Synopses & Reviews
Introduction by his daughter, Linda Hope.
The most recognized profile and talent in the world is celebrating his 100th birthday on May 29, 2003, by sharing his favorite jokes.
To comedians, "material" their jokes has always been precious, worthy of protecting and preserving. On stage, a good vaudeville routine could last years as it was performed on tour across the country. In radio, a year's vaudeville material might be fodder for one week's broadcast. Bob Hope used new material not only for his weekly radio series, but also for the several live charity appearances he made each week.
Hope's jokes were categorized by subject matter and filed in cabinets in a fire- and theft-proof walk-in vault in an office next to his residence in North Hollywood, California. He could then consult this "Joke File," his personal cache of comedy, to create monologues for live appearances or television and radio programs. Organized by the stages of his life, accompanied by black-and-white photographs, readers can enjoy the very best of Hope's jokes, from his early years in vaudeville, his top-rated radio show in the '30s and '40s, his legendary television appearances, and much more.
"A sense of humor is good for you. Have you ever heard of a laughing hyena with heartburn?" Bob Hope
Review
"To read [these jokes] is to know how [Hope] felt on personal and political issues, and their topical, satiric nature makes them more biographically relevant than old material from most other comedians....The quality of the jokes range from gently amusing to side-splitting, mildly sharp but never mean-spirited." Publishers Weekly
Synopsis
To comedians, 'material'--their jokes--has always been precious, worthy of protecting and preserving. On stage, a good vaudeville routine could last years as it was performed on tour across the country. On radio, a year's vaudeville material might be fodder for one week's broadcast. Bob Hope used new material not only for his weekly radio series, but also for the several live charity appearances he made each week.
Organized by the stages of his life, accompanied by black-and-white photographs, this book gives readers a chance to enjoy the very best of Hope's jokes, from his early years in vaudeville, his top-rated radio show in the '30s and '40s, his legendary television appearances, and much more.
Synopsis
Now in paperback--one of America's greatest entertainers shares his favorite jokes and memories.Bob Hope died at the age of 100 in July '03. His legendary career spanned the entire 20th century, from impersonating Charlie Chaplin in front of the firehouse in Cleveland in 1909 to celebrating an unprecedented 60 years with NBC in 1996. He entertained millions worldwide with his performances in vaudeville and on Broadway, on his top-rated weekly radio show, in beloved movies such as his Road pictures with Bing Crosby and Dorothy Lamour, and, most notably, in the countless television appearances that made him a superstar and a welcome guest in every living room in the country.
With Bob Hope: My Life in Jokes, readers can enjoy the very best of his humor and, in the process, learn about the amazing life and career of a true national treasure.
On the early years:
"I wouldn't have had anything to eat if it wasn't for the stuff the audience threw at me."
On growing old:
"Age is only a number. However, in my case, it's a rather large number."
About the Author
Bob Hope has entertained millions with his performances in vaudeville; on Broadway, radio, and television; in movies; and to troops abroad. He is the author of Dear Prez, I Wanna Tell Ya!; Greater Late Than Never; Don't Shoot, It's Only Me; and many others. Bob Hope resides with his wife Dolores in Palm Springs, California.