Bob Hope and WWII: We Are Now in This War (Part 1 of 6)

A legendary movie star and comedian, Bob Hope was beloved by generations of service members for his work entertaining the troops. Explore his unique role during World War II with a moving video series made from archival footage. Our first clip highlights America's march to war after Pearl Harbor, the beginnings of the USO, and Hope's new troupe of entertainers who brought a reminder of home as well as a bit of laughter to the battlefield.
On view at New-York Historical Society, organized by The National WWII Museum in New Orleans, and supported by the Bob & Dolores Hope Foundation, So Ready for Laughter: Bob Hope and World War II highlights the legendary performer and his unique role during World War II entertaining troops overseas. Coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Service Organizations (USO), the exhibition features artifacts, films, and rare photographs to illustrate how Hope helped lift spirits both abroad and on the home front with his USO and radio shows during a dark time in American history. So Ready for Laughter explores Hope’s major USO tours and travels during World War II through some 50 artifacts, including rare and unpublished photographs of Hope; a World War II-era aircraft fragment, mess kit, and other relics engraved to Hope; videos of his traveling, wartime troupe; and Hollywood Victory Caravan programs and scrapbooks.
Learn more:
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[@kingcobra7183]

I love the end with the singing of Ave Maria

[@kingofenglandthethir]

I keep seeing Bob Hope in battlefield films of ww2. Arnhem and the crossing of the Rhine. It’s always the same piece of film footage. He appears to be waving forward troops with that chewing gum smile. I know he was never a fighting soldier and I assume that he has been edited in. Has anybody else seen this charming and very funny man?

[@denisewood1528]

My Dad Raymond F Spitzer of Jamestown NY was discharged the day before this attack took place. Good thing, otherwise I wouldn't be here. He would have been 100 in Feb. A co workers Grandfather was a diver that had to retrieve the bodies from the water after the attack. I believe that the President knew about the attack and did nothing about it.

[@kllewis67]

Do your homework.