Mitzi Gaynor in a song and dance hour with an all-male, star-studded ensemble featuring her main guests Michael Landon (Little House on the Prairie) and Jack Albertson (Chico and the Man), plus 28 celebrities as her "Million Dollar Chorus." Songs performed include: "I Got the Music in Me," "The Most Beautiful Guy in the World," and "You Are the Sunshine of My Life."
William Shatner, Liz Taylor and many more stars blow lines, lose their pants and more in this hilarious collection of movie and TV bloopers.
Hope's annual Christmas show, with songs, skits, and comedy routines.
The Muppets gather to watch their newly-finished big-budget rich-and-famous feature film: a talent agent persuades Kermit the Frog to leave the swamp to pursue a career in Hollywood. On his way there, he meets a bear, a pig, a whatever (his future muppet crew), and some special celebrity guest stars, while being chased by the desperate owner of a frog-leg restaurant!
Princess Margaret is travelling incognito to elope with her true love instead of marrying the man her father has betrothed her to. On the high seas, her ship is attacked by pirates who know her identity and plan to kidnap her and hold her for a king's ransom.
Peter Potter Jr. returns to claim his father's gold, which is nowhere to be found.
Two carefree castaways on a desert shore find an Arabian Nights city, where they compete for the luscious Princess Shalmar.
When Chester accidentally memorises and destroys the only copy of a secret Russian formula for a new and improved rocket fuel, he and Harry are thrust into international intrigue, trying to stay alive while keeping the formula out of enemy hands.
Stranded in Africa, Chuck and his pal Fearless have comic versions of jungle adventures, featuring two attractive con-women.
Scat Sweeney and Hot Lips Barton, two out of work musicians, stow away onboard a ship bound for Rio, after accidentally setting fire to the big top of a circus. They then get mixed up with a potential suicide Lucia, who first thanks them, then unexpectedly turns them over to the ship's captain. When they find out that she has been hypnotized, to go through a marriage of convenience, when the ship reaches Rio, the boys turn up at the ceremony, in order to stop the wedding, and to help catch the crooks.
When the Lemon Drop Kid accidentally cheats gangster Moose Moran out of his track winnings, the Kid promises to repay Moose the money by Christmas. Creating a fake charity for "Apple Annie" Nellie Thursday, the Kid tricks his gang into donning Santa suits and "collecting dough for old dolls" like Nellie who have nowhere to live.
Two bumbling government employees think they are U.S. spies, only to discover that they are actually decoys for nuclear war.
Vaudeville entertainer Eddie Foy, who has vowed to forever keep his act a solo, falls in love with and marries Italian ballerina Madeleine. While they continue to tour the circuit, they begin a family and before long have seven little Foys to clutter the wings. After tragedy threatens to stall Eddie's career, he comes to realize that his little terrors are worth their weight in gold. - Chris Stone
Beloved singer-actor Pat Boone, his daughter Debby and the entire Boone family enjoy the holiday at home with music and fun, including a visit from old friend Bob Hope, comic John Byner and the humorous Hudson Brothers. The Boone girls sing Bless This House.
Having to leave Melbourne in a hurry to avoid various marriage proposals, two song-and-dance men sign on for work as divers. This takes them to an idyllic island on the way to Bali where they vie with each other for the favours of Princess Lala. The hazardous dive produces a chest of priceless jewels which arouses the less romantic interest of some shady locals.
Comedian Bob Hunter is aided by his French counterpart Fernydel and two beautiful blondes when he is targeted for death by a powerful European counterfeiting ring.
Glenn Ford narrates this hilarious look back at the greatest comedians in movie history.
Captain Vinka Kovalenko defects from Russia, but not for political reasons. She defects because she feels discriminated against as a woman. Captain Chuck Lockwood gets the order to show her the bright side of capitalism, while she tries to convince him of the superiority of communism. Naturally, they fall in love, but there's still the KGB, which doesn't like the idea of having a defected Russian officer running around in London.
Two playboys try to forget previous romances in Singapore – until they meet a beautiful dancer.
While on a ship to Skagway, Alaska, Duke and Chester find a map to a secret gold mine, which had been 'stolen' by thugs. In Alaska to recover her father's map, Sal Van Hoyden falls in with Ace Larson, who secretly wants to steal the gold mine for himself. Duke, Chester, the thugs, Ace and his henchman chase each other all over the countryside—for the map.
After intrepid working girl Mary Carter becomes the new owner of a reputedly haunted mansion located off the Cuban coast, a stranger phones warning her to stay away from the castle. Undaunted, Mary sets sail for Cuba with a stowaway in her trunk—wise-cracking Larry Lawrence, a radio announcer who helps Mary get to the bottom of the voodoo magic, zombies and ghosts that supposedly curse the spooky estate.
The Bellows family causes comic confusion on an ocean liner, with time out for radio-style musical acts.
A bumbling barber in the court of King Louis XV becomes engaged in political intrigue when he masquerades as a dashing nobleman engaged to the princess of Spain.
A former art student returns from Europe to run the department store he inherited from his father and finds his employees behaving very bizarrely.
Three years after taping his previous show in the Persian Gulf, Bob Hope returns to the front line to put on another USO Christmas extravaganza, this time in Saudi Arabia for US Troops preparing with other nations to expel Iraq's 1990 invasion and attempted annexation of Kuwait.
A Classic Holiday Celebration with Dean and Friends.
Bob Holcomb will do anything to stop his daughter JoJo from tying the knot with her lazy boyfriend, even move her all the way to Sweden! But once they're "safely" out of the country, JoJo falls for a sly Swedish playboy.
Middle-class suburbanites Larry and Kitty grow bored with their lives and respective marriages. Although each always found the other's manner grating, they fall in love when thrown together--without their spouses--on vacation. On returning home they try to break things off, only to grow closer. A holiday together will finally settle whether they should end their marriages.
Tom Meade mistakenly dials the gorgeous European film star Didi at her Oregon hotel. Didi, who has escaped Hollywood to avoid being typecast as a bombshell, takes up Meade's offer to hide away at his backwoods cabin. Meade, with the help of his housekeeper, goes to absurd lengths to help the actress evade discovery by both the public and his suspicious wife.
