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Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100
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Subject: BS: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: Julie B Date: 28 Jul 03 - 09:30 AM Legendary entertainer Bob Hope dies at 100. Messages from multiple threads combined. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: Julie B Date: 28 Jul 03 - 09:32 AM For obituary see: http://www.cnn.com/2003/SHOWBIZ/TV/07/28/obit.hope/index.html |
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Subject: RE: BS: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: Amos Date: 28 Jul 03 - 09:42 AM Sigh. A moment of silence for a man who brought so much laughter from so many. This has been a year of major change, hasn't it? Thanks, Bob, for being Bob Hope. I don't think anyone else could have pulled it off! A |
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Subject: RE: BS: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: Dave Bryant Date: 28 Jul 03 - 10:24 AM Perhaps FolkMob should do something to remember him at their Tudor barn session on Wednesday - after all, he was born in Eltham and the local theatre is named after him. How about it, Dipsodeb, Woodsie, Dave K, et al. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: songs2play Date: 28 Jul 03 - 10:27 AM "He leans to the left, so shoot to the right..................." The funniest scene from any movie. God Bless. |
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Subject: Obit: Bob Hope From: John MacKenzie Date: 28 Jul 03 - 11:05 AM Another great man gone, 100 and out, a good score. He's off on his final "Road". Giok |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope From: Amos Date: 28 Jul 03 - 11:06 AM Need to combine this with the earlier thread. A Messages from multiple threads combined. If you want to see which thread was which, watch the message titles. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope From: John MacKenzie Date: 28 Jul 03 - 11:08 AM Yep sorry just noticed that myself, C'mon good fairy, do your stuff. Giok |
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Subject: RE: BS: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: GUEST,Bill Kennedy Date: 28 Jul 03 - 11:25 AM about time. No thanks for the memories (there is a parody that remains to be written, I may have a crack at it). He was not funny, not nice, and is not missed by me. The world could easily have done without his contribution, and maybe have been better off, especially as to Vietnam, and a host of right wing Republican causes. More stink in the ground though a little less on it. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope From: Fiolar Date: 28 Jul 03 - 11:34 AM Bob - say hello to Bing, Eddie Foy and the Seven Little Foys and of course to Dorothy. He was one of my favourite comedians and the world is a sadder place with his passing (in spite of what has been posted on the other thread). "Thanks for the Memory." |
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Subject: RE: BS: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: Murray MacLeod Date: 28 Jul 03 - 01:09 PM Whatever his merits or demerits as a human being, he certainly WAS funny. RIP Murray |
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Subject: RE: BS: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: Don Firth Date: 28 Jul 03 - 01:25 PM Whatever his politics might have been, I don't really see Bob Hope as being any kind of political force. He was, however, one of the half-dozen master comedians of the twentieth century. I grew up laughing at this guy, and sitting here this morning listening to some of his routines being played on an NPR special about him, I'm still cracking up! One funny guy!! Thanks for the memories, Bob. And rest easy. Don Firth |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope From: Tam the Bam (Nutter) Date: 28 Jul 03 - 01:39 PM So sad to hear about the death of Bob Hope, all I can say is 'thanks for the memories' Tom |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: Joe Offer Date: 28 Jul 03 - 01:59 PM The "Road" pictures really were funny. My 14-yr-old has watched them time and time again, and he loves them. I think Hope lost something somewhere in his second half-century, and he became cynical. Comedy became a business for him, an task of reading cue cards to make money. I saw him live in the 1970's. We paid $25 a head to watch him tape a "Bob Hope on Campus" show at UCLA. All his jokes were on huge cue cards we could read. If a skit didn't go right, he'd get angry and make the cast do it all over again. I can understand his need to do things right for the television show, but he didn't seem to have any respect for us as a paying audience - nor did he seem to have any respect for the people who were working with him. -Joe Offer- |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: GUEST,lu Date: 28 Jul 03 - 02:08 PM Over the past twenty years and more I thought he sounded very dated and chauvinistic. His jokes sounded hurtful and snide. I think it would be good if he takes a rest from comedy wherever he is. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: GUEST Date: 28 Jul 03 - 02:17 PM And his films are downright painful to watch today, because of the overt racism, etc. I'm sure conservative, status quo types still find his humor funny, because they feel so insecure with the cultural revolution in the US of the past 30 years. Hell, Bill Clinton thinks Bob Dole is one of the funniest men in politics. Of course, some of us more progressive types don't see the two of them as opposites, but as Republicrat birds of a feather. Considering how far to the reactionary right Reaganism moved the nation's political center, I suppose it is no surprise to see so many Mudcat folk (essentially a pretty conservative group in social, political, and cultural terms, just as most folkies are nowadays) nostalgically praising Bob Hope. Personally, I'm about as saddened by his passing as I was saddened to hear that Lester Maddox died. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: Don Firth Date: 28 Jul 03 - 02:23 PM My best memories of Bob Hope were listening to him on the radio back in the Forties and the movies he was in. I think that his going out to entertain troops during World War II and subsequent wars was an admirable thing to do. But--I think he fell into the same trap that a lot of people fall into these days: you can support the troops without having to support the war. Don Firth |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: John MacKenzie Date: 28 Jul 03 - 02:32 PM Well how long is it since Bob Hope made a film? Don't think it was quite yesterday, in those days he was doing things that lots of other people were at that time, the only reason you hear what he said, and not what they said, is because he was funny, so his stuff lives on. I get pissed off with people applying todays values to yesterdays happenings, sure some of the things we did were crass, but now we know better; right? Don't speak ill of the dead, especially of someone who made so many people happy in his time, and what the hell have his politics got to do with his talents? Giok |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: Ron Olesko Date: 28 Jul 03 - 02:35 PM Guest, you give progessives a bad name. I always thought that it was conservatives who pounced on opportunites to twist the message but I guess you prove that wrong. Of course his films are dated, occasionally racist and chauvenistic. Hurtful? Check the time they were made, they are no different than others of the era. Are you saying they are more hurtful and snide than the comment you chose to make, hidden behind your electronic hood? I guess at the very least, Bob Hope was not a coward and stood up for his own words. Bob Hope was very funny. There are still jokes that make me laugh and while he was not a revolutionary in film, as say Chaplin, he did open up a genre of comedy films. He was an inspiration to many. Of course we have come a long way since then. Rest in peace Bob, you led a long and decent life. You made many of laugh. That transcends all politics and is universal. Ron |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: Bill D Date: 28 Jul 03 - 03:07 PM I grew up with Bob Hope as an eternal constant almost 'defining' comedy and our times....in the last 10-15 years I have come to realize I didn't like his politics and attitudes about lots of things...but he was still **Bob** and a real icon. He had his day, and it is past...let's remember the good parts and strive to rise above the bad. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: GUEST,A Grunt Date: 28 Jul 03 - 03:40 PM Thanks Bob, you made 2hr. in Hell liveable. