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
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. Until his passing in July 2003, Bob Hope resided with his wife Dolores in Palm Springs, California.
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