In a far off country, their king is critically wounded after an assassination attempt and the only heir is a timid New York radio personality, Michael Valentine (Bob Hope). After reluctantly traveling to his father's homeland, Michael is not happy that he's become the target of the same terrorist organization that attacked the king.
Insurance salesman Milford Farnsworth sells a man a life policy only to discover that the man in question is the outlaw Jesse James. Milford is sent to buy back the policy, but is robbed by Jesse. And when Jesse learns that Milford's boss is on the way out with more cash, he plans to rob him too and have Milford get killed in the robbery while dressed as Jesse, and collect on the policy.
Bob Hope stars in this laugh-packed wild west spoof co-starring Jane Russell as a sexy Calamity Jane, Hope is a meek frontier dentist, "Painless" Peter Potter, who finds himself gunslinging alongside the fearless Calamity as she fights off outlaws and Indians.
Ronnie Jackson is a lowly baby photographer who secretly fantasizes about being a private detective. When a lovely baroness actually mistakes him for one and asks him to help locate her missing husband, Baron Montay, Ronnie finds himself agreeing. Several days later he is on death row whiling away the hours until his execution by recounting to a group of reporters the bizarre tale of how he ended up there.
Ten years after the death of millionaire Cyrus Norman, his will is to be read out to his six relatives, including Joyce Norman and Wally Campbell. Organized by Norman's lawyer, Crosby, the six meet at Norman's eerie New Orleans Gothic mansion. During the reading, the superstitious housekeeper declares that someone will be dead by midnight. Wally fears for Joyce when she is declared the sole inheritor, but all are alarmed when Crosby turns up dead.
Here are all your favorite holiday entertainers on one delightful DVD! Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, Mel Tormé and more, in vintage television performances, singing all your favorite Christmas songs - plus - Bob Hope in some hilarious holiday sketches. You'll surely give thanks for all of these memories! Highlights include: Santa Claus is Coming to Town (Frank Sinatra) It Came Upon a Midnight Clear (Frank Sinatra) Christmas Waltz (Bing Crosby) White Christmas (Bing Crosby) Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (Judy Garland) The Christmas Song (Judy garland & Mel Tormé)
While a few Hollywood celebrities such as James Stewart and Clark Gable saw combat during World War II, the majority used their talents to rally the American public through bond sales, morale-boosting USO tours, patriotic war dramas and escapist film fare. Comedian David Steinberg plays host for this star-studded, 90-minute documentary, which looks at the way Tinseltown helped the United States' war effort.
Short promotional film for a Saturday Evening Post sales convention.
From its distinctive neighborhoods to its architectural homes, Los Angeles has been the backdrop to countless movies. In this dazzling work, Andersen takes viewers on a whirlwind tour through the metropolis' real and cinematic history, investigating the myriad stories and legends that have come to define it, and meticulously, judiciously revealing the real city that lives beneath.
A bachelor author of sleazy books moves to a family-oriented subdivision where he becomes an unofficial relationship advisor to unhappy local housewives, to the dismay of their respective husbands who suspect him of sexual misconduct.
Out-takes (mostly from Warner Bros.), promotional shorts, movie premieres, public service pleas, wardrobe tests, documentary material, and archival footage make up this star-studded voyeuristic look at the Golden age of Hollywood during the 30s, 40, and 50.
A celebrity-filled look at the opening festivities for Walt Disney World in Florida.
An American actor, impersonating an English butler, is hired by a rich woman from New Mexico to refine her husband and headstrong daughter. The complications increase when the town believes the actor/butler to be an earl and President Roosevelt decides to pay a visit.
An amoral lowlife accidentally stumbles into an acting career that sets him on a trajectory to Hollywood stardom. But everyone on whom he steps on the way to the top remembers when he is nominated for an Oscar and he runs a dirty campaign in an attempt to win.
Steve Martin's first network special for NBC offers part concert footage (shot at the Universal Amphitheatre in Los Angeles) and part sketch comedy.
A young girl is left with the notoriously cheap Sorrowful Jones as a marker for a bet. When her father doesn't return, he learns that taking care of a child interferes with his free-wheeling lifestyle. Sorrowful must also evade crooked gangsters and indulge in a bit of horse-thieving.
Italy 1757, Pippo Popolino, a lowly tailor, disguises himself as the great Casanova in order to romance the attractive widow Francesca. He little suspects what awaits him... Locked into the incongruous role by the desperation of the real Casanova's creditors, Pippo must journey to Venice on a delicate mission far beyond his capabilities.
Parker Ballantine is a New York theater critic and his wife writes a play that may or may not be very good. Now Parker must either get out of reviewing the play or cause the breakup of his marriage.
Documentary about radio comedies primarily focused on Burns & Allen, Edgar Bergen & Charlie McCarthy, The Jack Benny Program, Fibber McGee & Molly, The Bob Hope Show, and The Fred Allen Show.
A stockbroker bets his new partners $10,000 that he can tell the truth, and only the truth, for twenty-four hours.
Larry Haines, a mediocre vaudeville entertainer, boards a train for Los Angeles. Aboard, he meets an attractive, blonde British agent carrying a coded message hidden in a brooch—and is being pursued by Nazi agents.
A bumbling senator investigating graft in Louisiana is the target of a scheme involving a Viennese beauty.
The story of Jimmy Walker who became mayor of New York in the '20s.
A documentary about the 82% of US citizens that listen to the radio for their entertainment, news and sport.
A burlesque comic doubles for a spy in Tangier and meets the spy's girlfriend, who is also a spy.
A 2-hour show highlighting the funniest moments from 40 years of Bob Hope Christmas specials.
Sgt. O'Farrell an Army soldier on an island in the South Pacific during World War II is trying to bring the two basics of life to his fellow servicemen, women and beer. The supply ship carrying the beer is torpedoed and the contingent of nurses consists of six males and ugly nurse Nellie Krause. If he could at least try to salvage the shipment of beer.
