WWII — A look at the pop culture of and Hollywood Victory, a TCM book.

2023-05-23

Hollywood Victory-a TCM book.

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Above- Cover art that tells all. Celebrities on and off the battlefield doing their part and inside- the changes to American lifestyle.Photo byBarners and Noble/www.barnesandnoble.com

This year and more precise in just a few weeks will mark the 80th anniversary of an infamous day in December that Pearl Harbor was attacked mercilessly and methodically by Japan. That day was Dec 7th, 1941. From that moment on we were a part of World War II. It affected our very cultural and way of life. How we viewed ourselves and it also brought this country together in ways no one probably even thought was possible. In fact, it even affected the movies, entertainment business- Hollywood at large. This is that story. I will give you a taste of what it was like during those times 1941–1945 and review of a brand-new book from Turner Classic Movies.

Hollywood Victory by Christian Blauvelt is nothing short of breakthrough story telling-with a highly perceptive concept and design. It is chuck full of a treasure trove of trivia and historical information along with some immersive insight as to what went on in front and behind the scenes of Hollywood during a country and its allies-our allies at war.

It’s full title Hollywood Victory-The Movies, Stars, and Stories of World War II.

Divided into five parts plus a section for acknowledgements, index, bibliography and notes.

Part one Storm Clouds 1933–41

Jimmy Stewart gets his Wings-Disney Down the South American Way-Bombs, Bullets and Bananas-Carmen Miranda

Part Two- Day of Infamy and Aftermath1941–42

Peral Harbor? Becomes a household word. Up to then barely anyone really understood where it was… it’s part of America?

50 Movie Stars Board a Train-Itchy Trigger Fingers…Jimmy Stewart and John Garfield-The loss of Carole Lombard… and the devesting blow to the country and Clark Gable…Why We Fight

Part Three-Turning Points 1942–43

Thanks for the Memories-Bob Hope and the USO tours, Orson Welles and the South American excursion- Good Neighbor Policy-Thr Hollywood Canteen. Fleeing the Nazis…

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Above- Common image seen throughout the states. Ads for military training scattered across storefronts and U.S. Post offices.Photo byFame Collectibles/www.pinterest.com

Prat Four-The New Normal 1943–44

The Pin Up-Rise of Youth Culture-Actor Leslie Howard (plane crash takes his life), Stars in Uniform and Drawing Up Propaganda…Disney style and thanks to Donald Duck -Going My Way…

and Part Five-A New World, A New Hollywood 1944-

Victory-The Cold War begins.

Coming Home-The Best Years of Our Lives (1946) wins big at the OSCARS and sweeps the box-office. ***This is a must-see movie*** A story about returning home after war, what's changed and how do you rejoin society. Every performance is top notch. Fredric March, Dana Andrews and Harold Russell (received -Two Oscars for same film).

Hollywood Victory tells both the glamour and the hard reality of what our country and it’s people endured on and off the screen and the not so welcome home welcome that all, deserved after serving their country and putting their life on the line to defend the ideas of freedom and Democracy that each and every person on this planet should be afforded to them. As you read below in the following paragraph.

There are stories covering film productions including Casablanca that featured an almost entire supporting cast made of individuals who fled Germany in order to escape Nazi rule and in some cases imprisonment. One on the start of the Hollywood Canteen discussing John Garfield's idea Bette’ Davis. Her wanting to help in the war effort (doing something here on the home front) helped make this come true. There by establishing a place where the soldiers and military could go to unwind and be entertained as well as have an opportunity to dance- hob nob with the stars who at times may be making cameos as hat & coat checkers, servers and cooks or doing stand up and singing for those about to ship out. You might on a given night find Gary Cooper, Jack Benny, Bob Hope and or Hedy Lamarr in any one of these duties.

Some of the stories are not all full of glitz & glitter. There is one detailing a young African American soldier who upon his return state side- a mere 3 hours back on home soil was arrested and accosted by a local sheriff. To the extent that after several jabs to his eyes was blinded for the rest of his life. Imagine serving several months abroad defending his country and not suffering one scratch-yet he ends up beaten up physically by a supposed defender of the law. Outrageous is not even close to describing how I feel or how anyone should feel. Appalled is what I felt after reading this.

One thing, aside from the one instance I mentioned-it is that for most Americans we seemed to have come together as a Nation. Everybody doing what they could to help out and contribute in some way making it possible for not only our part of the world but the whole world to survive and at least this battle against a truly evil ambition — to achieve victory and freedom.

To check out more from TCM Books it’s the TCM Shop…where all great cinema stories are just waiting to be discovered…https://www.tcm.com/

WWII — A look at the Pop Culture of....

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Above- The Andrew Sisters in one of several films where they sang Boogie Woogie Buggle Boy. Including Buck Privates- Abbott & Costello.Photo byYoy Tube/www.pniterst.com

I can think of no other way to kick this part of the article off then taking in the Andrew Sisters and the Boogie Woogie Buggle Boy of Company B. This was one of the biggest hits of the early ’40s and World War II. In fact, it was one the most requested songs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0GqWLiI9I4- The song had four different versions all recorded by the Andrew Sisters and appearing on different labels as well. Made number 6 on the charts in 1941 after making its debut in Buck Privates with Abbott and Costello.

*** Trivia- Back at home —

Shout out to all the women of World War II- The Early ’40s. It was a time of adapting. Of change. Pitching in and lending a hand. Support. Filling in where needed.

