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Reader Memories: Bob Hope
May-June 2003
AARP The Magazine asked readers to share their memories of Bob Hope as the legendary comedian turns 100. Here are some selected stories…
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BOB HOPE ON THE SET OF MY FAVORITE SPY
It was late spring in 1946. The destroyer-mine sweeper USS Davison (DMS-37) had returned to the USA after sweeping mines around Japan. A shipmate and I took a train from San Francisco to L.A. to celebrate our first shore leave here. Working out of the Hollywood USO, we took in all the tourist sites—Earl Carroll Theatre, Grauman's Chinese Theatre, and Paramount Studios. The lots were not busy in that season. Only one movie was being shot, and only one scene remained. The movie was My Favorite Spy with Bob Hope and Signe Hasso. The raised stage held the cross-section of an airplane fuselage. That of a DC-2. Hope moved up and down the aisle creating some humorous action. They did repeated "takes." On one such break, Hope saw rows of GIs watching the shoot. He came over and shook everyone's hand, and quipped while asking, "Where are you from, sailor?" (Or soldier.) For a young sailor of 20, this was a genuine thrill. "Thanks for the Memories", Bob…
Eugene Berman
Whitesboro, NY
I RODE ON AN ELEVATOR WITH BOB HOPE
In 1984 at the Tuskegee Airmen National Convention in Seattle, Washington, the Great One, Bob Hope, ran and caught the elevator that I and five others were getting on. He was jovial, upbeat, and made conversation with everyone as he signed autographs on the way up. I treasure the Tuskegee Airmen book he autographed for me. The ultimate surprise of the convention was when Bob Hope raced down the aisle. When the spotlight hit him, it seemed as if the whole convention echoed, "It's Bob Hope, look it's Bob Hope." Within minutes he was on stage belting out one-liners about the Tuskegee Airmen and current events. The crowd loved every moment of it. As he exited the stage, the entire delegation rose to their feet with waiters and waitresses standing at attention. Meeting and seeing the Great One in person was an event that I shall cherish forever. Happy 100th, Bob Hope—and "Thanks for the Memories".
Henry J. Evens, Sr.
Milton, DE
BOB HOPE AT BOOT CAMP
Sampson Naval Training Center, the largest WWII boot camp located in Geneva, New York, was visited by Bob Hope. Our father, Commodore Harry Asher Badt, commanding officer of the base, had the pleasure of welcoming Hope, Jerry Colona, and the rest of Hope's entourage. Bob Hope did a show for thousands of boots who were being trained to enter into the war. He had dinner in the mess hall with my father and the men and thoroughly enjoyed his "tour of duty" stateside.
The officers and enlisted men who served at Sampson, over 60 years ago, will surely remember that day with smiles on their faces and laughter in their hearts when they think of Bob Hope and what he did for our country.
We certainly want to thank Bob "for the memories" and wish him a happy 100th birthday.
Esther Badt Balsamo
Rockville, MD
PEARL HARBOR, 1942: A HEARTWARMING PERFORMANCE
I was 18 and working for the Navy correcting Secret and Confidential publications that were distributed to U.S. and British Fleets throughout the Pacific. It had been several months since the Japanese had attacked Pearl Harbor. World War II was in full swing. The year was 1942, and the Base was overflowing with defense workers, office workers, and servicemen.
It was no wonder that Bob Hope chose Pearl Harbor as a place to perform. I was excited when I learned that a stage would be erected in front of the Administration Building just a short distance from the Registered Publications Office where I worked. This was to be his first USO appearance at Pearl Harbor. He was 39 then. I remember that everyone rushed out of offices, shops, and ships to fill every available space at noontime, the time of the performance. Lunch had to be forsaken by some.
Bob and his sidekick, Jerry Colona, kept the crowd laughing with jokes and quips relating to Hawaii, the war, and defense workers as well as servicemen. Frances Langford had many a heart fluttering by her appearance and singing to the accompaniment of Les Brown's band.
It was difficult settling down to work after such a heartwarming performance. Bob Hope made such a hit that he returned to Pearl Harbor for more USO shows, and I saw all of them. By then I was 19. He was 40. Now I say, HAPPY 100th BIRTHDAY, Bob Hope!
HATS OFF TO A GREAT AMERICAN
After the war (Germany surrendered), we where being transferred to Pacific to invade Japan. I believe it was June 1944. We where shipped by box cars to Marseilles, France to a Camp Victorett. There in the field we saw Bob Hope, with Jerry Colona and his group, put on a great uplifting show. Sure was a morale booster. After the show we continued to Luzon, Philippines.
Our hats off to a great American, Bob Hope.
Bob's going to be 100 in May. I'm going to be 78 in June. What happened to the time?
Mitchell (Max) Fabisiak
Hartland, MI
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