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: GUEST Date: 28 Jul 03 - 03:44 PM Good advice Bill D. But I would maintain that it is possible to transcend the man's politics (or ignore them completely) and still think they guy wasn't funny. There were many other comedians of the eras that Bob Hope spanned I found much funnier, including Mort Sahl, Sid Caesar, Jonathan Winters, Richard Pryor, George Carlin, Bill Cosby, Woodie Allen, Lenny Bruce, the Marx Bros, Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett, and so many others. People forget that Bob Hope pushed a lot of products for advertisers over the years. His Christmas shows were on the air for nearly 20 years, he hosted the Oscars for about 15 years, had The Bob Hope Special for decades. It is easy to be nostalgic about someone who hasn't been in our living rooms since our childhood, when he was a regular fixture, and who died at the ripe old age of 100. Yet, despite his popularity, and appearing in over 50 movies, he wasn't often recognized with awards, etc. by his contemporaries, who didn't find him very worthy of special recognition for his acting or his comedy. The only thing he was generally recognized for was his service to the troops, hence his Emmy award during the height of the Vietnam War (when his shows became very controversial, because they were underwritten by Uncle Sam, which made him a filthy rich man), as an in-yer-face gesture to the anti-war movement from the Hollywood right. Once peace time hit in the 70s, it was Bob Hope and Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders, profound cynicism, stale, recycled, regurgitated "one liner" crap. He was also a notorious womanizer One other thing--just because the racism, chauvism, is of another era, it doesn't mean his humor and the stereotypes in his films didn't hurt the people it was directed towards any less, who lived through the era right along with him. So that "it was a different era" argument, to me, is disingenuous. There were people in that era too, opposing racism, chauvinism, etc. as best they knew how. Bob Hope wasn't among them. To suggest that his television specials from Vietnam, which many of us grew up on, were somehow enlightened comedy, is revisionist history. Ditto with his TV shows. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: Ron Olesko Date: 28 Jul 03 - 04:03 PM "One other thing--just because the racism, chauvism, is of another era, it doesn't mean his humor and the stereotypes in his films didn't hurt the people it was directed towards any less, who lived through the era right along with him. So that "it was a different era" argument, to me, is disingenuous. There were people in that era too, opposing racism, chauvinism, etc. as best they knew how. Bob Hope wasn't among them. To suggest that his television specials from Vietnam, which many of us grew up on, were somehow enlightened comedy, is revisionist history." Sorry guest, it is far from revisionist history. I do remember the specials, and yes there was a lot of flag waving. There was also humor that appealed to the audience it was intended to serve. I may not have agreed with his beliefs, but I do respect his love of country and the people who served it. While some people choose to remember his right-wing views during Vietnam, many people forget his efforts fighting facism during WWII. He helped fight the evil and let the country know that it was okay to laugh during difficult and scary times. His jokes also poked fun at both the left and the right. I guess it is "revisionist" to remember only those jokes he told against the side we supported. You are also wrong to say that the arguement of "it was a different era" is disingenuous. You have to look at situations in the context of the time. There was a time in this country where women and segments of the population did not have their basic rights. Many of our forefathers were slave owners. None of this is right, but when something is socially accepted you can't crucify those who simply lived in their era. He may not have been "englightened" to fight against these issues, but that does not mean he intentionaly tried to hurt or perpetuate. Enlightenment does not happen overnight, and to curse those who did not live to understand the need for change is pure revisionism. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: Ed. Date: 28 Jul 03 - 04:10 PM Ding dong, the fascist's dead |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: GUEST Date: 28 Jul 03 - 04:16 PM "None of this is right, but when something is socially accepted you can't crucify those who simply lived in their era." I beg to differ. First, no one here is attempting to crucify Bob Hope. But you seem to think that he is above criticism (sort of like your conservative Democrats you love so dearly, Ron) and beyond reproach for what he did with his life. Bob Hope's so-called comedy and so-called great films hurt a lot of people. His comedy, films, tv shows, and the Bob Hope empire did all it could to perpetuate that era where white people loved to laugh at the darkies, the injuns, etc. I grew up with a lot of Native Americans, and not one of the thought Bob Hope's "The Paleface" movie was funny, or great moviemaking. There are those like you Ron, who de facto end up defending racism and chauvinism, by continuing to defend the racists and the chauvinists, because you personally liked them. That is fine, if you wish to do that, I have no objection. But it doesn't mean that I or anyone else has to agree with you, or participate in your delusions and deceptions about the racism and chauvinism, or the racists and chauvinists, just because they can be conveniently excused for their roles in perpetuating that sort of hatred by saying "it was more acceptable among white folks back then". |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: kinderfolk Date: 28 Jul 03 - 04:42 PM More precisely, I found Hope's humour passe, out-of-date for these more modern times. What he was in the past was of those times. I apologise for the unset cookie earlier. kinderfolk/lu |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: Ron Olesko Date: 28 Jul 03 - 04:44 PM There you go again guest... putting words in peoples mouths. Show me where I defended racism and chauvinism or those that supported it. To say that "conservative democrats" are people that I "love dearly" is simply a lie. Stop putting words in people's mouths. If you can't defend your case, move on. Don't start maligning people as a way to win your arguement. Drop your electronic hood and stop being a coward. If you are going to malign someone, have the guts to stand up for yourself. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: artbrooks Date: 28 Jul 03 - 04:46 PM Unlike Anon.Guest, Bob Hope never made any attempt to conceal who he was and what he thought. I recall a message coming down to my unit in Da Nang, asking for each unit to pick a soldier to ge off of "special duty," to an unspecified location for a couple of days. No specific skills were asked for, just somebody that was reasonably clean cut. I picked our battery clerk, since we had a backup for him and we could continue our regular mission without him. He came back and, when asked where he had gone, said "to Saigon, to see Bob Hope." The date, time and location of the show were secret, because the powers-that-be were certain that it would be attacked otherwise. A great time was had by all. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: Don Firth Date: 28 Jul 03 - 05:10 PM ". . . he wasn't often recognized with awards, etc. by his contemporaries, who didn't find him very worthy of special recognition for his acting or his comedy. . . ." GUEST, do you just pull this stuff out of thin air? He was a generous man as well. Over the years he donated more than a billion dollars to hospitals, charities and civic organizations.And that the members of your lengthy list of funny folks all, I'm more than certain, would acknowledge that Bob Hope pretty much set the pattern for the stand-up comic. You and a couple of the other people who have posted on this thread once again raise that Great Cosmic Question that has puzzled humankind since time began:-- Don Firth |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: Amos Date: 28 Jul 03 - 05:54 PM A few reminders of what he was really known for: Eisenhower admitted that the budget can't be balanced and McCarthy says the communists are taking over. You don't know what to worry about these days ... whether the country will be overthrown or overdrawn. Golf is a game that needlessly prolongs the lives of some of our most useless citizens. I do benefits for all religions -- I'd hate to blow the hereafter on a technicality. I don't bother to look for parking space anymore. As soon as I get near Hollywood Boulevard ... I sell. I grew up with six brothers. That's how I learned to dance -waiting for the bathroom. I have a wonderful make-up crew. They're the same people restoring the Statue of Liberty. I went to play golf and tried to shoot my age, but I shot my weight instead. A |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: Padre Date: 28 Jul 03 - 06:09 PM Guest, Will Rogers would be rethinking his best known quote after reading your posting. