September 12, 2006 06:55 PM

    Jacque, my guess would be an employee id badge probably dating back to the 1940's and '50's. You are welcome to contact me.

  4. Tommy on October 15, 2006 02:02 PM

    gary,

    it is a an employee badge. email me if you care to know more about them.

    tommy

  5. theresa on February 5, 2007 05:53 PM

    I also had a badge with Hal Roach Studios.inc and the number on it is #134 How would I find out who's badge it was?? Appreciate any response if you. Please email with title something reguarding HAL ROACH thanks!

    Theresa

  6. Richard Sloan on March 11, 2007 09:31 PM

    I would like to look at the old aerial photos of the Roach studio and be able to point to the bldg. where L&H filmed their shorts; where the Rascals filmed theirs, where Gale Storm's shows, Amos n Andy, and Abbott & Costello were filmed. Also, where the Rascals' clases were held and where the studio cafeteria was located. Where was Roach's office in those long bldgs. in front? Do you know where I can easily obtain photos of the grounds, esp. Lake Laurel & Hardy? Finally, where can I find the film that was made just before the studio was sold and dismantled, in which Roach gave a guided tour?!

  7. Richard Sloan on March 12, 2007 08:04 PM

    I would like to look at the old aerial photos of the Roach studio and be able to point to the bldg. where L&H filmed their shorts; where the Rascals filmed theirs, where Gale Storm's shows, Amos n Andy, and Abbott & Costello were filmed. Also, where the Rascals' clases were held and where the studio cafeteria was located. Where was Roach's office in those long bldgs. in front? Do you know where I can easily obtain photos of the grounds, esp. Lake Laurel & Hardy? Finally, where can I find the film that was made just before the studio was sold and dismantled, in which Roach gave a guided tour?!

  8. Richard Sloan on October 29, 2007 07:10 PM

    I would like to post my email address so that if anyone reads my letter they can easily contact me.
    It's emma1231@optonline.net.
    Thanks.
    Richard Sloan


Post a comment


Verification (needed to reduce spam):