E N T E R T A I N M E N T
Michelle L . Curtis
Would it surprise you to know that actors Paul Newman , Mickey Rooney , Clark Gable and Jimmy Stewart , served in the US Armed Forces during World War II ? They are only a few of the Hollywood celebrities who stepped out from behind the camera and enlisted to join the war effort . Hundreds of famous faces which graced the silver screen during the 1930 ’ s and 1940 ’ s united and stood along side servicemen from all parts of the country . When Henry Fonda enlisted in 1942 , he declared , “ I don ’ t want to be in a fake war in a studio ” – a statement that echoed throughout Hollywood .
Stars , studio employees , entertainers , and theater owners all wanted to do their part any way they could . Those that didn ’ t enlist put their energies in keeping the home fires burning , helped raise money , and supported the men and women in the armed forces .
18 | WINTER GARDEN MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2016
One of Hollywood ’ s largest and most selfless contributions was the legendary Hollywood Canteen . The Hollywood Canteen was the brainchild of Bette Davis , John Garfield and MCA president Jules Stein . Together they gathered enough money and labor resources to convert an old livery stable into a nightclub which welcomed servicemen and women from the US as well as those from allied countries . The Hollywood Canteen opened its doors on October 2 , 1942 with Bette Davis serving as president . Her tireless efforts left her with a bout of laryngitis on opening night , but there were more than 3,000 stars , crew , bit-players , directors , musicians , and writers there to welcome each person that walk thru the door and give them an experience to remember .
Each serviceperson who walked thru the doors of the Hollywood Canteen did not have to pay a dime – for anything . All their food , drinks ,