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: GUEST,pdq Date: 28 Jul 03 - 06:11 PM Don Firth and Ron Olesko: Are you begining to realize that the biggest impedement to your side is your side? Wherever he went, Bob Hope is golfing, and he can't here what punks say now anyway. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: GUEST,pdq Date: 28 Jul 03 - 06:19 PM Have to take back the here and replace it with "hear", and maybe add "don't give a flying turd" what punks have to say. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: Mary in Kentucky Date: 28 Jul 03 - 06:32 PM Joe, I also saw him live on campus and came away with the opposite opinion. I never liked his TV shows or movies, but in a live performance, I thought his timing and comedic wit were impeccable. I remember that performance after all these years. I laughed so hard my sides ached. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: Don Firth Date: 28 Jul 03 - 06:35 PM GUEST,pdq, "impediment" to "our side?" What the hell are you talking about? Don Firth |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: McGrath of Harlow Date: 28 Jul 03 - 06:41 PM Maybe he'd have done better to retire at 50. Which in effect he did, since the early films were what counted, not the stand up comic stuff. Over here he's the guy who was in the Road movies with Bing, the one who never got the girl. Gentle fun. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: NH Dave Date: 28 Jul 03 - 06:51 PM I will always respect Bob Hope for the entertainment he brought to the troops both during hot wars and the intervening cold wars that bridged the gaps between the shooting ones. He unselfishly gave up his holidays at how with his family so we could see a bit of home and, "what we are fighting for." Over the years Bob Hope had to have ammased more overseas time than I did in my 26 years in the military, and it was all during what was Christmas time for those in the states, and all one night stands. I've done my share of bag-drags, one and two day trips to locations far from home and it isn't fun at the best of times, and even less fun over holidays. Bob and his crew made the holicays just that little bit better for those of us who could gert away to see him. He may have been a hard nosed perfectionist, but he wasn't near as bad as our senior NCOS, and we understood the need he felt to give the best he and his gang had for the troops. Dave |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: GUEST,pdq Date: 28 Jul 03 - 06:52 PM Don: My spelling is usually better, but the point is that anyone considered conservative will be savaged by liberals. It makes no difference how fine a life that person has lead. It was easier for you liberals to excuse the rant against Strom Thurmond, but when the target is Jimmy Stewart or Bob Hope, the attacks can not be excused. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: WFDU - Ron Olesko Date: 28 Jul 03 - 06:57 PM PDQ, I think I understand what you are saying. I'm not sure though that somebody like that other guest who took time out from writing his manifesto to post on Mudcat is really somebody on "our" side. That poor guest needs to realize that the world is different from the one inside his tar paper shack. Trees have to bend in order to survive. McGrath - I'm glad he didn't retire. Hope was known for quite a bit more than those early movies. You have to judge a man as a whole, not just a small part. His U.S.O. tours and his charity work make up a part of his picture. His work on radio really helped set the stage for variety shows that would follow both on radio and TV - and I'm not talking about just the ones he did. His style and format were often copied. While he may not have authored all his own jokes, his delivery made them his own. Hope poked fun at everyone, including himself. His jokes were corny at times, and I would not classify him as a political humorist, but he did let the right have it just as much as the left. He was not mean spirited by any means, even though some may have hinted at that in their posts. Hope helped us laugh at ourselves. As I said earlier, he was able to do this during the dark hours of WWII and that is probably an often overlooked accomplishment. I don't know how true this is, but I just heard on the radio that knowing the end was coming, his wife asked him where he wanted to be buried. His answer was "surprise me". Ron |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: WFDU - Ron Olesko Date: 28 Jul 03 - 07:00 PM "It was easier for you liberals to excuse the rant against Strom Thurmond, but when the target is Jimmy Stewart or Bob Hope, the attacks can not be excused." PDQ- I may be missing what you are trying to say here. Could you expand that thought a bit? |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: Don Firth Date: 28 Jul 03 - 07:09 PM "You liberals?" Again, what the hell are you talking about? Sounds to me like you pigeon-hole people on the basis of what you think they believe, then either agree with them or argue with them on that basis. Simplistic. Cheesy thinking. When someone calls me a "liberal"--or for that matter, when someone calls me a "conservative--and that has happened--I know that they are not really hearing what I'm saying, they're hearing some collection of prepackaged ideas that they have tucked away in their heads. From that point on, I figure they're not worth arguing with. Don Firth |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: Banjer Date: 28 Jul 03 - 07:10 PM Why is it that every fucking thing that appears on this board anymore, no matter what the subject, gets turned into a political or religious argument. Can't anybody be civil anymore? Bob Hope did a LOT for the morale of our ARmed Forces over a great span of time. Why drag dirty laundry into it. If you didn't like him fine, that's your perogative, but let this be a memorial as it was intended, not a political/religious/social issue broohaha! |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: Don Firth Date: 28 Jul 03 - 07:15 PM Exactly so, Banjer. Bob Hope was an entertainer, not a politician. Don Firth |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: GUEST,pdq Date: 28 Jul 03 - 07:20 PM Ron: The anti-conserative rant goes on all day, in every medium except (part of) radio. Please ask yourself if the personal attacks on people are because those folks did something wrong or because they were conservative. You and your fellow progressives had no trouble condemning Strom Thurmond, a man I know nothing about and care to know no more. You liberals need to get a better perspective. Jimmy Stewart , Bob Hope and Buddy Ebsen were all staunchly conservative, which is the only reason they have received such an unholy sendoff by the usual crowd of haters. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: Deckman Date: 28 Jul 03 - 07:29 PM I had a cup of coffee with Bob Hope in 1964. It was quite a pleasant experience. I lived in a little town in the Santa Cruz mountains. Every Sunday morning, I would walk down the hill from my house, walk in the back door of the local bakery/coffee shop, and have a doughnut and coffee and visit with the baker. He'd do his doughnuts, I'd drink coffee and read the paper. There were a few of us locals that always started our Sundays like this. It was a small town thing to do. One day, it was just the baker and I, and in walked Bob Hope and two "suits." There was no doubt who he was. I've always been very comfortable around celebrities, knowing that we all put our pants on one leg at a time. No big deal. He and his associates started talking with the baker. After a couple of minutes, I turned to him, introduced myself, and asked him to be quiet as I was reading my paper. He laughed so hard his face turned red! It turned out that he was in town, village really, to buy that shop. The owner was in finacial need. Bob Hope bought the shop, kept the baker on, and nothing ever changed. The doughnuts and pastries stayed the same, the staff stayed the same, and the back door was always open at five in the morning. I think the one feeling that I remember, above all, was that this was just another guy, who absolutly loved to laugh, and was very human. I obviously recognised him, yet I had the balls to ask to be quieter ... and he loved it ... and so did I. Rest in peace. CHEERS, Bob |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: WFDU - Ron Olesko Date: 28 Jul 03 - 07:35 PM PDQ - I'm not sure why you are lumping me into the "anti-conservative" rant and putting me in the same catagory with those who "need to get a better perspective" on people like Bob Hope and the rest. Seems to me like you have stereotyped me without knowing me. Isn't that what you are saying the others are doing? As I thought I made very clear, I have a great respect for Bob Hope. For that matter, I also loved Jimmy Stewart. One of my favorite films was The Quiet Man, which is has some nasty stereotypes in