Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant on Bob Hope

I was fortunate to attend this Bob Hope performance. Like any taping of a TV show, there were slip-ups and retakes. In this clip there are two instances that should be noted. The first involved a line taken out, and the second involved a line Coach Bryant added without telling Mr. Hope. Between the time this was taped, and it was broadcast, the American Embassy in Tehran was taken over. When Coach Bryant is talking on the phone to the President of the University, Alabama's place kicker had missed an extra point (PAT) for the first time in years. When the University president suggests cutting off the kicker's foot, Coach Bryant exclaims, "Who do you think you are, the Ayatollah?" In the second instance, which was rehearsed once, Coach Bryant is asking Bob Hope if he has any other signatures. Mr. Hope says he uses "Three X's, I have a middle name." To which, Coach Bryant asks, "Do you have any other signatures?" To Bob Hope's reply, Coach Bryant ad libs a line that he probably has used before, and it has Bob Hope doing a double take and whispering to Joe, "He is doing great" or something to that effect. I hope you enjoy the clip.

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• coach
• paul
• bear
• bryant
• joe
• namath
• bob
• hope
• alabama
• crimson
• tide
• football

[THEALABAMANATI0N]

This is so awesome! I remember seeing it many years ago. Thanks for posting.....Roll Tide!

[georgemcadams]

@THEALABAMANATI0N If you think you'd like to see it, I can also upload Bob Hope's monologue and his comedy routine with Joe Namath.

[THEALABAMANATI0N]

@georgemcadams That would be awesome!

[georgemcadams]

@THEALABAMANATI0N I'll see about dividing the video into the monologue and the part with Joe Namath & Bob Hope.

[rosalie3034]

Id always wanted to c this thank u very much

[georgemcadams]

@rosalie3034 You are so welcome. Please tell others about it as it shows the fun side of Coach. 

[georgemcadams]

@ShoalBear Yes, the timing Coach used on that... "It won't be easy (slight pause), but we'll try," sort of reminds me of what Coach Saban said upon receiving the "first of many" ODK trophy.

[georgemcadams]

@lauraboowho It was taped in Coleman Coliseum the night before Homecoming 1979.

[georgemcadams]

@THEALABAMANATI0N You're welcome. I'm so glad that people are finding it. The ad libs are priceless, and they really caught Mr. Hope by surprise, but Joe wasn't surprised.

[georgemcadams]

@798389 Yes. You've got a good memory.

[georgemcadams]

@Bamaann1 Yeah, that gravel voice was something... RTR!!

[georgemcadams]

So sorry about not answering questions on this, as as sinus infection has played havoc with my life. Sister Sledge was the musical guest, and the show was recorded the night before homecoming 1979. Yes, it was 'Bob Hope on Campus. Mr. Hope went to six or so schools and put it all together in a two hour special. If you can, read my comments about Coach Bryant's ad libs. He really did make them, and they kept them in the show as recorded. I am glad that so many are finding this video now.