Introduction
During World War 2 some of the biggest stars such as Clark Gable, Henry Fonda, and James Stewart left Hollywood behind to serve their country by joining the Armed Services ( Click Here to read our article about it). Other movie stars stayed in Tinseltown but still supported the war effort.
Inception
In 1942, John Garfield thought it would be a good idea to have a place that servicemen in Los Angeles could go for food, dancing, and entertainment before shipping out overseas. Garfield felt that this was the perfect way for him to contribute to the war effort since he was ineligible for service due to a heart condition.
Years of Operation (1942-45)
The Hollywood Canteen opened on October 3, 1942. On this particular evening they opened the place up to civilians for an admission fee of $100, an idea broached to Davis by Stein. They made $10,000 that night by doing so.
Where was the Hollywood Canteen?
The Hollywood Canteen founded by John Garfield, Bette Davis, and Jules C. Stein operated at 1451 Cahuenga Boulevard in the Los Angeles, California, neighborhood of Hollywood between October 3, 1942, and November 22, 1945 ( Thanksgiving Day ), as a club offering food, dancing and entertainment for servicemen, usually on their way overseas.
Who was the movie about the canteen?
By 1944, the canteen had become so popular that Warner Bros. made a movie titled Hollywood Canteen. Starring Joan Leslie and Robert Hutton, the film had scores of stars, many of whom had volunteered at the real canteen, playing themselves. It was directed by Delmer Daves, who also wrote the screenplay.
Who wrote the movie "The Canteen"?
It was directed by Delmer Daves, who also wrote the screenplay. At the time the canteen closed its doors, it had been host to almost three million servicemen. Maria Riva, Dietrich's daughter, recalled an anecdote where Marlene Dietrich decided to wash dishes and was joined by Hedy Lamarr.