it, is very demeaning towards women, and stars the poster child for the right wing conservative actors. While I consider myself a liberal and a progressive, but not in the terms that "guest" uses it. I do feel that everyone has a right to their opinion, and I will not deny anyone that right. I do make an effort to see where they are coming from, unlike a lot of people here and on radio. I will fight back when I see someone making blanket statements that have nothing to do with the truth. (Not meaning you PDQ, just the other cretin who posted earlier.) I do agree with you and others that this forum was meant for a respectful tribute to Bob Hope. I am sorry I jumped into this, but my original post was trying to show how that "guest" was speaking out of turn. Again, I think the world has lost a wonderful man. He gave more of himself then most people give him credit for. He made us laugh, and still does. I will miss him. Ron |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: Bill D Date: 28 Jul 03 - 07:40 PM perhaps 50 years ago, Bob Hope played Wichita, Kans. He was booked into "The Forum", an old cavernous auditorium that was torn down about 1960 (he stood on the stage you can see in the pic)....he was introduced, walked out slowly and gazed at the audience in the hanging balconies...and looked...and looked......and finally, after 15-20 seconds, he leaned over to the microphone with a quizzical look and asked: "....ummm...what time do the bats fly out?" the audience howled! this was LONG before I cared about his politics or worried that his humor was dated...It may be that writer gave him that line *shrug*, but it was **HOPE** that delivered it, and it was classic. I don't CARE that he got rich from his trips to Korea, etc..he went! Every Christmas for years, and many other times in between. He actually risked his neck a few times, and he did what was needed, when it was needed. I'd rather he had had been a bit 'different' in his attitudes, but then maybe he wouldn't have been Bob Hope, who fit what the times needed in the 40s & 50s... Let the man rest in peace! |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: Deckman Date: 28 Jul 03 - 07:44 PM Hey folks ... simmer down! It gets REAL SIMPLE! Rise above it. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: Bill D Date: 28 Jul 03 - 07:46 PM *grin*...actually, Bob stood right where the side of beef is in this picture. He would probably be amused. Deckman...that is a great story about the bakery. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: GUEST,pdq Date: 28 Jul 03 - 07:56 PM Ron: Thanks for explaination. If I have lumped you with the left wing goon squad I was wrong. I would like, however, for liberals to do a better job of rejecting their fringe elements. As a conservative, I am tired of having my side linked to lynchings, toxic waste dumps, and everything else wrong in the world. Hope, Crosby, Gable, Stewart, Stack, Ebsen, all must be respected for their contributions. Bringing in politics shows, well, no class. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: McGrath of Harlow Date: 28 Jul 03 - 08:21 PM "You have to judge a man as a whole, not just a small part." It strikes me that the problem here is that some people are feeling it necessary to do just that, judging the man on all the things he did in 100 years, especially the ones they don't like from the later years. Perhaps if you are "judging" a man you do it on that basis; but when you are not seeking to judge, but to appreciate him, maybe it's better to concentrate on the bits that you like best, and set aside the ones you don't. "Judge not, lest you be judged." |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: Bert Date: 28 Jul 03 - 08:45 PM Oh dear. I liked Paleface, in case you haven't seen it, it was a spoof on Westerns. It was a SPOOF guys. You weren't supposed to take it seriously. It was funny because it poked fun at Western movies and my Dear Mudcatters it had at least one good song in it. "Buttons and Bows". And several good jokes "Hmmm, Virginia Creeper". When Painless was shaving and the arrow went 'thunk' and held up his mirror. It wasn't intended to be a putdown on Indians. It was meant to be funny. Gawd, if you think that Paleface was chauvinistic and racist then you'd better not watch any of the Carry On movies. One of the things that makes us human is the ability to laugh at ourselves. There was a thread recently on stereotypes, and yes that was funny as well. I'm very left wing but I can still laugh, and I thank Bob Hope for making me laugh hard and often. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: Don Firth Date: 28 Jul 03 - 08:55 PM Please excuse me Banjer and others, but I just have to ask GUEST,pdq this:— I take it from what you have written that you are of the conservative persuasion. Looking back over both Ron's and my posts, I can't see that we have done anything but praise Bob Hope. Yet you attack us as if we are attacking Hope's politics rather than lauding his talents as an entertainer. Somehow, we seem to have offended your conservative sensibilities. If you don't mind, would you please go over our posts and let us know where, exactly, we transgressed? I can't see it, myself. In fact, in the post in which I posed the Great Cosmic Question, I was taking to task those who bad-mouthed Hope and who seemed to be wanting to turn this into a political thread. What, exactly, did I say to trigger your ire? Don Firth |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: The Walrus Date: 28 Jul 03 - 09:13 PM Well, I for one, am grateful for the life of Bob Hope. OK, maybe a lot of his 'ad libs' were actually written for him, but there is a lot in the delivery - he was a performer for God's sake!<1> Maybe he wasn't quite the man his image minders projected - that's called being human. Maybe I don't find him as funny now as I used to do- Tastes change Maybe his films are not 'politically correct' - They were made when p.c. only stood for Police constable. Maybe some find his politics 'iffy' - that can be said of many people along all parts of the spectrum All in all, he is well into the plus side of the ledger and the world is richer for his being. Thanks for the memory, Bob Walrus <1> A Musical comparison? "Lucy in the Sky" by the Beatles and by Shatner - It's in the delivery |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: GUEST,pdq Date: 28 Jul 03 - 09:20 PM Don: I had not yet read the admirable defense of Hope and others that you posted. Thank you. You and Ron have both been fair. I do ask that, at some time, you study the general tone of the Mudcat discussions. There is only one side making the personal attacks, the other side is merely fighting back. That is how I see it. Politics has been part of folk music for a long time, but right now the left seems to be driving out anyone who won't toe the line, living or dead. Again, that is how I see it. God bless Bob Hope. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: Don Firth Date: 28 Jul 03 - 09:23 PM In short, you just made a bunch of assumptions without reading what we said and exploded on the basis of what you assumed? Don Firth |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: WFDU - Ron Olesko Date: 28 Jul 03 - 10:34 PM PDQ - we should probably take this discussion to another forum, because it does not do Bob Hope justice, however since we started here I would like to add something. You made a good point about one side making the personal attacks, but while it does seem to come from anonymous guests attacking the right, I don't think it is fair to say that the other guy always starts it. The problem with fanatics on the extreme of both sides is that they live in shells. They fail to look at the real world around them and TRY to figure out what makes them think the way they do. That doesn't mean you have to give up your beliefs or excuse wrong-doings. It means that you understand what makes the "other side" tick and perhaps enables you to come up with solutions. Getting back to Bob Hope, there was a beautiful A&E Biography about the man that just finished airing. They dealt with Vietnam, and he did not make excuses for his being a "hawk". He did try to explain that he wanted to win the war and get everyone home. That doesn't change the way I felt about the war, but I do think I understand his feelings. The bottom line is that there were HUNDERES OF THOUSANDS of soldiers who didn't want to be there either, and Hope let them know that there were people who cared about them. Cynics will say that the U.S.O. shows earned him money and benefited his career, but that is wrong. There are many other ways to do that. You don't need to spend every Christmas away from home, living in extremely dangerous conditions and chance losing it all. Hope, like Al Jolson who actually began the practice, spent time because something inside of them gave them their reason for being here on this planet. It is called service. Hope was a hero. Loving one's country is