Day 13 & Day 14 - Bob Hope and Bing Crosby

I know I've been running a bit behind this month with my posts, so I hope you'll forgive another joint entry.  This time, in keeping with the crooner-comedian theme started by my post on Dean Martin & Jerry Lewis, I thought I'd turn to the old pros (that's on and off the golf course) - Bob Hope and Bing Crosby.  Judging from what I've heard and talked about with my friends, everyone in my generation still knows who both these guys were, though not many knew about their series of films together, known generally as "the Road" pictures.  What worked so well in these films (aside from the fabulous Dorothy Lamour) was the great timing between these two guys.  Bob naturally took on the role of the comic, often playing characters that appeared unintelligent, but that cutting wit belied his role.  Bing played the smooth-operating (and smooth-crooning!) partner who had all the ideas and usually got the girl.  These real life best friends brought so much of their humor and amazing talent to their films that it is no wonder they are classics today.  The Road to Morocco (1942) is my favorite and the one with the very best theme song.  What's great about it is the interplay between the film and breaking that fourth wall - Bob and Bing step out of character regularly to talk directly to those "people out there in the dark" and we love it.  Here's what I mean:

Bob Hope: A fine thing. First, you sell me for two hundred bucks. Then I'm gonna marry the Princess; then you cut in on me. Then we're carried off by a desert sheik. Now, we're gonna have our heads chopped off.
Bing Crosby: I know all that.
Bob Hope: Yeah, but the people who came in the middle of the picture don't.
Bing Crosby: You mean they missed my song?

Publicity still from TCM - Bob, Dorothy and Bing from Road to Morocco (Paramount 1942)

Bob Hope

Bob Hope became a household name early in his career, not just because of his time on the radio or early movies like his first, The Big Broadcast of 1938, where he sang "Thanks for the Memory," which became his theme song.  Bob Hope was also known for his personal appearances and for  hosting the Oscars 18 times.  More than that, was his unwavering dedication to supporting America's Armed Forces, touring with the USO from WWII all the way through the Gulf War to entertain and bring joy to those serving our country.  He holds the Guinness Record for the Most Honored Person, and it's not a surprise.  Among his honors are a Navy ship and an Air Force plane both named after him, not to mention that he is the only person that Congress ever named an honorary veteran.  And another great record?  At the time of his death in 2003 (at age 100!!), he and his wife Dolores held a record for the longest Hollywood marriage, at 69 years.

Bing Crosby

Bing Crosby would've been a millionaire on his voice alone.  His recordings and time on the radio made his first career as a crooner, there even before a young kid from Hoboken arrived on the scene, though not by much.  Back in the 40's, there was even a "Battle of the Baritones" between Crosby, Sinatra and Rudy Vallee.  You could probably argue all day and night over who was the best singer, but Crosby didn't stop there on his list of talents.  He broke into films in the thirties and, fun fact, as the singing cowboy craze took off with Gene Autry, his studio put him into a Western too - Rhythm on the Range (1936).  Bing strikes me as a lot of things, but certainly not a cowboy.  He could best pull off that high society type of role, which he perfected in the remake of The Philadelphia Story called High Society (1956).  He played Cary Grant's role of C. K. Dexter Haven, while being teamed up with fellow crooner and competitor, Frank Sinatra (who played Jimmy Stewart's role of Macauley Connor).  Bing also shined in more serious roles, most notably as a priest in Going My Way (1944) or an alcoholic actor in a sinking marriage in The Country Girl (1954).  His Christmas specials were well-watched and his song, "White Christmas" (yes, it will always be his song), was the #1 bestselling single for over 50 years.  As much of an easy-going guy as he was, he did have a reputation for being a difficult father, even earning him the name "Daddy Dearest."  But personal life aside, Bing's contribution to the entertainment world was just as monumental as Bob's and I'm sure years down the line, we'll still be listening to his recordings.    

Keeping up with all these stars has been a challenge, and while I could write an awful lot more about both of these guys, I'm sure their own legends are already well known.  So I'm signing off now, so good night and thanks for the memories!