Command Performance – Christmas 1943. 431225.

A super colossal show filled with stars.

Bob Hope is the main host to kick things off. He jokes about Bing, Frank sinatra, Christmas, and military life. Kay Kaiser performs, St James Infirmary Blues.

Jimmy Durante comes out to chat with Bob, and bring Yuletide greetings. Jimmy tells about his adventure playing Santa. Jimmy sings and tells a montage of comedy bits.

Bob introduces Gen George C Marshall for a Christmas message for the troops. The festivities continue when Bob brings out Francis Langford. She dips into the mailbag to wish greetings to the troops around the world. Francis sings, Night and Day.

Next, Bob calls on Ed “Archie” Gardner, to joke around about Duffy’s Tavern, and a two headed baseball pitcher. Nelson Eddy talks about New Years Resolutions, and sends his Christmas greetings to respond to a few mailbag greetings.

To kick off the second half hour, Nelson sings, Great Day.

Bob introduces Spike Jones and teases him about his novelty style. Spike and the City Slickers play, Clowie.

More mail requests demand that Genny Simms come out, which she does to return Christmas greetings to the troops. Genny sings, You’ll Never Know.

Bob Hope is back and transfers the microphone to Washington DC, and to Admiral Frank Knox. He delivers a Christmas speech to all the troops serving around the world. A message of Christmas spirit, and a hopeful conclusion to the hostilities.

Bob Hope takes charge to introduce the Charioteers who sing, Ride Red Ride.

Kay Kaiser returns with a few words with Bob. They talk about Kay’s recent touring, Hollywood gossip, dating and more. Iskabibble comes out for a few words, and to share a poem, The Night Before Christmas. Kay plays and sings, Paper Doll.

As the third half hour begins, Kay puts on a one act play to feature sounds from back home. Kay turns the mike over to Henry L Stimpson, Secretary of War. He shares his Christmas message with the troops. A message that invokes prayer and God’s granting favor. Wow, a lot has changed in the landscape of politics, military, and religious expression.

Next, Kay calls on Dinah Shore. After a few well wishing words, she is a little melancolie as she sings.

Kay turns the show back to Bob, who calls on Jack Benny and Fred Allen. They put their fued aside as they trade jokes with Bob. After some friendly insults, the two comedy giants talk about film makingIt breaks down into a horse race. , finding housing, their work in touring with the troops, and old vaudeville days.

Jack and Fred finish up with a song, People Will Say We’re in Love.

Bob is back to bring more sounds from home, with a medley of Christmas Carols. The singers are a choir of the cast members, Dinah, Francis, Genny, and others. Solo features include: Francis with, O Come Let Us Adore Him. Genny sings, Hark the Herald Angels. Dinah sings, Little Town of Bethlehem. All voices blend together for, Silent Night. Bob closes with a short word of hope to support the troops.