Hollywood Victory Caravan

The Hollywood Victory Caravan was a three-week railroad journey of 1942 that brought a number of famous performers across the United States to raise money for war bonds. Along the way there were numerous stops, which coincided with parades, performances, and other events. Some performers were present for the entire journey, others joined or left as their schedules permitted. Members of the Caravan were received by Eleanor Roosevelt at the White House. Performers included Laurel and Hardy, James Cagney, Bing Crosby, Bert Lahr, Pat O'Brien, Groucho Marx, Claudette Colbert, Cary Grant, Bob Hope, and Desi Arnaz. A comedic 19-minutes short was made in 1945 to celebrate the event which starred many of the celebrities.