A returning moon capsule goes off course and lands in Africa where a little-known tribe finds it. Washington sends Matthew Merriwether to recover it—thinking he's an expert on the region—when in fact he's no such thing. However, a foreign power sends Secret Agent Luba to try and acquire the capsule for itself and, when Matthew and Luba reach their destination, they find that the tribe believes the capsule to be sacred and won't give it up.
Don Bolton is a movie star who can't stand loud noises. To evade the draft, he decides to get married...but falls for a colonel's daughter. By mistake, he and his two cronies enlist. In basic training, Don hopes to make a good impression on the fair Antoinette and her father, but his military career is largely slapstick. Will he ever get his corporal's stripes?
Pop, a security guard at Paramount has told his son that he's the head of the studio. When his son arrives in Hollywood on shore leave with his buddies, Pop enlists the aid of the studio's dizzy switchboard operator in pulling off the charade. Things get more complicated when Pop agrees to put together a show for the Navy starring Paramount's top contract players.
A documentary about the glorious history of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios and its decline leading to the sale of its back lot and props. By extension this provides a general history of Hollywood's Golden Age and the legendary studio system.
A young couple decide to live together and they wind up having a baby. They decide they should give the baby up for adoption. The baby's Mother's parents wind up adopting the baby using a fake name.
Wally Hogan has things going his way. He is the manager-trainer of Bullet Bradley, a fighter who has just won the lightweight championship. However, life suddenly takes a not-so-happy turn when Bullet gets drafted.
Bumbling reporter Robert Kittredge has been fired after bungling his latest assignment. His career isn't all he's botched up: his girlfriend Chris is tired of waiting for him to marry her. When he gets a hot tip on some Nazi spies operating in Washington, D.C., he convinces Chris to help him break the story so he can get his job back. The pair soon find themselves in several awkward predicaments as they track the criminals down in a night club, a burlesque show, and face a final showdown at a beauty salon.
Bob Hope is a stressed out talk show host who is sent on a vacation to Arizona on doctor's orders and has to play Sherlock Holmes with his wife, the lovely Eva Marie Saint, to solve a series of murders that has Bob as the prime suspect.
Bob Hope becomes surrogate father to a baby found abandoned at the United Nations. Director Jack Arnold's 1964 comedy also stars Yvonne De Carlo, Robert Sterling, John McGiver and Lilo Pulver.
A posthumous tribute to comedy legend Lucille Ball by her frequent co-star Bob Hope features clips from many of their sketches and tributes from George Burns, Danny Thomas, Kirk Cameron, and Betty White.
Bob Hope is being stalked by a predatory widow who is a widow of wealthy husbands many times over. Martha Raye is a Texan heiress who wants to marry her boyfriend Andy Devine, but her father is determined that she marry into royalty. To solve both their problems, Martha Raye and Bob Hope decide to marry, but will they ever find love together?
Dozens of star and character-actor cameos and a message about the Variety Club (a show-business charity) are woven into a framework about two hopeful young ladies who come to Hollywood, exchange identities, and cause comic confusion (with slapstick interludes) throughout the Paramount studio.
Bob Hope stars as an inept member of the chorus boy in a turn of the century stage show. After being fired, he finds himself starring acting as a decoy when a killer goes after the real star.
Gracie Alden tries to graduate from college to get an inheritance.
Bob Hope returns to his stage role in this updated theatrical TV presentation of the musical
A South American festival brings slapstick love trouble to Bob Hope.
The French Surete and private eye Higgins are after a killer who uses innocent young Americans in a crooked gambling racket, and who sets sail on an ocean liner that also carries inept scoutmaster Freddie Hunter and his troop of boys. Freddie, who's been a "boy scout" too long, has designs on gorgeous Duchess Alexandria. The boys, far better organized than Freddie, are determined to save him from himself. But who will save Freddie from being the killer's next victim?
Jim and Walter are two brother sailors in the United States Navy. Walter tells Jim as soon as they get home he is going to ask his beautiful girlfriend, Nancy Larkin to marry him. But Jim is also in love with Nancy so he begs Nancy's ugly duckling sister, Letty to help break Walter and Nancy up. Letty agrees only under one condition, he help her to win Walter!
Nicky Nelson is a fast-talking sideshow barker with a wax-and-alive concession on Atlantic City's boardwalk. Even with the band of his friend, struggling musician Gene Krupa, playing on the sidewalk to attract the customers, "The Living Corpse" and other low-rent acts aren't enough to lure the seen-it-all boardwalk strollers, and the landlord closes the show in lieu of never-paid rent. Nicky, always promoting, goes to Stephen Hanratty, head of the pier's Dance Pavilion, to plug Krupa's band as an attraction, but Hanratty won't even listen to them. But, while there, he meets singer Lily Racquel, who knows he is a phoney but might have the ability to to talk a radio-station manager into giving her an audition. She gives him a ring to help finance the project; he promptly loses it in a crap-game.
When Larry Larkin's comic strip needs some freshening up, he calls in ghost-writer Francis X. Dignan to help him with the strip. Things get complicated when Francis rekindles his love for his ex-wife, who happens to be Larkin's secretary and soon-to-be wife.
Ann-Margret's television special taped in front of a live audience at the Las Vegas Hilton.
For 11 Presidents, Bob Hope was a golfing buddy, national jester and constant guest at the White House. This special includes personal recollections about Bob from the Clintons, the Bushs, the Fords, and David and Julie Nixon Eisenhower. Guests Tony Danza, Don Johnson, Naomi Judd, Ann-Margret and Tom Selleck also appear on what was to become Bob Hope's final television special.
An aspiring photographer and his bumbling assistant go to great lengths to take a picture of a beautiful actress whose wealthy husband does not want her photographed.
A soldier stationed on an army base and his fiancé, who runs a women's "fat farm" nearby, want to get married but don't have enough money. Three customers of the "fat farm" scheme to get back at their philandering husbands by hiring the soldier and two of his buddies as "escorts" for the weekend. Complications ensue when the husbands show up unexpectedly.
Steve Merrick is an out of work writer who stays home and plays house husband while his wife goes to work for her former fiancé and Merrick's publisher who is still carrying a torch for her.
