User reviews

A good intro to the comic genius Bob Hope. His life story is told by friends in songs and in pictures and we get a glimpse into the life (at least the movie and entertainment side of it) of a comedian. The big bonus in this TV special is that the friends are luminaries themselves: George Burns, Lucille Ball and Sammy Davis Jr., to name a few. Hope's childhood, early years and later success is documented in a vaudeville style.I especially liked the segments on the "Road Pictures" as presented by Dorothy Lamour. For those unfamiliar with these hilarious movies featuring Bob Hope and Bing Crosby, the plot is simple: Bing thinks Lamour is his girl, Hope thinks Lamour is his girl, and Lamour thinks she's Bing' girl or Hope's girl or both. They encounter adventures and misadventures and all with "a laugh, a song, and a dance".

My ex's brother-in-law was James Lipton, who was an executive producer of this truly star-studded tribute show. I saw the dress rehearsal from the second row and also was in the audience for the live show. It was amazing to be so close to so many legends, Lucille Ball and Dorothy Lamour among them. At the dress, when (for the second time) someone interrupted Ms. Ball as she went through her segment, she reacted by giving a classic I Love Lucy type of "reaction take" and a voice came over the speaker system to say, "We'll give Ms. Ball her notes after her performance". I (selfishly) most recall when, during the broadcast, Tony Orlando went into the audience to interview the head of the USO. The General was seated one row behind me... so I got on camera., too! Later at the after party, I was seated at a table munching away when who should happen to seat himself at an open place right next to me but... Danny Thomas!!! I was agog, let me tell you. I got autographs from Charo, Charles Nelson Reilly and Telly Savales. And on a separate souvenir program I got an autograph from Mr. Hope himself.

These memories of something that happened over 40 years ago are still very fresh in my mind; so when I say the experience was unforgettable, you know I am not kidding!