Bob Hope was planing a big special called "Bob Hope: The Road To Hollywood", which was the title of his latest book, that he co-wrote with Bob Thomas. This special was to be hosted by his friend Bing Crosby, and to be filled with clips and all of Hope's friends. When Bing suddenly died on a golf course, Hope delayed that special and instead quickly put together this special. Which is filled with clips from a lot of Crosby's appearances from previous Hope Specvails. Not just clips mind you but the full sketches. We have Hope renting Crosby's home while his own house is being painted. Then after Crosby makes Hope sign a lease and pay rent, he gets a call from a realtor saying that a couple want to come over to buy the house and now Crosby has to get rid of Hope before the couple shows up. Then there is a spoof of Bonanza where Crosby plays Pa Cartwheel, Hope plays all 3 sons and Juliet Prowse shows up as a traveling saleslady. We also see Hope fighting champ Rocky Marciano at the new Madison Square Garden with Crosby as the referee. Wealso have them doing the old routine they used to do at parties and even sing each other's songs. There also is a number of clips from the Road movies. It all ends with a clip of Crosby singing, "Have you heard what I heard" and then Hope's final rememberences about his good friend. It was a wonderful special, and one of the best TV tributes of a star that I ever saw. I wish the Hope estate will finally release his old specials especially this one.
