European
Journal Remembers
BOB HOPE, THE IMMORTAL
Photo: Bob Hope in Moscow, at the gate of the Embassy of the United States.
Radio: Bob's first radio hit grew out of a personal appearance at New York's Capitol Theater. In the interest of using radio to promote its box-office attractions, the "Capitol Family Hour" hosted by Major Edward J. Bowes originated from the theater every morning. Bob, as one of the theater attractions, was booked for the show. The show at the Capitol proved to be another career milestone for Bob. It marked the first time he appeared with singer Bing Crosby. Bob's first major radio appearance was on the "Fleishmann Hour," which starred Rudy Vallee. In May 1937, Bob signed a twenty-six week radio contract for the "Woodbury Soap Show" which was broadcast from NBC in New York. Later in the year, he traveled to Hollywood to film "The Big Broadcast of 1938," but continued doing his radio show via transcontinental hookup. In 1938, Bob was signed by Pepsodent for his own show on NBC. He became a Tuesday night habit and his show was soon rated number one with American listeners. Bob did his last regular radio show in April 1956. Bob employed show regulars Jerry Colonna, Brenda and Cobina (Brenda Frazier and Cobina Wright, Jr.), Vera Vague, the vocal group Six Hits and a Miss, Skinnay Ennis and His Orchestra and announcer Bill Goodwin. Later, Les Brown and His Band of Renown and Wendall Niles joined the show. Featured singers on the show included Judy Garland, Frances Langford, Doris Day, and Gloria Jean.
Photos
from L to R: #1.
In the early '50s, Hope alternated with Dean
Martin, Jerry Lewis, Abbott and Costello and others in hosting the
Colgate Comedy Hour, the first big-budget TV series to originate in
Hollywood. #2. Bob Hope and Jane Russell.
Movies:
Bob's
success in radio led to Hollywood and a long-term contract with Paramount.
The costars of his movies became the guest stars of his radio shows.
Bob makes light of
the fact that he has never won an Oscar for his acting. ("Oscar night at my
house is called Passover") But in truth, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts
and Sciences has honored him five times --- two honorary Oscars, two special
awards and the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.
'Best Actor' or
not, Bob's impact on moviegoers has grown stronger with time.
Photos: Bob Hope USO Shows...