and trepidations of the war into
a world of fantasy created just for
them. When the Hollywood Canteen
closed its doors on Thanksgiving Day
of 1945, it had seen over 3 million
servicemen and women come through.
The success of the canteen, prompted
Warner Brothers release a film called
(what else?) Hollywood Canteen
in 1944. Even though its plot is a
fictionalized evening of a couple of
servicemen visiting the canteen, it
gives us all a little look what it was like
inside the landmark club. The film is
filled with marvelous musical numbers
and a bevy of stars making cameos.
In addition to the Hollywood Canteen,
the entertainment industry has come
to the aid of the nation in other ways
during time of war. In 1918, Charlie
Chaplin, Douglas Fairbanks and Mary
Pickford set out on the Liberty Bond
Tour. At the time, the 3 actors were
some of the highest paid and most
popular entertainers in the world.
They drew crowds in the thousands
to their brief but rousing appearances
promoting the purchase of War Bonds.
A local newspaper described Chaplin’s
speech as he “begged his hearers to
buy Liberty Bonds, and then to buy
more bonds.” He then asked who
would buy these bonds and “the
hands went up from one end of the
vast concourse of people to the other”.
These bond tours were tremendously
effective, and with the promotion from
three of the most powerful figures in
Hollywood, over $20 billion was raised.
One of the most beloved comedians in
Hollywood made what some consider
being the biggest impact on the morale
of troops in more than 3 wars. Bob
Hope made his first USO (United
Service Organization) appearance in
1941 at March Field in California, where
crooned his iconic song “Thanks for the
Memories.” Hope went on to conduct
nearly 60 USO tours throughout
the world. He would bring fellow
celebrities and performers, including
Marilyn Monroe, Marlene Dietrich,
Bing Crosby, and James Brown, with him to entertain troops. Many believe
this to be his greatest legacy. In 1997, then President Bill Clinton, named
Hope an Honorary Veteran. In response, a very
touched Hope said “I’ve been given many awards
in my lifetime – but to be numbered among the
men and women I admire most – is the greatest
honor I have ever received.” He was a true Patriot.
Throughout Hollywood’s history, countless war
films have been made. Some are uplifting; others
show the true horrors of war and conflict. The
subject of war spans over all genres of filmmaking.
In 1981, Bill Murray stared in Stripes and had
us laughing in the aisles as we watched him
struggle through basic Army training, but
ultimately emerging as a war hero. Films like
Full Metal Jacket (1987) and Saving Private Ryan
(1998) opened our eyes to the emotional toll and
gruesome side war impacts us. Every decade
of film making has churned out movies and
documentaries about our wars and conflicts. They
leave us us feeling enlightened, proud, disturbed,
grateful, and patriotic. Through film, we can
educate ourselves and gain perspective of the
commitment our troops make for our country.
The film industry has played a positive role in the
name of our active armed services, those who
have served, and the love of country. Raising
spirits, funds, and awareness, for those involved.
NOVEMBER 2017
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WINTER GARDEN MAGAZINE
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33