Hollywood Canteen

Hollywood Canteen is a 1944 American musical romantic comedy film starring Joan Leslie, Robert Hutton, Dane Clark and features many stars (appearing as themselves) in cameo roles. and produced by Warner Bros. The film was written and directed by Delmer Daves and received three Oscar nominations. Plot Two soldiers on leave spend three nights at the Hollywood Canteen before returning to active duty in the South Pacific. Slim Green (Robert Hutton) is the millionth GI to enjoy the Canteen, and consequently wins a date with Joan Leslie. The other GI, Sergeant Nolan (Dane Clark) gets to dance with Joan Crawford. Bette Davis and John Garfield give talks on the history of the Canteen. The soldiers enjoy a variety of musical numbers performed by a host of Hollywood stars, and also comedians, such as Jack Benny and his violin. Cameo appearances The film's setting is the Hollywood Canteen, a free entertainment club open to servicemen. Many of those cameoing in the film had previously volunteered to work there or provide entertainment. They include: The Andrews Sisters, Jack Benny, Joe E. Brown, Eddie Cantor, Kitty Carlisle, Jack Carson, Joan Crawford, Faye Emerson, Sydney Greenstreet, Alan Hale Sr., Paul Henreid, Joan Leslie, Peter Lorre, Ida Lupino, Dorothy Malone, Dennis Morgan, Janis Paige, Eleanor Parker, Roy Rogers (with Trigger), S.Z. Sakall, Zachary Scott, Alexis Smith, Barbara Stanwyck, Jane Wyman, and Jimmy Dorsey. The Golden Gate Quartet, an all-black quartet, make a unique appearance. They had appeared at President Franklin D. Roosevelt's third inauguration—"firsts" for black performers—as well as in period movies.