Hollywood Victory Committee

The Hollywood Victory Committee was an organization founded on December 10, 1941 during World War II to provide a means so that for stage, screen, television and radio performers that were not in military service could contribute to the war effort through bond drives and improving morale for troops. It was associated with the Screen Actors Guild. The Committee organized events between January 1942 until August 1945. Chairmen of the committee included Clark Gable, James Cagney, and George Murphy. Hattie McDaniel was the Chairman of the Negro Division of the Hollywood Victory Committee, providing entertainment for soldiers in hospitals, and those stationed at military bases.[1]

Within its four years, arranged for stars to travel five million miles to entertain soldiers. The committee's final report took credit for providing 56,037 free appearances by 4,147 persons in 7,700 events, including 13,555 playing days by 176 persons on 122 overseas tours.[2]

References

  1. ↑ Hattie McDaniel and the Negro Division of the Hollywood Victory Committee
  2. ↑ Annual Report to the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America, March 25, 1946, p. 50

Sources

Shain, Russell Earl. An Analysis of Motion Pictures About War Released by the American Film Industry, 1930-1970, Ayer Publishing, 1976 - ISBN 0-405-07536-7