This is Bob Hope... | Full Documentary | American Masters | PBS

[@cleoxo2566]

I remember very well how much we loved to watch Bob Hope entertaining the troops when we could watch on TV. My father, a WWII vet, loved Bob Hope, and considered him to be a hero. I still think that he was the best MC the Academy Awards has ever had.

[@mikeysuzefour]

His USO shows were the greatest entertainment stage skits that kept men & women armed forces persons very happy!

[@sulynn72]

My parents loved him. I was born in 59 and didn't care for his humor it seemed dated

[@pianoplayrpiano99]

My father was a navigator in the Air Force during and after WWII. In the late 1950's his crew flew Bob Hope and his entourage in post war Europe. We received Christmas cards from Bob for many years, just because my father flew him a couple of times. What a kind and thoughtful man he was.

[@michaeljudge2170]

I always loved watching his specials growing up. "Thanks for the memories"

[@JMack42]

If only my Pop was still w/us ... I would have loved to gift this to him and he would have loved it. Oh, this was magnificent ... what a wonderful piece of work! Thank you so much.

[@j-bus4262]

I'm 36. It started about 6 years ago when I learned that Groucho Marx was the man behind an elephant in pajamas. I discovered a world of classic comedy! The Marx Brothers turned to Jack Benny, which evolved to Burns and Allen and Fred Allen. Onto Milton Berle and Bob Hope and many others. I had heard of many of these people but never knew anything about them. I've always enjoyed history, but these comedians were captured in film and I could still see and hear them nearly 100 years later. I try to tell anyone that'll listen about these great comedians and sometimes i manage to hook someone and they dive deep into this amazing history.

[@zenpanda25]

I'm 62 - but when I was a kid I got turned on to Laurel & Hardy, then W.C. Fields - and then became completely obsessed with the Marx Brothers, devouring every book I could find - then got into the silent era Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin. kids today don't have many opportunities to stumble on this stuff. I feel very lucky.

[@kierstenridgway4634]

You'll be the reason this lives on. ❤️✌️

[@sulynn72]

Now that I've seen these clips of movies, I'm intrigued in his old movies.

[@veemcee]

In the 70s, my folks worked for the military as civilians in Guam, so I was fortunate enough to attend one of Bob Hope's shows on base--Andersen Air Force Base. We always looked forward to watching his Christmas shows on tv as well as seeing his movies, especially the "Road" ones. Thanks for the memories!

[@danam0228]

👍😊

[@DeborahKeagy]

Way cool!

[@baylorsailor]

I was in Guam for 2 hours during a layover from Korea, and I have to say I'm so glad my dad was never stationed there. The humidity was so thick you could literally cut it with a knife! The heat and breathing was just awful 😂

[@veemcee]

@@baylorsailor I don't miss the humidity and typhoons

[@GerardiDemelio]

I'm 65, retired US Military, and whenever I hear or see Bob Hope, I think of American Patriotism Bob Hope represented an era when American Troops were appreciated and respected for the sacrifices they made. Bob Hope wasn't just a comedian, hollywood celebrity star, Bob Hope was the US Soldier, Sailor, Marine, Airmen's Ambassador, who cared about us, looked out for us, spoke for us when no one cared about and or remembered us. I watched this docu-video of Mr Bob Hope for remembering some great laughs and entertainment enjoyment, but I cried for all the American Souls who were wounded and gave their ultimate sacrifice God Bless you Mr Bob Hope - Thank You for all you did for us ! America was blessed to have you with her at her side !

[@sulynn72]

We didn't have too many wars after Vietnam until 1990 when we went to Saudi and of course, everyone knows about the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. I never understood the reason why people hated the soldiers coming back from Vietnam. But it's like everything, uneducated people with not a lick of common sense have the loudest voices. If you didn't like the war, take it up with your senators and house. The soldiers are legally bound to have to follow orders. This was right after the McCarthy era, when everyone was scared to death of communisn. Most people voting believed what the government told them. But suddenly you've got these wild teenagers saying look beyond the garbage they're feeding you.

