From Publishers Weekly
Writing with Hollywood producer-director Shavelson, Hope revisits the years from 1940 onward, during which he built his singular showbiz career with radio, movie and TV performances. Although he numbers several American presidents among his enthusiatic rooters, the star stresses that he values most the responses from members of the armed forces, whom he entertained around the world through a half-century of conflicts. The stories and jokes he tells here echo the comic's wry wit, counterpointed by strains of his theme song, "Thanks for the Memory," which pay tribute to war's victims and dead friends (Bing Crosby, Jack Benny, Jerry Colonna). The book is an odds-on crowd pleaser, funny and touching. Photos not seen by PW. Major ad/promo; Literary Guild selection.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
The book's description, "Bob Hope's comedy history of the United States," is erroneous and misleading. The only comedy history dealt with is Hope's own (over 60 years in show business). For anyone who has read others of Hope's many books-- Have Tux, Will Travel , I Owe Russia $1200 --there is little in the way of new material. In fact, the earlier books provide more depth. However, for readers under 30 who do not know much (if anything) about the institution that is Bob Hope and for those who would like a refresher course, this book is a delight. Co-written with Shavelson (who wrote, produced, and/or directed some of Hope's movies), this rarely deviates from Hope's rapid-fire delivery. Hope has often been labeled a hawk, a title he disputes here. "I was only a hawk when there was a chance that we could win and get out of Viet Nam quickly." A brief chapter updates his activities through 1989. Enjoy. Pictures not seen. Literary Guild main selection; previewed in Prepub Alert, LJ 1/90.
- Paula M. Zieselman, Debevoise & Plimpton, New York
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.
- Paula M. Zieselman, Debevoise & Plimpton, New York
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.
