As the granddaughter & niece Navy veterans, as well as a classic film fan, I do enjoy Bob Hope as much for what he did to cheer our men & women oversesas as for his good humour and irresistible grin. Nitrate Diva has a collection of ten facts about the star you’re sure to enjoy reading!
Describing Bob Hope as “underrated” may sound strange. After all, he remains one of the most recognizable people of the 20th century. However, a new, comprehensive biography suggests that few of us fully appreciate Ol’ Ski Nose and his significance in American culture.
Richard Zoglin’s Hope: Entertainer of the Century doesn’t hesitate to tell it like it was. The book matter-of-factly addresses the star’s less lovable side, including his womanizing, his stifling conceitedness, and his heavy reliance on sycophantic employees.
Despite the sometimes uncomfortable honesty, Hope proves an ultimately inspiring read, largely due to the clear-sighted appraisal of its subject’s vast legacy. Not too long ago, Christopher Hitchens crankily asserted that Hope wasn’t funny. I guess that’s a matter of opinion (Not in my house, but I’m trying to be diplomatic…). What Hope certainly was, though, was influential.
In his prime, Hope made it cool to crack wise about current events. Never…
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