I grew up with Bob Hope movies, golf tournaments, and the Bob Hope Christmas Special — often recorded from someplace in Viet Nam during the war. His comedy would not be funny to Millennials today. And you can’t get away with calling a woman “a dame.” Funny word.
His movies are full of famous comedians’ talent of that era. Bob Hope and Phyllis Diller were two of my favorite comedians when I was young. I was especially fond of the 1966 movie with Bob Hope, “Boy Did I Get a Wrong Number.” It’s a slapstick, screwball comedy, with Phyllis and Bob playing off each other. She’s the housekeeper; he’s the real estate agent with his wife, Marjorie; enter the starlet blonde bombshell, Elke Sommer, who gets the wrong number, connecting with Bob Hope. He innocently tries to help her (she’s hiding-out from her agent, tired of too many bubble-bath commercials — ah, the divine DiDi.)
Phyllis has some great lines and scenes. She rides off on a motorcycle, squirts mustard in the cop’s face, and all those things that you can’t really do in life. The film is nostalgic for anyone born in the 50s, and it’s worth watching for the retro images alone. Check out the styling — everything from Marjorie’s hair to the kitchen appliances. I used to have luggage just like Marjorie’s. The movie has furnishings from the 60s — like a Murphy bed and lots of silliness. It’s an escape from reality and a reflection on years gone by.
Bob Hope is an icon, always worth watching since I grew up in that era of comedy. His wife, Delores Hope, was friends with my mom and sent her chocolate or flowers on holidays. Mrs. Hope’s favorite chocolates? Schwartz, chocolate covered marshmallows. I’m going to order some of those for mom right now.
Phyllis and Bob were good friends; I guess they can keep everyone laughing on the other side of this veil. They can entertain the troops. You know, humor is a Godly quality. Who wants to sit around on clouds all day? You can watch it on AppleTV or you can even find it on Amazon Prime Video.
