Crosby Fan World / Ideas For Catergories

**Posted by David Lobosco** 11/10/2026 3:26 pm

Hey if anyone has an idea for a new Bing category on this board, please let us know. This board is yours, and I want to stimulate conversation!

**Posted by Ian Kerstein** 15/10/2026 1:37 am

David,
I was wondering if it might be an idea to have "Bob Hope" as a separate category?
His association with Bing is of course inseparable and legendary. Although I realise he's the subject of a handful of very specific forum devoted posts of the past, could the man's life and career (with and without Bing) be worthy of a categorised discussion on here?

Last edited by Ian Kerstein (15/10/2026 1:39 am)

**Posted by Pantelis Kavouras** 15/10/2026 10:26 am

I don't think that making a sole category of Bob would be a good idea, Bob and all the other co-stars of Bing already fall under the subject Bing's co-workers.

**Posted by David Lobosco** 15/10/2026 11:15 pm

Yeah thanks for the suggestion but I wanted to keep all of the Bing categories more or less Bing oriented. Even though Bob Hope was a big part of Bing's career, I don't think there is enough posting about Bob to warrant a category for him.

**Posted by Ian Kerstein** 16/10/2026 12:44 am

I completely understand, David and Pantelis.
You both make excellent points on this that it's best to keep the categories Bing specific, otherwise where would we stop? I'd just been re-reading the super-duper Richard Zoglin biography on Bob Hope and I think I just became over enthused after then seeing your request, David. If I have any more Bing-specific ideas, I'll let you know here and as Pantelis suggests, I can always drop any Hope-specific comments under the "Bing's Co-Workers" heading.
Thank you, both.

Last edited by Ian Kerstein (16/10/2026 12:45 am)

**Posted by Pantelis Kavouras** 16/10/2026 3:39 pm

The Zoglin book is indeed a masterpiece, he really understood his subject well and gave a nuanced analysis of the man.

**Posted by Ian Kerstein** 16/10/2026 10:36 pm

Yes, I really think it's the only truly great biography of Bob which exists (and that I presume will ever will exist, now).
The previous two which I've read which were at least serious attempts are: "Bob Hope: The Road from Eltham", 1981 (or " ...Portrait of a Superstar" in paperback) by Bing's authorised (but since "disappeared") biographer, Charles Thompson. As with his "Bing", it's very accessible and easy to read. Also "Bob Hope - A Life in Comedy" (1982) by William Robert Faith (the partner of Ward Grant who was Bob's spokesman for many years). This is more detailed and well researched.

**Posted by Blonde56** 20/10/2026 7:42 pm

Ian, I must find the Bob Hope book I read a few years back. It was so good. I think it was his autobiography. I will get back to you on this. Bob Hope remains the best comedian ever to Host Academy Awards. Billy Crystal and Robin Williams being next in line.

**Posted by Ian Kerstein** 21/10/2026 4:12 am

Yes, that would be great if you could. I believe you've mentioned this before, Carmela and I am curious as to which one it is, as Bob published many memoirs under his name as the author. Oscarwise, I last remember him at a (Billy Crystal hosted?) Academy Awards when he was seated in the audience and marked his ninetieth birthday.
Have you read the Richard Zoglin, "Hope - Entertainer of the Century" biography? It's beyond excellent. Ask Pantelis and I know he will agree.

Last edited by Ian Kerstein (21/10/2026 5:29 am)

**Posted by Aaron Tickner** 22/10/2026 6:58 am

David Lobosco wrote:
Hey if anyone has an idea for a new Bing category on this board, please let us know. This board is yours, and I want to stimulate conversation!

I have found quite a few of your polls, David. I've responded to your polls on favourite leading ladies and favourite Road film.

Have you done one on favourite co-stars:
Bob Hope, Fred Astaire, Donald O'Connor, Bob Burns, Jack Oakie, Barry Fitzgerald, Andy Devine - of course all these work in multiple films with Bing.
Consideration would also need to made for Willliam Holden, Danny Kaye, Fred MacMurray, William Bendix, etc.

**Posted by Pantelis Kavouras** 22/10/2026 8:16 am

Ian Kerstein wrote:
Have you read the Richard Zoglin, "Hope - Entertainer of the Century" biography? It's beyond excellent. Ask Pantelis and I know he will agree.

I will be glad to confirm that. I am in full agreement with Ian abou the value and the quality of this book. It is a must!

**Posted by Ian Kerstein** 22/10/2026 8:36 am

Pantelis Kavouras wrote:
Ian Kerstein wrote:
Have you read the Richard Zoglin, "Hope - Entertainer of the Century" biography? It's beyond excellent. Ask Pantelis and I know he will agree.
I will be glad to confirm that. I am in full agreement with Ian abou the value and the quality of this book. It is a must!

Thanks, Pantelis. I think as Conan O'Brien told its author, for him it was the book on Hope he'd been waiting all his life for. I think that's the same for Pantelis and I.