The Hollywood Canteen: Where the Greatest Generation Danced With the Most Beautiful Girls in the World

by Lisa Mitchell

The Hollywood Canteen was the jewel in the crown of World War II Hollywood. From 1942 to 1945, over three million servicemen came through its doors on their way to fight in the Pacific - some never to return. There, in a converted barn in the heart of Hollywood, soldiers were fed, entertained by and danced with some of the biggest stars in the world. The Canteen was free to all servicemen or women, regardless of race, inviting them to jive to the music of Kay Kyser and Harry James, laugh at Bob Hope's jokes, be handed sandwiches by Rita Hayworth, or dance with Hedy Lamarr. Knowing they were so appreciated, the soldiers were armed with the kinds of hope and encouragement that would help them win a war. "The Hollywood Where The Greatest Generation Danced With The Most Beautiful Girls In The World" is the only complete history of the Canteen. Meticulously researched, it is filled with exclusive interviews and over 160 evocative photographs that preserve the memories that would otherwise be lost.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Media Tie In, World War II, Biography

214 pages, Paperback

First published June 16, 2012

Reviews

[Jan C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable trip down memory lane to the days of the Hollywood Canteen. I would have appreciated it better, however, if the Kindle edition had included footnotes, sources and the appendix. On the plus side, it did include the pictures and they were actually viewable (they aren't always on the Kindle).

Interesting to find out that the Hollywood Canteen Foundation is still, lo these many years later, benefitting veterans.

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this. I was already familiar with the Hollywood Canteen from seeing the movie, but the book made it seem so much more real to me. I learned a lot about the founding and nightly operations of the Canteen, along with other anecdotes from Hollywood during these years. The photographs alone make this worth picking up a copy! Because seemingly everyone in Hollywood was involved with this great cause, you’re sure to find a photo or mention of one of your favorite stars.
Beyond being informative, this was a truly moving story to read. I came away from this with such a deep appreciation for all of the stars involved, especially Canteen co-founder and president Bette Davis. We all know Davis as a powerhouse of an actress on screen, but she brought the same indomitable energy to this offscreen role as well—one that remained one of her proudest achievements in life. Through quotes and anecdotes from those involved in the Canteen, you can see the tremendous impact that this effort had on members of our armed forces. One anecdote that struck me was of a former Marine who said that he was able to endure torture in a Japanese prison camp by remembering his time visiting the Canteen.
The story is written with a sentimental tone and has every right to be. I even found myself tearing up many times while reading this. Beyond that, it was really a pleasant escape to read. We’re in a moment where seemingly all of the news is terrible, but reading this brought me back to a special time and place where my favorite celebrities came together, put aside their egos, and played a part in a national effort. This uplifting story is full of the kind of magic that could only happen in the golden age of Hollywood.

[Scott Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

(Audiobook) A short overview of one the more noted efforts for celebrities to help out deploying soldiers during World War II, this work offers a history of the canteen, its impact and how it contributed to the morale of deploying soldiers. The brainchild of Bettie Davis, this place became a hotbed for troop entertainment stateside. Quite the treat for deploying soldiers to stop there and dance with a favorite starlet or see one of the top Hollywood acts helping out for a meal before leaving.

There is not that much depth to this work, but that is probably not the point of this work. The audiobook rates higher, as they are able to use some of the recordings of actors and actresses that were at the Hollywood canteen. A brief read for relatively light material.

[Serafina Corrado · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book! I really do enjoy this era and always wish I could go back in time to this period. The only thing that mattered was ensuring, these men who were putting their lives on the line for their safety, had a great time and created amazing memories! It takes you back to the time of old Hollywood, where it truly came to life.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovingly researched, and the photographs are simply wonderful. The Canteen is such a great piece of Hollywood history that not many know about these days.

[Berna · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5 stars rounded up to 4 stars.

[Megan Rowland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! Such a quick and easy read with some stunning photographs, definitely worth checking out

[Kathleen Woods]

I have a whole new level of respect for Bette Davis. Fascinating bit of American history.

[CONNIE BALTHROP · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good history book.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can’t get enough of the pictures alone.

[Sarah Andreotti · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun book full of facts and lots and lots of great photos. Very detailed information on the Hollywood Canteen with specific dates for events, a comprehensive list of people involved, anecdotes from stars and vets both. Definitely a fun read and enjoyable to just flip through for the photos, too!

[AlegnaB † · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I saw Rita Hayworth on the book cover while I was browsing in the new books section at the library, I had to check out the book. As a huge fan of movies from the Golden Age of Hollywood, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. There were lots of photos included, which made it a quick read. I wish current Hollywood people were so supportive of our soldiers.