Empty Seats for Comic : No Joke--Hope’s Mad at Burbank

One of the country’s best-known funnymen was not amused by a remark earlier this week that he was unable to draw a huge crowd to a show in Burbank, one of his publicists said Thursday.

Entertainer Bob Hope was upset by a statement of Burbank City Councilwoman Mary Lou Howard that he wasn’t popular enough to attract a larger audience at a fund-raising concert at the Burbank Starlight Amphitheatre last Sunday, Ward Grant said.

“Mr. Hope was not pleased” about Howard’s comments, Grant said. “He also was not pleased that the house was only half full.”

City officials said about 1,500 people attended the show, which was to raise funds to pay for a sculpture by Erwin Binder commemorating the “Defenders of the Constitution.” The Starlight can hold 6,000 people.

“Times have changed, and obviously Bob Hope is not the draw he once was,” Howard said at the performance. “Had it been a rock group, this place would have been packed. Maybe we take Bob Hope for granted. In his day, he was a draw.”

A few days later, Howard indicated she would send Hope an apology.

Grant said Howard’s statement angered him.

“I resent that people don’t think a little bit before they say something like this,” Grant said.

“The man is probably the individual most in demand nationally and internationally at concerts, colleges and fund-raisers. His last special was seventh in the national ratings. He gave of his talent, generosity, and is probably the most recognized individual in the world. I think it’s regretful that she made those remarks.”

Performed 15 Minutes

Hope, who was not paid, performed for 15 minutes at the three-hour show sponsored by Mayor Michael R. Hastings. Appearing with Hope were several entertainers, including Morgan Brittany, Earl Holliman, John Stamos and KNBC weatherman Fritz Coleman.

“I don’t know what went wrong with the Burbank show, but it wasn’t the stars they had,” Grant said. “Maybe there’s just apathy in Burbank. Or maybe there was confusion about the time and date of the performance. But it was a good effort and a strong effort and a marvelous idea. I applaud everyone who was there, and Mayor Hastings for the concept.”

Hastings said Hope’s representatives called him the day after the show, offering to assist him if funds fell short after expenses were tallied for the performance. Hastings said he had been negotiating on behalf of the city to purchase the sculpture, valued at $135,000 to $150,000, for about $35,000.

Officials were trying to determine how much money the show raised.

When asked Thursday to comment on the Burbank show and Howard’s comments, Hope didn’t have much of a punch line.

“He doesn’t want to say anything,” Grant said. “He just told me, ‘Leave it where it is.’ ”