WWII U.S. Navy training film MN-5075a that addresses the end of the war. Bob Hope and Bing Crosby try to convince sailors not to desert but to wait for their government benefits and honorable discharge.
Fourth film in the Hedda Hopper series.
Prankster Bob is traveling to New York by ship with his girlfriend and he proposes to marry her. Along the trip, he plays pranks on the captain, passengers and his future father-in-law. When they arrive in the harbor, the captain and his father-in-law decide to revenge and the captain asks his men to retain Bob at the customs for hours. Then he heads to the office of his father-in-law where his girlfriend is waiting for him. But her father is still upset with Bob. Written by Claudio Carvalho, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Konnie Huq celebrates the very best of British children’s television, with a dazzling array of clips from some of the most treasured programmes ever made and revealing chats with some of TV’s most beloved stars. But Konnie also tells a perhaps more surprising story: of how kids’ TV has frequently been at the forefront of social change, in terms of the stories it tells and the people who get to tell them.
Though legendary lyricist Howard Ashman died far too young, his impact on Broadway, movies, and the culture at large were incalculable. Told entirely through rare archival footage and interviews with Ashman’s family, friends, associates, and longtime partner Bill Lauch, Howard is an intimate tribute to a once-in-a-generation talent and a rousing celebration of musical storytelling itself.
A multitude of entertainment's biggest stars come together to celebrate the life of the late Manie Sacks, recording executive for Columbia Records, and vice president of both NBC and RCA.
The life, career, and music of Irving Berlin are celebrated live on stage with musical performances.
Many times during his presidency, Lyndon B. Johnson said that ultimate victory in the Vietnam War depended upon the U.S. military winning the "hearts and minds" of the Vietnamese people. Filmmaker Peter Davis uses Johnson's phrase in an ironic context in this anti-war documentary, filmed and released while the Vietnam War was still under way, juxtaposing interviews with military figures like U.S. Army Chief of Staff William C. Westmoreland with shocking scenes of violence and brutality.
Bob Hope and friends celebrate Christmas with skits and interviews.
His career started in the glory days of vaudeville. More than 70 years later, he is revered as the most popular and influential entertainer of the century, the show-biz giant all others are measured against. On stage and screen, on TV and radio, on Broadway and USO stages worldwide, Bob Hope has enjoyed a career of unmatched popularity. In this special, feature-length presentation, BIOGRAPHY traces his remarkable life, from his vaudeville debut he had third billing, behind a trained seal to entertaining the troops of Desert Storm. Extensive clips capture his greatest performances, while family photos and the recollections of friends, colleagues and family provide an intimate portrait of the private man.
A young American man in Paris spots a beautiful woman in a crowd and is instantly smitten, but soon loses sight of her. Later, as he and several friends are sitting at a table at an outdoor cafe and he is describing her to them, he sees her again. His friends begin to tease him about her, and he bets them that he can win her love in 30 days even though he has no money.
George Burns hosts his first Christmas special. Special Guests: Bob Hope ; The Hawkins Family ; Ann-Margret
In the 1950s, a small group of artists monopolized the attention of the cameras and the public. Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Joey Bishop and Peter Lawford together form the "rat pack": they sing the most popular hits of the moment, star in the most profitable Hollywood films and are already making a splash on television . This documentary, produced by a recognized specialist in the history of Hollywood, recounts the exceptional destiny of this informal group which flirted with the greats of this world, notably through Sinatra, personal friend of American President Kennedy.
Biographical portrait of one of Broadway's most brilliant songwriters. Told through the use of archival material and interviews with the rich and famous that knew him, this portrait concentrates on his career and his public life events.
Dazzling appearances by Ursula Andress, Teresa Graves, Gloria Loring, Bobbi Martin, Romy Schneider, Miss United Kingdom, Miss Worlds, The Golddiggers, and more! Astronaut Neil Armstrong answers questions about being the first man on the moon, and Bob and Cincinnati Reds catcher Johnny Bench trade zingers. Musical and dance performances from Suzanne Charny, Lola Falana, Connie Moore, Connie Stevens, and others. Legendary top dancers The Nicholas Brothers and jugglers The Pierro Brothers. Bob delivers messages from home to service members.
A tribute to the legendary costume designer Edith Head during her years providing costumes for the films of Paramount studio which includes Sunset Boulevard, Roman Holiday and many others during her distinguished career that lasted more than six decades and earned her eight Academy Awards wins in between more than 30 nominations.
CBS honors Lucille Ball with this celebration of her three CBS series: I Love Lucy, The Lucy Show and Here's Lucy.
This early comedy short has Bob Hope and John Berkes putting on sailor uniforms to find dates, getting mistaken for real sailors and being dragged back to a Navy ship by the shore patrol. Though not much plot, the short does give each star a chance to shine doing comedy bits both together and separately.
Bob Hope's USO tour from 1968.
Relive the memories from 30 years of The Tonight Show in this 3 DVD collection of the most hilarious moments with the biggest stars in television history. All of your old Tonight Show favorites are here - Johnny's monologue, wildlife handler Jim Fowler, the extraordinary talents of ordinary people, Carnac the Magnificent, sports heroes, and stand-up comics. See early performances from some of today's most popular comedians including Drew Carey, Garry Shandling, and the debut performance of Ellen DeGeneres. Also features the famous lost episode, Return to Studio One.
Celebrating Sammy Davis Jr 's 60th anniversary in show business, including musical,comic and dancing performers.
The documentary Bob Hope: The Road to Laughter contains numerous clips from the film and television work of the beloved entertainer. These snippets are intercut with interview footage featuring people who worked with Hope as well as film historian Leonard Maltin who provides a context for Hope's career. ~ Perry Seibert, Rovi
Familiarize yourself with a brief background of Bob Hope's growth as an all-around entertainer beginning with vaudeville. He enjoyed being a performer and would do whatever was necessary to entertain the masses.
The Beach Boys appear in a skit with Benny and Hope as surfers. Jack trys to weasel Disneyland tickets from Walt Disney. Also, a skit with Benny, Hope and Sommer in a takeoff on Italian movies. This was Benny's first special after the demise of his regular series. Benny obviously trys to appeal to the younger viewers by booking the very popular Beach Boys.
