Time Life's Thanks for the Memories: The Bob Hope Specials Collector's Edition showcases the multi-talented extraordinaire Bob Hope, whose career evolved from the 1950's throughout 50 years of lifetime performances when the London-born centurian died at his LA home in July 2003. As a young lad, Hope's mother brought him to see vaudeville shows which knew no boundaries in creativity or talent. His passion for the stage led him to take bit roles that took him from Broadway and eventually landed him a radio show in the 1950's. Radio was the entertainment that brought the family together as they gathered around the living room listening to diverse comedy, soaps, drama and news.

World War II was constantly in the sights of America and heroic men and women joined America's military to protect the Country they loved. It was at this time that Hope conceived of his legendary USO shows that took him and his star-studded troop around the world to bring a "taste of home" to the service men and women at Christmas time. Actresses such as Ann-Margret and Raquel Welch were regulars that showed off their figures and talents to his audiences. This Collection brings you the 1967 USO tour to 22 bases around Vietnam, Thailand and the South Pacific in 15 days.

From his popularity in radio, Hope's career landed him in the movies where he became a Hollywood star with singer Bing Crosby and actress Dorothy Lamour in the celebrated On the Road movies. His easy-going humor and personality featured him in a multitude of television specials. Thanks for the Memories: The Bob Hope Specials highlights 13 digitally restored and unedited specials including sponsors such as Texaco, Chevy and Chrysler. His first studio comedy special (in color) starred guests Jack Benny, Bing Crosby and Janet Leigh, and in The Bob Hope Chevy Show, the entire cast of "I Love Lucy" was featured with Desi Arnaz, Lucille Ball, Vivian Vance, and William Frawley; also appearing were James Cagney and Diana Dors.

There's a spoof of Star Wars with Tony Bennett, Perry Como, James Garner, Mark Hamill, Dean Martin, Olivia Newton-John, Barbra Streisand, Tuesday Weld, and The Muppets, just to name a few. There's an intriguing murder-mystery parody called Joys (A Comedy Whodunit) featuring over 50 guest stars including Charo, Milton Berle, Dean Martin, Don Rickles, George Gobel, Alan King, Don Knotts, Groucho Marx, Vincent Price and Freddie Prinze. Thanks for the Memories: The Bob Hope Specials includes 30 years of bloopers from Bob's shows with Sammy Davis Jr., Angie Dickinson, George Burns, Phyllis Diller, Burt Reynolds, Don Rickles, Brooke Shields, Elizabeth Taylor, Mr. "T", John Wayne and more. There are highlights from over 25 years of specials in Bob Hope's World of Comedy and Highlights of a Quarter Century of Bob Hope on Television.

Especially interesting in this Collection of Thanks for the Memories: The Bob Hope Specials is the personal relationships Mr. Hope shared with American presidents including Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman, John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan, and Bill Clinton. And in Shanks for the Memory, exposing the world of golf according to Bob Hope, clips are included of Bing Crosby, presidents and professionals on courses around the world with special appearances by President Gerald Ford (particularly targeted by Bob's golf humor), and pro-golfers Arnold Palmer, Ben Hogan and Jack Nicklaus.

The Collection has a star-studded 90th Birthday Special bringing together admirers of the entertainer from throughout his career and personal life. Notable presidents, actors, singers, dancers, comedians -- young and old - come to pay tribute to this 20th century comedic performer who has brought fun and laughter into the hearts of people around the world.

Thanks for the Memories: The Bob Hope Specials brought great entertainment to my television screen from a variety of guest stars. There's also a 12-page booklet included highlighting the contents of the discs. The humor was great and geared toward family audiences. This Collection far exceeded my expectations and I was certainly rewarded with enjoyment that I will never forget. It was especially enjoyable to watch television without having to worry what inappropriate word, phrase or action would pop on the screen without warning. This was totally easy-watching and listening.

I have never seen one of Hope's USO tours and that warmed my heart to see these service men and women filled with cheers and joy from one of his overseas shows. The comedy was hilarious, the bloopers enjoyable, and the song and dance great. Thanks for the Memories: The Bob Hope Specials would make a great gift for the upcoming holiday season for that person in your life who enjoys American classics, such as a parent or grandparent. It is great entertainment for anyone's library, and I recommend you pick up a copy. I certainly am glad I had the opportunity to see it!