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Above-Women took up the arms at home-hammers, drills, screwdrivers and blow torches. No longer was it a morning cup of java and vacuuming.Photo byDusty Old Thing/www.pnterest.com

Well, what happened to all the guys-the men that held down jobs like construction and repairs -road grading-service stations, car repairs. Hey, can you fill ‘er up and a quart of oil. Please, you know check under the hood. Ans: They were on the battle lines, shipping out over seas and dodging bullets. So, women became part of the work force and filled in those careers and jobs that had been up to that pint part of “a man's world”.

So, was born- one of the most iconic symbols of '40s pop culture, Rosie the Riveter.

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Above- Rosie the Riveter character was so popular that it spawned a film from Republic studios. This was such a surprise to me.Photo byVintage Dancer/www.vintagedancer.com

The ’40s-

Before we delve in to these delightfully entertaining and most informative works let's take a trip through the very essence of time and space to another era.

The music of the day is captured in an extensive collection that reflects the era of WWII. A time that offered dreams and sentimentality all while peoples loved ones were off in a whole other part of the world defending the freedom of not just their own but the worlds. So, give a listen while you're traveling though time.

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Above- Available to stream currently on Amazon. Jumpin-Jiive- You hear the creativity and the fun and energy that went into these songs.Photo byAmazon/www.amazon.com

Sentimental Journey: WWII Project (AJM-7001) - Various artists- music.amazon.com-The cover presents some of the art that adorned our flying air force during those days. Pin-up art was not uncommon to be spotted on the side or nose of the planes.

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Above- Nestles doing their bit for the country and our "boys" during WWII. And notice at the bottom a message regarding War Bonds.Photo byClick Americana/www.pinterest.com

Sending care packages to loved ones overseas and away during the war years were such a key thing to keep the spirits of the ones who served up. Ads reflecting this attitude-the message was everywhere. Posters, magazines and comic books. Such a simple thing as baking some Toll House Chocolate Chip cookies for those in service could boost a person's morale to such a level.

One thing that never changes is memories of home. Got milk!!!

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Above- Pin ups were a reminder of what was back home-what we were fighting for. Everything waiting for their return.Photo byFlick River/www.flickriver.com

’40s the music- A deeper look or should I say listen.

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Above- Bing gracing the cover with his trademark hat. It would not be Christmas without listening to Bing's rendition of White Christmas.Photo byGenius/www.genius.com

Christmas ….one of the best-selling records of all time is a Christmas song. White Christmas…written by Irving Berlin and song by one of the most famous crooners-Mister Velvet as in smooth himself, Bing Crosby. Initially recorded on a cylinder which had to be re-recorded in ’47 because it had been copied so many times…https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfVPrs1eKC0

Television was in it’s infancy.

Radio was king!!!

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Above-1940 Zenith Aztec-if you pay close attention to some of the films from the ’40s you may see one of these in the background.Photo byArt Collection /www.artdecocollection.com

Zenith Aztec radio -These beautifully crafted and eye-catching receivers were common in the home and at offices across the country. Especially as living room decor. Don’t drop this on your foot-you’re likely to be feeling it for some time!

***Companies like Cobra, Westinghouse, Crossley, RCA, Zenith (see above image), Emerson, Philco and more. There were very few households that did not have a radio.

It was radio that brought adventure, comedy and drama all on a small box(or at times a very heavy, large cabinet style — keep in mind wood was the common denominator)in to their living room and bedrooms. No picture- just lights and numbers on a dial. But people would tune in by the thousands to millions for their favorite broadcasts.

They were whisked away to other realms and fictionalized stories. These characters or actors and shows which included Jack Benny, The Green Hornet.

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Above-Bob Hope was synonymous with radio and WWII. It was he who really brought home entertainment to our troops.Photo byDiane Yoder/www.pinterest.com

Bob Hope a sampling of Bob at his best.-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCrYHYQj0bw. Bob helped American audiences take a break reality for a while with his quick wit and barbs.

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Above- Luckily someone thought to take pictures of the recording sessions. Here are some stills from Inner Sanctum radio series.Photo byVox/www.vox.com
Recording session (above) for Inner Sanctum radio series. Dig the mic. And notice CBS signage. One other observation-our actress in the middle is really putting her all into that scream.

Boston Blackie - Chester Morris was the best to play Blackie whether it be radio or at the bijou. Below is a poster for the first film in the series. Chester also reprised Blackie for radio-see link below.

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Above-Detectives were everywhere on the radio dial. Chester Morris has a great voice and easily adaptable to the airwaves.Photo byConnie Schumacher/www.pinterest.com

A night of Boston Blackie on the dial. Listen for a commercial that salutes the WAVES, women helping and serving in the military during WWII- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bskk-y8smLM.

Here is a few more of ’40s Radio Shows/series-

The Great Gildersleeve (comedy), Red Ryder (remember the rifle every kid wanted for Christmas), Fred Allen (comedy), Your’s truly, Johnny Dollar (detective-insurance investigator) "The man with private expense account"-tagline. And Sherlock Holmes. Merely scratching the surface. For more on this check out - a pretty extensive list: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:1940s_American_radio_programs

To all you readers thanks for spending some time with me on this trivia venture-For now I wish you all happy Holidays and the best in the New Year…

Til next time this is Doc saying “Goodnight Miss, Lee wherever you are?”

Coming soon- The adventures of the USS Mayo & Victor Mature starring my dad and the rest of the crew. Plus, pin ups, comic books and the WWII connection.

***Disclaimer- any & all links in this article have no direct relation to or are in anyway sponsored or affiliated with myself or NewsBreak. Furthermore, nor are the reason for the creation of this article.

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