When the United States entered World War II, President Roosevelt exempted Bob Hope from military service because of the need for entertainers. So began Bob's lifelong career entertaining U.S. troops at home and abroad. When the USO (United Service Organizations) was formed, Bob Hope was the perfect person to be its headliner, bringing "a bit of home" to front lines and military hospitals around the world.
Bob Hope's 1984 NBC Christmas Special.
A compilation film of stand up performances and comedy routines featuring some of the biggest stars in the early years of television. This film was directed by Sandy Olivieri. Here is a partial list of the performers who appeared in the film Bob Newhart, Mort Sahl, Jack Benny, Lenny Bruce, Johnny Carson, George Carlin, et al.
In the mid-1950s, Dickson Hughes and Richard Stapley, young composers and romantic partners, are hired by legendary silent film star Gloria Swanson to write a musical based on her film Sunset Boulevard, directed by Billy Wilder in 1950.
A look at the past, present and future of Hollywood as seen through the eyes of the movie columnist.
Dozens of stars--including Arnold Schwarzeneggar, Bob Hope, and more--demonstrate how the yuletide season is celebrated in the perpetually warm and sunny world of Hollywood, California.
Trace the history of television and its impact on American culture with clips, newsreels, and exclusive interviews from television greats like Walter Cronkite, Carol Burnett, and Jay Leno.
Documentary on the Kentucky Derby.
Bank teller and widower with seven kids, Bob Hope finds $10,000 in a parking lot.
During the Korean War, Italian nurse Virna Lisi falls in love with two American fliers, Tony Curtis and George C. Scott. Lisi marries Curtis after he convinces her that Scott has been killed in a plane crash. She soon discovers Scott is alive, but remains happily married to Curtis until Scott re-enters their lives 14 years later.
An all-star cast celebrates George Burn's 90th birthday and showcases highlights in Burns' career.
A filmed broadcast of the Command Performance radio programs in which various Hollywood stars appeared and performed in accordance with letter requests from American service men stationed around the world. This entry (Army-Navy Screen Magazine No. 20) was broadcast and filmed at a live performance at Camp Roberts, California. Lana Turner, Betty Hutton, Judy Garland and Bob Hope star.
An uncredited Anthony Asquith is one of the directors of this WWII film (a joint UK/US production) which aims to explain British culture and character to the newly arrived American soldier. Starting with the ubiquitous pub visit, the film breezes through geography lessons, food and entertainment on the Home Front.
"Frankie Laine: An American Dreamer" is a feature-length documentary. In this entertaining look at the legendary singer's life, hosted by two-time Grammy award singer Lou Rawls, Frankie tells his own story. Classic archive footage of the great performances of the past has been painstakingly collected, and new interview material shot with distinguished guests such as Clint Eastwood,Tom Jones, Frank Sinatra, Dick Clark, Ringo Starr, Patti Page, Pat Boone, Maria Cole, Mitch Miller, Michel Legrand, John Williams, Kay Starr, Jack Jones, Herb Jeffries, Peter Marshall, Howard Keel, Terry Moore, Lucy Marlow, Sammy Nestico, and A.C. Lyles. From Dick Clark's American Bandstand to The Bob Hope Show, from Rawhide to Blazing Saddles, from the Ed Sullivan Show to Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, audiences will journey through the life of one of the most popular male vocalists of all time.
In this special, Miss Piggy and her associate producer Gonzo attempt to take viewers on a star-studded trip around Hollywood and fail miserably.
Raquel! was an April 26, 1970 CBS television special starring Raquel Welch, Tom Jones, Bob Hope and John Wayne executive produced, directed and choreographed by David Winters produced by Winters' company Winters-Rosen for CBS-TV, originally co-sponsored by Coca-Cola and Motorola. On the day of the premiere, the show received a 51% share on the National ARB Ratings and an impressive Overnight New York Nielsen Rating of 58% share.
A nightclub singer and his partner escape mobsters by fleeing to Cuba with a beautiful heiress, who has inherited a haunted castle on an isolated island. The trio hunt for a hidden treasure and encounter a ghost, a zombie, and a mysterious killer...
To ensure a full profitable season, circus manager Brad Braden engages The Great Sebastian, though this moves his girlfriend Holly from her hard-won center trapeze spot. Holly and Sebastian begin a dangerous one-upmanship duel in the ring, while he pursues her on the ground.
For the first time ever, this release brings together the magic of the holiday season with three classic shows from The Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson.
Walt Disney Presents, Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color, Disney’s Wonderful World, Walt Disney, The Disney Sunday Movie, The Magical World of Disney. These are some of the titles of the Disney anthology series that first aired as Disneyland in 1954. Ron Howard and Suzanne Somers serve as hosts for the musical celebration.
An all-star celebrity tribute to celebrate George Burns 80th Anniversary in show business.
This public service short for U.S. Savings Bonds starts out with Rowan and Martin arriving at a TV studio, ostensibly to host a show. It turns out that trumpet player Herb Alpert is the only other performer listed in the credits who is actually there in person. The others appear in clips, some from their own U.S. Savings Bonds spots, others from unidentified movie or TV appearances. Singer Barbara McNair is shown entertaining U.S. troops in Viet Nam, and the youth group The Young Americans also sings.
The story of the unlikely alliance between two of the most renowned innovators of the twentieth century: brilliantly eccentric Spanish Surrealist Salvador Dalí and American entertainment innovator Walt Disney.
Some of MGM'S musical stars review the studios history of musicals. From The Hollywood Revue of 1929 to Brigadoon, from the first musical talkies to Gene Kelly in Singin' in the Rain.
A girl is desperate to get to Washington D.C. to be with her lonesome brother, a wounded G.I. She persuades Bing Crosby to let her join his caravan.
