Hope and Crosby-A classic series of comedic adventures that entertained millions…
Welcome to a new series most midweeks devoted to the art of comedy be it spoken, visual or both. This in celebration of making it to Wednesday knowing the weekend is almost here again. It is also my awe of the genre and body of work by so many to bring joy and laughter to all of us at times when we need our spirits lifted and escapism.
Romantic Comedy Adventures, buddy pics, screwball and slapstick. In the weeks to come look for Hope as in Bob, his individual career, Lucille Ball, Eddie Murphy, Gene Wilder, Mel Brooks and more. But I could think of no better way then taking us on the road….
A classic series of comedic adventures that entertained millions: during some of the worlds most troubling times and a friendship…
I stumbled across this while I was going thru some of my voice over work from a few years ago and dusted it off… Hope and Crosby — no one had a better chemistry in timing and sheer one up-manship …with each always trying to get the better of the other on and off camera. Even to the extent of making cameos in the others solo projects film, radio and TV . But they were the best of friends . And then add Dorothy Lamour in the mix for her comedic one liners and stunning voice. Plus her exotic good looks and you have literally a gold ticket to the box-office and the most fun you’ll ever find on the big and small screen..thanks for the memories! They are still giving us laughs and enjoyment more than 70 years later.
Here is some audio clips from radio complemented by many photos…
Hey gang here is a recording of Chapter one of Road to Boxoffice-chapter one. An incredible book published by Bear Manor Media. Released a few years ago . The recording was done just a couple of years ago by yours truly. Forgive the condition depending on what software you use to listen to it. I just released this on soundcloud (see below)after some equipment checks on my new Yeti mic .. so I will be doing a redo on this and hopefully the whole book at some point. I am a huge fan of both the Road pictures and the stars Bing Crosby, Bob Hope and Dorothy Lamour. These films are the ones I grew up watching on PBS on Friday nights. This was based on alternating weekends when they weren’t showing Charlie Chan flicks. They also came to represent comedic and fun fare on Sunday afternoons.. on many local network affiliate stations. The book actually is a telling of how they first got together and formed an incredible friendship that spanned several decades…
Link to first chapter-Voice over by Chris Nersinger
These films were released at time when the world needed a laugh, in fact a few billion throughout the 40’s and 50’s they brought a much needed relief from a world war and several military clashes not to mention a very cold war … one filled with plenty of secrecy and cloak and dagger espionage. The last road picture even ventured in to that very world of spies and Mata Hari. The Road to Hong Kong released in 1962 may not have been the strongest of the 7 Road films but it was still inventive and featured songs written by Jimmy Van Heusen & Sammy Cahn, except one song Personality. Strewn with a cast of character actors including Peter Sellers, Roger Morley and a young Joan Collins. Cameos by Dorothy Lamour, David Niven with a slew of others not mentioned here…the would be spoiling it for you fans. And finally Bob gets a girl.
- **Trivia break- Below-The Adventures of Bob Hope: a DC Comics series based on Bobs persona and character portrayals from film and TV. The series ran from 1950- 1968.
No Road film would be the same without a tune or two with Bing lending his smooth crooning talent and this is one of my favorites- whimsical, creative and fun … this pure escapism. Here he is trying to locate a “lost” Oliver(Bob Hope) in The Road to Morocco(1942). Now I remind all that the world was in a grip of world war. I have ti think that the film itself and camaraderie we saw on screen was as real as their friendship. As much as they joked about the one up on each other they both never, ever kept the other from shining.
The film was released the same year as Dr No but months in advance. A story every much like what Dr No would bring to the screen although with less serious overtones of course.There is a 007 connection. What could be better-well how about titles done by the legendary Maurice Binder of James Bond fame.
****Breaking News!!! Look for or listen for a radio podcast based on Reviews on the Edge articles and recurring columns about the entertainment industry in partnership with Compass Rose( music) and Midnight Hour Productions ( 4 entities that have banded together to produce highly entertaining and unique film/TV productions). Articles represent features on pop culture, international cinema. euro cult films , classic Hollywood, vintage marketing and branding down by film and TV studios,early technology that was available and how we got to where we are today.music-scores & soundtracks, books and Bluray/DVD/CD releases by unique and popular labels ****
So in conclusion if its Hope and Crosby it can’t be all bad … on the contrary it’s all good, no matter the material. Their flare for the quips and camaraderie is infectious. Audiences worldwide will attest these guys and their films plus Dorothy along for the shenanigans still hold up to the test of time. It’’s like saying goodbye to your best friend at the close of each adventure. That’s my cue, for now- I say “Good Night Miss Lee wherever you are?” Doc over and out.. “see” ya next time folks…
I leave with this one little diddy ..enjoy. Like they say it’s teamwork.
Road to Boxoffice-Bear Manor Media link:
some of the films are available for streaming on Reel Classics — the Roku streaming device
and on Blurays loaded with extras- command performances, trailers & audio commentaries by various film historians all from Kino Lorber-
Road titles included in this collection:
Rio, Bali, & special editions of Utopia, Singapore, Zanzibar and Morocco
Kino Lorber-link
Trailer for Road to Morocco
- *Bonus trivia break-