[@John-jl9de]

We loved Bob Hope in our family and still do. He was a class act and fun to watch with his great sense of humor.

[@MrDuds1984]

Growing up in the 70’s and 80’s it really didn’t feel like Christmas until the Hope Christmas special was on NBC with Brooke Shield and the annual release of the AP college football team players. When it was on you knew it was the holidays and you didn’t care if the skits were corny because we knew he was a legend.

[@vicmartinoofficial331]

This was an excellent documentary about one of the greatest entertainers of the 20th Century of all time. Bob Hope was one of the best one of my all time favorite performer. Unfortunately there probably will never be another comedian like him but fortunately we had him for as long as we did. Thanks for the memories Robert. Thank you so much. Glad that Bob Hope left behind a large body of work for us to enjoy for hopefully a very long time to come.

[@BravoTangoAviation]

I was lucky enough to get to see Bob at a his last USO show in Dec. '90. I was a young flying 2nd Lt who was seeing combat for the first time. He made us laugh at a time we were scared. . Bob didn't stay past his prime. I was a fan all my life and now that I am 58 I am still a fan. I have his autographed photo and the photo of us together hanging behind me at my office under my diplomas next to my awards. That's how much I cherish it.

[@DanielCarrillo-qh9li]

Thank you PBS for an exceptional and honest Bio-Doc on one of the greatest entertainers in history.

[@sandraevans4082]

this reminds me of my dad, we were Bob Hope fans, im 70 and miss the old TV shows and comedy. I said something to my daughter a few years ago about Bob Hope, she responded Who? i was floored, how can you live in Americaa and not know these guys, Hope, Benny, Burns, Gleason, Marx, our history in entertainment.

[@MegaDeansy]

The finest and most entertaining 1hr 53m and 12 secs I've watched on YT for some time - thanks for those memories !

[@godcandy108]

True. I was in tears at the end!

[@timbarnett3898]

I was honored to meet Bob Hope at Portland airport when i was taking my friend to guard the unknown soldier in dc. Bob Hope saw his uniform an called us over too visit. I was wiping spit off his uniform!

[@gterrymed]

@12:19 MASTER OF CEREMONIES ❤️ thhhaatttt's what Bob Hope is. This documentary is EXCELLENT

[@PreflashGordon]

I used to live in Hollywood many years ago and while I was there I got to know quite a few people who were in and/or around show business. One of them was a youngish guy who told me that he was Bob Hope's driver for the last 4 years of Hope's life. Hope was quite old then, couldn't see very well, couldn't hear very well ... but he was still possessed of a kind of restless energy. So my aquaintaince told me that each day he'd drive up to Hope's house (in Van Nuys? or thereabouts) in a passenger van with large, tinted windows. Hope, in a wheelchair by this time, would be placed in the back and strapped in ... and then off they'd go. And they would just wander. He said they never really had a destination; Hope just liked being on the move, looking out the window, seeing the houses and business, the cars whooshing by, the beaches, the people. They'd occasionally go by one of the old studios, but they wouldn't go in, just slow down near the gates, have a look-see, then roll on. This continued right up until Hope finally got too sick, right near the end. I think of this often, and it makes me smile. Now that I'm 65 myself I'm starting to get a taste of what getting older is like. Your body slows down, but your spirit really doesn't. Down inside you still think you're 30, and all the creaks and groans of your aging bones don't make sense. I smile fondly, thinking of my old buddy driving Bob Hope around in those last years. He was around 90 by that time. But still 30 too. Still wanting to see the sights, mingle with folks, feel part of the world. I'm glad he had this simple pleasure towards the end. A very sweet, graceful way to wind down what had been a pretty astonishing life. Like everyone else I'll say it too: thanks for the memories, Bob. You were wonderful.