Bing Crosby and Christmas - they're inseparable. It was only natural for the voice that sold more than 100 million copies of 'White Christmas' to eventually celebrate the season on television. This second volume of Crosby television specials showcases those Christmas shows. Included in this premiere, two-disc collection are Bing's first holiday special, produced in England in 1961, his first color special from 1962 with Mary Martin, Bing Crosby and the Sounds of Christmas with Robert Goulet and Mary Costa from 1971, and Bing s final special, Bing Crosby's Merrie Olde Christmas, which includes the iconic duet of 'The Little Drummer Boy / Peace on Earth' with David Bowie. These treasured programs have been meticulously restored from the original film and videotape sources, and are presented with all the original performances intact.
Highlights from the great musicals of the 1940s. Stars featured include Judy Garland, Mickey Rooney, Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, Bing Crosby, Doris Day, Danny Kaye, Jimmy Durante and Frank Sinatra.
Over fifty of the greatest living comedians are called to a party at Bob Hope's house, where each of them is systematically killed (and their bodies thrown in Hope's pool!). Hope and the rapidly shrinking cast try to discover who is the mysterious killer known only as "Joys."
Bing Crosby performs with special guests Bob Hope, Marion Ryan, Dave King, Terry-Thomas, and Shirley Bassey.
Contacted by Fred Silverman, the President of NBC, Lucille Ball accepts to go back to work as a producer. With the help of her faithful production assistant, Gale Gordon, she starts working on a new series titled "The Music Mart".
During his career, Bob Hope was the only performer to achieve top-rated success in every form of mass entertainment. American Masters explores the entertainer’s life through his personal archives and clips from his classic films.
A young teenage girl is hired by a strange couple to watch their baby for the night. What the babysitter doesn't know is how strange the couple is, and exactly what kind of baby she is watching over.
A multi-studio effort to show the newsreel audience the progress of the Hollywood war effort.
This 1940 presentation features highlights of earlier (1928 onward) Oscar ceremonies including Shirley Temple and Walt Disney, plus acceptance speeches for films released in 1939 with recipients and presenters including Vivien Leigh, Judy Garland, Hattie McDaniel, Fay Bainter, Mickey Rooney, Thomas Mitchell, Sinclair Lewis, and more, with host Bob Hope.
As Hollywood biographies go, Judy Garland's story is one of the saddest success stories you'll ever hear. The sanitized studio version of her life presented a smiling kid with the big voice, who, alongside Mickey Rooney, just wanted to put on a show. But drugs, overwork, even psychological abuse at the hands of the studio is now part of the Garland legend. But despite the number of Garland books and documentaries, one account has always been missing -- Garland herself never managed to write a memoir. She did make several attempts at an autobiography, often recording stories on a tape recorder. Judy Garland: By Myself (2004), finally fills in the blanks - using Judy's personal recordings to tell the story in her own words.
Period music, film clips and newsreel footage combined into a visual exploration of the American entertainment industry during the Great Depression.
Inspirational documentary short film featuring Hollywood stars promoting the sales of War Bonds through songs and skits. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive.
Bob, his girlfriend and her mother are driving through South America. Bob wants to get married at the next town, Los Poach-os Egg-os, where they are currently holding a festival called Dontdoit Day. The road to wedded bliss for Bob and his girl hits a slight bump as his girl catches the eye of a dashing gaucho, and the Mayor, who is the only official in town who can perform the wedding, refuses to do so on Dontdoit Day. In addition, Bob has been the bane of the Mayor's existence since arriving in town, in part since Bob has also cast his eyes on a pretty señorita, who happens to be courted by the Mayor.
John Wayne and an all-star cast tell the story of America.
Produced in 1943 under the guidance of Army Air Force Lieutenant Clark Gable, this film follows a single 8th Air Force B-17 crew from training through a series of missions over Europe.
Comedian Jack Benny has his butler, Rochester, call several of his celebrity friends over to the house. Benny introduces them to a Catholic priest, who speaks to them about doing a film for a group called the Christophers. The Christophers are an organization that wants to use different mediums such radio, TV, and film to inspire young people to change the world for the better by pursuing careers in public service like teaching and government work. The priest gives the celebrities a history lesson about the founding of the U.S. and God's role in it, and he asks for their help.
This documentary revisits the making of Gone with the Wind via archival footage, screen tests, insightful interviews and rare film footage.
Documentary short film extolling the virtues of the American Community Chest charity program and its value to the Allied war effort.
Bob Hope wants to marry the mayor's daughter, but the mayor doesn't want his daughter to marry Bob Hope.
An over-the-hill gumshoe reluctantly teams with worldly retired master thief to solve a string of art thefts and murders.
Teen idol Leif Garrett headlines this variety music, dance and comedy sketch special with guest stars Bob Hope, Marie Osmond, Brooke Shields and Japanese pop duo Pink Lady.
The legendary Lucille Ball as you've never seen her before! Laugh along with Lucy and Desi in these extremely rare television appearances, beautifully restored! Includes a rare appearance of the I Love Lucy cast on the Bob Hope Show and the lost Lucy pilot. A must-have collection of gems from the first lady of comedy! - The I Love Lucy cast on the Bob Hope Show - Westinghouse special with Lucy and Desi - Segment with Lucy on the game show I've Got a Secret with panelist Johnny Carson - A rare lost Lucy pilot directed by Desi.
Stars celebrate Bob Hope's 50 years with NBC.
War correspondent Ernie Pyle joins Company C, 18th Infantry as this American army unit fights its way across North Africa in World War II. He comes to know the soldiers and finds much human interest material for his readers back in the States. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in partnership with The Film Foundation in 2000.
This documentary focuses on 1939, considered to be Hollywood's greatest year, with film clips and insight into what made the year so special.
A film scrapbook, images, phrases from our past, hiding their meanings behind veils. Let's lift those veils, one by one, to find how images, at one time seeming innocent, have revealed, after decades, to have homosexual overtones.
Bing Crosby was, without a doubt, the most popular and influential multi-media star of the first half of the twentieth century, pulling audiences in with his intimate, laid-back voice and innate charm. Narrated by Stanley Tucci and directed by Robert Trachtenberg, this film explores the life and legend of this iconic performer, revealing a personality far more complex than the image the public had only thought they'd known.
A look back at the first 100 years of the movies.
A compilation of film clips of comedies from 1930's.
Documentary about the making of the 1939 MGM classic film The Wizard of Oz. Includes interviews of cast and crew members, their families and fans of the film.
