Local Stories
Dorset-based GP Steve Morris wrote to say his grandfather was a GP in Devonport and proudly displayed this signed picture of Laurel and Hardy in his consulting room:
It reads ‘To Dr Morris. In appreciation of your patience, with your patient. Best always Oliver Hardy 1954.’
In addition Steve states:
‘The rather sad story behind it is that he had chest pains on that first Monday performance, went to my Grandfather the next day who diagnosed heart attack/angina and told him he had to rest (and not appear at the palace for the following nights) effectively ending their live career.
For the record, he was James Nixon Morris (known as Nixon) and he practiced at his home in 1 Tamar Terrace just opposite the entrance to Devonport Park, not far from the Palace at Union St and the hotel.’
(Tamar Terrace was renamed Exmouth Road in 1960/61)
In addition Steve states:
‘The rather sad story behind it is that he had chest pains on that first Monday performance, went to my Grandfather the next day who diagnosed heart attack/angina and told him he had to rest (and not appear at the palace for the following nights) effectively ending their live career.
For the record, he was James Nixon Morris (known as Nixon) and he practiced at his home in 1 Tamar Terrace just opposite the entrance to Devonport Park, not far from the Palace at Union St and the hotel.’
(Tamar Terrace was renamed Exmouth Road in 1960/61)
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If you have any connection to Laurel & Hardy’s time in Plymouth and would like to be added, please get in touch!