something that both sides fight for. The left wants to make change because they feel that the ideals that built this country aren't being lived up to. The right fights to protect those same freedoms. Both sides are closer than they think. Thanks again Bob. You will always be a national treasure. Ron |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: GUEST Date: 28 Jul 03 - 11:33 PM Being the quintessential red blooded American comedic patriot was very good business for Bob Hope. He was the richest entertainer in the world. To say that Bob Hope didn't financially benefit from his USO tours and status as the official US military sanctioned entertainer of the troops for decadeds, beggars belief. He had very good *financial* reasons for playing the patriotic entertainer. As to his awards, he was never awarded, by either his peers or by critics, as an actor or a comedian. He was loaded down with humanitarian awards, service awards, a bunch of keys to cities, etc. But the honorary Oscar and Emmy were nods to his political power and clout, and his longevity. But there most certainly were not any awards ever given to Bob Hope for his talent. For a good reason. I can appreciate that he died an icon. Sixty successful years in any business is something to be admired. But he isn't a sacred cow. Just a convenient pawn in the maudlin military nostalgia propaganda campaign. Just when the government needs it most too--when the war is going to hell in a hand basket. I'm sure Mr. Hope in heaven is enjoying the irony of his death deflecting the heat from the commander in chief. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: Blackcatter Date: 28 Jul 03 - 11:54 PM Hope made me laugh. He made my dad laugh. He made my mom laugh. His specials on TV were always on in my home growing up, not because they were the best shows going, but because something interesting always happened and because it appeared that Hope was having a good time. That's what I try to do when I'm performing. And he's one of the persons I learned that from. Oh - and for those who think he wasn't honored by his peers - he was also honored 5 times by the Academy Awards and the Guinness people consider him to be the most honored entertainer ever. The blue clicky below will take you to the original words of Thanks For The Memory Blackcatter's Bob Hope TV Theme Page |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: Cluin Date: 28 Jul 03 - 11:59 PM Goodbye, Mr I-Wanna-Tell-Ya. Thanks for the laughs. I still love the "Road" movies. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: Deckman Date: 29 Jul 03 - 12:00 AM By the way: Did you know that the song "Buttons and Bows" can be played on the piano using just the black keys. This means that the song is in the "pentonic scale". (five note scale). As I said, just rise above it! Bob |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: WFDU - Ron Olesko Date: 29 Jul 03 - 12:04 AM Guest- Of course Hope was rich, but the money did not come directly from his U.S.O. tours. He was a good businessman and made many investments and real estate deals. His contract with NBC alone was huge. He did not need to make money from the U.S.O. and put his life in danger. Guest, it may be hard for you to imagine this, but Bob Hope did not earn blood money for his support of the troops. I can understand that you see a consipiracy in every action, but sometimes you are wrong. You have every right to be a pessimist and see that the glass is half full, but do you have to say the glass is dirty too? Please back up your statement with some facts. Nobody is making Bob Hope into a sacred cow. He had his flaws like the rest of us. However, at this time many of us choose to remember and thank him for the good that he did. You may fail to see that and you are entitled to voice your opinion, but please use facts not just statements you choose to make up - especially when you are too much of a coward to appear in public without a sheet over your head. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: Deckman Date: 29 Jul 03 - 12:28 AM I'd like to comment on another aspect of Bob Hope's life that I don't think has been addressed yet. He was ONE HUNDRED YEARS OLD! Can you, or any of us possibly begin to understand the social mores and changes that he survived? My wonderful Father died last year at the age of 94. He and I spent wonderful hours (years) speaking to the changes in our society within his lifetime. Consider what America was like in 1903. What was common? What was acceptable? What was expected? Think for a minute, what changes Bob Hope had to endure. What accepted and encouraged behaviors did he have to unlearn as society changed and grew. It ain't easy folks, living through one hundred years of American social changes. Hells bells, it ain't even easy just living one hundred years! As I read these pipsqueeks thoughts, I well remember something I witnessed my Father say. One time, while we were in line at fast food place, my Father proudly announced to me, and everyone else within the the room, that he had just received his 'senior citizen discount card.' An upstart 16 year old child in line turned to my Father and said: "Jeeze, Mister. You sure are old." My Father did'nt even bat an eye or miss a beat. He just looked at the kid and said: "Keep that up kid, and you won't live to be half my age!" So, when I read these kind of pipsqueek comments from kritters that are probalaby not even one fourth of Bob Hope's age, I just yawn and say ... "rise above it." CHEERS, Bob(deckman)Nelson |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: GUEST Date: 29 Jul 03 - 01:05 AM For sources, there are plenty of biographies of Hope, and not all of them are testimonials to the man's greatness. For instance, "The Secret Life of Bob Hope" by Arthur Marx (Groucho's son and one of Hope's long line of writers) is more critical biography than not. Hope has been something of a sacred cow in American life because of his career as an official government entertainer for the military, and because his wealth and political influence as a golf partner of presidents, once made him one of the most powerful men in Hollywood. But just like the true story eventually came out on Bing Crosby after his death, we'll hear soon enough about the real Bob Hope--and it won't be the pretty patriotic picture being painted to memorialize him today. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: alanabit Date: 29 Jul 03 - 03:47 AM I found him funny at times and would want to celebrate his life. No I didn't like his politics. The same same can be said for Jimmy Stewart. I think that at the moment though, I would want to concentrate on the things I liked about the man. When Jimmy Stewart died, I preferred to recall his work for conservation and his enormous courage and commitment during World War II. (He flew combat missions when he could easily have ducked out of it - and never made a big thing of it. That raised him several notches above some of the snivelling creeps of the MacCarthy era for me). Crosby's politics were not mine, but I view politics as part of the man and not the whole man - which is essentially what Ron Olesko, Don Firth and Deckman are saying here. (I know you will correct me if I'm wrong!) "The evil that men do lives after them/The good is often interred in their bones". To our hooded guest, I can only say that is our choice. There are lots of things which I would prefer folks to overlook when I pass on. I'll remember Bob Hope for his courage, talent and essential decency. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: Murray MacLeod Date: 29 Jul 03 - 04:14 AM Deckman, I hate to be pedantic just as much as I dislike introducing thread creep, but I don't think "Buttons and Bows" can be played on the black keys. "............rings and things and buttons and bows ......" There is a semitone difference between "butt...." and ....tons" when you sing "buttons" in that line, therefore it could not be played on the black keys and isn't really a pentatonic melody. That apart, your contributions to this thread are magnificent. Murray |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: Teribus Date: 29 Jul 03 - 05:19 AM No awards? no honours? - Over 2000 of them in his lifetime according to the BBC. He brought happiness and laughter to a great many people throughout his lifetime, raised billions for charity, while still working and long after an age when most have retired. Rest in peace, 100 - a great innings for a great entertainer. