23 Aug The Bamboo Blonde
The Bamboo Blonde, WWII Movie starring Frances Langford and Ralph Edwards
(1946) During the Pacific War, the crew of a B-29 paint the picture of their skipper’s girlfriend on the nose of their plane and name it “The Bamboo Blonde.” Lo and behold, suddenly their fortunes turn around and before you know it they are singled out to come back to the U.S. and go on a bond selling tour.
According to Wikipedia, the film was based on an original Saturday Evening Post short story called “Chicago Lulu.” I couldn’t find the story, but I’ll bet it was about another bomber’s inspired nose art.
Well, the blonde is a nightclub singer played by singer and actress Frances Langford, who just happened to be one of the USO entertainers who toured with Bob Hope during World War II. She grew up in Mulberry, Florida (near my hometown of Bartow) and sang at parties, such as at the American Legion. Her last tour with Bob Hope was in 1989 when they went to the Persian Gulf.
The most memorable character was played by Ralph Edwards who went on to “This is Your Life” fame.
The movie was quick, mildly entertaining and a nice tribute to a great lady who entertained our troops her entire life.
The Bamboo Blonde at amazon.com
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