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. Another cameo shows Joan McCracken straight from the musical Oklahoma! in a strong dance number reminiscent of her later dance in Good News. The East Coast counterpart was the Stage Door Canteen, also celebrated in a 1943 film.

Musical numbers

Production

Production on the film began in 1943, before being halted due to salary disputes involving the Screen Actors Guild and Warner Bros over the amount major stars would be paid even for brief cameos in the film. Filming locations included the Sunset Strip, Bel-Air Estates, and Veterans Administration Hospital. New recording equipments developed by Warner Bros, including a cueing device, were first used in this film.

Reception

The film received mixed reviews from critics. Variety noted "There isn't a marquee big enough to hold all the names in this one, so how can it miss? Besides, it's basically solid. It has story, cohesion, and heart." Kate Cameron of the Daily News commented "It is an elaborate show, but it is presented by author-director Delmar Daves in such a patronizing manner as to make one blush for its complete lack of reserve in singing the praises of Hollywood."

Box office

Despite some negative reviews, Hollywood Canteen was well received by audiences and became Warner Bros.' most successful release of 1944. The studio donated 40% of ticket sales to the real Hollywood Canteen. According to Warner Bros. records, the movie earned $3,831,000 in the U.S. and $1,621,000 elsewhere.

Awards and nominations

Hollywood Canteen received Academy Award nominations for Best Original Song: "Sweet Dreams, Sweetheart", by M. K. Jerome and Ted Koehler; Scoring of a Musical Picture: Ray Heindorf; and Sound Recording: Nathan Levinson.