The Hollywood Canteen

Where the Greatest Generation Danced with the Most Beautiful Girls in the World

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 Canteen: Where the Greatest Generation Danced with the Most Beautiful Girls in the World is the only complete history of the Canteen.

©2012 Lisa Mitchell and Bruce Torrence (P)2017 BearManor Media, LLC

Good Book/Listen… HORRIBLE narration!!!

I really enjoyed the book and movie. What a great tribute to our country’s heroes. But this narrator was absolutely terrible!! He talks like he’s got a mouth full of gum. Mispronounced words and landmarks and even left parts of the book out.

The Greatest Place in Hollywood!

I wish we had more stories! It’s not enough for a place so important for the morale of or soldiers. We need an historical marker!

Good Story, Great Memories

This book gave me the warm fuzzies! It’s about a time hopefully never repeated but heroically struggled through by “The Greatest Generation”. I mostly listened to it for sentimental reasons, but did learn a few things new thro. A short but worthwhile read.