On February 3, 1959, American rock and roll musicians Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and "The Big Bopper" J. P. Richardson were killed in a plane crash near Clear Lake, Iowa, together with pilot Roger Peterson.
A 1964-1973 Retrospective for homecoming POWs.
This Bob Hope Special called “Highlights of a Quarter Century” begins his 26th year with NBC in 1975 (he began with NBC radio in 1937) celebrating 25 years of Bob Hope Specials and the many celebrities that appeared on them The clips begin with his very first special, for Frigidaire, on April 9, 1950 and putting his way through the years to 1975
This Bob Hope Special called “Highlights of a Quarter Century” begins his 26th year with NBC in 1975 (he began with NBC radio in 1937) celebrating 25 years of Bob Hope Specials and the many celebrities that appeared on them The clips begin with his very first special, for Frigidaire, on April 9, 1950 and putting his way through the years to 1975
This short film takes a look at the off-screen personas of screen actors. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in 2012.
Video series spotlighting memorable moments and roasts hosted by Dean Martin. "Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts" were periodic specials aired in the 1970s and 1980s, which roasted (or honored) such stars as Lucille Ball, Muhammad Ali and Johnny Carson; guests then recalled comedic moments they shared. Comedian Rich Little (a regular on the "Roast" specials) served as pitchman for the videos in a series of TV infomercials
Fundraising film for the National Playing Fields Association, of which Prince Philip was president. Included on the BFI DVD "A Royal Occasion".
Liberation tells the dramatic story of the battle waged on two fronts during World War II - the Allied campaign to liberate Europe and Hitler's genocidal campaign against the Jews. The World War II documentary uses film footage, radio broadcasts, and period music gathered from archives around the world. Interwoven throughout the film are the compelling stories of the Jews of Europe - unforgettable stories of tragedy, courage, resistance, and survival. Liberation begins in 1942, when Adolf Hitler was still at the height of his power and the Allies began envisioning a cross-channel invasion of Europe.
Broadcast live via satellite around the world on January 31, 1982, this special produced by the US International Communication Agency protesting the then recent imposition of martial law in Poland. Hosted by Charlton Heston, Max von Sydow, and Glenda Jackson, the program features multiple celebrity appearances, speeches by 21 world leaders, and several contributions Polish artists and intellectuals.
The Bob Hope All Star Christmas Comedy Special was a network Christmas special hosted by Bob Hope, which aired on December 19, 1977, on NBC. Guest stars featured in the special included Olivia Newton-John, Perry Como, Mark Hamill, and the Muppets.
For the first time since the Vietnam War, Bob Hope entertains United States armed service members for his classic USO Christmas show.
Bob Hope tours China, takes in the culture and meets up with Big Bird, Crystal Gayle, Peaches and Herb, and others.
A tribute to Joe Zawislak and his horror host character "Dr. Shock".
Bob Hope and his 1970 USO troupe take their annual Christmas tour of military bases around the world. Guests include Ursula Andress, Johnny Bench, Lola Falana, and Redd Foxx.
THE LEGEND OF BOB HOPE entertaining American 6's started in May of 1941 when the country was at peace. When World War Il broke, Bob Hope, with a band of ""Hollywood gypsies,"' took off for Europe, North Africa, and the South Pacific wherever our men and women in uniform were training or fighting. Throughout the war, al of Bob's weekly radio shows were performed before Gl audiences. The tradition of spending Christmas with the troops began in 1848 when Bob, with his wife Dolores, flew to Europe to entertain Americans involved with the Berlin airlift, and continued to entertain them each Christmas through Desert Storm in 1390. Among Bob's most cherished memories are those holidays he shared with our troops n Vietnam.
Bob Hope hosts this variety special saluting Super Bowl XXIII. Included are comedy sketches, musical numbers, and appearances by the two quarterbacks of the competing teams.
NBC tops off an evening of specials with the second annual musical-variety hour originating at historic Ford's Theater in Washington, D.C. Bob Hope is host and Raymond Burr narrator for this salute to American entertainment.
Bob Hope's 2 1/2 hour star-spangled salute to America... "Honor America Day" as aired on July 4, 1970 on WTOP Channel 4 Washington. Billed as a non-partisan, rally around the flag event, it was really an effort to help out his buddy Nixon and prop up sagging poll numbers mostly due to the Vietnam War. As you might expect many people saw through the effort as only war-supporting entertainers were recruited for the event. At some point during the show, supposedly protesters (who can be heard), were hit with tear gas that ended up drifted into the mostly white, evangelical, middle-age conservative audience relaxing on the national lawn. Guests include: Bob Hope, Les Brown & his band, Barbara Eden, Ester Phillips, Jeanie C. Riley, Jack Benny, Dinah Shore, Teresa Graves, Dorothy Lamour, The New Christy Minstrels, Sugar Ray Robinson, Kate Smith, Red, Skelton, Connie Stevens, Glen Campbell and more.
Ann-Margret singing and dancing at the Grand Ole Opry House with Minnie Pearl, Bob Hope, Perry Como and Chef Atkins.
Bob Hope celebrates America's bicentennial. Hope's opening monologue includes jokes about the Fourth of July and the American Revolution, the upcoming Summer Olympics in Montreal, the antics of President Ford and Presidential hopefuls Ronald Reagan and Jimmy Carter.
Bob Hope takes a look back at the beautiful and funny women he has worked with over the years. More than 60 of Bob's co-stars are here in television and film excerpts.
It's the 1974 Las Vegas Entertainment Awards, featuring appearances by Marty Allen, Paul Anka, Ann-Margret, Foster Brooks, Carol Channing, Charo, Roy Clark, Sammy Davis Jr., Zsa Zsa Gabor, Mitzi Gaynor, Bobbie Gentry, Robert Goulet, Shecky Greene, Bob Hope, Rich Little, Liza Minnelli, Wayne Newton, Juliet Prowse, Raquel Welch, & Alan King.
Bob Hope presides as Bacchus over the New Orleans Mardi Gras parade, and provides highlights of the parade's bands and animated floats, outdoor dancing scenes on Bourbon Street, and visits to nightclubs featuring Pete Fountain and Al Hirt.
