![]() Located at the east end of the Hollywood Boulevard Commercial and Entertainment District (listed in the National Register of Historic Places), the intersection is a legendary destination to experience the significance of Hollywood’s influence on the nation’s popular culture. It has witnessed many iconic events, including the celebration of VJ Day at the end of WWII and various celebrity achievements along the Walk of Fame. Where did this happen? At Hollywood and Vine! The storied intersection has become enshrined in public imagination, a symbol of Hollywood itself. Servicemen kissed every pretty girl they met, and the girls kissed back.” ~ Bruce Torrence Strangers clapped one another on the back. Clanging streetcars tried to fight their way through the masses of humanity. An impromptu parade formed that paralyzed traffic. Servicemen and civilians snake danced through the jumbled crowds while singing ‘Hail, hail, the job’s all done’. In the midst of sirens, whistles, auto horns and screaming, the streets were snowed with confetti. Rushing from offices, stores, and homes, thousands of people poured into the streets. ![]() Truman announced on Augthat World War II with Japan was over, the nation and Hollywood went wild. ~Christy McAvoy, Historic Hollywood Photographs historic hollywood photographs hollywood hollywood canteen wwii world war ii servicemen celebrities veterans history You may also enjoy our gallery of VJ Day photographs capturing the big celebrations in the streets, particularly on Hollywood Boulevard, the day the end of the war was announced on August 14, 1945. On this Veteran’s Day, we welcome you to take a trip inside the canteen by visiting our collection of over 430 images taken in its heyday between 1942-45. ![]() It was truly Hollywood’s finest home-front contribution to the war. Over the course of its 3 year existence, the Hollywood Canteen had over 3 million servicemen come through its doors. When the war ended in 1945, fewer servicemen visited and the canteen ultimately closed by November. Rita Hayworth cutting pies at the Hollywood Canteen (1943)īuster Keaton pours punch at the Hollywood Canteen (1944) Hostesses included: Rita Hayworth, Marlene Dietrich, Paulette Goddard, and Joan Crawford, to name just a few. Entertainers included: Red Skelton, Spencer Tracy, Rosemary Clooney, Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, and many more. Each night, two bands played to packed dance floors. All food, beverages, and cigarettes were free. The forecourt was filled with thousands of servicemen, dignitaries and civic leaders. The Canteen had its grand opening on October 3rd, 1942 with Eddie Cantor as MC. The only people allowed to volunteer were those who worked in some facet of the entertainment business.īetty Davis points to the Canteen’s Hall of Honor while Bob Hope and Marlene Dietrich look on (1943) The servicemen’s uniform was his admission ticket. It was unanimously agreed that the Hollywood Canteen would be exclusively for enlisted servicemen, no officers allowed. Hollywood’s motion picture craftsmen volunteered their services to do the renovation and transformed the place.įay McKenzie dancing the Jitterbug with a serviceman at the Hollywood Canteen (1943) Cahuenga Boulevard and leased it for $100 a month for the duration of the war. They found a dilapidated barn located at 1451 N. The three approached all the entertainment unions, guilds, movie studios and radio stations for support. Jules Stein about starting a canteen for servicemen in Hollywood, similar to the Stage Door Canteen in New York. Shortly after the outbreak of World War II, actress Bette Davis approached fellow actor John Garfield and Dr. Danny Kaye entertains servicemen at Hollywood Canteen (1943)
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