Burns and Allen, Laurel and Hardy, Abbott and Costello, Fred and Barney. . . just a small sampling of the great comedy teams who have graced the stage and screen throughout show business history, but one team in particular outshines them all. Bing Crosby and Bob Hope joined forces in 1940 to film the first of the "Road" pictures. This film and the 6 that followed were the highest grossing comedy series in Hollywood. When combined, the two men, who were both stars in their own right, exhibited a unique, mutually depreciating chemistry. Crosby, the shrewd ladies' man with a mind for mischief and Hope, the not so bright but willing companion became stereotypes that all people could identify with. With the success of the "Road" series, Bing and Bob created a lifelong friendship, a large bank account for themselves and for Paramount, and set a stadard that all comedians aspire to to this very day.
I feel a special word should be added here in honor of Dorothy Lamour. Ms. Lamour, whom
accompanied Bing and Bob on every trip, played a special role in the series. Lamour created a sort of calm amongst all of Crosby and Hope's zany madness. She also provided the answer to the essential and everpresent question of who will get girl. Although this page focuses mainly on the Crosby-Hope team, the talent and beauty of Dorothy Lamour truly turns the team into a trio. Lamour passed away in September '96 at the age of 81.


ROAD TO SINGAPORE (Paramount, 1940)

The script for Road To Singapore was originally written with Burns and Allen in mind and then offered to Jack Oakey and Fred MacMurray. Both pairs turned it downed so Paramount decided to let Crosby and Hope give it a go. This was the most successful film of 1940 and paved the way for the 6 "Road" pics to follow.
SONGS: "Too Romantic" , "Sweet Potato Piper" , "Kaigoon" , "Moon and the Willow Tree" , "Captain Custard"

ROAD TO ZANZIBAR (Paramount, 1941)



This second film is characterized by the large amount of ad-libbing by Crosby and Hope. It also developed the model for the rest of the series
SONGS: "You Lucky People You" , "It's Always You" , "You're Dangerous" , "Birds of a Feather" , "On the Road to Zanzibar"

ROAD TO MOROCCO (Paramount, 1942)

This pic finds are heroes in the sun-burned deserts of Africa. Legendary actor, Anthony Quinn, who makes an appearance in the first movie, has a substantial part in Road to Morocco as the villian. Also, believe it or not, Road to Morocco was nominated for two Academy Awards: Best Screenplay and Best Sound Recording.
SONGS: "Road to Morocco" , "Ain't Got a Dime to My Name" , "Constantly" , "Moonlight Becomes You"

ROAD TO UTOPIA (Paramount, 1946)


After their victorious romp through the desert, Bing and Bob decide to cool off in frozen Alaska. A hidden mine and, of course, Dorothy Lamour are the main focus of this one of the funniest films in the series.
SONGS: "Goodtime Charley" , "Welcome to My Dream" , "Would You?" , "It's Anybody's Spring" , "Personality" , "Put It There, Pal"

ROAD TO RIO (Paramount, 1948)


This film, the fourth of the "Road" flicks, finds Bing and Bob in exotic South America. Road to Rio is somewhat different from the other films in that it relies less on sight gags and more on the actual plot of the story. The result is a more subdued comedy and probably the best of the entire series. Bing's number with the Andrews Sisters is a definite highlight.
SONGS: "But Beautiful" , "You Don't Have to Know the Language" , "Apalachicola, Fla." , "For What?" , "Experience"

ROAD TO BALI (Paramount, 1953)



Road to Bali is the first and only "Road" picture to be shown in color.
SONGS: "Merry Go Runaround" , "Chicago Style" , "Hoot-Mon" , "To See You" "Moonflowers"




ROAD TO HONG KONG (United Artists, 1962)

The last film of the series does not quite live up to the comedic standards set by the earlier pictures, yet it is still enjoyable. This is the first not to be made by Paramount and also the first to be filmed outside the United States (in England). Also, we find that Dorothy Lamour has been replaced by a more youthful Joan Collins. Lamour's role in the film is reduced down to a cameo.
SONGS: "Let's Not Be Sensible" , "Teamwork" , "It's the Only Way to Travel" , "We're On the Road to Hong Kong" , "Warmer Than a Whisper"


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