[@TVC15ohoh]

The neighborhood Bob lived in was Toluca Lake. 10346 Moorpark Street. I used to drive by it often when I lived in Burbank about 10 years ago. I loved your comment, and I too am 65 but still feeling like I'm 30 (and 25 and 21 and 17... lol). The secret to keeping the body from getting creaky is to get enough sleep, eat healthfully, and exercise. Oh, and maintain an open, curious mind, forever exploring new things and information, being creative, always seeking to improve as a person, and maintaining a positive - but realistic - can-do attitude.

[@DoubleMrE]

I’ve always thought it’s ironic that one of the most quintessentially American entertainers around was born in England. -Love that Bob! ❤️👌

[@nitaweitzel822]

Wow how things change, In the spirit of the season, im thankful for streaming, I can pause this special run to wherever and not miss a minute

[@nataliep.9047]

My older brother was in Viet Nam. He was climbing down out of his turn in a machine gun nest when a jeep pulled up and screeched to a halt. One on the guys yelled, "Hey Ed! If you climb aboard now, you'll be just in time to catch the Bob Hope Show!" He climbed aboard the jeep, and went and saw the show. I asked him how the men liked it. He said, "Oh, man. You can't understand how appreciated Bob Hope was unless you were in that swamp and had those people come through and put on this great show in a place like that!" He said Jerry Colona and Joey Heatherton were on that show. Heatherton I'm sure was the big draw!

[@mikeysuzefour]

My most pleasant memory was meeting Bob Hope @ a pro-am golf tournament w/my brother from another mother Larry several years ago back in Scottsdale, AZ.--He was one of the most beloved and polite gentleman we ever met and I even made him laugh! 😂 😂 ♥ ♥ ⛳ ⛳

[@maryt9631]

Thanks so much for this , it brings back so many memories. He was so talented and brought joy to many people

[@derwolfpack3599]

All Vets will always love Bob hope. Thanks Bob. You gave hope in bad situations and remind us what we are fighting for.

[@simonrae3048]

Bob Hope was just amazing

[@judithlungen6958]

I just loved this !! Wish there was a follow up after Bob’s passing! A legend a huge entertainer beautifully written and directed ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ thanks for the memories ❤❤❤❤❤

[@Archie460]

Absolutely wonderful 😊 Bob Hope is still as funny as ever 😅 thanks for the memories Bob 🌟

[@raechelcleberg8854]

I grew up on his movies. The ones with Bing Crosby were hysterical. Miss that kind of movie.

[@RaymondCore-ts5jl]

He is such a great example of the kind of people America can produce. A role model for all great attribues all his life.

[@andymassingham]

In it’s original (and subsequent expanded-verses recording) “Thanks For The Memories” is absolutely heartbreaking. It wasn’t until I lived a similar scenario that I heard it in that form, and I can’t get through it without breaking down. It doesn’t get easier.

[@skyeslaton3435]

One of the greatest entertainers the world has ever known

[@LAFan]

As an 1980s kid, I grew up on Bob Hope comedy specials on NBC. Great television. Miss you, Bob. Thanks for the memories.

[@bonniebrown6960]

Bob Hope was so funny and a wonderful entertainer and he did it with class. I was just a little girl growing up in the 70's, but I remember watching his acts and movies and TV shows. I miss those days. Now we don't see nothing, but fussing, fighting, and evil most of the time. I sure am tired of it. Our country is divided and it shouldn't be. I hope someday we can get back to that way of life again. Bob Hope will always be loved and missed. ❤ Thank you for sharing this documentary with us.

[@frankfrumento2970]

Now everything is Dirt we are living in a world 🌎 in Disarray

[@sheilabatey492]

I am British and when I was a girl I absolutely loved when Bob Hope came onto the television, we all sat around that little black and white set in the corner waiting for his great smile to make us smile. Thank you Bob. ❤❤❤

[@bonniebrown6960]

Exactly, we did too when I was growing up. ❤😊

[@carolynkingsley4421]

Great show. I always loved Bob Hope.

