Outrageous History!
The emperor Napolean Bonaparte, the artist Caravaggio, the writer Oscar Wilde, the Roman Empire, the lawman Wyatt Earp, the French revolutionary leader Robespierre, the Watergate scandal…..outrageous individuals and events that have significantly influenced history. You’ll find it hard to believe some of the preposterous, scandalous and excessive behaviors which permeate history. Join journalist Ernest Granson as he interviews historians around the world, delving into some of history’s most outrageous moments. You can’t make this stuff up!
Outrageous History!
Jeep Shows: dodging bullets and bombs while entertaining on World War II front lines
World War II soldiers had to endure the grind of pushing through rough terrain in extreme cold and heat and to witness comrades dying in front of their eyes, sometimes for years. To help alleviate those hardships, even temporarily, soldiers stationed at military bases were treated to entertainment of all kinds, but those stage shows were not practical at the front lines. To reach those soldiers, entertainers such as Mickey Rooney were sent out with two others by jeep, sometimes performing only a short distance from the fighting. Author Robert O'Connor's historical novel, "Jeep Show - A Trouper at the Battle of the Bulge" follows the journey of one of those entertainers, Private Jim Tanzer, as he enlists and is shipped to Europe to take part in Jeep Shows in Belgium. But there are no guarantees in war and Pvt. Tanzer is soon plunged into full combat at the Battle of the Bulge. Join journalist Ernest Granson in conversation with Robert O'Connor to explain why Robert found this aspect of the war so compelling.