Martha Raye (August 27, 1916 – October 19, 1994) was an American comic actress and singer…..who performed in movies, Broadway plays and later starred on television. She was honored in 1969 at the Academy Awards as the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award recipient for her volunteer efforts and services to the troops. A talented performer whose career spans the better part of a century….Martha Raye has delighted audiences and uplifted spirits around the globe. She brought her tremendous comedic and musical skills to her work in film, stage, and television….while helping to shape American entertainment. The great courage, kindness, and patriotism she showed in her many tours during World War II, the Korean conflict, and the Vietnam conflict earned her the nickname ‘Colonel Maggie’….as the American people honored Martha Raye…..as a woman who has tirelessly used her gifts to benefit the lives of her fellow Americans.
Never Say Die is a 1939 romantic comedy film starring Martha Raye and Bob Hope…..which is based on a play of the same title by William H. Post and William Collier Sr…..which ran on Broadway for 151 performances in 1912…..in a film directed by Elliott Nugent and written for the screen by Dan Hartman, Frank Butler and Preston Sturges. The supporting cast features Andy Devine, Alan Mowbray, Gale Sondergaard, Sig Ruman and Monty Woolley…..land Bob and Martha get to share some stand-up comedy and a wonderful excerpt from Never Say Day….as both will tickle your fancy.