[@phillymathguy8142]

And not a single swear word in his jokes. Real comedy.

[@richardditchburn3853]

Today, most of the current crop of comedians think that their shows must be laced with crude jokes. To bad.

[@sharonpollock9543]

Meh, so? swear words or the lack of don’t determine what’s amusing to me at all.

[@diannemose244]

I met Delores Hope in the mid 1980s in Palm Springs and what a delightful graceful and beautiful woman

[@maureencora1]

The G*O*A*T of Comedy. All-American USO Heaven is for Heroes. May He R.I.P.

[@LAFan]

The Road Pictures with Bob Hope and Bing Crosby were so funny. Loved watching them on KTLA.

[@douggalliart3023]

I happen to be in Norman Oklahoma for the Olympic festival and Bob Hope and Ronald Reagan were there that night. I was shocked and surprised to be in there crowd . Thank you Mr Hope and President Reagan for giving time for us.

[@unaeruditi]

Never. served, never met him, never part of that generation, watched him on TV when I was a kid never mature enough to understand his jokes at that time...I'll never forget to remember him...

[@dolldoll2914]

👩🏻‍💻🇺🇲 How many verses have been written for "Thanks For the Memories," 100's of 1000's? They are still writing verses to this day. And how long has Bob Hope been gone?😅😅😅😊

[@barbaradragoo3091]

He was a great one!!

[@DJWOLFLIVE]

Almost 25 years

[@deetrvl4life875]

In my opinion he was steadfast, an idealist, and consistent in his belief in himself and in America and most of all, Americans. Always thinking of others and how he could make them feel better with laughter.

[@larryprice5658]

Thanks for the memories!

[@richardterhune3450]

Robin Williams is another genius, he's right up there with Bob Hope. They're two of the best.

[@Lucinda-zr9su]

I saw his movie " Casanova 's big night" gor the 1st time a few yrs ago. Sooo funny. Groucho's comedy is still funny even in this day and age.

[@magellaniclight9098]

Simply put, Bob was before his time. Comedic Genius 💯🤣🤣😄

[@cherylrosalis1948]

He was a comedic treasure.

[@DeSeanPower2025]

Great Documentary

[@scsu5085]

- - - - - This guy gave himself for the cause of those in uniform, and I couldn't believe the criticism that he got simply for being old, because he wasn't on par with potty-mouth comedians of the late 1970s. That's like criticizing the Mona Lisa because the canvas is old. And let's be honest, we would not have respected Bob if he kept changing with the times or tried to suddenly do a 4-letter word monologue like Eddie Murphie. I'd say Bob was similar to Billy Graham over the years, very consistent & genuine all the way thru. Always faithful.

[@DaveMetzel90-n8g]

WW 2 was evil, so many teenagers left and never came back. It was ugly for all the US armed forces to have to suffer in the war. For the ones from every war had to live with the devastating memories. Vietnam was also a terrible war. It waa neat that Bob and his connections went to entertain the troops. Bob Hope came at a time in life and was fortunate enough to make a living doing what he seemed to enjoy. His private life like everyone else's isn't perfect. He played the game his way.

[@pexxos1]

I'm so glad they were able to get Tom Selleck to comment on Hope's life...what a coup.

[@tomdalton4293]

I didn't care for the part where he implied he was a Vietnam Veteran himself

[@maj6190]

I was privileged to see his stage show in the 70s.

[@probyful]

Bob Hope was a genius, and I don´t give a damn about his private life when I talk about him as an entertainer. His standup routines were funny and so were his movies.

[@beyourself2444]

Not really. I hope you say the se about Cosby...

[@probyful]

@@beyourself2444 Yes, I do.

[@gterrymed]

They were not; Bob Hope is not funny, I don't know why people think he's funny: Jack Benny, George Burns, Jackie Gleason are funny, Bob Hope isn't. Bob Hope's USO Tours, however, are divine ❤️, American troops really NEEDED Bob Hope.

