Bing & Bob

Bing and Bob! I’ve been fascinated with both men since childhood. That probably doesn’t surprise you. I love quirky/fun movies and this has spilled over into my books!

Maybe you’re not familiar with Bing & Bob. I’ve linked you to a video clip from one of their movies (Road to Morocco) to give you a taste of the comedic duo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_w3UG6C_Mo I’m also going to post a link to my favorite Bing Crosby song. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aShUFAG_WgM) No big surprise here. You MIGHT be surprised to see that I have another favorite, too. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvc3Gl_FBAs) We used this one in our Christmas production last year.

If you’ve read “Picture Perfect,” you know that Hannah’s father hosts an annual “Bing & Bob” party for his buddies. Here’s a clip from the book to introduce the party concept. (And by the way, this scene takes place at Bella’s family home, around the dinner table.)

BLURB:

I stayed out of the conversation until Rosa and Laz lit into a funny story about Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, one that got everyone at the table talking. I had my favorite, of course, but neither of the ones they mentioned. How could they talk about the greats without mentioning Bing Crosby? Grandpa Aengus would turn over in his grave at the suggestion that either singer out-shone Bing.

“I have a great idea.” My words stopped their chatter mid-stream.

Rosa glanced my way. “What is it, Hannah?”

“My dad always hosts a Bing and Bob party during the holiday season.”

“Bing and Bob?” Laz’s brow creased.

“You know. Bing Crosby and Bob Hope. Dad invites a ton of his buddies to come to the house. They have to dress like Bing or Bob and everyone has to perform some song or scene from one of their movies. We play Bing Crosby music and sometimes watch a movie together before the night’s over. It’s a blast.”

“What about the ladies?” Rosa asked. “Surely they don’t dress up like Bing Crosby or Bob Hope?”

“No, no. We have to dress up like someone who starred opposite Bing or Bob.”

Drew gave me a funny smile. “And you’re coming as. . .?”

I paused to think it through. “Pretty sure I’m coming as Grace Kelly this year.”

“I’m coming as Rosemary Clooney,” Mom chimed in.

The whole table came alive with noise as folks added their two cents worth. Rosa loved Mom’s idea of coming as Rosemary. Imelda felt sure she would choose Dorothy Lamour. Bella’s sister wasn’t sure who Bing and Bob were, and Marcella—sweet, quiet, Marcella—listened in without commenting. Still, the smile never left her face.

***

(Doesn’t that sound like a fun party!)

Now it’s your turn: Which of these two fellas is your fave: Bing…or Bob? Why?