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: Deckman Date: 29 Jul 03 - 06:02 AM Murray ... You are quite correct, of course. You don't suppose that those odd notes were "accidental?" I mean this comment in good humor. After all, we are speaking about a person who was a magnificent humorist. Another telling part of Bob Hopes life is echoed in this thread: look where these postings are coming from ... ALL AROUND THE WORLD! Quite a wonderful story, all in all. CHEERS, Bob |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: McGrath of Harlow Date: 29 Jul 03 - 07:12 AM "...There is only one side making the personal attacks.." GUEST, pdq) That, I'm afraid, is cobblers. There have been inumerable, and sometimes very vicious, "personal attacks" directed at Mudcatters (and others) who come across as left of centre (a "centre" which in a lot of cases is itself what would be seen in most countries as fairly right-wing). We'd be better off without that kind of stuff, whichever direction it's aimed at. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: GUEST Date: 29 Jul 03 - 08:48 AM Bob Hope had many awards. But Bob Hope never received any awards for *acting*. Bob Hope never received any awards for *comedy*. He received honorary "lifetime achievement" types of awards. Public service awards. But he never received an award for his professions of actor and comedian. Sheesh, read what is written people. This is the third time I've explained this. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: Fiolar Date: 29 Jul 03 - 09:11 AM To quote Michael Collins when a colleague criticised DeValera - "If you can't say anything good about him, say nothing." |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: GUEST Date: 29 Jul 03 - 09:14 AM And to quote from Dorothy Parker, "If you can't say anything nice about someone, come sit by me." |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: McGrath of Harlow Date: 29 Jul 03 - 09:25 AM Or as Thumper's father put it - "If You Can't Say Nothin' Nice, Then Don't Say Nothin' At All" (Bambi's mate Thumper, that is. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: Ron Olesko Date: 29 Jul 03 - 09:29 AM Personally I think a public service award is much more rewarding. Anyone can buy an acting award. It is much more significant that he received honors from around the globe for his actions. That will leave a mark that will last long after his films have turned to dust. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: John MacKenzie Date: 29 Jul 03 - 02:40 PM Read todays New York Times Arts Page. Giok
click here and enter "Mudcat5" for user name plus "mudcatter" for the password, if you don't want to sign up for access. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: SINSULL Date: 29 Jul 03 - 10:09 PM I did not think he was funny. Ever. But I also didn't get "Best In Show" or "A Mighty Wind". Not my politics, I think. Anyway, RIP, Bob. After 100 years you deserve to. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: Bill D Date: 30 Jul 03 - 12:45 AM Mudcat & 'mudcatter' did not work
Sorry, should have read: click here and enter "Mudcat5" for user name plus "mudcatter" for the password, if you don't want to sign up for access. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: Blackcatter Date: 30 Jul 03 - 12:59 AM Just exactly which (or what) comedy award was there to be won until the 1980s? I can't remember any, which means Hope was in the best of company along with Groucho, Ceasar, Brooks, Berle, Burns, Ball, Bruce, Cosby, Carlin, et al. Once again the pointlessness of a GUEST comment is apparent. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: catspaw49 Date: 30 Jul 03 - 01:17 AM Somewhere there is a copy of an old radio show, an "Hour of Stars" kinda' thing. Goucho and Hope were on together and Hope dropped his script. Groucho then stepped on it and threw his own to the floor. The result was 5 minutes of the biggest laughs ever gotten on radio. Hope couldn't really hang with Groucho (but damn few could) but he knew how to keep setting him up. The Grouch later said it was his favorite performance on radio. For those of you finding fault with him......well damn folks, he was born in England and grew up in Cleveland....What the hell do you expect? (Spaw now runs like hell and ducks for cover) Bye Bob...... Spaw |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: katlaughing Date: 30 Jul 03 - 01:32 AM The Library of Congress has a LOT of Hope memorabilia online: click. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: mooman Date: 30 Jul 03 - 04:10 AM A good innings.... May he R.I.P. moo |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: GUEST Date: 30 Jul 03 - 09:09 AM In his biograpy of Bob Hope, Groucho's son says that the Groucho didn't think much of Hope as a comedian, as he couldn't improvise, never wrote his own stuff, and as a person off stage really wasn't funny (he is said to have been rather dour, in fact). But Groucho felt he was a good intepreter of what other people wrote for him. And I heard Dick Cavett pay him the supreme compliment to every comedian--that he had wonderful diction. Odd isn't it, how the people who worked with him in comedy didn't comment on how funny they thought he was? And that was 53 leading acting roles in films Hope had, and not one award for acting. But he sure was shrewd enough to know how to turn a buck, elbow his way into the circles of the ruling elite (remember, he WAS English), exploit situations and people to his own advantage, and make it onto the Forbes Rich List. Ya gotta love him for that! |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: Ron Olesko Date: 30 Jul 03 - 09:30 AM Guest- Why do you continue to make things up? You write sentences without any facts to back them. I guess in the tarpaper shack where you are writing from it sounds pretty good, but to the rest of us in the real world it sounds as if you are the one with some severe problems. Sounds like jealousy on your part if you are stretching to find fault with the man. Forbes Rich List? So what is wrong with that? The man built hospitals, theaters and did more philanthropic work than you will ever do - money or no money. To use Dick Cavett as a barometer for what is funny is like using Colonel Sanders as an authority on gourmet cooking. Also, if you use anything that Arthur Marx wrote as the definitive source, you should look again. His track record and research skills are questionable to say the least. If you really read the comments you will find numerous compliments from other comedians including Woody Allen who basically gave Hope credit for his entire career. You fault him for not writing his own stuff? I guess you have little respect for someone like Laurence Olivier since some guy name Shakespeare wrote his best material. Where is it written that a comedian has to write their own material? You would be surprised at how many comics have help. Bob Hope was far from the funniest comedian and the majority of his films. He was not a saint. He does deserve respect and recognition for his work. Your snide comments do little to make a mark since you are too much of a coward to even use a name. I can point you to REAL comments that go against every comment you make. Do some real research before you post next time. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: RangerSteve Date: 30 Jul 03 - 10:33 AM Sometimes, when I watch movies today that I thought were hilarious as a kid, I end up wondering what I thought was so funny. I don't know if I could watch "Paris Holiday" or "Fancy Pants" today and laugh the way I did when they first came out, but Mr. Hope made me laugh hysterically years ago, and I thank him for that. As for the few folks who seem to be ready to get up and dance with joy over Hope's death, you have the right to say what you feel, but it's also perfectly okay to keep your thoughts to yourself. Were you with that "religious" group at Matthew Sheppard's funeral chanting "God Hates Queers"? Probably not, because that would be tasteless. But if a guy's politics or humor isn't to your taste, rejoicing isn't tasteless, it's actually perfectly justifiable. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: RangerSteve Date: 30 Jul 03 - 10:36 AM I meant to add to the above: Don Firth, thanks for the "horses ass" comment. I always appreciate when someone can start my day with a good laugh. