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Book Review of Bob Hope: A Life from Beginning to End (Biographies of Actors)

Bob Hope: A Life from Beginning to End (Biographies of Actors)
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As a long-time Bob Hope fan, I enjoyed this book because it told his story, warts and all. It started with Bob's early life and helped explain why he couldn't change from his earlier career's comedic, leading man roles. However, his early near-poverty ingrained in him the idea to stick with what worked (so he could keep working).

Over the years, there were whispers that Bob Hope fiddled with the lovely ladies who accompanied him on USO tours of the troops. So it was refreshing to see someone would finally admit that Bob had a roving eye.

Because of the shortness of this book, it wasn't possible to include all of Bob's achievements. However, the author covered Bob's early radio, films, family life, etc. I was stunned by the rude comments between Bob and Bing Crosby. I need to rewatch some of the Road to films to listen more carefully to their banter.

The relationship between Hope and Westmoreland during the Vietnam War helped me understand his attitude and comments.

I grew up watching Bob Hope, and this book combined so much of the man in one resource. Was it profoundly probing? No. However, the book was entertaining and insightful about his wife and what made Hope tick.