Jerry Colonna

During his career, Bob Hope was the only performer to achieve top-rated success in every form of mass entertainment. American Masters explores the entertainer’s life through his personal archives and clips from his classic films.

When the United States entered World War II, President Roosevelt exempted Bob Hope from military service because of the need for entertainers. So began Bob's lifelong career entertaining U.S. troops at home and abroad. When the USO (United Service Organizations) was formed, Bob Hope was the perfect person to be its headliner, bringing "a bit of home" to front lines and military hospitals around the world.

For 11 Presidents, Bob Hope was a golfing buddy, national jester and constant guest at the White House. This special includes personal recollections about Bob from the Clintons, the Bushs, the Fords, and David and Julie Nixon Eisenhower. Guests Tony Danza, Don Johnson, Naomi Judd, Ann-Margret and Tom Selleck also appear on what was to become Bob Hope's final television special.

Stars celebrate Bob Hope's 50 years with NBC.

During World War II, an Italian POW is accidentally drafted into the American army.

Over fifty of the greatest living comedians are called to a party at Bob Hope's house, where each of them is systematically killed (and their bodies thrown in Hope's pool!). Hope and the rapidly shrinking cast try to discover who is the mysterious killer known only as "Joys."

When Chester accidentally memorises and destroys the only copy of a secret Russian formula for a new and improved rocket fuel, he and Harry are thrust into international intrigue, trying to stay alive while keeping the formula out of enemy hands.

Andy Hardy, now a grown man with a wife and children, returns to his hometown on a business trip and finds himself getting mixed up in local politics.

Pinocchio is a 1957 TV musical broadcast shown live on NBC, directed and choreographed by Hanya Holm. This version features songs by Alec Wilder.

Chuck Rodwell is a gambling cowboy who discovers that he's lucky at the roulette wheel if he holds hands with dancer Marie. However, Marie doesn't like to hold hands with him, at least not in the beginning...