BOB HOPE BACKSTAGE" "Hope Runs For President!" (1980)

In 1980, President Jimmy Carter was about to face off with Ronald Reagan and, as though that didn't promise enough hand-to-hand combat, a groundswell suddenly formed for none other than British-born Hope. Supporters included Johnny Carson, Tony Randall, Louie Nye, Brooke Shields, Danny Thomas and many others -- all of whom joined Bob for a two-hour special produced by Ken & Mitzie Welsh who had won their spurs on "Carol Burnett." It was a fun diversion from our usual themes and the ratings proved that the viewers were ready for something different, too. In our vitriol-and-name-calling political climate today, it's a real breath of fresh air. (Hope's British birth finally did him in.)

You can read all about what happened behind-the-scenes of these classic Bob Hope video clips by reading Bob Mills' book "THE LAUGH MAKERS: A Behind-the-Scenes Tribute to Bob Hope's Incredible Gag Writers." Says "laugh-In's" Gary Owens:

"The Laugh Makers is the book we've all been waiting for. It's jam-packed with stories, anecdotes and un-retouched photos from a fondly remembered past, recalling often hilarious, sometimes heartwarming, and always touching tales of legendary stars, near-legendary stars and one or two complete failures — which happens in show business. You can look it up in your Funk & Wagnalls."

To get your copy, just click on this Amazon link:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1593933231/ref=cm_cr_mts_prod_img

Or this Barnes & Noble link:

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Laugh-Makers/Robert-L-Mills/e/9781593933...

Or, if you'd prefer the KINDLE e-version for $2.99, click here:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0041D9EPO

Category:

Comedy

Tags:

• Bob
• Hope+presidential
• politics+Oval
• Office+political
• campaign+Hope
• For
• President+Tony
• Randall+Johnny
• Carson+Louie
• Nye+Danny
• Thomas+Brooke
• Shields+speeches+grass
• roots+spin+stump
• speech

[TheLaughMakers]

He sure did. And he was a great guy in real life, too. Very special...

[Neverforgoty]

He had Magic Touch, and Made People Felt Things Can Be SPECIAL! Thank You very Much, FANTASTIC, GOOD!