[@probyful]

@@gterrymed Bob Hope IS funny.

[@gterrymed]

@probyful definitely not, and I can prove it: ask the next random person you see at the grocery store if Bob Hope is funny and they'll say, "no."

[@manp1039]

I think Bob Hope was a truly funny and talented entertainer. This documentary shed light on aspects of his life and career that I didn’t know before, even though I think I’ve seen at least one other documentary about him. However, I’d like to gently challenge the idea that Bob Hope was the originator of stand-up comedy. From what I understand, there were at least two other notable figures who performed in a stand-up comedy style-telling jokes and using wit to entertain-before Bob Hope became famous. These include Will Rogers, whose speeches and monologues were recorded and preserved, and Mark Twain, whose witty and humorous speeches were reported and transcribed, though no recordings exist. Both of these men were pioneers in combining humor, storytelling, and social commentary in ways that laid the groundwork for modern stand-up comedy. That said, Bob Hope certainly brought stand-up comedy to new heights, especially with his iconic performances for the troops and his lasting influence on future comedians.

[@kristinesquires6612]

This made me tear up so much

[@TsWade2]

11:08 I love it when Kermit the Frog did a tap dance! So cute!😊

[@alexsmith9617]

I remember going to peace marches in the 60s and getting into trouble with my friends because I’d yell at them for yelling epithets at soldiers as they walked by. I’d say “ you don’t know why any of those people are in the military”. I’d point to one friend and say “ I’m sure you aren’t willing to go to prison for your professed beliefs! And you, you coward, are all set to run to Canada !” “You want to walk in a peace march? Fine! Just don’t try to prove how brave you are by picking on those guys!” Ya, I wasn’t very popular for a while. I wasn’t for the war, but I sure wasn’t going to vent my teenage frustrations on anyone serving their country. I think that’s how Bob got sucked into the controversy by doing what he always had done, support the troops.

[@DUCKSAREEVILLLLLLLL]

Norm MacDonalds' favorite old comedian, because "he was all about comedy". Like most pre Vietnam era comedians, Bob felt that the show must must go on, always. Rodney and Dangerfield were the same way.

[@RyanHLee-nc7hg]

He was such an interesting man. I never really found his stand-up routines very funny, but I've always found his movies funny, especially those with Bing Crosby and Dorothy Lamour--and those with Lucy.

[@raechelcleberg8854]

Right on.

[@gterrymed]

Can you do one on JACK LEMMON? and WALTER MATTHAU?

[@angelenewisk1366]

Loved his movie and comedy since I was little.

[@DJWOLFLIVE]

Bob Hope was the man and one of my all time favorite comedians with sharp whit from my hometown of Cleveland.

[@Idahoguy10157]

In the 1960’s Bob Hope got stale. But cripes, what a long career in entertainment! Only George Burns was equal. So yeah, you’re old if you remember him performing.

[@MapleSyrupPoet]

Thank Jesus everyday 🙏 🙌 ❤️ ...renew your faith daily

[@PubRunner]

I remember watching the Bob Hope show in NZ with mum and dad in the 70s.

[@johnbrowne2170]

Outstanding.

[@Intabih]

Holy cow that ending.

[@baylorsailor]

1:41:47 this made me cry 😢

[@neebeeshaabookwayg6027]

Yo también.... me too...😢

[@richardmiranda640]

We were walking in his shoes, I think

[@JosePerez-vz1qq]

Billy Crystal is terrific but Dave Thomas of SCTV did a great Bob Hope voice 😁

[@starlight7159]

A natural and very funny and real charming

[@PaulMann8666]

A great man. Vietnam was a pointless fiasco. But Bob could not be anything but totally loyal to the troops there. I think he may have got the politics a bit wrong. But his loyalty was genuine and unshakeable. RIP Sir.

[@madisonhoppr5709]

Remember the poor souls who lost their lives so he could give thanks!

