A Thorough History of The Hollywood Canteen!
By Lisa Mitchell & Bruce Torrence
Bear Manor Media, $22.95, 208 pages
During World War II in sunny California, the Canteen was the place to be. Big-name Bette Davis used her celebrity power to rally up support for the boys getting ready to ship out overseas and into the unknown. Davis, along with co-founder John Garfield created an oasis of last hurrahs for over three million servicemen. Here, they could get autographs, dance with pretty girls, and find their favorite movie stars serving sandwiches and bussing tables. Their uniform was their ticket in the door.
The Hollywood Canteen: Where the Greatest Generation Danced with the Most Beautiful Girls in the World, is a remarkable tribute to all who had a part in it. This book tells of the determined effort made to get The Canteen up and running. It describes the exciting atmosphere and relays touching moments between the stars and the boys they entertained. Even in its soft-bound state, with over 160 photographs; it would make a great coffee table book.
Reviewed by Alicea Swett
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