A man with a low IQ has accomplished great things in his life and been present during significant historic events—in each case, far exceeding what anyone imagined he could do. But despite all he has achieved, his one true love eludes him.
A two hour celebration of Bob Hope's 25 years of television shows that features highlights starting with his first special that aired in 1950. Between the clips, Hope reminisces with guests Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra.
Visual treasure of the world of golf according to Bob Hope. Highlights include "How (he) Became a Golf Addict", "Best Advice Ever Given to (him) about Golf", and a look at "Women in Gol"
This Is Bob (For The First Time In Living Color) Hope' on NBC December 15th, 1965 With Bing Crosby, Jack Benny, Janet Leigh, and Nancy Wilson join Bob for this hour of Christmas entertainment.
The Bob Hope Chevy Show (21 October 1956) is an episode of The Bob Hope Show. It first aired 21 October 1956 on NBC. Includes a spoof of "I Love Lucy" in which Bob plays Ricky Ricardo and Desi plays Fred Mertz. Cameo appearances by James Cagney and Diana Dors.
A comedy classic whodunit with an amazing comedic ensemble group. An hour comedy special in which Bob Hope plays a mad scientist who invents a nuclear chemical that is capable of shrinking the United States.
Hosted by Jack Benny and Bing Crosby, as Bob Hope was unable to perform due to an eye surgery to remove a blood clot. Hope appeared in pre-recorded pieces with a Benny monologue and Crosby singing.
Bob Hope's guests are Carol Lawrence, Tony Bennett, Jill St. John and Shirley Eaton. The pop music scene and marriage in the US and Britain is spoofed in song and sketches.
This documentary traces the relationship of Buñuel with American culture and Hollywood. The program proposes a chronological journey through the Aragonese filmmaker stays in the U.S., the characters he met, the films he made and he could never do. The program also includes new material-unpublished until 2012 - the Aragonese director filmed in the U.S. in the early 1940s and where he can be seen playing one of their children or enjoying a short holiday in a cottage.
A TV special on the 100th anniversary of the birth of film.
"Mickey's 50" is a 90-minute special that aired on The Wonderful World of Disney on November 19, 1978. The special was made to commemorate the 50th birthday of Mickey Mouse and highlights many moments in his career.
Second installment of deleted scenes, mostly musical or comedic, from Fox films of the 30's - 50's.
American Movie Classics produced this original salute to those celebrities who worked to improve the morale of the soldiers in World War II. Hosted by Tony Randall the one hour presentation included many clips from the news, USO shows, Armed Forces Radio, US Savings Bonds and more.
An in-depth look at the early days of television and its first stars.
Star studded show
This collection features the most memorable and iconic personality in all of late night television. It includes 21 rare episodes from favorite television classics The Johnny Carson Show, The Johnny Carson Morning Show and Sid Caesar's Hour!
Sally Ride's groundbreaking journey as the first American woman in space concealed a deeply personal story. Her life partner, Tam O'Shaughnessy, unveils their covert 27-year romance and its accompanying sacrifices.
This 1958 Christmas spectacular was produced by the USO for the entertainment of troops stationed overseas. Over 50 top names from stage, screen and television appear in this truly all-star concert film - a magical evening of music, comedy and fun. Feeaturing Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, George Burns, Milton Berle, Jack Benny, Louis Armstrong, Lena Horne, Danny Kaye, Dinah Shore, Shirley MacLaine, Jimmy Durante, Jimmy Stewart, Danny Thomas, Anna Maria Alberghetti, June Allyson, Ray Bolger, Red Buttons, Sid Caesar, Marge & Gower Champion, Cyd Charisse, Van Cliburn, Leo Durocher, Rhonda Fleming, Benny Goodman, Eydie Gormé, Betty Hutton, Frankie Lane, Tony Martin, David Niven, Kim Novak, Gregory Peck, Walter Pidgeon, Dick Powell, Jane Powell, Martha Raye, Jimmie Rogers, Jane Russell, Dick Shawn, Jo Stafford, Gale Storm and Miyoshi Umeki.
Bob Hope narrates this biographical look at America's cowboy philosopher, Will Rogers, from his days as a rope-twirling comedian to his rise to prominence as a statesman. Note: Originally part of Project XX, this film was also distributed separately on 16mm for schools and libraries, qualifying it as a standalone documentary.
Documentary about the life and career of actress Diana Dors, Britain's own "Blonde Bombshell".
Documentary about television company ATV and its founder Lew Grade.
Jack Benny presents a variety hour with a carnival theme that stars Lucille Ball, Johnny Carson, Ben Blue, and Paul Revere and The Raiders. Cameos by The Smothers Brothers (as Joe-Joe, the two-headed boy), George Burns (as Martine, the Bearded Lady), and Dean Martin (as Rip Van Rinkle, the sleeping man). Songs include Lucille Ball singing "It's So Nice To Have a Man Around the House" and "Cleo" (to the tune of "Mame"), "Too Much Talk" and "Him or Me" sung by Paul Revere and The Raiders.
Bing Crosby's 6th annual pro-am golf tournament.
Documentary about the American radio station AFN (American Forces Network), which was founded in 1943 to accompany the American troops in Western Central Europe. In the post-war period, it stood for the American way of life like almost no other station, wherever it could be received.
A look back at the first 21 years of Britain's most successful film series.
Steve Allen hosts this collection of clips of some of the greatest comedy teams in movie and television history, including Our Gang, Laurel and Hardy, The Marx Brothers, Burns and Allen, The Three Stooges, The East-Side Kids, Abbott and Costello, and Martin and Lewis.
Love Letter to Jack Benny" is a wonderfully warm-hearted tribute to the late comic genius. Hosted by three men who knew Jack well (including his best friend, George Burns), they introduce a raft of rare clips from his later programs in the 60's.
A speculative look forward at the United States' next 200 years.
Bob Hope is in San Antonio, TX with Clint Black, Phylicia Rashad, Rita Rudner, wife Dolores and Texas governor Ann Richards for his annual Christmas show.