Thanks For The Memories

ASVLiving Era celebrated the 100th birthday of Bob Hope with Thanks for the Memory, a compilation of recordings made by Hope from a 14-year period during and just after World War II. It begins with several movie titles from Hope's brief career as a romantic leading man. Unfortunately, he wasn't much of a ballad singer; "Two Sleepy People" did enter the Hit Parade, but it isn't as convincing a performance as frequent singing partner Bing Crosby was capable of. Far better, obviously, are his laugh-getters, and there are plenty here. A five-minute comedy routine in front of the U.S. Army is packed front to back with Hope's patented two-liners -- it's easy to see the hands-in-pockets slouch and half-smirk on his face as he delivers each punch line. With Crosby in tow, Hope hams it up on a pair of Road picture features, "Put It There, Pal" and "The Road to Morocco." Also uproarious is a version of "Buttons and Bows" -- transformed into the delicatessen investigation "Heinie's and Moe's" -- with Bing Crosby and Doris Day from a 1948 radio program, and a trio of songs with Margaret Whiting and the orchestra of Billy May, including "Ain't We Got Fun." Similar in effect to Fred Astaire, whose weak voice belied strong skills at timing and grace, Bob Hope's performances here prove him to be a capable duet partner and top-drawer musical comedy artist.