The Bob Hope Films

by James L. Neibaur

Overview

Bob Hope got his start in show business when he was in his twenties, remained active past the age of 90, and lived to be 100. His longevity was remarkable, especially when one considers that he was active in vaudeville, radio, motion pictures and television. He excelled in each of these popular forms of entertainment, but his films are the most genuine testaments to his timeless comedy. His smart quips, fast pace, and breezy manner were perfect ingredients for the brand of comedy that was popular during World War II and the years immediately following the war.

This book begins with a discussion of Bob Hope's early career and the short films that he starred in, and then covers each of the Hope films beginning with The Big Broadcast of 1938. The Hope films, the author says, do not have deep subtexts or clever cinematic innovations, but provide clever, uplifting entertainment that continues to inspire laughter and offer solid examples of the humor that made Americans smile during and after World War II. Cast and credit information is provided for each film.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780786410507
Publisher:	McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers
Publication date:	01/10/2005
Pages:	208
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.42(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

James L. Neibaur is a film historian and scholar with more than 30 books and hundreds of articles appearing in Cineaste, Classic Images, Film Quarterly, Films in Review, Filmfax, and Encyclopædia Britannica.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments     
Introduction     
The Early Career Of Bob Hope     
The Short Subjects     
The Films     
The Road Picture That Never Was     
Appendix A: Hope’s Cameo Appearances     
Appendix B: Hope On Radio     
Appendix C: Hope On Television     
Afterword     
Bibliography     
Index     

Editorial Reviews

a handy reference”—ARBA; “entertaining”—Film Review.

From the Publisher

"entertaining"

Film Review

a handy reference

ARBA