The usual "image" in the public mind of the USO (United Service Organizations) is
that of a dance, a USO show, a cup of coffee and a rendezvous point.
However,
the USO is much more as seen in this 1961 The Big Picture documentary film,
honoring its 20th anniversary. At the time, it was a story that had never fully
been told. On the Army's series (1950 - 1975) for television it was dramatically
treated without becoming a mere travelogue.
The documentary on the USO is packed
with human interest values. It brings to the public the story of a job being
done well. To the extent that the American people support the USO program, it is
in a sense the story of the public's own effort.
Just as the human and production resources of the nation are mobilized to
provide the sinews of national defense, so are the spiritual and welfare
resources of the nation mobilized through the USO to provide off-post welfare
and morale building environments for American troops around the world. The USO
is with them wherever they go.
This documentary features many of the
"all-time greats" from
the world of entertainment including... Bob Hope, Jack Benny, Bing Crosby, Ray
Bolger, Joe E. Brown, James Cagney, Clarke Gable, Jimmy Stewart, Gary Cooper,
Marlene Dietrich, Leo Durocher, Eydie Gormé, Ingrid Bergman, Lena Horne, Danny
Kaye, Kay Kyser, Frances Langford, Steve Lawrence, Marilyn Monroe, Merle Oberon,
Dick Powell, Martha Raye, Debbie Reynolds, Edward G. Robinson, Mickey Rooney,
Jane Russell, Dinah Shore, Phil Silvers, Frank Sinatra, and Danny Thomas.
USO Wherever They Go!