[@aaronjohnson7812]

Um.. I don't mean to slight Tom Selleck. I love Tom Selleck. Magnum PI is one of my favorite shows. But he was in the National Guard. He never stepped foot in Vietnam.

[@JosePerez-vz1qq]

14:26 Rowan AND Martin

[@alexd0617]

When you have Kermit the Frog in an interview during a documentary, you know it's cool. You go , Kermit!

[@TheFoxxsean]

Will we also be getting the new Blake Edwards documentary?

[@basskick666]

Woah!....let's hope so.

[@SMytfa]

Originally aired: 12/29/2017 (youtube should include this information by default for C's sake)

[@petrushka-d7o]

When Hope's wife asked him if he wanted to be buried or cremated when he died, Hope said "Surprise me."

[@GiseleGisele-u7t]

Dec. 25 2024 MERRY CHRISTMAS! Bob Hope❤😊🎉❤😊🎉❤😊🎉❤😊🎉❤😊🎉❤😊🎉❤😊🎉❤😊🎉❤😊🎉❤😊🎉❤😊🎉❤😊🎉❤

[@TheCornhusker]

I could be wrong, but I am guessing Will Rogers told political jokes on stage before Hope was doing it.

[@frankfrumento2970]

Funny without obscene words 😮 those days are gone forever 😰😰

[@MrJonathandcrow]

Bob and His Brother Owned Meat Shop Dering Road South Side Of Columbus Hutting Meats Great Boss

[@robertdobbs2265]

Never ever blame the troops for what happened

[@sulynn72]

Alot of families lived poor back before the 40s and 50s. The only reason why my grandfather didn't starve was because they lived on a farm. The other grandfather had it bad.

[@inamorata966]

"Four fingers of red-eye . . . the thumb too!"

[@sulynn72]

I bet every family lost someone on D-day. My dad lost a cousin, only 18 years old. Read his last letter in basic training before he was being shipped over. It was 1944. The next thing my great aunt received was his death notice. My grandfather's were too young for WWI and too old for WWII, I wonder if that's why Bob Hope did his shows. They wouldn't let him join so he went anyway he could.

[@MrRufusRToyota]

With all due respect, and understanding that he was widely disliked by those who knew him personally, Frank Fay invented stand-up comedy. Bob, Hope, Jack Benny, and many others initially learned their trade by watching Fay.

[@jeanmarie4462]

Yes, and I believe Cary Grant was also developing his understated comic style around the same time as Charlie Chaplin was making it big in Hollyweird, in my opinion, and if I am incorrect, I will be happy to admit it. Happy Black Friday.😎

[@bryanmelton5538]

Bob Hope was a great man did a lot to help the troops

[@sharpfocus87]

Remember he was an Englishman from Eltham 1903

[@maryannemelenka9250]

I respect his dedication to the troops. Hope had his kind side too. He did gi e to charities etc, but he was a businessmen like any other, Always business. I got so tired of that theme. I loved his comedy jinxes, a lot of times he adlibbed lines. But he really wasnt that close to a lot of Hollywood people, especially Crosby unless at events . But most private anyway. He owned a lot of properties in Canada too. So he was a man of great wealth. He did come from a poor family in England. Some liked him, some didn't. I liked him.

[@TexasGit]

Yeah, isn't that something?

[@EuniceStone-s9j]

I seriously doubt that Bob Hope was really ever in any real danger.

[@learnt2love]

you have any ? 😶‍🌫

[@thebestofu-tubebytheresaes5189]

Thank you I loved rosemarys baby my favorite thank you!

[@jdlcdn]

Another side to his story exists

[@daviddickey4244]

How are you "almost killed" without getting a scratch?

[@MikeNewman-m6u]

The only new Info i learned is a homly Woody Allen aged well into a distinguished looking Grandpa. 😮

[@stevee2576]

Old Dick Cavett is difficult to look at.

[@MrJonathandcrow]

Hiring Folks Second Chance He Was In Boys Town