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: GUEST Date: 30 Jul 03 - 10:56 AM Mudcat went through this same self-righteously indignant row of "how dare they besmirch the fallen hero like this..." when the Queen Mother died too, remember? Look, no one here even knew Bob Hope or the Queen Mother. Both lived well beyond the norm because of their wealth and the good health it bought them (and of course, their healthy genes obviously contributed). These were figures that were both loathed and loved. There should be room for both here, but those with a tendency towards beatification of the recently deceased will always have a problem with ANY of the loathers making an appearance. I, and nearly all people who post here (in my experience) do make distinctions as to what is and isn't appropriate with the obituary threads. In some of the obituary threads, where people actually knew the deceased, I would never dream of saying a bad word. That would be tasteless. But when it comes to the cult of celebrity, royal or otherwise, where no one in this circle of people knew the celebrity in question, those standards just don't apply. Celebrity worship is a strange phenomenen, and the death of a celebrity announced in an obituary thread here is in no way equatable to the authentic, genuine grief and mourning expressed in obituary threads where the deceased is a member of this music community, or friends or relatives of the posters. With the celebrity obituary, people usually either loved or loathed the celebrity, and say so. No one should have a problem with that, as all that is being expressed is people's opinions of the celebrity. If you are one of the one's who loved the celebrity, you aren't going to like what the loathers say about them. But eventually, with the tendency of every celebrity death trumpeted by mainstream media to land in a Mudcat obituary thread, we all will have to suffer through the threads where our beloved celebrity gets slammed by those who loathed them. So what? It ain't like the loathers and standing up in church, and screaming expletives in middle of the eulogy at your mother's funeral. This is the internet, remember? |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: Blackcatter Date: 30 Jul 03 - 11:10 AM We're not worshipping the guy. We're just reflecting on the FACT that he brought enjoyment to many of us and a hell of a lot of other people. GUEST - you lie and miss represent. Calling a spade a spade is ok, but calling a spade a club is stupid. Go grind your axe up you ass. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: Ron Olesko Date: 30 Jul 03 - 11:15 AM Guest at 10:56. You make some good points, but I think you are missing one critical point. I don't think this is a case of celebrity worship where people won't accept criticisms. This is a case where some people are just spouting made up or erroneous statements. That is different than expressing an opinion. When someone posts a note that people who worked with Hope failed to say how funny he was - that is plain wrong. There are tons of comments to the contrary and if that guest would open up his or her eyes they would have found them. Instead they made a statement, not claiming it to be their opinion, but stating it as if it were fact. If a newspaper, TV or radio reporter did that we would be all over them. Instead, because it is the "internet", some people think that those rules don't apply. Wrong. The other statement you made, that no one here knew Bob Hope COULD also be wrong. You can't make that assumption. I did not know him, but I do know people that did. (I've worked in television production for 23 years.) The stories I've heard do not make him out to be the bully that some people make him out to be. He understood the business and what was expected from each person. His control over his productions was not unusual and merely the mark of a man who knew his craft. Your note does point out something. While there area people who do not like to see their idols with feet of clay, there are others who refuse to see anything good about someone they don't like. You will never convince these people to see that someone may have been genuine in their committment and actually did good. The glass is always either half empty or half full but rarely do people realize it is just a glass of water. Ron |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: Little Hawk Date: 30 Jul 03 - 11:24 AM Bob Hope's glory days were a bit before my time. I didn't become much aware of him until the later 60's, and I was repelled by his political stance. Accordingly, I did not find him funny in the least. It's kind of comparable to how I came to feel about Al Capp (although he was definitely a good cartoonist, and Li'l Abner could be quite enjoyable when it wasn't political). So you could say I'm prejudiced against Bob Hope, and you'd be right. Due to this prejudice I have remained largely ignorant of whatever worthwhile contributions he made to the art of humour. After all, when I go to the video store I'm not going to pick out a Bob Hope movie to watch, am I? Oh, well. I guess Bob Hope was prejudiced against leftist antiwar people and it created that old karmic backlash in return. That's the way it goes. Anyway, he must have been a tenacious old guy, because not too many people live to 100. I hope he enjoyed his remarkable life to the fullest, but I'd still like to throw a pie in his face over the political stuff. Politics is like that, I'm afraid. It gets in the way of positive relating to people. - LH |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: GUEST Date: 30 Jul 03 - 11:34 AM Yah, and with all the English posters here, someone here might be related to the Queen Mum. Right. Why not give it a rest, boys? This is an obit thread about a 100 year old celeb who made many a friend, and many an enemy, and had many defenders and detractors, some of whom showed up here to say their bit, whether "provable" or not. If you found him funny, fine. If not, fine. There is no need to use the person (me) who's opinion/personality/habit of posting anonymously you don't like, as yet another excuse for starting a tiresome "kill the anon guest" flame war. I know, it's the doldrums of summer, and you are bored, and haven't had your quota of anon guest fresh meat of late. Yawn. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: Ron Olesko Date: 30 Jul 03 - 11:48 AM Ahhh... persecution complex now. Turning the discussion around so tht you will look like the victim. Still avoiding the facts. Interesting. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: GUEST Date: 30 Jul 03 - 12:03 PM Oh stop your whining Ron. Facts and personal opinions aren't equatable, and you bloody well know it. The very idea that you are demanding someone "prove" their opinion is silly and petulant. Your intense dislike of me personally, gets triggered nearly every time I appear to express a negative opinion. Your dislike of me has turned you into one of the Mudcat vendetta men. This isn't about you being well reasoned, it is about you wanting to have at me, for bloodsport. That doesn't make me a victim at all, buddy. But it does make you a man with an personal ax to grind here. Why not do what truly reasonable people do when someone they dislike as intensely as you dislike me, comes into their presence--and ignore me, instead of always trying to pick a fight? Had you been able to restrain that reply trigger finger of yours when you saw me posting here, we could all still be merrily saying wonderful and nasty things about the deceased. Like I said, give the "flame the guest" crap a rest. Your intemperate obsession with flaming me is getting the better of you. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: jeffp Date: 30 Jul 03 - 12:29 PM There you go again, proving Ron's point. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: Don Firth Date: 30 Jul 03 - 12:35 PM GUEST, who did you say was being silly and petulant? Jeez! Get a life! Don Firth |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: Blackcatter Date: 30 Jul 03 - 12:44 PM GUEST - just leave - no one here apears to appreciate your comments. You are also boring and redundant. I've been part of Mudcat for 4 years and entities like you come and go while the rest of us continue to stay on and enjoy the discussions. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: GUEST Date: 30 Jul 03 - 01:06 PM That makes 4 flame mongerers in the Mudcat "flame the anon guest" game. Ah well, the dog days of summer is when the flame warriors love to fire up their flame throwers for a little mindless gladiator-style entertainment. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: Ron Olesko Date: 30 Jul 03 - 01:15 PM Boo hoo hoo. I feel so sorry. What a persecution complex you have! So you still expect to make blind statements and all of us to regard them as fact? What superiority you must feel!! When we challenge you, you cry "foul" and instead of discussing our points you choose to fight back at us. Poor victim. Ax to grind? Each time I've posted I've responded to a comment you made. Now I am out to get you? Please. Are you hearing voices too? I do not "dislike" you. I have no admiration for your cowardice and blatant lieing which you call your "opinion" (check a dictionary, there is a huge difference.) Each of your posts show you falling deeper and deeper into your own rage - a cornered rat who is now clawing at anything to get out. You can't simply admit you were wrong in your posts. "Flame the anon guest". What a rallying cry. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: Deckman Date: 30 Jul 03 - 01:27 PM Did I ever tell you about the time I rode in an elevator with Bing Crosby and Phil Harris? True story ... it was 1956, at the Olympic hotel, in seattle, and ..... Oh, never mind! Bob |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: GUEST Date: 30 Jul 03 - 01:28 PM OK Ron, in the interest of peace, I was completely wrong about everything I said about Bob Hope. I apologize for infuriating those of you whom I infuriated, for whatever reason. I want this argument to end, here and now. So how about a truce, fellas--whaddya say? |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: GUEST,MMario Date: 30 Jul 03 - 01:31 PM you could have ended the argument at any point earlier. