Library of Congress: Bob Hope and American Variety
(www.loc.gov/exhibits/bobhope/)
Grade 5 and up (approximately), with parental supervision
The Library of Congress offers this free online presentation of the life of entertainer Bob Hope and the history of American Variety entertainment including Vaudeville, Radio, Movies, Television, and more.
Using photographs, illustrations, and text this exhibit provides a biography of Hope’s career that provides fascinating historical information about the performing arts as well.
When you get to the website use the menu located under the title, “SECTIONS” that includes:
- Early Life – Find out where Bob Hope was born, his real name, and how he got his start in show business.
- Vaudeville – Discover Hope’s journey through vaudeville and get some terrific insight about what made this artform so popular.
- Motion Pictures – Learn about the country’s transition to film making and the role of Hope’s series of “Road” pictures from 1940-1962 with Bing Crosby and Dorothy Lamour.
- Joke File – Explore Hope’s theft-proof joke vault with more than 85,00 pages of bits, sketches, and jokes created by his team of comedy writers.
- On The Road: USO Shows – Read about Hope’s 50-years of performing variety shows for U.S. troops.
This interesting exhibition about Hope’s life provides keen insight into American history, culture, life, and values. It may springboard interest in watching some of Hope’s films that the whole family may find entertaining. You can rent DVDs of Hope’s “Road” pictures such as Road to Singapore and Road to Rio. Your public library may have them as well.