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: Ralphie Date: 30 Jul 03 - 01:33 PM Haven't read all of the Flame Wars above, but maybe now that this thread has reached the 100 mark, we should leave it, like Mr Hope, to RIP Ralphie |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: GUEST Date: 30 Jul 03 - 01:34 PM True. But I am trying to end it now. And towards that end, I leave the rest of you to do what you will. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: Ron Olesko Date: 30 Jul 03 - 01:34 PM How do we know you are the same guest???? See, there is one of the problem with anonymous postings. I have nothing further to say. I will continue to challenge anyone who makes a statement that comes across as "fact" when evidence points to the contrary. I also think that EVERYONE should be careful about what they post. You are certainly entitled to post anonymously if you wish (although I can't understand it) but you are still responsible for what you write. Some of the statments people make in these forums border on libel and slander. It isn't right to make assumptions about people. I'm all for a truce. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: Deckman Date: 30 Jul 03 - 01:48 PM As I started to say ... Did I ever tell you about the time I rode in an elevator with Bing crosby and Phil ........ |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: SINSULL Date: 30 Jul 03 - 05:22 PM I rode in an elevator with Henry Kissenger and his wife. True story. He was in for heart surgery as was a friend of mine. I get on the elevator and there he is in a hospital gown - all four feet of him - and next to him his six foot wife dressed to the nines. I nodded, turned and pushed a button. Next floor, a man gets on and sees Kissenger, goes over and shakes his hand and then goes on and on about "You must remember me. We met at the carshow in 1974. Remember? etc. etc. Kissenger finally "recalled" their meeting but never remmembered his name. A New York moment. And I saw Milton Bearle at a Howard Johnson's on the thruway. Never shared coffee with Bob Hope though. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: Ron Olesko Date: 30 Jul 03 - 05:35 PM My two favorite "celebrity" elevator stories are: 1) Getting on an elevator with Dick Cavett who is changing his shirt (in the elevator) because he was late for his taping. 2) Getting on an elevator with Yasmine Bleeth. An uneventful ride, but I can now say I was on an elevator with Yasmine Bleeth. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: Don Firth Date: 30 Jul 03 - 06:02 PM Mine are mostly of the "next table" variety. In 1955 I had occasion to be at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs. The National Figure Skating Championships were taking place nearby, and a lot of celebrities were to be seen in the dining room (saw lots of familiar faces). On one occasion, my parents, my sister, and I noticed that seated at the next table were Phil Harris and Alice Faye and a couple of other people. In 1959, the lovely Ellen and I were going a Harry Belafonte concert at Seattle's Orpheum Theater. We decided to have dinner before the concert in the dining room of the Benjamin Franklin Hotel, just down the block from the theater. Once we were seated, we notice a group of about eight people a couple tables away. Harry Belafonte and his entourage. They were all staying at the hotel and having a bite before going to the theater to get ready for the concert. Don Firth |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: Blackcatter Date: 30 Jul 03 - 06:46 PM Ron - It's a shame Yasmine wasn't changing her shirt . . . I've shared a elevator with Doctor Who numbers 2, 3, 4, 5, & 6. Not all at the same time, mind you, but once with Pat Troughton, Peter Davison and Tom Baker and along for the ride was John Nathan Turner who has been an aquaintence of mine since 1983. I helped one of the Clancy Brothers into and out of an elevator once. I'm sworn to secrecy as to which one and why he needed the help. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: Little Hawk Date: 30 Jul 03 - 11:32 PM I've never been on an elevator with anyone notable. Oh, boo hoo!!! |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: Deckman Date: 31 Jul 03 - 12:12 AM Did I ever tell you about the time I rode in a elevator with Bing crosby ..... Oh, never mind! Bob |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: mg Date: 31 Jul 03 - 12:56 AM well hate to change the subject but (a) may he rest in peace and (b) I got pinched by a Clancy brother onced. mg |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: Blackcatter Date: 31 Jul 03 - 01:38 AM gee Mary, I wonder if it was the same one. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: Fiolar Date: 31 Jul 03 - 08:20 AM It seems that as soon as a great comedian dies, the rats in the walls can't wait to denigrate the memory of the laughter and happiness he/she brought to millions. The latest to receive the poisoned chalice is I understand, the magnificent Spike Milligan. OK - some thread creep but for me, nothing can blacken the memory of Bob Hope who proved he was a good actor as well as a great funny man. Watch "Beau James" some time. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: Beccy Date: 31 Jul 03 - 04:40 PM My favorite Bob Hope line? "I love visiting Washington... if for no other reason than being close to my money." Sidebar- My Grandpa played stand-up bass and his brother played guitar for Bob Hope's band a very, very long time ago. Beccy |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: Deckman Date: 31 Jul 03 - 05:07 PM I forgot to add a comment to my earlier post about my coffee visit with Bob Hope. He paid for my coffee and doughnut! He said that he appreciated the laugh! Bob |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: Beccy Date: 01 Aug 03 - 09:18 AM Yeesh- I just took the time to go through and read a bunch of stuff that anon. Guest wrote about hope. He said something about Hope never receiving awards for acting. Actually, one of Hope's funnier lines referred to just that... When he hosted the Academy Awards he once quipped, "Welcome to the Academy Awards, or as we like to refer to it in my house, Passover." There may have been reports of him being dour, but not from my Grandpa (who as I mentioned before worked with Mr. Hope.) My Grandpa had plenty of things to say about those for whom he had no respect, but he never uttered a bad word about Mr. Hope. Anecdotal? You betcha- but it's a personal connection and that's more than the anon. Guest had for credentials! That's my two cents worth- Off to gestate! Beccy |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: GUEST Date: 01 Aug 03 - 10:41 AM THAT guest was hauled off to the Massachusetts Home for the Bewildered! |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: GUEST,dave b Date: 15 Aug 03 - 08:34 AM Could anyone please help out with the music to "Thanks for the memory"? Everyone knows the way the chorus goes, but what about the verse? We want to arrange it for brass, for our 25th anniversary concert due soon. Many thanks in advance. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: Sorcha Date: 15 Aug 03 - 11:39 AM Jazz band Piano,vocal,chords more And lots more Yo, Guest dave b--if you leave an e mail we can contact you directly with the answer to your request. No dots found on line. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: GUEST,Jim Dixon Date: 15 Aug 03 - 03:41 PM I posted the original lyrics to "Thanks for the Memory" (note: Memory, not Memories) in the thread called Songs from old movies. The lyrics at the web site mentioned above are not the original ones. After Hope adopted the song as his theme song, he changed "Memory" to "Memories" and rewrote the lyrics (or his hired writers did) to suit himself and the times. I think he sang many versions over the years. To appreciate the original, you have to see in the context of the film. If I remember correctly, Bob Hope and Shirley Ross play a divorced couple who encounter each other by accident after a long separation. They chat awhile, and discover that, although they don't regret getting divorced, they still have some affection for each other. They sing the song to each other as a duet, alternating verses. I found it well-acted and rather touching, the highlight of an otherwise frivolous film. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: GUEST,Jim Dixon Date: 15 Aug 03 - 03:44 PM I forgot to mention that the song won an Oscar. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Hope dies at 100 From: Sorcha Date: 16 Aug 03 - 01:47 AM Hope Guest, dave b remembers he posted this......I did find some music to buy. |
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